Head forEastern Beachfirst. If you have limited time and can only do it in 1 day, then dont stress. 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). Checking out the view of Bells Beach from the lookout. Burrell has studied under expert chefs, including Tom Aikens in London, Monica Pope in Houston, and Tyson Cole. Road Trip from Port Campbell to Melbourne, wine tasting in Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale, 5 Amazing Things to Do on the Tasman Peninsula, Australia, The Great Barrier Reef: Cruising to Lady Musgrave Island. The drive offers plenty of places to stop off and explore. To save even more time, you can cut out Warrnambool completely from your drive. The landscape varies depending on which route you take. can include Port Fairy and more coastal towns. The perfect place for a Melbourne city escape. And just for NOMADasaurus readers, if you use the Klook discount codeNOMADS10on the website when checking out, youll get $10 off your first booking! As Victorias 5th largest city, Warrnambool is a lot bigger than most of the seaside towns along the Great Ocean Road drive. On a clear sunny day and depending on the tide you can get pretty close. In this post, we cover the best spots to see along the way. 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. Depart from Melbourne in the morning, and begin your Great Ocean Road journey. It is essentially a sinkhole in a limestone stack and opens out to a view of the sea and cliffs beyond. If you dont want to visit Warrnambool, drive from Melbourne to the 12 Apostles (over 2.5 hours). 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. Check out our Great Ocean Road tours. The route of 243 KM stretches from Torquay to Allansford in Victoria state. From Melbourne, head to Geelong and then south to Torquay. 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 road covers a driveway of 243 km off the coast with pristine views of beaches, geological marvels, and rich forests. Stevenson Falls, Triplet Falls, Little Aire Falls, andHopetoun Fallsare just a few of the many highlights here. 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. Recommended option Bus 3h 30m Your password has been reset successfully please login with new password. If you have the time, sample the delights near Warrnambool. 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. 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. Most take this road trip to visit the iconic Twelve Apostles but fall in love with the grandeur of nature. Bells Beach is known for hosting Rip Curl Pro, a world surfing competition. Some of the beautiful coastal towns you will come across during your drive are Apollo Bay, Cape Otway, Port Campbell, Torquay, and Lorne. We can recommend a number of excellent companies who all use smaller buses which means more time at stops and more personalized experience. 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. Explore the cool temperate rainforest of the Great Otway National Park, waterfalls on Great Ocean Road, best viewpoints, koalas, and wildlife. Drive Along the Great Ocean Road. Distance: 507km / 7 hours roundtrip. Its definitely worth pulling over to read the history of the road as well as getting that classic holiday snap. The property at 36 Braemar Street sold for $6 million by private sale. It stretches for 243 kms. This often includes stopping at lookouts along the way. 12. The Ultimate Melbourne To Yarra Valley Tour | Discover The Best Wineries, Chocolateries and Delicatessens! Now youll be able to find the wreckage in shallow waters, which makes it great for divers to explore. If you're planning your big Great Ocean Road trip from Melbourne, here are all the transport options that could get you there. 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. 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. Required fields are marked *. The worlds largest war memorial is built along the road whose story began in 1919 when World War I heroes returned home and started building a memorial for their martyrs. These commissions help us keep creating more free travel content to help people plan their holidays and adventures. Great commentary. Get outdoors on bushwalking, surfing and mountain biking expeditions or take the cultural route through galleries, museums and heritage attractions. Going up is going to be a task though! This will help you make the most of your time so you can see the things that matter to you. The first to know about trending destinations, travel deals, tips and Chasing waterfalls? The Great Ocean Road (B100) is one of Australia's most famous touring routes. The spectacular Great Ocean Road hugs the seaside cliffs that snake along the wild and windswept Southern Ocean. The highlight of the Great Ocean Road are the Twelve Apostles. Join the adventures on our YouTube channel! Find out more, Along with so many natural attractions to experience, the Ocean Road also has activities to keep visitors on a self-drive tour busy for days. With your own car however youll be able to stop when and where you want, spending as long as you need to check out the beaches, taking in the views and having the freedom to explore at your leisure. But one of the most incredible Great Ocean Road attractions is just around the corner. A road trip along the Great Ocean Road & Grampians National Park is a trip where you feel small in the universe. We parked at a small car park and were the only ones here. We could not get too close to the edge or else we would risk being pulled into the ocean by a rogue wave. Next, we got off the beaten track, taking an unnamed dirt road towards the shoreline. The whole trail is about 15km, but your best chances for spotting the cute indigenous animals are about 6km in atGrey River. Most tour buses will leave between 8am and 9am, so try and leave before then. 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. After the Twelve Apostles, continue along the Great Ocean Road towards Port Campbell. We set off from the city at 6am. Hello Ive so enjoyed the magnificent stories of your world tours and the stunning photos. You can also try a different route while coming back by adding multiple destinations. It has diverse vegetation ranging from lush rainforest to rugged coastline, it has everything from stunning waterfalls to tranquil lakes. The road driving distance between Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road is 446 Km. The waves here were big, similar to US east coast waves just before a hurricane. 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. Drive Time: 30 minutes to Port Fairy, 4 hours to Melbourne. The beaches on the Great Ocean Road are fantastic for swimming, especially in the summer. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. For just a moment though, it was neat peering out at the waves and the coastline from this unique vantage point. If you don't want to take the ferry, you can also take the alternative route via Geelong by car, although the ferry crossing is much nicer. This is one way to get away from other tourists. After passing through Port Campbell, youll pass by The Arch and London Bridge. All the points of interest mentioned above are marked on the Great Ocean Road Map below. Portland is 6 hours (540 km) away from Adelaide. We personally stayed there when we travelled across Australia, and highly recommend it. 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. Melbourne to Adelaide One Way Itinerary This route follows the Great Ocean Road from Melbourne to Adelaide and is approximately 1,250 km. Children: $99 $94 (3 - 15 years) Minimum age 3 years. Great post guys, you have inspired me to take a trip here when I finally get to Australia again! . A sandy trail took us down to a beach. . Melbourne's two best day tours, Great Ocean Road & Phillip Island, with entrance to Melbourne Skydeck. Its not nearly as scenic to do it this way, but it does save you about 50 km and one hour of driving. A softUsvista Inc. venture! 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. One of the best things to do here is take a walk out on thePort Fairy Wharves. Apart from the trip distance, refer. Most people start the Great Ocean Road drive from Melbourne to Torquay. The drive offers plenty of places to stop off and explore. The standalone arch was earlier connected to the coast with another such arch giving it the name London Bridge, but in 1990 the connecting arch fell down due to erosion. You dont have to miss out on this epic road trip just because you are short on time. Dont feed the koalas or the parrots as they are in the wild and any feeding them our food will disrupt their natural behaviour. The Great Ocean Road definitely has some dangerous turns. ULURU: In our Guide to Uluru and Kata-Tjuta, learn how to get here, what to do, and how to plan your time. Thats how were going to structure this post for you. Bunyip Tours: See above for that. While wandering around town youll surely spot a ton of street art, which is something Geelong is known for. Bunyip Tours: Wonderful experience - See 1,941 traveler reviews, 941 candid photos, and great deals for Melbourne, Australia, at Tripadvisor. The official limit on the B100 (the Great Ocean Road) is between 80-100km per hour; in towns between 50-70km/h, and when there is traffic and during busy periods, as low as 30km/h. With the last day of your Great Ocean Road itinerary upon you, there is still so much to be seen and experienced. While Tyler and Kara tried to throw each other off of the sand dunes, Tim and I went exploring. To get here, however, was a two-hour drive via the M1 highway from Melbourne. Other good breaks in addition to Bells Beach includeSan Juc, Winki Pop, Bird RockandSparrowsjust to name a few. Starting from Torquay, this route takes you through beautiful seaside towns and rain forests as you follow the winding road along the exquisite coastline. Its a highlight of a Great Ocean Road itinerary! Another fun way to get to the Great Ocean Road is by using the ferry service from Queenscliff and the Bellarine Peninsula to Sorrento and the Mornington Peninsula. The Kennet River located between Lorne and Apollo Bay is one of the best places in Australia to view wild koalas. It was awesome having this place all to ourselves, being able to explore without anyone else around. 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. Although i highly recommend visiting Warrnambool, you may not have the time to spend there. Cant wait for the trip , Thanks Tracy. The shortest road distance between Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road is 446 Km. 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. In the shadow of the Otway ranges meeting Cape Otway is the Apollo Bay, midway of the Great Ocean Road. Turn off for this road just before you reach Apollo Bay. . It is a rest stop on the Great Ocean Road and gateway to spectacular waterfalls and viewpoints. The Great Ocean Road was built as a memorial for soldiers of World War I and this timber arch commemorates them. Read our detailed blog to know all about Skydiving in Melbourne and book your Great Ocean Road skydive. 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. Most visitors to the Great Ocean Road travel from Melbourne, which is the nearest major city. Although most Great Ocean Road tours offer snacks they might be limited and since you are in for a long day its best to stock up on extra snacks and beverages for the road. A great photo op spot, this is one of the most photographed spots along the Great Ocean Road. Kms. Planning a trip to Australia? This was not anywhere near as scenic as Port Campbell National Park but was still worth seeing. With the world-renowned Great Ocean Road located between these two capital cities, a coastal road trip between Melbourne and Adelaide is among one of the most scenic road trips in Australia. You can also find the flight distance or distance to fly from Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road. The starting point of the Great Ocean Road that's closest to Melbourne, Torquay, is 64 miles (103 km) from the city. This lookout gives you the chance to see right out to sea and over the entire city. By continuing to browse this website you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Access a more in-depth look at the popular local sport at the Australian National Surfing Museum, too. 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. In front of us were walls of sandstone, giant waves crashing on the beach, and a rocky peninsula just waiting to be explored. 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. 3 Melbourne: SEA LIFE Aquarium Entrance Ticket. 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. With the last day of your Great Ocean Road itinerary upon you, there is still so much to be seen and experienced. 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. 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. . Lorne Seabaths, Gym, inground Trampolines for kids, and more. Both are natural, offshore stone archways. What kind of still camera/lens are you finding most helpful? How long does it take to drive the Great Ocean Road? Seeingthe Twelve Apostlesfor yourself should be at the top of your Australian Bucket list, no matter the weather. ThePort FairyBotanical Gardensare a lovely spot for an afternoon walk and to admire the plants and flowers. Brekkie tacos, smoothie bowls and a full lunch menu to eat in or take away will please anyone visiting. Your email address will not be published. After the last couple of years, it seems everyone wants to be out and about and go travelling. For a great post-drive meal check out theGeelong Boathousefor a classic fish & chips by the sea. What is the road driving distance between Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road? 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 I am using a Canon 5D Mark iii with a 20-70 mm lens. 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. Further along, you will find verdant bush where koalas nest and then onto the lush rainforests with spectacular waterfalls and native wildlife. Great Ocean Road one-day itinerary. Walk up near the Grey River Road and you will find koalas lounging on the trees. 5+. A drive between Melbourne and Adelaide via the inland route takes only 8 hours. A total of 620 properties were sold via auction last . 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.) 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. The Great Ocean Road is one of Australias great drives. 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. The cliffs over the beach offer gorgeous views of the swells coming in from the Southern Ocean. The Great Ocean Road Tour covers pristine beaches, geological marvels, and rich forests on your way. Starting from Torquay, this route takes you through beautiful seaside towns and rain forests as you follow the winding road along the exquisite coastline. Home to some of Australia's best-known surf beaches, Torquay marks the official beginning of the Great Ocean Road. It takes 3 day to drive through the Great Ocean Road and to see all the attractions on the way. - See 1,941 traveler reviews, 942 candid photos, and great deals for Melbourne, Australia, at Tripadvisor. It starts at the surfing town of Torquay and finishes near Warrnambool. What is the shortest road distance between Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road? Live chat with local experts anywhere, anytime. Visit surf beaches, seaside towns, and national parks; and see rain forest, wild koalas, and towering waterfalls. Yes, you can do this as a one day trip from Melbourne, but I dont recommend it. The driving distance from Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road is 446 km. Brambuk: The National Park and Cultural Centre The area has a forest of gum and eucalyptus trees which are the main food source of koalas. 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. Once you factor in viewpoints and short walks, expect this road trip to take one full day. 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. If youd like to continue travelling Australia beyond the Great Ocean Road, you canhead northwest to Adelaide. Director, editor and producer of feature documentary about animal welfare in farming. Tip: Beat the tour buses to avoid the traffic and crowds. Part 1: Melbourne Part 2: Melbourne to Ballarat Part 3: Ballarat to Torquay Part 4: Torquay to Port Campbell Part 5: Port Campbell to Warrnambool Part 6: Warrnambool to Portland Part 7: Portland to Mount Gambier Sightseeing Time: 4 hours. The V/line service offers frequent train travel departing Melbournes Southern Cross Station and running to both Geelong and Warrnambool. However, Loch Ard Gorge is still a stunning place for a swim. Did you know: The Great Ocean Road is the worlds largest war memorial, and was built by returning servicemen from World War I. The road winds through picturesque locations outdo one another in terms of visual extravaganza. However, when the winds pick up it is best to stay above the Grotto.