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. You also wont be getting a sunset picture of the 12 Apostles as it will be one of your first major stops. 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. A staircase leads you to view it at the eye-level and is best experience at low tide at sunrise or sunset. The Great Ocean Road spans 200 kilometers, from Port Campbell in the west to Torquay in the east. Live chat with local experts anywhere, anytime. Trust me, though, it'll be worth waking up early for. How long does it take to drive 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. Sometimes, Tyler and Kara feel like they will never be able to escape the attention of people curious about their blond hair. We spent forty five minutes here and during this time we did not see one other person. Its a small village, but Port Campbell is a nice place to stop for a snack and some fuel. 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. The two-way highway is scenic as it gets and covers iconic landmarks like the Twelve Apostles, Apollo Bay, and the Otways. We parked at a small car park and were the only ones here. Quest Warrnambool is the perfect place to do just that. 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. Things all of a sudden became a lot more exciting. We set off from the city at 6am. Day 3 - Set of on the Great Ocean Road, staying overnight in the village of Lorne, halfway . 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. The Great Ocean Road Tour covers pristine beaches, geological marvels, and rich forests on your way. You also get to enjoy free WiFi onboard, tea and snacks and relax in comfort between spots. Your password has been reset successfully please login with new password. For those who love to drive and are comfortable in driving outside the city and through a variety of terrain it is a paradise waiting to be explored. You will want to try and get ahead of as many tour buses as you can. It was awesome having this place all to ourselves, being able to explore without anyone else around. It is a beast to carry around with me everyday but I love the photos get with it. There is also a plaque on the left side of the road which serves as a memory for the soldiers. The starting point of the Great Ocean Road that's closest to Melbourne, Torquay, is 64 miles (103 km) from the city. Find more of them listed here. 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. 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. You can also try a different route while coming back by adding multiple destinations. The first to know about trending destinations, travel deals, tips and All rights reserved Earth Trekkers. Cruising the Great Ocean Road is ranked amongst the top things to do in Australia. 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. The landscape varies depending on which route you take. This is just because we really want to show you the best bits of the beautiful Great Ocean Road! This will start your Ocean Road drive in the opposite direction as most others, avoiding the busy traffic. Theres a lot to see and do along the way. Made famous for theRip Curl Prohosted every Easter, Bells Beach is not only beautiful but a huge part of both Australian and surf culture. 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 want to travel by bus, know that there are plenty from Geelong to Apollo Bay, Warrnambool, Port Fairy and Portland,all travelling via the Great Ocean Road. The direct route between these two locations is 142km, taking drivers around two hours to complete. Children: $99 $94 (3 - 15 years) Minimum age 3 years. Read our detailed blog to know all about Skydiving in Melbourne and book your Great Ocean Road skydive. The Twelve Apostles marked the end of the most scenic of viewpoints but did not end our journey down the Great Ocean Road. 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. It will stop off at most of the popular viewing spots. The Great Ocean Road offers amazing scenery, unforgettable natural features and quaint towns making it a unique vacation spot. TheKennett River Koala Walkis the perfect place to get your fix. The V/line service offers frequent train travel departing Melbournes Southern Cross Station and running to both Geelong and Warrnambool. Please enter your email address or username. On a clear sunny day and depending on the tide you can get pretty close. Today, it is a spot for whale watching and a centre for learning about the aboriginal history. One of the most adventurous things to do on the Great Ocean Road drive is to do a bit of scuba diving. Would like to know what kind of still camera and lens you are using. Burrell received her first James Beard nomination for "Best Chef: Texas" in 2020 and . Lorneis the closest town from the arch and a great spot to grab some lunch atBottle of Milk, use the facilities and continue on towardsKennett River. 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. 30 mins), 446 Km - Distance from Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road, FAQ about Distance from Melbourne to Portland, The driving distance from Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road is, Directions from Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road, map from Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road, Travel time from Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road, Distance from Melbourne to New York , United States, Distance from Melbourne to Canberra via Albury NSW 2640, Distance from Melbourne to Canberra via Albury New South Wales, Distance from Melbourne to Canberra via Orbost. It stretches for 243 kms. 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 Grotto is multiple geological formations rolled into one and is one of the most spectacular points to view the coast. Most take this road trip to visit the iconic Twelve Apostles but fall in love with the grandeur of nature. Less traffic on the road and more time to spend at stops. From AU $1625 to AU $1895 3 days ex flights. One of the best things to do here is take a walk out on thePort Fairy Wharves. An alternative to this driving route is that you do it in the reverse order. And your Great Ocean Road route should not miss out on two other attractions nearby either. Depending on the vehicle you choose to travel, you can calculate the amount of CO2 emissions from your vehicle and assess the environment impact. The route of 243 KM stretches from Torquay to Allansford in Victoria state. 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. Our journey ended an hour and a half later, finally at Melbourne. Hi Tracy, November is a beautiful time to travel the Great Ocean Road. For more information on routes and trails visit the websitehere. No, the Great Ocean Road isnt particularly dangerous to drive, as long as you take proper precautions. 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. You can spend more time at each location and engage in activities like trekking, swimming and adventure sports. Whether you're a history buff, foodie, nature lover or adventurer get ready for a great weekend. Director, editor and producer of feature documentary about animal welfare in farming. The Animal Condition (Feature Film) 2010 - Jun 20177 years. You might even get a stretch of beach all to yourself, maybe for the best adventure of the day. You can also use the share icon and share it on Facebook. From Torquay to Warrnambool (the last town on the Great Ocean Road), expect to spend at least 4 hours of driving which doesnt include stops. December to February is the best time to take a Great Ocean Road tour from Melbourne. If you want to get the most of a day trip down the Great Ocean Road but do not want to self-drive, a bus tour will be the perfect option. We plan to spend 5 days on Kangaroo Island and have allowed 3 days to get to Cape Jervis. Soaring high above the limestone stacks youll get the best views of Victorias Shipwreck Coast. Planning a trip to Australia? Port Fairy is a tiny town on Victorias iconic shipwreck coast with a charming vibe and an exciting causeway that leads you out to an island worth exploring too. The nearly 250 kilometre road encapsulates some of Australia's most iconic scenery and gives visitors the opportunity to get close to wildlife. A drive down the road will take you through magnificent landscapes of the white surf hitting the golden beaches, where the limestone stacks and arches weather the powerful ocean. The distance from Adelaide to Melbourne is 1500km on this itinerary, which amounts to over 21 hours worth of driving. The waves here were big, similar to US east coast waves just before a hurricane. 5+. Burrell has studied under expert chefs, including Tom Aikens in London, Monica Pope in Houston, and Tyson Cole. From the car park, there is a short trail that will lead you right to the viewpoint where youll be gifted with the most incredible sweeping views of Apollo Bay and the coastline. Do you think that will be possible that time of year or do we have to book in advance ? The return distance between Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road is 446 Km. If youre looking to do a bit of waterfall chasing, this is a great place to find them! Visit surf beaches, seaside towns, and national parks; and see rain forest, wild koalas, and towering waterfalls. But you may not have that luxury of time. For a great post-drive meal check out theGeelong Boathousefor a classic fish & chips by the sea. You might not be making any unscheduled stops to buy snacks. 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. In this post, we cover the best spots to see along the way. This stone archway once formed a natural bridge over the gorge, but unfortunately collapsed almost a decade ago. If you're planning a self-guided tour, this could come handy. 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. From the rocks, Tim and I could see a cave in the side of the cliff. Have a great time. These commissions help us keep creating more free travel content to help people plan their holidays and adventures. Great commentary. Or Warrnambool, Camperdown, Geelong, Melbourne. Both are natural, offshore stone archways. We had a villa, a small, two bedroom cabin with a kitchen and ensuite bathroom. It makes for a perfect family day out or holiday with friends. We know what you mean by just taking your time and booking the day of but we would recommend booking in advance as it is so much busier now. Blazing Saddles Trail Rides, Aireys Inlet. To do this, leave Melbourne before 8am as most tours leave Melbourne city between 8am and 9am. Start your 3 day Great Ocean Road itinerary with a lazy morning in Torquay. ULURU: In our Guide to Uluru and Kata-Tjuta, learn how to get here, what to do, and how to plan your time. 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. 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. Due to crashing waves over millennia, saltwater and erosion there are now only 8 limestone stacks remaining out of 12. 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. DestinationsPhotographySustainable TourismAdventure Travel, Adventure ToursStart a BlogTravel TipsSitemap, 2023 NOMADasaurus | Peak Evolution Media, The PERFECT Great Ocean Road Drive Itinerary (2023). If you have limited time and can only do it in 1 day, then dont stress. 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. Kms. Read all of our articles in our Australia Travel Guide. It offers easy transport options to Geelong and Torquay as well as plenty of car hire options. While the Great Ocean Road covers a ton of coastline, this national park is a gem located more on the inland route. Great Ocean Road & Melbourne itinerary and attractions Day 1: Arriving in city of Melbourne Australia. Our ultimate destination being Kangaroo Island. Let us help you get started with planning your Great Ocean Road itinerary. Please note: this popular area is big and therefore the tour involves quite a lot of driving. In the shadow of the Otway ranges meeting Cape Otway is the Apollo Bay, midway of the Great Ocean Road. Cannon Hillis a great place to start if you want to get the lay of the land. From here you are well on your way to having covered a ton of ground. Dont want to drive but still want to see the Great Ocean Road? We enjoyed our travels on the Great Ocean Road, the area of Port Campbell National Park being the highlight of the day. Tip: If youre hungry on the drive back to Melbourne, stop at Colac for food. It is summer and it is simply beautiful on the road! 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. The lake views here are stunning and if youre lucky you might even be able to lay your eyes on a platypus or two. From Melbourne, head to Geelong and then south to Torquay. Home; Timetables Train & coach timetables; Plan a journey 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. The highlight of the Great Ocean Road are the Twelve Apostles. Thanks for your support, kind friend! Drive Time: 30 minutes to Port Fairy, 4 hours to Melbourne. Note: This post contains affiliate links. 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. In this guide, learn how to plan a trip around the world. During your travel, you plan to visit the following-1) Great Ocean Road, Apollo Bay, Victoria, Australia. Where does the Great Ocean Road start and finish. Built in honour of the 3,000 soldiers who worked on this stretch of road after WWI, there is now also a sculpture there to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the arch. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Weve been traveling the world together since 2008, searching for the planets best destinations and adventures. Experience the Great Ocean Road from Melbourne to Adelaide. You will also reach the main stops at a different time to the crowds. Now youll be able to find the wreckage in shallow waters, which makes it great for divers to explore. The property at 36 Braemar Street sold for $6 million by private sale. The Obelisk sits atop a rugged coastline, which is rapidly being eroded by the harsh elements. This lookout gives you the chance to see right out to sea and over the entire city. Loch Ard Gorgeis the first attraction on the way, just a stones throw from the Twelve Apostles. Its not nearly as scenic to do it this way, but it does save you about 50 km and one hour of driving. Imagine free falling from the sky onto these gorgeous views? The Great Ocean Road is one of the most epic road journeys you can go on across the world! Not too far down the coast is an iconic must-visit stop on any of the Great Ocean Road drives,Torquay, known for its epic surf beaches. Sightseeing Time: 4 hours. Bunyip Tours: Cute Penguins - 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? In 1932, the road was thrown open to the public and has since then become one of the worlds best road trip destinations. Tyler and Kara, since they were shorter, were able to retreat to the far depths of the cave, keeping their feet dry. Both are amazing expressions of natural beauty and are worth checking out. Join our small group coastal adventure to the beaches, rainforests and more of the Great Ocean Road. 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. Read more about taking a Melbourne to Phillip Island Tour. Over time it has been improved to create a peaceful and beautiful space to be enjoyed. 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. 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. It takes travellers past world-class surfing breaks, through pockets of rainforest and calm seaside towns, and under koala-filled tree canopies. Starting and finishing in Melbourne is how most people do the Great Ocean Road drive in 1 day. Port Fairy offers great locations forscuba divingincludingThe Thistle. ThePort FairyBotanical Gardensare a lovely spot for an afternoon walk and to admire the plants and flowers. Today, at 4 pm, with clouds and a cold breeze, it did not look like much to us. Route: Melbourne-Twelve Apostles return, via B100 (Great Ocean Road) Highlights: Torquay, Bells Beach, Lorne, Apollo Bay . But if you are driving under the speed limit and following protocols, it could be one of the best drives of your life given the amazing view throughout the drive. 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 four of us made our way over to the cave, dodging waves washing up onto shore with approaching high tide. 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. A sandy trail took us down to a beach. READ MORE: Be sure to plan your best trip to Australia by using our Australia Travel Guide! 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. Head forEastern Beachfirst. One down side to this is that you will be travelling on the side of the road which isnt on the coast side. . And just for NOMADasaurus readers, if you use the Klook discount codeNOMADS10on the website when checking out, youll get $10 off your first booking! Theyll even show you how to throw a Boomerang and spear! Your email address will not be published. 52 Great Weekends > No 3: Portland No 3: Portland Located a little over 4hrs Melbourne, Portland is well worth the drive. These unique and adorable local animals call this spot home and have been known to use the lake as a nesting ground when having babies so best to keep your eyes peeled. Subscribe, Home | Australia | The PERFECT Great Ocean Road Drive Itinerary (2023). The Great Ocean Road is an adventurers' perfect medley; expect breathtaking natural wonders, charming restaurants serving oh-so-delicious fare and vast wilderness dotted with native wildlife and jaw-dropping vistas. 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. It has the most food options before Geelong, which is a further 1 hour drive away. It was nothing fancy but suited our needs for our family of four. You will receive a link to create a new password via email. Find out more here. This was not anywhere near as scenic as Port Campbell National Park but was still worth seeing. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. All the points of interest mentioned above are marked on the Great Ocean Road Map below. Take the Great Ocean Road tour from Melbourne to catch the best scenery and attractions. Julie Last updated: October 8, 2022 Australia 4 Comments. Torquay is also home to theSurf World Museumwith tons of history about the sport and its fame in Australia. You can buy Great Ocean Road Tours online which would cover your itinerary and tickets for attractions. As Victorias 5th largest city, Warrnambool is a lot bigger than most of the seaside towns along the Great Ocean Road drive. We recommend Rental Cars, which has the largest range of vehicles for the best value on the market. 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 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. If you fancy trying your luck to spot some wildlife head out to nearbyLake Elizabeth. Returns: Approx 9:00pm. Bells Beach is known for hosting Rip Curl Pro, a world surfing competition. We personally stayed there when we travelled across Australia, and highly recommend it. An organized tour that takes care of your transportation will help you take the trip within a day. 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. After the gorge youll pass the town of Port Campbell. But the Great Ocean Road is about so much more than its sinuous, coast hugging tarmac. Located less than 2 hours from Melbourne. TheForeshore Promenadeis a great place for a stroll as well and stretches on for about 6 km. For several hours, we traveled along the Great Ocean Road, on very windy roads, through towns like Apollo Bay, Skenes Creek, and Lorne. There were no surfers, really there was no one else here other than a few curious people like ourselves. 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. Bells Beach is Australias premiere surf spot, a spot also labeled by some as the best surfing destination in the world. You can tackle the Great Ocean Road in one long day, or break it up over a few days, which is what we suggest doing. 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. 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. Depart from Melbourne in the morning, and begin your Great Ocean Road journey. Check out our Great Ocean Road tours. Read all of our articles in our. There are a few towns along the way like Lorne, Apollo Bay and Port Campbell where you can stay or camp overnight. How far is the Great Ocean Road from Melbourne? The Great Ocean Road winds through picturesque locations that outdo one another in terms of visual extravaganza.
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