document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Earth Trekkers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn advertising fees by advertising & linking to Amazon.com. Grab some coffee and stroll the foreshore. Now 2 pillars are left standing above the sea and make for an impressive view inPort Campbell National Park. A little warning about the Penguin Parade: It is very touristy and professionally put together. Distance: 507km / 7 hours roundtrip. Our self-drive itinerary includes driving via Robe and Victor Harbour though a side trip to include The Grampians could be included. Thousands of visitors flock here for summer and for festivals during the year, including the world famous Folkie. For a shorter track check outMaits Restwhich will take you through a beautiful section of rainforest. This was not anywhere near as scenic as Port Campbell National Park but was still worth seeing. Day 3: Warrnambool to Port Fairy then Melbourne (or Adelaide). Other options include coming from Adelaide, so if this is you, just read the itinerary backwards. And to get your fill of more art you can visit theGeelong Art GalleryandThe Heritage Center. We set off from the city at 6am. Great Ocean Road Tour 2 Days experience from Melbourne to Adelaide. Sometimes, Tyler and Kara feel like they will never be able to escape the attention of people curious about their blond hair. We enjoyed our travels on the Great Ocean Road, the area of Port Campbell National Park being the highlight of the day. The Great Ocean Road winds through picturesque locations that outdo one another in terms of visual extravaganza. Located just outside of Geelong and only 45 minutes from Melbourne CBD, Avalon Airport is the closest airport to the start of the Great Ocean Road, being only a 35 minute drive from Torquay. Trust me, though, it'll be worth waking up early for. 542 Km - Distance from Portland Ln to Mildura VIC 3500 It takes travellers past world-class surfing breaks, through pockets of rainforest and calm seaside towns, and under koala-filled tree canopies. You can buy Great Ocean Road Tours online which would cover your itinerary and tickets for attractions. We have been travelling the world together since 2008, with a passion for adventure travel and sustainable tourism. Drive through the Great Ocean Road's coastal cliffs and river inlets as well as its luscious fern gullies. Apart from the trip distance, refer Directions from Portland Ln to Mildura VIC 3500 for road driving directions! Torquay is also home to theSurf World Museumwith tons of history about the sport and its fame in Australia. Cruising the Great Ocean Road is ranked amongst the top things to do in Australia. This isnt a big deal though as you will still have great views of the scenery either way. Both are amazing expressions of natural beauty and are worth checking out. Director, editor and producer of feature documentary about animal welfare in farming. In this guide, learn how to plan a trip around the world. Its not nearly as scenic to do it this way, but it does save you about 50 km and one hour of driving. Melbourne to Great Ocean Road - 4 ways to travel via train - Rome2rio Apollo Bay is a gorgeous seaside village, located at the entry to the Otways, and without a doubt is one of the most scenic and picturesque stops on our Great Ocean Road drive. The Kennet River located between Lorne and Apollo Bay is one of the best places in Australia to view wild koalas. These commissions help us keep creating more free travel content to help people plan their holidays and adventures. Great Ocean Road Melbourne to Adelaide Drive 1,500 km | 7 - 12 days Great surf, picturesque coastal towns, ocean views around every bend, wine country and some spectacular hikes define this road trip. 4 From Melbourne: Great Ocean Road Full-Day Trip. Explore the cool temperate rainforest of the Great Otway National Park, waterfalls on Great Ocean Road, best viewpoints, koalas, and wildlife. You dont have to miss out on this epic road trip just because you are short on time. 7-Day Melbourne to Adelaide Road Trip Itinerary via the Great Ocean We had a villa, a small, two bedroom cabin with a kitchen and ensuite bathroom. There is no dearth of viewpoints on the Great Ocean Road and Teddys Lookout is another magnificent spot added to the list. Lorne is a picturesque town set between Loutit Bay and the Otway National Park, it is where the bush meets the ocean. Bunyip Tours: See above for that. To get you fueled up for your last day head toBohemiaCafe & Barfor a takeaway coffee or a wicked and delicious breakfast. For more information on routes and trails visit the websitehere. How far is the Great Ocean Road from Melbourne? The total time you can expect to spend driving the Great Ocean Road and return, including stops, is at least 10 hours. One of the best things to do on the Great Ocean Road is going out for a paddle at some of the most famous surf beaches in Australia. READ MORE: Be sure to plan your best trip to Australia by using our Australia Travel Guide! Once you factor in viewpoints and short walks, expect this road trip to take one full day. You will be bracing natural elements on this road trip and its best to dress accordingly. Loch Ard Gorge is a breathtaking natural formation just a short distance from the 12 apostles. The Best 5 Day Great Ocean Road Itinerary (Self Drive) The four of us made our way over to the cave, dodging waves washing up onto shore with approaching high tide. Maximum group size of 12 travellers with a reverse itinerary to beat the crowds at the 12 Apostles. 5 Day Melbourne to Adelaide via Great Ocean Road - Visit WA Online Tyler and Kara, since they were shorter, were able to retreat to the far depths of the cave, keeping their feet dry. The iconic spots and landmarks on the Great Ocean Road can be covered within a day as it is stretches for only about 243 Km (151 miles). Find out more, Along with so many natural attractions to experience, the Ocean Road also has activities to keep visitors on a self-drive tour busy for days. The coastline will be on the left side of the bus for Great Ocean Road tours starting from Melbourne, so if the bus seats are not pre-booked you can try to catch a window-seat on the left side. Great Ocean Road - Bunyip Tours, Melbourne Traveller Reviews - Tripadvisor Poor Tim got hit hard by the wave, soaking his feet. It was awesome having this place all to ourselves, being able to explore without anyone else around. Jump out of a plane at 15,000 feet above the ground and get the best, most exhilarating views of the entire coastline. A few minutes down the road from Sherbrook West is a large car park with trails to various viewpoints. Thanks for your support, kind friend! Guide to the Great Ocean Road, Victoria - Tourism Australia While wandering around town youll surely spot a ton of street art, which is something Geelong is known for. Great Ocean Road travel - Lonely Planet | Victoria, Australia December to February is the best time to take a Great Ocean Road tour from Melbourne. Check out our Great Ocean Road tours. There are 5 ways to get from Mount Gambier to Great Ocean Road by bus or car Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2rio's travel planner. Day 3: Warrnambool to Port Fairy then Melbourne (or Adelaide) Distance: 30km to Port Fairy, then 312km to Melbourne. You can walk, trek, horse-ride or bike through the park. Explore Victoria's Great Ocean Road on an all-day reverse tour Discover the region's history and culture with a knowledgeable local guide Get going early and enjoy a small-group experience that beats the crowds Experience London Bridge, 12 Apostles, Great Otway, and other sites National Park fees Live commentary on board Professional guide But if you are driving under the speed limit and following protocols, it could be one of the best drives of your life given the amazing view throughout the drive. For more experienced surfers, and those looking to set foot onto a world-renowned surf beach, head toBells Beach. If you are spending a night while on the road, the best coastal towns to rent a motel are Anglesea, Lorne, Apollo Bay and Around the Otway National Park. Before making your way onto day number 3 of your adventure-packed Great Ocean Road trip youll be looking for a place to catch a good nights sleep. Bunyip Tours: Wonderful experience - See 1,941 traveler reviews, 941 candid photos, and great deals for Melbourne, Australia, at Tripadvisor. Here's all you need to know about taking a Great Ocean Road Tour From Melbourne - itinerary, best tours, highlights and quick hacks. After the last couple of years, it seems everyone wants to be out and about and go travelling. If youre a hiker more than a surfer, youll be in for a treat with theSurf Coast Walk 44km of trails that connect Torquay toAngelseaandAireys Inletalong the coast. One Day Road Trip on the Great Ocean Road, Australia The standalone arch was earlier connected to the coast with another such arch giving it the name London Bridge, but in 1990 the connecting arch fell down due to erosion. It can be done. The shortest road distance between Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road is 446 Km. The Great Ocean Road offers amazing scenery, unforgettable natural features and quaint towns making it a unique vacation spot. Here we joined the largest crowds of people yet, all elbowing for the best place to take family photos. 1 Melbourne: 1-Day Entry Ticket to Melbourne Zoo. But that does not take away from the impressive views at all. A drive between Melbourne and Adelaide via the inland route takes only 8 hours. Here are a few budget Great Ocean Road tours you should consider. Would like to know what kind of still camera and lens you are using. Make sure you book ahead though, as its not something you can just show up and do. Loch Iel (Pink Lake) The inland Melbourne to Adelaide drive takes around 5.5 hours from the Grampians. Book Great Ocean Road Tours & Tickets in Melbourne Today - Viator We only recommend the best accommodations, tours and products, and regularly review these. You can also find the flight distance or distance to fly from Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road. Surf lessons can be booked in Lorne, Anglesea, Torquay, and Ocean Grove. Ultimate Adelaide to Melbourne Drive via the Great Ocean Road Day 2 - Pinnacles Walk in the Grampians National Park and drive to Port Campbell on the Great Ocean Road to stay overnight. This will start your Ocean Road drive in the opposite direction as most others, avoiding the busy traffic. No Great Ocean road trip is complete without making a stop atMemoria Arch, which is less than 30 minutes from Torquay and a real highlight of the journey. Complete Road Trip Guide & Holiday Planner - Great Ocean Road The main issues can be poor visibility due to fog, slippery roads in wet weather, and traffic from vehicles and pedestrians in the busy sections. Our particular itinerary starts in Melbourne and finishes in Port Fairy over 3 days, and is the exact route we have personally done numerous times. Headout is building the future of how we experience our cities. From AUD$940.00* per person, based on [] Great Ocean Road & Melbourne itinerary and attractions Day 1: Arriving in city of Melbourne Australia. Read 1 review. This is one way to get away from other tourists. Skydiving is a popular sport at the Great Ocean Road and you're likely to spot many gutsy ones plummeting from the sky at 200 kmph from 15,000 feet above. Melbourne's two best day tours, Great Ocean Road & Phillip Island, with entrance to Melbourne Skydeck. Required fields are marked *. Great Ocean Road Touring Route - Visit Victoria home A drive down the road will take you through magnificent landscapes of the white surf hitting the golden beaches, where the limestone stacks and arches weather the powerful ocean. The two-way highway is scenic as it gets and covers iconic landmarks like the Twelve Apostles, Apollo Bay, and the Otways. The first stop when driving the Great Ocean Road will beGeelong. Michael Dahlstrom - Environment Editor - Yahoo | LinkedIn Recommended option Train 4h 12m Take the train from Southern Cross to Warrnambool Warrnambool - Melbourne Via Colac & Geelong $103 - $128 Dont start counting them though, because there are only seven you can count! There are a few towns along the way like Lorne, Apollo Bay and Port Campbell where you can stay or camp overnight. Bells Beach is known for hosting Rip Curl Pro, a world surfing competition. It's also possible to travel from Melbourne to Adelaide via the Great . BONUS Booking ahead of time ensures you wont miss out on the tour, and get the best price too! The Great Ocean Road Map of Best Things To See, 50 of the Best Attractions to see Great Ocean Road Stops, Activities and Attractions on the Great Ocean Road. The spectacular Great Ocean Road hugs the seaside cliffs that snake along the wild and windswept Southern Ocean. Monumental. Brekkie tacos, smoothie bowls and a full lunch menu to eat in or take away will please anyone visiting. FromWarrnambool Breakwaterall the way toLogans Beachthis is a great spot to take in the coastal views and even pass a little penguin breeding ground. Touring the Great Ocean Road: Self-Drive Itineraries & Tips . While it is a large city the laid back beach vibe is very present here and you could wind up spending more time here than you planned. Lorne Seabaths, Gym, inground Trampolines for kids, and more. You can drive the entire length of the Great Ocean Road in one long day (about 8 hours return), but we recommend splitting the journey up into a few days. It will stop off at most of the popular viewing spots. Even in Australia, Tyler and Kara were getting a lot of stares, this time from Chinese tourists. Children: $99 $94 (3 - 15 years) Minimum age 3 years. You might even get a stretch of beach all to yourself, maybe for the best adventure of the day. - See 1,941 traveler reviews, 942 candid photos, and great deals for Melbourne, Australia, at Tripadvisor. In Portland we stayed at the Portland Holiday Village. In 1932, the road was thrown open to the public and has since then become one of the worlds best road trip destinations. Less people in your 12 Apostles selfie! If youre looking to do a bit of waterfall chasing, this is a great place to find them! Some people do this as a very long day trip from Melbourne while others can take as long as a week, stopping at towns along the way, leisurely enjoying the beaches, wineries, and historic towns along the way. Melbourne - This is usually the starting point when planning an itinerary for Great Ocean Road. In the shadow of the Otway ranges meeting Cape Otway is the Apollo Bay, midway of the Great Ocean Road. The Great Ocean Road in Victoria is a world-famous, Australian National Heritage-listed site along the Sydney to Melbourne drive. The nearly 250 kilometre road encapsulates some of Australia's most iconic scenery and gives visitors the opportunity to get close to wildlife. It starts at the surfing town of Torquay and finishes near Warrnambool. Cannon Hillis a great place to start if you want to get the lay of the land. To get more information on the Great Ocean Road, visit the official tourism website here. It has great local produce, excellent surf beaches, and play parks for the kids to burn off energy. This is a great place not only to catch some stunner views but also to watch the fisherman come in with their catch, which you likely can find in the restaurants in town. Continue on from this point as there are tons of Great Ocean Road attractions to come. Take the Great Ocean Road tour from Melbourne to catch the best scenery and attractions. Finally, we made it to Bells Beach in Torquay, the end point of the Great Ocean Road. From Portland, we drove 2 hours (160 km) to get to Port Campbell, the start of the Great Ocean Road. This often includes stopping at lookouts along the way. all things travel. Great Ocean Road starts at Torquay and finishes in Allansford. 3 Melbourne: SEA LIFE Aquarium Entrance Ticket. From Melbourne to Torquay (the first town on the Great Ocean Road), it will take you about 1.5 hours. Subscribe, Home | Australia | The PERFECT Great Ocean Road Drive Itinerary (2023). Before you set off on your adventure though, you should know how long the road is and how long it takes to drive. It can get quite chilly in winter and autumn, bring your warm clothes and it is always quite windy so keep a windcheater, scarf or cap handy. It sounds daunting but it's going to be broken down into very manageable chunks. With the last day of your Great Ocean Road itinerary upon you, there is still so much to be seen and experienced. The ULTIMATE Great Ocean Road Map 2023 (Local's Guide) Thats how were going to structure this post for you. While it is possibe to do most of these in a day with an early start and quick pitstops at every location, you should factor in a 2 day trip for a sedate trip. 1 Day Great Ocean Road & 12 Apostles Tour $104 On a clear sunny day and depending on the tide you can get pretty close. How long does it take to drive the Great Ocean Road? Discover. Now youll be able to find the wreckage in shallow waters, which makes it great for divers to explore. There is also a plaque on the left side of the road which serves as a memory for the soldiers. Great Ocean Road & Grampians Road Trip | Apollo Campervans AU You will want to try and get ahead of as many tour buses as you can. Heavenly, right? Drive from Melbourne, via the Princes Highway, straight to Warrnambool (over 3 hours drive). For just a moment though, it was neat peering out at the waves and the coastline from this unique vantage point. 5 Melbourne: 2-Hour City Highlights River Cruise. These unique and adorable local animals call this spot home and have been known to use the lake as a nesting ground when having babies so best to keep your eyes peeled. Recommended Experiences Yarra Valley Full Day Gourmet Tour Skydive Yarra Valley Tandem Freefall. Duration: 5 Days Prices From: US$ 699 Trip Type: Self-Drives, Tailor-made Travel Ideas Australia See Trip Details Melbourne to Apollo Bay 187 km/116 miles, about 3 hours Ease into your road trip with the leisurely drive from Melbourne to Torquay, just over an hour's drive. GREAT OCEAN ROAD Routing: Melbourne to Adelaide Duration: 5 Days Code: M01 From AUD$685.00* per person, based on standard double/twin share accommodation. This is one of Victorias best bush and ocean walks. An Epic Great Ocean Road Tour From Melbourne - Complete Guide It was another spot that was cool to see, even if it was just for a few minutes. The first destination is Bells Beach in Torquay, a famous location for surfers. The drive offers plenty of places to stop off and explore. Of all the fantastic destinations, the one that really draws travelers from across the world is a Great Ocean Road tour. Like I mentioned before, covering all of these in a day may be a long shot, hence plan for a 2 day Great Ocean Road trip. 3. Melbourne real estate: Full list of sales, auction results for February Next, we got off the beaten track, taking an unnamed dirt road towards the shoreline. Great Ocean Road Reverse Itinerary Boutique Tour - Max 12 People - Viator After passing through Port Campbell, youll pass by The Arch and London Bridge. 1. 1st Stop: Torquay. Tyler and Kara joined us, took a look around, and then went back to their game. Our journey ended an hour and a half later, finally at Melbourne. Visit surf beaches, seaside towns, and national parks; and see rain forest, wild koalas, and towering waterfalls. It is a popular stop for photographs with the name of the road and the plaque. We plan to spend 5 days on Kangaroo Island and have allowed 3 days to get to Cape Jervis. Its a lot of driving. Here at Port Campbell National Park, we spent over two hours hopping from scenic view to scenic view. Our ultimate destination being Kangaroo Island. With the world-renowned Great Ocean Road located between these two capital cities, a coastal road trip between Melbourne and Adelaide is among one of the most scenic road trips in Australia. You can also try a different route while coming back by adding multiple destinations. A Melbourne road trip to Adelaide via the Great Ocean Road can be done over 5 days, easily seeing the best of the Ocean Road highlights. What is the return distance between Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road? Planning a trip to Australia? Imagine free falling from the sky onto these gorgeous views? After the Twelve Apostles, continue along the Great Ocean Road towards Port Campbell. Port Fairy is a tiny town on Victorias iconic shipwreck coast with a charming vibe and an exciting causeway that leads you out to an island worth exploring too. The coastline is awesome. An organized tour that takes care of your transportation will help you take the trip within a day. Apart from the trip distance, refer. 639. Great Ocean Road Itinerary 3 Days - Melbourne To Adelaide Drive Check, (2 hrs Over time it has been improved to create a peaceful and beautiful space to be enjoyed. Most take this road trip to visit the iconic Twelve Apostles but fall in love with the grandeur of nature. Forget all about the stress of driving, checking the GPS and creating an itinerary of your own! . Planning a trip to Australia? Stops. From here you are well on your way to having covered a ton of ground. Kms. Recommended Experiences Phillip Island: Penguin Parade Afternoon Wildlife Tour Phillip Island Penguin Parade Tour, Yarra Valley is mostly known for its wineries, but thats just one of its many treasures. Yes. 50 Things to do and see along the Great Ocean Road as a PDF Ebook. Things to do in Melbourne Day Trips from Melbourne Great Ocean Road Tour From Melbourne. Road trip: Melbourne to Great Ocean Road 277km Beach Culture Benefit Slip on your driving gloves and set off for a run down one the world's most celebrated and breathtaking roads. This dive spot is actually a ship that was wrecked off the eastern beach in Port Fairy in 1849. Go for a swim in the southern ocean, soak in the sun or admire the stunning views out over Corio Bay and go for a stroll along theEastern Promenade. The distance between Portland Ln to Mildura VIC 3500 is 542 Km by road. Try out the walking trails, have a picnic by the sea, take in the scenic views, or go searching for Australian wildlife. This is just because we really want to show you the best bits of the beautiful Great Ocean Road! 10 secret must-stop places on the Great Ocean Road - Australia Discover some of the best things to do in Melbourne. An alternative to this driving route is that you do it in the reverse order. No 3: Portland - Visit Great Ocean Road 375km of scenic winding roads along the southern ocean will take you through some of the countrys most beautiful UNESCO-listed landscapes. The Arch is a giant archway in the ocean, and London Bridge is the same but is more square instead of arched to it looks like a bridge. 2 From Melbourne: Great Ocean Road and Wildlife Tour. Great Ocean Road Tours | Australia Vacations & Tours | Goway After the gorge youll pass the town of Port Campbell. The total distance you can expect to drive is over 600 km. The road covers a driveway of 243 km off the coast with pristine views of beaches, geological marvels, and rich forests. Griffiths Islandcan be accessed by a footbridge nearby to the wharf and is a great place to do a little bird watching. No, the Great Ocean Road isnt particularly dangerous to drive, as long as you take proper precautions. Purchase tickets. Having your own vehicle is highly recommended so you can really explore all the things to see on the Great Ocean Road, as it really is one of the Australias top destinations. Phillip Island: Penguin Parade Afternoon Wildlife Tour, Autumn (March to May): Cooler weather and fewer tourists, Winter (June to August): Whale watching season, cheaper accommodation and few tourists, Spring (September to November): Flowering season, perfect for visiting the Otways, mild weather and fewer crowds. See the towering 12 Apostles, get up close to native wildlife, and take in iconic surf breaks, pristine rainforest and misty waterfalls along the spectacular Great Ocean Road. Bunyip Tours: Cute Penguins - See 1,940 traveler reviews, 941 candid photos, and great deals for Melbourne, Australia, at Tripadvisor. If you want to travel by bus, know that there are plenty from Geelong to Apollo Bay, Warrnambool, Port Fairy and Portland,all travelling via the Great Ocean Road. Head down to Main Beach for a swim, sunbathe or surf at Point Impossible or Rocky Point. Turn off for this road just before you reach Apollo Bay. Rent a campervan and go on an adventure. What is a partial cave, archway and blowhole, The Grotto is definitely something to marvel at. Best way from Portland to Melbourne - Melbourne Forum A dormant volcanic crater, Tower Hill is full of Australian wildlife (koalas, kangaroos, emus to name a few) and has lush wetlands and bush. The four of us were ecstatic to be off those winding roads. The Great Ocean Road is an Australian National Heritage listed 240-kilometre (150 mi) stretch of road along the south-eastern coast of Australia between the Victorian cities of Torquay and Allansford.Built by returned soldiers between 1919 and 1932 and dedicated to soldiers killed during World War I, the road is the world's largest war memorial.Winding through varying terrain along the coast . You might not be making any unscheduled stops to buy snacks. Burrell received her first James Beard nomination for "Best Chef: Texas" in 2020 and . Dont feed the koalas or the parrots as they are in the wild and any feeding them our food will disrupt their natural behaviour. Find out more and plan your adventure. Travellers' Guide To Great Ocean Road - Wiki Travel Guide - Travellerspoint Hello Ive so enjoyed the magnificent stories of your world tours and the stunning photos. Day 1 - Drive to the Grampians National Park from Melbourne, visit McKenzie falls and stay overnight in the town of Halls Gap. The Subaru Forester has been an exceptional ride on the trip on the Melbourne to Adelaide via Great Ocean Road trip - powerful, economical, spacious, and with loads of safety features built-in, making the long drives a comfortable experience. The direct route between these two locations is 142km, taking drivers around two hours to complete. By continuing to browse this website you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Warrnambool railway station is the terminus of the Warrnambool line in Victoria, Australia.It serves the city of Warrnambool, and it opened on 4 February 1890.. The Great Ocean Road Australia | Victoria's Most Scenic Stretch