From Melbourne: Great Ocean Road Full-Day Guided Trip 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. Note: This post contains affiliate links. 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. What is the road driving distance between Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road? Stevenson Falls, Triplet Falls, Little Aire Falls, andHopetoun Fallsare just a few of the many highlights here. Discover some of the best things to do in Melbourne. 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. 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 . Starting from Torquay, this route takes you through beautiful seaside towns and rain forests as you follow the winding road along the exquisite coastline. Stops. Click on any of the numbers on the map of The Great Ocean Road to read all about the attraction. The Great Ocean Road winds through picturesque locations that outdo one another in terms of visual extravaganza. Republishing this articleand/orany of its contents (text, photography, etc. I could not imagine trying to swim out past these waves, just to catch one right back to shore. 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 . If you arent restricted to only 1 day, give yourself at least 2 days to do the Great Ocean Road drive. 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. We have been travelling the world together since 2008, with a passion for adventure travel and sustainable tourism. Less people in your 12 Apostles selfie! Most of the people here were Chinese. 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. 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. Poor Tim got hit hard by the wave, soaking his feet. Our ultimate destination being Kangaroo Island. From below the steps you can marvel at the 70m limestone stacks from up close and feel the power of nature. Rare Role On Australia's Great Ocean Road - Portland | Jobrapido.com Our self-drive itinerary includes driving via Robe and Victor Harbour though a side trip to include The Grampians could be included. Yes, you can do this as a one day trip from Melbourne, but I dont recommend it. Read 1 review. All the points of interest mentioned above are marked on the Great Ocean Road Map below. Last week, 1156 properties were scheduled to be auctioned in Melbourne. Whether you're a history buff, foodie, nature lover or adventurer get ready for a great weekend. Apollo Bay is a popular place, so make sure you have booked your accommodation ahead of time. It seemed like there was another amazing view every 400 meters, so we were jumping in and out of our car a lot. 2 From Melbourne: Great Ocean Road and Wildlife Tour. Other good breaks in addition to Bells Beach includeSan Juc, Winki Pop, Bird RockandSparrowsjust to name a few. Have enjoyed your stories since departing Columbia almost a year ago. It is essentially a sinkhole in a limestone stack and opens out to a view of the sea and cliffs beyond. 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. It sounds daunting but it's going to be broken down into very manageable chunks. Related article: What should you not miss on the Great Ocean Road? The waves here are huge and come fast and furious, making this area a great surfing spot. 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. 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 Great Ocean Road is one of the world's most stunning coastal drives, winding along Australia's southern coast in Victoria (Australia).The undisputed highlight of the drive is the Twelve Apostles, but the Great Ocean Road leads past many more sights of interest, from bustling coastal towns like Lorne and Apollo Bay to the lush rain forests of Great Otway National Park. It was nothing fancy but suited our needs for our family of four. 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. Day 3 - Set of on the Great Ocean Road, staying overnight in the village of Lorne, halfway . 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. Depart from Melbourne in the morning, and begin your Great Ocean Road journey. Have a great time. Portland is 6 hours (540 km) away from Adelaide. 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. An alternative to this driving route is that you do it in the reverse order. The Ultimate Melbourne To Yarra Valley Tour | Discover The Best Wineries, Chocolateries and Delicatessens! They will also add to the crowds at every one of your stops, so you want to beat them if you can. In 1932, the road was thrown open to the public and has since then become one of the worlds best road trip destinations. 1 Melbourne: 1-Day Entry Ticket to Melbourne Zoo. Great Ocean Road & Beyond Melbourne to Adelaide (Single Traveller It shows off sheer limestone cliffs, dairy farms and heathland, and gets you up close and personal with the crashing . Our personal recommendation for where we stay in Apollo Bay every time is The Apollo Apartment. Checking out the view of Bells Beach from the lookout. Hey! A few minutes down the road from Sherbrook West is a large car park with trails to various viewpoints. A dormant volcanic crater, Tower Hill is full of Australian wildlife (koalas, kangaroos, emus to name a few) and has lush wetlands and bush. 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 Thats how were going to structure this post for you. Of all the fantastic destinations, the one that really draws travelers from across the world is a Great Ocean Road tour. While Tyler and Kara tried to throw each other off of the sand dunes, Tim and I went exploring. Next, we got off the beaten track, taking an unnamed dirt road towards the shoreline. This was not anywhere near as scenic as Port Campbell National Park but was still worth seeing. 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. Cute Penguins - Bunyip Tours, Melbourne Traveller Reviews - Tripadvisor The total time you can expect to spend driving the Great Ocean Road and return, including stops, is at least 10 hours. Go-Ride a Wave! Planning a trip to Australia? Rent a campervan and go on an adventure. A staircase leads you to view it at the eye-level and is best experience at low tide at sunrise or sunset. Stunning photos. 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 whole trail is about 15km, but your best chances for spotting the cute indigenous animals are about 6km in atGrey River. 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. Route planner, Travel information, Victoria, Australia I am not looking forward to the conclusion of your trek. 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. Find out more here. Departs: 7:00am. can include Port Fairy and more coastal towns. It has diverse vegetation ranging from lush rainforest to rugged coastline, it has everything from stunning waterfalls to tranquil lakes. 4 Day Great Ocean Road Melbourne to Adelaide Tour Visit Great Ocean Road | Where untamed spirits create inspirational Tip: If youre hungry on the drive back to Melbourne, stop at Colac for food. We spent forty five minutes here and during this time we did not see one other person. It is a rest stop on the Great Ocean Road and gateway to spectacular waterfalls and viewpoints. Private Great Ocean Road tour. For more trail information in Great Otway National Park, visit thiswebsite. Cant wait for the trip , Thanks Tracy. Depending on the vehicle you choose to travel, you can calculate the amount of CO2 emissions from your vehicle and assess the environment impact. Great Ocean Road Drive Info - Time, Distance & Tips It starts at the surfing town of Torquay and finishes near Warrnambool. 50 Things to do and see along the Great Ocean Road as a PDF Ebook. Best Great Ocean Road Tours Save AU$10 on your Great Ocean Road Bus tours with this promo code. The Great Ocean Road (B100) is one of Australia's most famous touring routes. What used to be a swamp was reclaimed and turned into these pretty gardens in 1858. 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. Melbourne to Adelaide via Great Ocean Road - Jensen Chua Photography The Great Otway National Park is located within the Otway ranges and covers the area from Torquay to Princetown. 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. If that is not an option though, or you dont like the idea of driving on the wrong side of the road, there are plenty of excellent tours likethis onethat will take you to see all the sights including the Twelve Apostles, Port Campbell, Otway National Park and more. A walkway just outside Lorne offers views of the ocean lapping up the mouth of the Saint George River and the Bass Strait. Bunyip Tours: See above for that. Burrell received her first James Beard nomination for "Best Chef: Texas" in 2020 and . 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. Great post guys, you have inspired me to take a trip here when I finally get to Australia again! Please enter your email address or username. Walk up near the Grey River Road and you will find koalas lounging on the trees. Not even 15km from Apollo Bay is the incredibly lush and beautifulGreat Otway National Park. The Great Ocean Road drive is one of the most scenic drives that Australia has to offer. Head down to Main Beach for a swim, sunbathe or surf at Point Impossible or Rocky Point. Check, (2 hrs Touring the Great Ocean Road: Self-Drive Itineraries & Tips There are a few towns along the way like Lorne, Apollo Bay and Port Campbell where you can stay or camp overnight. Read more about taking a day trip from Melbourne to Yarra Valley. These tours are crafted to help you cover most of it in a short span of time, something you may not be able to do as a tourist in the city. Hugging the ocean on one side, the other side of the road changes its landscape from lush rainforest-clad mountains to volcanic plains. Its also a fantastic place if you are looking to see some native Australian wildlife. Sail through the clouds with only 1 other person for an up-close and personal adventure. Surf Culture at Australian National Museum of Surfing. Stretching 641 km, this route will take you from Melbourne to Warrnambool and back in about nine hours - that means you'll be treated to changing landscapes and plenty of different scenery! Head down to the Moyne River and stretch your legs along the wharves. The cave was not very big, extending about ten meters back into the cliff from the opening. Further along, you will find verdant bush where koalas nest and then onto the lush rainforests with spectacular waterfalls and native wildlife. In Portland we stayed at the Portland Holiday Village. To get more information on the Great Ocean Road, visit the official tourism website here. Heavenly, right? The Great Ocean Road offers amazing scenery, unforgettable natural features and quaint towns making it a unique vacation spot. One down side to this is that you will be travelling on the side of the road which isnt on the coast side. We set off from the city at 6am. The Perth to Adelaide Drive (via the Nullarbor Plain) 3,700 km | 16 days Swim with dolphins, climb the giant Gloucester Tree, camp among . Great Ocean Road & Melbourne itinerary and attractions Day 1: Arriving in city of Melbourne Australia. This will start your Ocean Road drive in the opposite direction as most others, avoiding the busy traffic. 1st Stop: Torquay. Once in Warrnambool, it doesnt take long to drive to Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve. Both are natural, offshore stone archways. Mum, works 2- 3 days a week, Tues and Wednesday and Friday and has the children in daycare and . 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. The distance between Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road is 446 Km by road. You can do this in one big day (its almost 600km direct), but we personally recommend breaking the trip up into 2 or 3 days, spending some time in Mount Gambier and Coorong National Park. The first stop when driving the Great Ocean Road will beGeelong. The Kennet River located between Lorne and Apollo Bay is one of the best places in Australia to view wild koalas. To get you fueled up for your last day head toBohemiaCafe & Barfor a takeaway coffee or a wicked and delicious breakfast. We recommend Rental Cars, which has the largest range of vehicles for the best value on the market. 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. 1 Day Great Ocean Road Tour on Large Coach $105 Learn about the Best Things to Do in Melbourne and get a recap of our experiences here. Find more of them listed here. Surf lessons can be booked in Lorne, Anglesea, Torquay, and Ocean Grove. The Great Ocean Road is the most famous coastal road in Australia and meanders along sheer limestone cliff tops, spectacular jutting headlands beside the edge of pristine beaches. The first destination is Bells Beach in Torquay, a famous location for surfers. It will stop off at most of the popular viewing spots. Includes: 4 nights' accommodation, 5 days unlimited km use of a compact sized car and fully detailed itinerary with local and regional maps. Just a few minutes west of the border you'll come across a beautiful pink salt lake. In front of us were walls of sandstone, giant waves crashing on the beach, and a rocky peninsula just waiting to be explored. Great Ocean Road Tours that offer the best itinerary and great sights within a day from Melbourne. The drive offers plenty of places to stop off and explore. I dashed out of the cave to higher ground, able to stay dry. 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? December to February is the best time to take a Great Ocean Road tour from Melbourne. To get here, however, was a two-hour drive via the M1 highway from Melbourne. A softUsvista Inc. venture! The PERFECT Great Ocean Road Drive Itinerary (2023) - NOMADasaurus There is also a plaque on the left side of the road which serves as a memory for the soldiers. Cute Penguins - Reviews, Photos - Bunyip Tours - Tripadvisor In Portland there's time for panoramic coastal views from the Cape Nelson Lighthouse, before a scenic drive through dense pine plantations to our lunch venue in the . 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. Do you think that will be possible that time of year or do we have to book in advance ? 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. Adults: $119 $104 Online special! Take the Great Ocean Road tour from Melbourne to catch the best scenery and attractions. Made famous for theRip Curl Prohosted every Easter, Bells Beach is not only beautiful but a huge part of both Australian and surf culture. Great Ocean Road Tours | Australia Vacations & Tours | Goway Thats the word that can truly capture the essence of the Great Ocean Road in Australia. You can drive the entire length of the Great Ocean Road in one long day (about 8 hours return), but we recommend splitting the journey up into a few days. The area has a forest of gum and eucalyptus trees which are the main food source of koalas. Featuring the major stops, seaside towns and villages along the Great Ocean Road including Torquay, Anglesea, Airey's Inlet, Lorne, Wye River, Kennett River, Apollo Bay, Port Campbell National Park, Port Campbell and Allensford; plus Warnambool and Port Fairy (as an extension to the official end of the Great Ocean Rd at Allensford.) This iconic route stretches 243km between the towns of Allansford and Torquay, and the most well-known attraction on the Great Ocean Road has to be the Twelve Apostles limestone stacks. Duration: 5 Days Prices From: US$ 699 Trip Type: Self-Drives, Tailor-made Travel Ideas Australia See Trip Details The Great Ocean Road in Victoria is a world-famous, Australian National Heritage-listed site along the Sydney to Melbourne drive. Most visitors to the Great Ocean Road travel from Melbourne, which is the nearest major city. Great Ocean Road Itinerary 3 Days - Melbourne To Adelaide Drive However, when the winds pick up it is best to stay above the Grotto. 52 Great Weekends > No 3: Portland No 3: Portland Located a little over 4hrs Melbourne, Portland is well worth the drive. In this guide, learn how to plan a trip around the world. Although i highly recommend visiting Warrnambool, you may not have the time to spend there. Great Ocean Road Reverse Itinerary Boutique Tour - Max 12 People - Viator Discover the different regions and their world class surf breaks, local food & wine, magnificent coastal walks, beautiful rainforest trails and pristine beaches. 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). 542 Km - Distance from Portland Ln to Mildura VIC 3500 3. It's also possible to travel from Melbourne to Adelaide via the Great . The ULTIMATE Great Ocean Road Map 2023 (Local's Guide) 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. For a great post-drive meal check out theGeelong Boathousefor a classic fish & chips by the sea. For those wanting to drive a bit further west, theres the historic harbour settlement of Portland which you can visit. Melbourne to the Great Ocean Road - Best Routes & Travel Advice Thanks Natalie Seltz Towson, MD. We can recommend a number of excellent companies who all use smaller buses which means more time at stops and more personalized experience. Great commentary. Dont start counting them though, because there are only seven you can count! You dont have to miss out on this epic road trip just because you are short on time. . How far is the Great Ocean Road from Melbourne? Let us help you get started with planning your Great Ocean Road itinerary. Start your 3 day Great Ocean Road itinerary with a lazy morning in Torquay. The return distance between Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road is 446 Km. Portland | Discover the many attractions of PortlandGetting Here - Portland With the last day of your Great Ocean Road itinerary upon you, there is still so much to be seen and experienced. You also get to enjoy free WiFi onboard, tea and snacks and relax in comfort between spots. From the rocks, Tim and I could see a cave in the side of the cliff. The coastline of the Great Ocean Road is constantly changing and one such natural formation is the London Arch. We are located almost at the end of the Great Ocean Road, about 4.5 hours from Melbourne. See above for that. - Bunyip Tours, Melbourne Traveller Reviews Here's all you need to know about taking a Great Ocean Road Tour From Melbourne - itinerary, best tours, highlights and quick hacks. If you want to get off the beaten path like we did, do not be afraid to try one of those unlabeled dirt roads. Great Ocean Road travel guide The property at 36 Braemar Street sold for $6 million by private sale. . Thousands of visitors flock here for summer and for festivals during the year, including the world famous Folkie. We still had a long ways to go. . This is the start of their Great Ocean Road drive. Our website uses cookies. Continue on from this point as there are tons of Great Ocean Road attractions to come. Your email address will not be published. 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. Iconic Animal Sightings. Australia Road Trip Planner: The 18 best road trips in Australia However, the views arent affected by the bigger cityscape. Bells Beach is a paradise for surfers; it is the location of the legendary annual Rip Curl Surfing competition. You might even get a stretch of beach all to yourself, maybe for the best adventure of the day. If you want one of the best views in Geelong, grab a seat on theSkyWheel. Join our small group coastal adventure to the beaches, rainforests and more of the Great Ocean Road. 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. 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. Theres so much to see and do, so you dont want to be left feeling rushed and tired at the end of your trip. For many people, the Great Ocean Road is a highlight when visiting Australia. 5 Day Adelaide to Melbourne via Great Ocean Road - Visit WA Yes. Melbourne to Adelaide South East Coast 3 Day Overland Tour. A great photo op spot, this is one of the most photographed spots along the Great Ocean Road. 446 Km - Distance from Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road It has some of the best park guides in the area to teach you about the history of the volcano as well as local Aboriginal history. The first to know about trending destinations, travel deals, tips and Join the adventures on our YouTube channel! The total distance you can expect to drive is over 600 km. Yes, you can. 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. 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. The spectacular Great Ocean Road hugs the seaside cliffs that snake along the wild and windswept Southern Ocean. 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. Director, editor and producer of feature documentary about animal welfare in farming. An organized tour that takes care of your transportation will help you take the trip within a day. It starts in Torquay and continues westward to Allansford. Would like to know what kind of still camera and lens you are using. Your story was very useful for us to plan our one day trip in March 2020 just before the corona virus outbreak. It is a popular stop for photographs with the name of the road and the plaque. Theres a lot to see and do along the way. One of the best things to do here is take a walk out on thePort Fairy Wharves. The Email id you have Entered is not Registered With us. The Great Ocean Road definitely has some dangerous turns.