If youre looking to do a bit of waterfall chasing, this is a great place to find them! This iconic route stretches 243km between the towns of Allansford and Torquay, and the most well-known attraction on the Great Ocean Road has to be the Twelve Apostles limestone stacks. Curious Goose | The Grampians and The Great Ocean Road - a 4 day self 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. 15 years ago Save Would appreciate any advice for how long it would take to drive from Adelaide to Melbourne via the Scenic Ocean Road. Drive Time: 30 minutes to Port Fairy, 4 hours to Melbourne. Starting from Torquay, this route takes you through beautiful seaside towns and rain forests as you follow the winding road along the exquisite coastline. A few minutes down the road from Sherbrook West is a large car park with trails to various viewpoints. What is the shortest road distance between Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road? 1st Stop: Torquay. You also wont be getting a sunset picture of the 12 Apostles as it will be one of your first major stops. For just a moment though, it was neat peering out at the waves and the coastline from this unique vantage point. We can recommend a number of excellent companies who all use smaller buses which means more time at stops and more personalized experience. Great Ocean Road Touring Route - Visit Victoria home Thanks for your support, kind friend! Bunyip Tours: Great Ocean Road - See 1,943 traveler reviews, 942 candid photos, and great deals for Melbourne, Australia, at Tripadvisor. The drive offers plenty of places to stop off and explore. TheKennett River Koala Walkis the perfect place to get your fix. But you may not have that luxury of time. Day 1 - Drive to the Grampians National Park from Melbourne, visit McKenzie falls and stay overnight in the town of Halls Gap. Walk 91 provides assistance to plan your walk along the GOR Walk, either with luxurious accommodation and meals provided or the budge self-catering option. 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. But all the views are spectacular on this stretch of the Great Ocean Road Trip. Truly a paradise, the area is a popular destination for water sports and recreation activities. Even in Australia, Tyler and Kara were getting a lot of stares, this time from Chinese tourists. 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. Well, at least until the constant winding roads started making Kara nauseous, giving her a front seat in our car and a dose of dramamine. December to February is summer, March to May is autumn, June to August is winter and September to November is spring. Soaring high above the limestone stacks youll get the best views of Victorias Shipwreck Coast. There is also a plaque on the left side of the road which serves as a memory for the soldiers. 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. Great Ocean Road & Beyond Melbourne to Adelaide (Single Traveller 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). Geelong - The second largest city in Victoria, it is about 30 mins from the beginning of the ocean road trip and worth visiting if you have time. Happy travels. The Great Ocean Road map highlights 50 of the best attractions, recommended places to stop, and things to do on a self-drive holiday along the Victorian coast to the 12 Apostles and Port Campbell National Park. The road starts in Torquay, and finishes in Allansford. Find more of them listed here. It is essentially a sinkhole in a limestone stack and opens out to a view of the sea and cliffs beyond. 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. During your travel, you plan to visit the following-1) Great Ocean Road, Apollo Bay, Victoria, Australia. 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. For more experienced surfers, and those looking to set foot onto a world-renowned surf beach, head toBells Beach. 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. Melbourne to Great Ocean Road | Road trips | The NRMA 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. From Melbourne: Great Ocean Road Full-Day Guided Trip We only recommend the best accommodations, tours and products, and regularly review these. Iconic Animal Sightings. Dont want to drive but still want to see the Great Ocean Road? Its a small village, but Port Campbell is a nice place to stop for a snack and some fuel. Complete Road Trip Guide & Holiday Planner - Great Ocean Road This often includes stopping at lookouts along the way. 2011-2023 distancesfrom.com. A camper van or any sporty rental car is good for the drive through the stunning coastal road. 5 Day Great Ocean Road Itinerary: Day 1 - Melbourne to Lorne Setting out on the first section of the Great Ocean Road will take you from the Victorian capital of Melbourne to the coastal town of Lorne. Burrell has studied under expert chefs, including Tom Aikens in London, Monica Pope in Houston, and Tyson Cole. There is a walking track around the island and on the most westerly point youll find a lovely little lighthouse and a pretty viewpoint too. The road covers a driveway of 243 km off the coast with pristine views of beaches, geological marvels, and rich forests. Whether you surf or not, it is a great place to stop and admire the ocean. All the while, Tyler and Kara were screaming with delight, laughing afterwards. Lorne is a picturesque town set between Loutit Bay and the Otway National Park, it is where the bush meets the ocean. Griffiths Islandcan be accessed by a footbridge nearby to the wharf and is a great place to do a little bird watching. Adelaide to Melbourne Drive Itinerary: Great Ocean Road Trip The distance between Portland Ln to Mildura VIC 3500 is 542 Km by road. The total time you can expect to spend driving the Great Ocean Road and return, including stops, is at least 10 hours. Heavenly, right? Head forEastern Beachfirst. Other options include coming from Adelaide, so if this is you, just read the itinerary backwards. Thats the word that can truly capture the essence of the Great Ocean Road in Australia. Your story was very useful for us to plan our one day trip in March 2020 just before the corona virus outbreak. Blazing Saddles Trail Rides, Aireys Inlet. Great Ocean Road travel - Lonely Planet | Victoria, Australia 639. 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 also a fantastic place if you are looking to see some native Australian wildlife. Your email address will not be published. Read 1 review. Visit surf beaches, seaside towns, and national parks; and see rain forest, wild koalas, and towering waterfalls. DestinationsPhotographySustainable TourismAdventure Travel, Adventure ToursStart a BlogTravel TipsSitemap, 2023 NOMADasaurus | Peak Evolution Media, The PERFECT Great Ocean Road Drive Itinerary (2023). Premiered at Melbourne International Film Festival. Battery Hillis a great spot to get a view from on high of the town and see some pieces of Port Fairy history like the remnants of a Russian invasion from the 1860s. Stock up on essentials, fill up the car, turn up the radio and head towards Apollo Bay! Brambuk: The National Park and Cultural Centre Live chat with local experts anywhere, anytime. Rent a campervan and go on an adventure. Bunyip Tours: See above for that. Apart from the trip distance, refer. Stops. Now youll be able to find the wreckage in shallow waters, which makes it great for divers to explore. We drove from Adelaide to Portland, spent the night in Portland, and then drove the Great Ocean Road. 7-Day Melbourne to Adelaide Road Trip Itinerary via the Great Ocean However, the views arent affected by the bigger cityscape. In this guide, learn how to plan a trip around the world. We still had a long ways to go. To get you fueled up for your last day head toBohemiaCafe & Barfor a takeaway coffee or a wicked and delicious breakfast. The road curves quite a lot and if you suffer from motion sickness carry anti-nausea medication or chew on citrusy candy to keep it in check. From AU $1625 to AU $1895 3 days ex flights. Along the way you'll stop by the border of Victoria and South Australia and a red line marks the exact spot. Melbourne to the Great Ocean Road - Best Routes & Travel Advice We have been travelling the world together since 2008, with a passion for adventure travel and sustainable tourism. We love this place and even bought one of their horses a few years ago! Wealso have information on a great hike in Kings Canyon and a recap of our experience in the Red Centre of Australia. What is the distance between Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road? And your Great Ocean Road route should not miss out on two other attractions nearby either. Walk up near the Grey River Road and you will find koalas lounging on the trees. Start your 3 day Great Ocean Road itinerary with a lazy morning in Torquay. Visit some of the valleys most impressive wineries, go on a skydiving experience and simply kick your heels and relax. Any advice greatly appreciated! 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]. 2 From Melbourne: Great Ocean Road and Wildlife Tour. Julie Last updated: October 8, 2022 Australia 4 Comments. Its a highlight of a Great Ocean Road itinerary! 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. Day 1: Melbourne to Port Campbell We depart from Southern Cross Coach Terminal on Spencer Street at 8:30am before we commence this amazing 4 day, 3 night guided Great Ocean Road & Beyond Itinerary. Learn about the Best Things to Do in Melbourne and get a recap of our experiences here. Let us help you get started with planning your Great Ocean Road itinerary. A lot of people will finish the day in Warrnambool and spend the there, as it is the largest town along the Great Ocean Road. The Great Ocean Road winds through picturesque locations that outdo one another in terms of visual extravaganza. How far is the Great Ocean Road from Melbourne? This is one of Victorias best bush and ocean walks. The view of these sandstone pillars along the coastline is one of the Great Ocean Roads most famous. See above for that. - Bunyip Tours, Melbourne Traveller Reviews Adelaide to Melbourne via Great Ocean Road - how long? 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. Portland is 6 hours (540 km) away from Adelaide. The whole trail is about 15km, but your best chances for spotting the cute indigenous animals are about 6km in atGrey River. Melbourne Daylesford and the Macedon Ranges Gippsland Great Ocean Road Phillip Island Attractions More top attractions Sovereign Hill History & heritage Strike it rich with a day out in 1850s Ballarat and pan for gold, ride in a horse-drawn carriage and relive the Eureka Rebellion with sound and light. You can also find the distance from Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road using other travel options like bus, subway, tram, train and rail. What is the road driving distance between Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road? You can also find the distance from Portland Ln to Mildura VIC 3500 using other travel options like bus, subway, tram, train and rail. Includes: 4 nights' accommodation, 5 days unlimited km use of a compact sized car, continental breakfast in Barossa Valley and fully detailed itinerary with local and regional maps. Michael Dahlstrom - Environment Editor - Yahoo | LinkedIn PLACES TO GO IN AUSTRALIA: Spend some time in Sydney, go wine tasting in Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale, explore Uluru and the Red Centre of Australia, visit Melbourne, go snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef, and dont miss Tasmania, one of our favorite places in Australia. Have enjoyed your stories since departing Columbia almost a year ago. Cute Penguins - Reviews, Photos - Bunyip Tours - Tripadvisor For those wanting to drive a bit further west, theres the historic harbour settlement of Portland which you can visit. Try out the walking trails, have a picnic by the sea, take in the scenic views, or go searching for Australian wildlife. Bunyip Tours: Cute Penguins - See 1,940 traveler reviews, 941 candid photos, and great deals for Melbourne, Australia, at Tripadvisor. These are decent, but not as good as what you just saw, and definitely not as great as what you are about to visit next. Includes: 4 nights' accommodation, 5 days unlimited km use of a compact sized car and fully detailed itinerary with local and regional maps. 34 mins), (3 hrs Adelaide to Melbourne via Great Ocean Road - how long? Perfect write up, very helpful indeed, Appreciate your work guys, Cheers. . This is a beautiful surfing and fishing town with heritage buildings that have wonderful eateries and accommodation. You dont have to miss out on this epic road trip just because you are short on time. While the Great Ocean Road covers a ton of coastline, this national park is a gem located more on the inland route. A softUsvista Inc. venture! Over time it has been improved to create a peaceful and beautiful space to be enjoyed. Great Ocean Road - Wikipedia We would appreciate some advice for an itinerary driving from Melbourne to Cape Jervis via the Great Ocean Road visiting Phillip Island and Kennett River where we may hopefully see some Koalas, on the way. 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. A walkway just outside Lorne offers views of the ocean lapping up the mouth of the Saint George River and the Bass Strait. From Melbourne, head to Geelong and then south to Torquay. Depart from Melbourne in the morning, and begin your Great Ocean Road journey. 15 Places Along The Great Ocean Road To Visit On A One-Day Road Trip In At the end of your Great Ocean Road itinerary, you can leave Port Fairy andhead back towards Melbourneon the M8 National highway to take on your next series of Aussie fun. December to February is the best time to take a Great Ocean Road tour from Melbourne. Last week, 1156 properties were scheduled to be auctioned in Melbourne. 1. Bells Beach is known for hosting Rip Curl Pro, a world surfing competition. You can also find the flight distance or distance to fly from Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road. The Quintessential Great Ocean Road Itinerary - 3 Days Wonderful experience - Reviews, Photos - Bunyip Tours - Tripadvisor Thanks Natalie Seltz Towson, MD. 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. Head down to Main Beach for a swim, sunbathe or surf at Point Impossible or Rocky Point. 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. Great Ocean Road travel guide Although you could go through the city of Geelong, south-west of Melbourne, there's no need to as the Freeway Extension bypasses it, thus speeding . Route: Melbourne-Twelve Apostles return, via B100 (Great Ocean Road) Highlights: Torquay, Bells Beach, Lorne, Apollo Bay . By continuing to browse this website you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Port Fairy offers great locations forscuba divingincludingThe Thistle. DESTINATIONS AROUND THE WORLD: For more places to visit around the world, check out our Destinations page. 542 Km - Distance from Portland Ln to Mildura VIC 3500 It was awesome having this place all to ourselves, being able to explore without anyone else around. Forget all about the stress of driving, checking the GPS and creating an itinerary of your own! Take the Great Ocean Road tour from Melbourne to catch the best scenery and attractions. The Grotto is one of the most impressive sections of the coastline, and essentially a sinkhole. The coastline of the Great Ocean Road is constantly changing and one such natural formation is the London Arch. We had one day to drive the Great Ocean Road, including this in our travels from Adelaide to Melbourne. Not even 15km from Apollo Bay is the incredibly lush and beautifulGreat Otway National Park. Its definitely worth pulling over to read the history of the road as well as getting that classic holiday snap. 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. Due to crashing waves over millennia, saltwater and erosion there are now only 8 limestone stacks remaining out of 12. Respect the speed limit. Melbourne to Adelaide One Way Itinerary This route follows the Great Ocean Road from Melbourne to Adelaide and is approximately 1,250 km. Built in 1848, it sits at the edge of the ocean almost 90m over the Bass Strait. MELBOURNE: Melbourne is our favorite city in Australia. It sounds daunting but it's going to be broken down into very manageable chunks. This port city is the second-largest in the state of Victoria and overlooks the gorgeousCorio Bay. Although i highly recommend visiting Warrnambool, you may not have the time to spend there. For a great post-drive meal check out theGeelong Boathousefor a classic fish & chips by the sea. 10 secret must-stop places on the Great Ocean Road - Australia Your password has been reset successfully please login with new password. The Gunditjmara people are the rightful owners of the land incorporated into the Great Ocean Road from Portland to Warrnambool, including Port Fairy and the Princess Highway. Join our small group coastal adventure to the beaches, rainforests and more of the Great Ocean Road. You will ride on an AC tour bus, accompanied by a friendly tour guide who will ensure you hit all the spots on your Great Ocean Road tour. However, the Great Ocean Road is a hit at any time of the year and here is why . This was not anywhere near as scenic as Port Campbell National Park but was still worth seeing. Victoria is the second-smallest state in Australia but packed with abundant natural beauty, all of which is easily accessible on quick day trips from Melbourne. Here we are, at another beach, and we have it all to ourselves. Lookout on the ocean from May to September as you might spot Whales! The highlight of the Great Ocean Road are the Twelve Apostles. Just a few minutes west of the border you'll come across a beautiful pink salt lake. One of the most adventurous things to do on the Great Ocean Road drive is to do a bit of scuba diving. The Kennet River located between Lorne and Apollo Bay is one of the best places in Australia to view wild koalas. What is a partial cave, archway and blowhole, The Grotto is definitely something to marvel at. 1 Day Great Ocean Road & 12 Apostles Tour $104 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. 8 Days or so of hiking from Apollo Bay to the 12 Apostles following the coastline with views and experiences not possible by car or bus. The area has a forest of gum and eucalyptus trees which are the main food source of koalas. Memorial Arch (8am) Our first stop was the Memorial Arch, which is located just past the city of Torquay. 5+. Wear comfortable shoes as there is a lot of walking to do. Experience the Great Ocean Road from Melbourne to Adelaide. A drive between Melbourne and Adelaide via the inland route takes only 8 hours. Whether you're a history buff, foodie, nature lover or adventurer get ready for a great weekend. The road driving distance between Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road is 446 Km. 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. 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. A total of 620 properties were sold via auction last . BONUS Booking ahead of time ensures you wont miss out on the tour, and get the best price too! READ MORE: Be sure to plan your best trip to Australia by using our Australia Travel Guide! The Great Ocean Road winds through picturesque locations that outdo one another in terms of visual extravaganza. Checking out the view of Bells Beach from the lookout. The coastline is awesome. Click on any of the numbers on the map of The Great Ocean Road to read all about the attraction. 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. Hi Tracy, November is a beautiful time to travel the Great Ocean Road. This will start your Ocean Road drive in the opposite direction as most others, avoiding the busy traffic. Most tour buses will leave between 8am and 9am, so try and leave before then. Located less than 2 hours from Melbourne. Your Great Ocean Road itinerary may be coming to an end, but dont worry, youll finish up with a dreamy little visit toPort Fairy. Would like to know what kind of still camera and lens you are using. You can spend more time at each location and engage in activities like trekking, swimming and adventure sports. Here's all you need to know about taking a Great Ocean Road Tour From Melbourne - itinerary, best tours, highlights and quick hacks. Get outdoors on bushwalking, surfing and mountain biking expeditions or take the cultural route through galleries, museums and heritage attractions. Follow our journey in real time on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram. Mum, works 2- 3 days a week, Tues and Wednesday and Friday and has the children in daycare and . As one of the world's leading travel journalists, our content and adventures have been featured by National Geographic, Lonely Planet, CNN, BBC, Forbes, Business Insider, Washington Post, Yahoo!, BuzzFeed, Channel 7, Channel 10, ABC, The Guardian, and plenty other publications. We are a single Mum with 3 kids, 8yo Boy and 5 and 4 yo girls. In front of us were walls of sandstone, giant waves crashing on the beach, and a rocky peninsula just waiting to be explored. Explore the cool temperate rainforest of the Great Otway National Park, waterfalls on Great Ocean Road, best viewpoints, koalas, and wildlife. It takes travellers past world-class surfing breaks, through pockets of rainforest and calm seaside towns, and under koala-filled tree canopies. Other good breaks in addition to Bells Beach includeSan Juc, Winki Pop, Bird RockandSparrowsjust to name a few. You will receive a link to create a new password via email. 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 return distance between Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road is 446 Km. plenty of accommodation choices in Warrnambool, Apollo Bay Surf, Stand Up Paddle Boarding & Kayak, Otway Estate Brewery Prickly Moses Beer. Travellers' Guide To Great Ocean Road - Wiki Travel Guide - Travellerspoint The Great Otway National Park is located within the Otway ranges and covers the area from Torquay to Princetown. Dog-Friendly Great Ocean Road: Driving with a Dog - Travelnuity