It has great local produce, excellent surf beaches, and play parks for the kids to burn off energy. You will receive a link to create a new password via email. Spectacular and diverse scenery, wildlife, byo tent or book accommodation along the way. Griffiths Islandcan be accessed by a footbridge nearby to the wharf and is a great place to do a little bird watching. It was nothing fancy but suited our needs for our family of four. Click on any of the numbers on the map of The Great Ocean Road to read all about the attraction. One of the most adventurous things to do on the Great Ocean Road drive is to do a bit of scuba diving. What is the return distance between Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road? Starting from Torquay, this route takes you through beautiful seaside towns and rain forests as you follow the winding road along the exquisite coastline. The cliffs over the beach offer gorgeous views of the swells coming in from the Southern Ocean. ULURU: In our Guide to Uluru and Kata-Tjuta, learn how to get here, what to do, and how to plan your time. Lorne Seabaths, Gym, inground Trampolines for kids, and more. The Grotto is one of the most impressive sections of the coastline, and essentially a sinkhole. It starts at the surfing town of Torquay and finishes near Warrnambool. If you have a registered account with us,then we have sent you an email to reset your password. Today, it is a spot for whale watching and a centre for learning about the aboriginal history. Day 3: Warrnambool to Port Fairy then Melbourne (or Adelaide). Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. It shows off sheer limestone cliffs, dairy farms and heathland, and gets you up close and personal with the crashing . How long does it take to drive the Great Ocean Road? 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. 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. However, Loch Ard Gorge is still a stunning place for a swim. Both are amazing expressions of natural beauty and are worth checking out. Its definitely worth pulling over to read the history of the road as well as getting that classic holiday snap. Once you factor in viewpoints and short walks, expect this road trip to take one full day. 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. We had a villa, a small, two bedroom cabin with a kitchen and ensuite bathroom. Most take this road trip to visit the iconic Twelve Apostles but fall in love with the grandeur of nature. Melbourne's two best day tours, Great Ocean Road & Phillip Island, with entrance to Melbourne Skydeck. The Cape Otway lighthouse is the oldest surviving lighthouse in Australia and was rightly known as the Beacon of Hope. 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. 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. Private Great Ocean Road tour. Going up is going to be a task though! The beaches on the Great Ocean Road are fantastic for swimming, especially in the summer. 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. Bells Beach is known for hosting Rip Curl Pro, a world surfing competition. This dive spot is actually a ship that was wrecked off the eastern beach in Port Fairy in 1849. It takes about 75 minutes to drive to, depending on the traffic leaving Melbourne. Ziplining, surfing, horse riding, canoes, and kayaking, to name a few. And just for NOMADasaurus readers, if you use the Klook discount codeNOMADS10on the website when checking out, youll get $10 off your first booking! Depart from Melbourne in the morning, and begin your Great Ocean Road journey. Not even 15km from Apollo Bay is the incredibly lush and beautifulGreat Otway National Park. . 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. Bunyip Tours: Wonderful experience - See 1,941 traveler reviews, 941 candid photos, and great deals for Melbourne, Australia, at Tripadvisor. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Please enter your email address or username. Note: This post contains affiliate links. Less traffic on the road and more time to spend at stops. The lake views here are stunning and if youre lucky you might even be able to lay your eyes on a platypus or two. 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. This is one way to get away from other tourists. Make sure you book ahead though, as its not something you can just show up and do. The coastline is awesome. Stock up on essentials, fill up the car, turn up the radio and head towards Apollo Bay! Imagine free falling from the sky onto these gorgeous views? 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. Burrell has studied under expert chefs, including Tom Aikens in London, Monica Pope in Houston, and Tyson Cole. For just a moment though, it was neat peering out at the waves and the coastline from this unique vantage point. Youll find them sitting up in the eucalyptus trees. The Email id you have Entered is not Registered With us. Read all of our articles in our Australia Travel Guide. The first to know about trending destinations, travel deals, tips and For more trail information in Great Otway National Park, visit thiswebsite. Poor Tim got hit hard by the wave, soaking his feet. 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. One of the best things to do here is take a walk out on thePort Fairy Wharves. If your tour is on schedule you might find yourself some time for a swim. 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. The Great Ocean Road offers amazing scenery, unforgettable natural features and quaint towns making it a unique vacation spot. Over time it has been improved to create a peaceful and beautiful space to be enjoyed. Apart from the trip distance, refer Directions from Portland Ln to Mildura VIC 3500 for road driving directions! Further along, you will find verdant bush where koalas nest and then onto the lush rainforests with spectacular waterfalls and native wildlife. The Perth to Adelaide Drive (via the Nullarbor Plain) 3,700 km | 16 days Swim with dolphins, climb the giant Gloucester Tree, camp among . This will help you make the most of your time so you can see the things that matter to you. Live chat with local experts anywhere, anytime. You can also find the distance from Portland Ln to Mildura VIC 3500 using other travel options like bus, subway, tram, train and rail. What kind of still camera/lens are you finding most helpful? To enlarge the map, click the top right icon and it will open up, full screen, in a new tab. 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. ), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. The distance between Portland Ln to Mildura VIC 3500 is 542 Km by road. 1. However, if you only have 1 day to work with, then here are some suggestions to save yourself time. A staircase leads you to view it at the eye-level and is best experience at low tide at sunrise or sunset. Here we joined the largest crowds of people yet, all elbowing for the best place to take family photos. A drive between Melbourne and Adelaide via the inland route takes only 8 hours. Visit top wilderness destinations and picturesque towns on this epic 3-day tour from Melbourne to the Great Ocean Road and the Grampians. Starting from Torquay, this route takes you through beautiful seaside towns and rain forests as you follow the winding road along the exquisite coastline. Drive from Melbourne, via the Princes Highway, straight to Warrnambool (over 3 hours drive). For more experienced surfers, and those looking to set foot onto a world-renowned surf beach, head toBells Beach. Carry a fast-drying towel, a bathing suit and a change of clothes to go swimming. Adults: $119 $104 Online special! Our ultimate destination being Kangaroo Island. 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. They are now a part of a National Park and protected, and are the perfect destination to view the sunset. Republishing this articleand/orany of its contents (text, photography, etc. There are also several wineries and breweries in the area worth stopping in at to pick something up to enjoy throughout the rest of your trip too. From here you are well on your way to having covered a ton of ground. Its a highlight of a Great Ocean Road itinerary! If you arent restricted to only 1 day, give yourself at least 2 days to do the Great Ocean Road drive. Theres so much to see and do, so you dont want to be left feeling rushed and tired at the end of your trip. 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. 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. There are 2 main routes to reach the Great Ocean Road from Melbourne - an inland road that follows the Princes Highway from Geelong to Warrnambool, or drive over the West Gate Bridge and along the Bellarine Peninsula or Surf Coast Highway. 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). 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. Loch Iel (Pink Lake) The inland Melbourne to Adelaide drive takes around 5.5 hours from the Grampians. The distance from Adelaide to Melbourne is 1500km on this itinerary, which amounts to over 21 hours worth of driving. - See 1,941 traveler reviews, 942 candid photos, and great deals for Melbourne, Australia, at Tripadvisor. Built in 1848, it sits at the edge of the ocean almost 90m over the Bass Strait. 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. How far is the Great Ocean Road from Melbourne? We recommend Rental Cars, which has the largest range of vehicles for the best value on the market. 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. A road trip along the Great Ocean Road & Grampians National Park is a trip where you feel small in the universe. 6 Melbourne: Werribee Open Range Zoo Admission Ticket. Tyler and Kara joined us, took a look around, and then went back to their game. By continuing to browse this website you are agreeing to our use of cookies. While the Great Ocean Road covers a ton of coastline, this national park is a gem located more on the inland route. But one of the most incredible Great Ocean Road attractions is just around the corner. To drive direct from the Melbourne CBD to Torquay, where the road officially starts, is 104km, or 1 hour and 20 minutes. You can also carry a pair of flip flops or sandals if you wish to dip your feet in the ocean at Loch Ard Gorge or any other beach enroute. 1 Melbourne: 1-Day Entry Ticket to Melbourne Zoo. Stunning photos. We want to book accommodation as we go . The drive offers plenty of places to stop off and explore. It was another spot that was cool to see, even if it was just for a few minutes. The Ultimate Melbourne To Yarra Valley Tour | Discover The Best Wineries, Chocolateries and Delicatessens! 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? 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. An alternative to this driving route is that you do it in the reverse order. We can recommend a number of excellent companies who all use smaller buses which means more time at stops and more personalized experience. Distance: 507km / 7 hours roundtrip. If youre looking to do a bit of waterfall chasing, this is a great place to find them! 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. Bunyip Tours: Great Ocean Road - See 1,943 traveler reviews, 942 candid photos, and great deals for Melbourne, Australia, at Tripadvisor. The view of these sandstone pillars along the coastline is one of the Great Ocean Roads most famous. If youd like to continue travelling Australia beyond the Great Ocean Road, you canhead northwest to Adelaide. Quest Warrnambool is the perfect place to do just that. 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. Monumental. Sightseeing Time: 4 hours. Due to crashing waves over millennia, saltwater and erosion there are now only 8 limestone stacks remaining out of 12. The Great Ocean Road spans 200 kilometers, from Port Campbell in the west to Torquay in the east. I could not imagine trying to swim out past these waves, just to catch one right back to shore. Route: Melbourne-Twelve Apostles return, via B100 (Great Ocean Road) Highlights: Torquay, Bells Beach, Lorne, Apollo Bay . Surf lessons can be booked in Lorne, Anglesea, Torquay, and Ocean Grove. READ MORE: Be sure to plan your best trip to Australia by using our Australia Travel Guide! In this post, we cover the best spots to see along the way. Chasing waterfalls? Lorne is a picturesque town set between Loutit Bay and the Otway National Park, it is where the bush meets the ocean. Bells Beach is a paradise for surfers; it is the location of the legendary annual Rip Curl Surfing competition. 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. Get outdoors on bushwalking, surfing and mountain biking expeditions or take the cultural route through galleries, museums and heritage attractions. December to February is the best time to take a Great Ocean Road tour from Melbourne. A few minutes down the road from Sherbrook West is a large car park with trails to various viewpoints. 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. 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. It is summer and it is simply beautiful on the road! The Great Ocean Road is where you experience breathtaking nature and the great outdoors of Australia! Departs: 7:00am. Your story was very useful for us to plan our one day trip in March 2020 just before the corona virus outbreak. Day 1 - Drive to the Grampians National Park from Melbourne, visit McKenzie falls and stay overnight in the town of Halls Gap. We only recommend the best accommodations, tours and products, and regularly review these. Walk up near the Grey River Road and you will find koalas lounging on the trees. Discover some of the best things to do in Melbourne. Day 3: Warrnambool to Port Fairy then Melbourne (or Adelaide) Distance: 30km to Port Fairy, then 312km to Melbourne. One of the most iconic road trips in all of Australia, if not the world, has got to be the Great Ocean Road drive. Tip: If youre hungry on the drive back to Melbourne, stop at Colac for food. Let us help you get started with planning your Great Ocean Road itinerary. Stretching over 243km (150mi), among this dramatic coastline's iconic attractions there's a mecca of bucket-list-worthy experiences. Don't be an idiot. From below the steps you can marvel at the 70m limestone stacks from up close and feel the power of nature. 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. On a clear sunny day and depending on the tide you can get pretty close. Trust me, though, it'll be worth waking up early for. Here at Port Campbell National Park, we spent over two hours hopping from scenic view to scenic view. Great Ocean Road & Melbourne itinerary and attractions Day 1: Arriving in city of Melbourne Australia. However, the views arent affected by the bigger cityscape. If you want to get off the beaten path like we did, do not be afraid to try one of those unlabeled dirt roads. It takes 3 day to drive through the Great Ocean Road and to see all the attractions on the way. We could not get too close to the edge or else we would risk being pulled into the ocean by a rogue wave. Headout is building the future of how we experience our cities. 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 If you want one of the best views in Geelong, grab a seat on theSkyWheel. 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. 2011-2023 distancesfrom.com. To do this, leave Melbourne before 8am as most tours leave Melbourne city between 8am and 9am. Visit surf beaches, seaside towns, and national parks; and see rain forest, wild koalas, and towering waterfalls. Our self-drive itinerary includes driving via Robe and Victor Harbour though a side trip to include The Grampians could be included. If you have limited time and can only do it in 1 day, then dont stress. The coastline of the Great Ocean Road is constantly changing and one such natural formation is the London Arch. While your stop here signals the end of your epic 3 day Great Ocean Road itinerary, youre now on to new and exciting things. 375km of scenic winding roads along the southern ocean will take you through some of the countrys most beautiful UNESCO-listed landscapes. With the last day of your Great Ocean Road itinerary upon you, there is still so much to be seen and experienced. We are a single Mum with 3 kids, 8yo Boy and 5 and 4 yo girls. The waves here are huge and come fast and furious, making this area a great surfing spot. Loch Ard Gorge is a breathtaking natural formation just a short distance from the 12 apostles. . Join our small group coastal adventure to the beaches, rainforests and more of the Great Ocean Road. The waves here were big, similar to US east coast waves just before a hurricane. 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. 50 Things to do and see along the Great Ocean Road as a PDF Ebook. For many people, the Great Ocean Road is a highlight when visiting Australia. Find more of them listed here. Truly a paradise, the area is a popular destination for water sports and recreation activities. Torquay is also home to theSurf World Museumwith tons of history about the sport and its fame in Australia. Find out more and plan your adventure. The shortest road distance between Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road is 446 Km. What used to be a swamp was reclaimed and turned into these pretty gardens in 1858. For those wanting to drive a bit further west, theres the historic harbour settlement of Portland which you can visit. Perfect write up, very helpful indeed, Appreciate your work guys, Cheers. Finally, we made it to Bells Beach in Torquay, the end point of the Great Ocean Road. It offers easy transport options to Geelong and Torquay as well as plenty of car hire options. Julie Last updated: October 8, 2022 Australia 4 Comments. Most tour buses will leave between 8am and 9am, so try and leave before then. Director, editor and producer of feature documentary about animal welfare in farming. 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. Duration: 5 Days Prices From: US$ 699 Trip Type: Self-Drives, Tailor-made Travel Ideas Australia See Trip Details Heavenly, right? 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. Reserve your spot here. The road winds through picturesque locations outdo one another in terms of visual extravaganza. The starting point of the Great Ocean Road that's closest to Melbourne, Torquay, is 64 miles (103 km) from the city. 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. Routing: Adelaide to Melbourne Duration: 5 Days Code: AD3 From AUD$690.00* per person, based on standard double/twin share accommodation. 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. Children: $99 $94 (3 - 15 years) Minimum age 3 years. Your email address will not be published. It's also possible to travel from Melbourne to Adelaide via the Great . Discover the different regions and their world class surf breaks, local food & wine, magnificent coastal walks, beautiful rainforest trails and pristine beaches. This will start your Ocean Road drive in the opposite direction as most others, avoiding the busy traffic. This is just because we really want to show you the best bits of the beautiful Great Ocean Road! What is the road driving distance between Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road? This lookout gives you the chance to see right out to sea and over the entire city. It has the most food options before Geelong, which is a further 1 hour drive away. But that does not take away from the impressive views at all. The Ultimate Guide To Watch Phillip Island Penguin Parade. BONUS Booking ahead of time ensures you wont miss out on the tour, and get the best price too! 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. In 1932, the road was thrown open to the public and has since then become one of the worlds best road trip destinations. 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. I dashed out of the cave to higher ground, able to stay dry. 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. Learn about the Best Things to Do in Melbourne and get a recap of our experiences here. Sandstone cliffs plunging into the ocean, pillars of hardened sandstone sitting just offshore, all of this being pounded by some serious waves. A walkway just outside Lorne offers views of the ocean lapping up the mouth of the Saint George River and the Bass Strait. 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. It can be done. What is the shortest road distance between Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road? During your travel, you plan to visit the following- 1) Great Ocean Road, Apollo Bay, Victoria, Australia Recent Melbourne distance calculations Distance from Melbourne to New York , United States Distance from Melbourne to Canberra via Albury NSW 2640 Join the adventures on our YouTube channel! The weather can play a huge part in what is visible and how close you can get to this area. 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).