Hopetoun Falls Just gorgeous, the walk to these falls is not very far, though it does involve steps. Melbourne - This is usually the starting point when planning an itinerary for Great Ocean Road. This was not anywhere near as scenic as Port Campbell National Park but was still worth seeing. . Tip: Beat the tour buses to avoid the traffic and crowds. However, Loch Ard Gorge is still a stunning place for a swim. After the gorge youll pass the town of Port Campbell. There are also speed traps to catch those not sticking to the limits with fines up to (and above) $300AUD. Hugging the ocean on one side, the other side of the road changes its landscape from lush rainforest-clad mountains to volcanic plains. Start your 3 day Great Ocean Road itinerary with a lazy morning in Torquay. There are a few towns along the way like Lorne, Apollo Bay and Port Campbell where you can stay or camp overnight. Enjoy the iconic Penguin Parade on Phillip Island, hand feed kangaroos and wallabies at Moonlit Sanctuary, visit the famous Brighton Beach boxes and more on a day trip from Melbourne to Phillip Island. Blazing Saddles Trail Rides, Aireys Inlet. If youd like to continue travelling Australia beyond the Great Ocean Road, you canhead northwest to Adelaide. Its a highlight of a Great Ocean Road itinerary! What is the return distance between Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road? If you dont want to visit Warrnambool, drive from Melbourne to the 12 Apostles (over 2.5 hours). It is the southernmost active regular passenger railway station on the Australian mainland (several other Victorian Railways lines such as the branch lines to Timboon and Crowes did venture further south but all have now closed). Through our stories and images we promote exciting off-the-beaten-path destinations and fascinating cultures as we go. The Great Ocean Road definitely has some dangerous turns. Wendy Report inappropriate content Take the Great Ocean Road tour from Melbourne to catch the best scenery and attractions. And just for NOMADasaurus readers, if you use the Klook discount codeNOMADS10on the website when checking out, youll get $10 off your first booking! 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. Kms. Great post guys, you have inspired me to take a trip here when I finally get to Australia again! As Victorias 5th largest city, Warrnambool is a lot bigger than most of the seaside towns along the Great Ocean Road drive. We enjoyed our travels on the Great Ocean Road, the area of Port Campbell National Park being the highlight of the day. Planning a trip to Australia? Taking an organized bus tour from Melbourne to the Great Ocean Road is the best way to experience the best of the pictursque route from the comfort of your bus. It has great local produce, excellent surf beaches, and play parks for the kids to burn off energy. If youve hired a car youll most likely collect it at the airport. Bunyip Tours: See above for that. The coastline is awesome. Less people in your 12 Apostles selfie! Things all of a sudden became a lot more exciting. We love this place and even bought one of their horses a few years ago! The spectacular Great Ocean Road hugs the seaside cliffs that snake along the wild and windswept Southern Ocean. Routing: Adelaide to Melbourne Duration: 5 Days Code: AD3 From AUD$690.00* per person, based on standard double/twin share accommodation. 52 Great Weekends > No 3: Portland No 3: Portland Located a little over 4hrs Melbourne, Portland is well worth the 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. Melbourne To Phillip Island Tour: A Complete Guide For A Perfect Day Trip, We've served 15 million+ guests and we are here for you, All You Need For An Epic Great Ocean Road Tour From Melbourne, Happy customers across 10,000+ experiences, 5,000+ verified reviews with 90% excellent score, Featured and recommended by the best brands, Have a question? Youll also find the end of theGreat Ocean Walkhere, which allows you to get some stunning coastal views from a boardwalk before taking to the beach to see these immense stacks from the ground. This would end up being our favorite part of the day. 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. Read more about taking a day trip from Melbourne to Yarra Valley. The colors are vivid, the sun is out and the water is ideal for water sports and activities, but it is also the busiest time of the year. Departs: 7:00am. The view of these sandstone pillars along the coastline is one of the Great Ocean Roads most famous. Stops. Most take this road trip to visit the iconic Twelve Apostles but fall in love with the grandeur of nature. The shortest road distance between Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road is 446 Km. 4 From Melbourne: Great Ocean Road Full-Day Trip. Organized Tours from Melbourne To Great Ocean Road 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). Its a lot of driving. After a late arrival intoWarrnambool,youll want to see a few of the sights the city has to offer. Did you know: The Great Ocean Road is the worlds largest war memorial, and was built by returning servicemen from World War I. Recommended option Train 4h 12m Take the train from Southern Cross to Warrnambool Warrnambool - Melbourne Via Colac & Geelong $103 - $128 Spectacular and diverse scenery, wildlife, byo tent or book accommodation along the way. Related article: What should you not miss on the Great Ocean Road? TheForeshore Promenadeis a great place for a stroll as well and stretches on for about 6 km. The Obelisk sits atop a rugged coastline, which is rapidly being eroded by the harsh elements. Bells Beach is Australias premiere surf spot, a spot also labeled by some as the best surfing destination in the world. From AU $1625 to AU $1895 3 days ex flights. The route of 243 KM stretches from Torquay to Allansford in Victoria state. For many people, the Great Ocean Road is a highlight when visiting Australia. Its not nearly as scenic to do it this way, but it does save you about 50 km and one hour of driving. Drive through the Great Ocean Road's coastal cliffs and river inlets as well as its luscious fern gullies. The Great Ocean Road is where you experience breathtaking nature and the great outdoors of Australia! Made famous for theRip Curl Prohosted every Easter, Bells Beach is not only beautiful but a huge part of both Australian and surf culture. Carry a fast-drying towel, a bathing suit and a change of clothes to go swimming. Discover some of the best things to do in Melbourne. How far is the Great Ocean Road from Melbourne? Thats how were going to structure this post for you. But you may not have that luxury of time. Along the way be sure to stop off at one of the small towns for a late afternoon-snack or coffee, or you can take a detour up to Ballarat for the night to learn about the gold rush. Located less than 2 hours from Melbourne. The Great Ocean Road is one of Australias great drives. Seeingthe Twelve Apostlesfor yourself should be at the top of your Australian Bucket list, no matter the weather. 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. The Great Ocean Road winds through picturesque locations that outdo one another in terms of visual extravaganza. 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. Visit top wilderness destinations and picturesque towns on this epic 3-day tour from Melbourne to the Great Ocean Road and the Grampians. 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. If you're planning on the West Gate Bridge route, take the Princes Highway over the bridge and travel along the Bellarine Peninsula or the Surf Coast Highway to the famous surfing town of Torquay. 21 Awesome Things to Do in Ipswich, Queensland (2023 Guide), The Perfect 3 Days in Rockhampton Itinerary, 16 BEST Cairns Day Trips Not to Be Missed [2023 Guide]. I could not imagine trying to swim out past these waves, just to catch one right back to shore. Wear comfortable shoes as there is a lot of walking to do. Many travelers continue on to Warrnambool and Adelaide or up to the Grampian Mountains while others are returning to Melbourne. You might even get a stretch of beach all to yourself, maybe for the best adventure of the day. Takinga surf lessonis a sure-fire way to have you feeling confident on the board and in the water if you havent tried the sport before. The Great Ocean Road tour allows you to witness the spectacular surf coast of Torquay and Lorne, with their sandy white beaches and curling waves. Day 3: Warrnambool to Port Fairy then Melbourne (or Adelaide) Distance: 30km to Port Fairy, then 312km to Melbourne. Getting to the Great Ocean Road When to visit Experience the rugged beauty along the south-west coast of Victoria by setting off along one of the world's most scenic coastal drives. hi guys my husband and l are going to drive the great ocean road in early November. Bunyip Tours: Cute Penguins - See 1,941 traveler reviews, 941 candid photos, and great deals for Melbourne, Australia, at Tripadvisor. Deep lush valleys, sky-high rainforests, stunning waterfalls and tons of walking tracks make it a great spot to get off the beach and still be in nature. If you're planning to visit the Great Ocean Road, here's all that you should squeeze into your itinerary. During your travel, you plan to visit the following-1) Great Ocean Road, Apollo Bay, Victoria, Australia. There were no surfers, really there was no one else here other than a few curious people like ourselves. For those wanting to drive a bit further west, theres the historic harbour settlement of Portland which you can visit. The distance from Adelaide to Melbourne is 1500km on this itinerary, which amounts to over 21 hours worth of driving. Depart from Melbourne in the morning, and begin your Great Ocean Road journey. . The Great Ocean Road Tour covers pristine beaches, geological marvels, and rich forests on your way. Director, editor and producer of feature documentary about animal welfare in farming. Further along, you will find verdant bush where koalas nest and then onto the lush rainforests with spectacular waterfalls and native wildlife. Fabulous horse riding through the forest or down along a long golden beach. you really need 2-3 weeks to make the most of this itinerary, especially as you're going to be going over to Kangaroo Island. Great Ocean Road starts at Torquay and finishes in Allansford. With great facilities, cozy apartment-style suites and great views from almost any room on site, this is your best choice if youd like a bit of space to stretch out after a big day of driving the Great Ocean Road. The first to know about trending destinations, travel deals, tips and
It is a rest stop on the Great Ocean Road and gateway to spectacular waterfalls and viewpoints. We are located almost at the end of the Great Ocean Road, about 4.5 hours from Melbourne. - See 1,941 traveler reviews, 942 candid photos, and great deals for Melbourne, Australia, at Tripadvisor. 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. Your story was very useful for us to plan our one day trip in March 2020 just before the corona virus outbreak. It is comparable to Big Sur in California with coastal views, winding roads, and many, many scenic viewpoints. For those strapped for time, a visit to just Port Campbellwould allow you to see the best of the Great Ocean Road, skipping the monotonous winding roads between Port Campbell National Park and Melbourne. Required fields are marked *. Before you set off on your adventure though, you should know how long the road is and how long it takes to drive. This isnt a big deal though as you will still have great views of the scenery either way. Both are natural, offshore stone archways. The Great Otway National Park is located within the Otway ranges and covers the area from Torquay to Princetown. With the last day of your Great Ocean Road itinerary upon you, there is still so much to be seen and experienced. 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. Lookout on the ocean from May to September as you might spot Whales! 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. To do this, leave Melbourne before 8am as most tours leave Melbourne city between 8am and 9am. There is also a plaque on the left side of the road which serves as a memory for the soldiers. 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 Twelve Apostles Driving East on the Great Ocean Road Bells Beach Arriving in Melbourne Road Trip from Port Campbell to Melbourne Day Trip from Melbourne Driving the Great Ocean Road The Great Ocean Road spans 200 kilometers, from Port Campbell in the west to Torquay in the east. Sightseeing Time: 4 hours. 3 Melbourne: SEA LIFE Aquarium Entrance Ticket. A relaxed pace - The only 4 day Melbourne to Adelaide Great Ocean Road experience, allowing ample time for all the 'must-sees' along the iconic Great Ocean Road and Beyond. 3. To get here, however, was a two-hour drive via the M1 highway from Melbourne. Brambuk: The National Park and Cultural Centre Theyll even show you how to throw a Boomerang and spear! Live chat with local experts anywhere, anytime. Our self-drive itinerary includes driving via Robe and Victor Harbour though a side trip to include The Grampians could be included. Frolic in the ocean and then head up to the lush rainforests abundant with wildlife. I highly recommended checking out Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve and Port Fairy. The Email id you have Entered is not Registered With us. If you really want a unique perspective though, and love a bit of adventure, how does skydiving over the 12 Apostles sound? Great Ocean Road Tours that offer the best itinerary and great sights within a day from Melbourne. 2 From Melbourne: Great Ocean Road and Wildlife Tour. Cannon Hillis a great place to start if you want to get the lay of the land. We only recommend the best accommodations, tours and products, and regularly review these. Copyright 2023 | Sightseeing Tours Australia ABN: 53 204 539 966 | 252 Flinders St, Melbourne VIC 3000 |, What should you not miss on the Great Ocean Road, Great Ocean Road Weather Local Weather Forecasts. Tyler and Kara joined us, took a look around, and then went back to their game. For more experienced surfers, and those looking to set foot onto a world-renowned surf beach, head toBells Beach. This will help you make the most of your time so you can see the things that matter to you. DISCLAIMER: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you book accommodation, tours or buy a product, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Depart Melbourne and travel over the West Gate Bridge through the vast volcanic plains en-route to Geelong. 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. Note: This post contains affiliate links. Born to parents bit by the wander bug, Lakshmi calls her love for travel "hereditary and habitual". Just prepare yourself for a full day with an early start and late(ish) finish. December to February is summer, March to May is autumn, June to August is winter and September to November is spring. The total time you can expect to spend driving the Great Ocean Road and return, including stops, is at least 10 hours. 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. An alternative to this driving route is that you do it in the reverse order. The road driving distance between Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road is 446 Km. Dogs are permitted to join you in a vehicle driving along the length of the Great Ocean Road, even when the highway passes through areas of national park. Passing the iconic 12 Apostles and other amazing natural features carved into the expansive coastline the Great Ocean Road is a road trip to remember. Find out more here. Bunyip Tours: Wonderful experience - See 1,941 traveler reviews, 941 candid photos, and great deals for Melbourne, Australia, at Tripadvisor. What is the road driving distance between Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road? The drive offers plenty of places to stop off and explore. Head down to Main Beach for a swim, sunbathe or surf at Point Impossible or Rocky Point. Recommended option Bus 3h 30m This lookout gives you the chance to see right out to sea and over the entire city. Home to some of Australia's best-known surf beaches, Torquay marks the official beginning of the Great Ocean Road. Burrell received her first James Beard nomination for "Best Chef: Texas" in 2020 and . You could drive the main highlights of the Great Ocean Road (from the Bay of Islands to the Twelve Apostles), and then drive to Melbourne on highway A1. I dashed out of the cave to higher ground, able to stay dry. 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. A little warning about the Penguin Parade: It is very touristy and professionally put together. Last week, 1156 properties were scheduled to be auctioned in Melbourne. Of all the fantastic destinations, the one that really draws travelers from across the world is a Great Ocean Road tour. It's also possible to travel from Melbourne to Adelaide via the Great . Here at Port Campbell National Park, we spent over two hours hopping from scenic view to scenic view. This is just because we really want to show you the best bits of the beautiful Great Ocean Road! From the rocks, Tim and I could see a cave in the side of the cliff. If that is the case, you can head straight back to Melbourne after seeing the famous sites such as the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, London Bridge and The Grotto. Here's all you need to know about taking a Great Ocean Road Tour From Melbourne - itinerary, best tours, highlights and quick hacks. Do you think that will be possible that time of year or do we have to book in advance ? Covering nearly 200 hectares, this park is one of the few Great Ocean Road highlights that is not a beach. One of the best walking tracks to visit here isMelba Gulleywhich is full of gorgeous giant fern trees and home to glow worm caves, which are best seen after dark. The green forest with the winding highway meets the ocean here! Read all of our articles in our. Just a few minutes west of the border you'll come across a beautiful pink salt lake. Find good prices and choices of accommodation: there is still so much more to see, Port Fairy is a beautiful little village and well worth spending time visiting too. Check out the Vline train & bus timetable to make your way between Geelong and Warrnambool. Grab some coffee and stroll the foreshore. Loch Ard Gorge is a breathtaking natural formation just a short distance from the 12 apostles. 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. The waves here were big, similar to US east coast waves just before a hurricane. After the Twelve Apostles, continue along the Great Ocean Road towards Port Campbell. Thanks for your support, kind friend! Featuring the major stops, seaside towns and villages along the Great Ocean Road including Torquay, Anglesea, Airey's Inlet, Lorne, Wye River, Kennett River, Apollo Bay, Port Campbell National Park, Port Campbell and Allensford; plus Warnambool and Port Fairy (as an extension to the official end of the Great Ocean Rd at Allensford.) If you don't want to take the ferry, you can also take the alternative route via Geelong by car, although the ferry crossing is much nicer. This is a rare opportunity to work for a minimum of 3-6 months and with a start date late April. It offers easy transport options to Geelong and Torquay as well as plenty of car hire options. A staircase leads you to view it at the eye-level and is best experience at low tide at sunrise or sunset. 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. I am using a Canon 5D Mark iii with a 20-70 mm lens. One of the best things to do here is take a walk out on thePort Fairy Wharves. Conveniently located a little ways from Port Campbell, these serviced apartments have great rooms, a gorgeous pool area and make for a great stopover. 34 mins), (3 hrs
One of the most iconic road trips in all of Australia, if not the world, has got to be the Great Ocean Road drive. Join our small group coastal adventure to the beaches, rainforests and more of the Great Ocean Road. The road starts in Torquay, and finishes in Allansford. 1. The Great Ocean Road is a one-and-a-half-hour drive from Melbourne with dual lane highway conditions for most of the journey and excellent signposting. The first stop when driving the Great Ocean Road will beGeelong. An absolute must-do for anyone wanting one of the best views of this part of the Great Ocean Road is to book in for aTwelve Apostles Helicopter Ride. Always hustling towards the least trodden path, she has encountered some wonderful people during her escapades and if you ever meet her, she won't stop gushing about them. It makes for a perfect family day out or holiday with friends. From here you are well on your way to having covered a ton of ground. Bunyip Tours: Cute Penguins - See 1,940 traveler reviews, 941 candid photos, and great deals for Melbourne, Australia, at Tripadvisor. Try out the walking trails, have a picnic by the sea, take in the scenic views, or go searching for Australian wildlife. Youll also find theAustralian Surfing Hall of Famehere as well. The official length of the Great Ocean Road is around 243 km/ 151 miles. Whether you are travelling with family, friends or a school group, our Great Ocean Road Private Tour is the best way to explore this scenic coastline. If youre looking to do a bit of waterfall chasing, this is a great place to find them! Let us help you get started with planning your Great Ocean Road itinerary. You can also find the distance from Portland Ln to Mildura VIC 3500 using other travel options like bus, subway, tram, train and rail. Great Ocean Road & Melbourne itinerary and attractions Day 1: Arriving in city of Melbourne Australia. However, if you're short on time and want to cover a good portion of the Great Ocean Road, signing up for an organized trip from Melbourne will come handy. Happy travels. Check, (2 hrs
Apollo Bay is a popular place, so make sure you have booked your accommodation ahead of time. Starting and finishing in Melbourne is how most people do the Great Ocean Road drive in 1 day. Most of the people here were Chinese. Not for the faint hearted, Gibson steps are a set of 86 steep steps that head down from the cliffs to the beach near the twelve apostles. 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 All the points of interest mentioned above are marked on the Great Ocean Road Map below. Bunyip Tours: Great Ocean Road - See 1,943 traveler reviews, 942 candid photos, and great deals for Melbourne, Australia, at Tripadvisor. Join the adventures on our YouTube channel! Julie Last updated: October 8, 2022 Australia 4 Comments. Another fun way to get to the Great Ocean Road is by using the ferry service from Queenscliff and the Bellarine Peninsula to Sorrento and the Mornington Peninsula. However, if you only have 1 day to work with, then here are some suggestions to save yourself time. The lake views here are stunning and if youre lucky you might even be able to lay your eyes on a platypus or two. The Grotto is multiple geological formations rolled into one and is one of the most spectacular points to view the coast. 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. Adelaide to Melbourne via Great Ocean Road - how long? The road winds through picturesque locations outdo one another in terms of visual extravaganza. You can walk, trek, horse-ride or bike through the park. The Memorial Arch (youve probably seen photos of people standing underneath it) symbolises the start of the road. Home; Timetables Train & coach timetables; Plan a journey From Portland, we drove 2 hours (160 km) to get to Port Campbell, the start of the Great Ocean Road. You don't have to miss out on this epic road trip just because you are short on time. The beaches on the Great Ocean Road are fantastic for swimming, especially in the summer. Some of the beautiful coastal towns you will come across during your drive are Apollo Bay, Cape Otway, Port Campbell, Torquay, and Lorne. We have been travelling the world together since 2008, with a passion for adventure travel and sustainable tourism. The perfect place for a Melbourne city escape. Theres so much to see and do, so you dont want to be left feeling rushed and tired at the end of your trip. Check out our Great Ocean Road tours. Sandstone cliffs plunging into the ocean, pillars of hardened sandstone sitting just offshore, all of this being pounded by some serious waves.