To enlarge the map, click the top right icon and it will open up, full screen, in a new tab. 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.) Seeingthe Twelve Apostlesfor yourself should be at the top of your Australian Bucket list, no matter the weather. The perfect place for a Melbourne city escape. Surf Culture at Australian National Museum of Surfing. The Great Ocean Road definitely has some dangerous turns. 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. This dive spot is actually a ship that was wrecked off the eastern beach in Port Fairy in 1849. 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. Great Ocean Road starts at Torquay and finishes in Allansford. Once in Warrnambool, it doesnt take long to drive to Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve. ThePort FairyBotanical Gardensare a lovely spot for an afternoon walk and to admire the plants and flowers. Would like to know what kind of still camera and lens you are using. Great Ocean Road Tour 2 Days experience from Melbourne to Adelaide. They are now a part of a National Park and protected, and are the perfect destination to view the sunset. 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. 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. It stretches for 243 kms. We could not get too close to the edge or else we would risk being pulled into the ocean by a rogue wave. These commissions help us keep creating more free travel content to help people plan their holidays and adventures. The route of 243 KM stretches from Torquay to Allansford in Victoria state. 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 Twelve Apostles are giant limestone stacks jutting out of the ocean that form one of the most recognizable landscapes in Australia. Now youll be able to find the wreckage in shallow waters, which makes it great for divers to explore. Quest Warrnambool is the perfect place to do just that. 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. Find out more and plan your adventure. Live chat with local experts anywhere, anytime. The Animal Condition (Feature Film) 2010 - Jun 20177 years. Getting stuck behind tour buses will add to your travel time. However, if you only have 1 day to work with, then here are some suggestions to save yourself time. If youre looking to do a bit of waterfall chasing, this is a great place to find them! 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. It takes 3 day to drive through the Great Ocean Road and to see all the attractions on the way. Checking out the view of Bells Beach from the lookout. What is the return distance between Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road? But that does not take away from the impressive views at all. Reserve your spot here. Check, (2 hrs
Hugging the ocean on one side, the other side of the road changes its landscape from lush rainforest-clad mountains to volcanic plains. The drive offers plenty of places to stop off and explore. What kind of still camera/lens are you finding most helpful? 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. We plan to spend 5 days on Kangaroo Island and have allowed 3 days to get to Cape Jervis. The Great Ocean Road winds through picturesque locations that outdo one another in terms of visual extravaganza. The area has a forest of gum and eucalyptus trees which are the main food source of koalas. To save even more time, you can cut out Warrnambool completely from your drive. Whether you're a history buff, foodie, nature lover or adventurer get ready for a great weekend. 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. 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. 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. It is summer and it is simply beautiful on the road! 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. 3 Melbourne: SEA LIFE Aquarium Entrance Ticket. The Twelve Apostles Driving East on the Great Ocean Road Bells Beach Arriving in Melbourne Road Trip from Port Campbell to Melbourne Day Trip from Melbourne Driving the Great Ocean Road The Great Ocean Road spans 200 kilometers, from Port Campbell in the west to Torquay in the east. Plan ahead and give yourself at least 1 full day. Spectacular and diverse scenery, wildlife, byo tent or book accommodation along the way. Day 2 - Pinnacles Walk in the Grampians National Park and drive to Port Campbell on the Great Ocean Road to stay overnight. The whole trail is about 15km, but your best chances for spotting the cute indigenous animals are about 6km in atGrey River. The road covers a driveway of 243 km off the coast with pristine views of beaches, geological marvels, and rich forests. Julie Last updated: October 8, 2022 Australia 4 Comments. 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. One of the best things to do here is take a walk out on thePort Fairy Wharves. If you want to get off the beaten path like we did, do not be afraid to try one of those unlabeled dirt roads. 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. Perfect write up, very helpful indeed, Appreciate your work guys, Cheers. December to February is the best time to take a Great Ocean Road tour from Melbourne. And to get your fill of more art you can visit theGeelong Art GalleryandThe Heritage Center. 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. Starting from Torquay, this route takes you through beautiful seaside towns and rain forests as you follow the winding road along the exquisite coastline. This lookout gives you the chance to see right out to sea and over the entire city. It sounds daunting but it's going to be broken down into very manageable chunks. 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 Great Ocean Road is one of the most epic road journeys you can go on across the world! But one of the most incredible Great Ocean Road attractions is just around the corner. Follow our journey in real time on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram. Continue on from this point as there are tons of Great Ocean Road attractions to come. Burrell has studied under expert chefs, including Tom Aikens in London, Monica Pope in Houston, and Tyson Cole. The starting point of the Great Ocean Road that's closest to Melbourne, Torquay, is 64 miles (103 km) from the city. 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. I dashed out of the cave to higher ground, able to stay dry. The green forest with the winding highway meets the ocean here! 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. Drive Time: 30 minutes to Port Fairy, 4 hours to Melbourne. Bells Beach is known for hosting Rip Curl Pro, a world surfing competition. When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we get paid a small commission at no extra cost to you. Stretching over 243km (150mi), among this dramatic coastline's iconic attractions there's a mecca of bucket-list-worthy experiences. Republishing this articleand/orany of its contents (text, photography, etc. Click on any of the numbers on the map of The Great Ocean Road to read all about the attraction. Other good breaks in addition to Bells Beach includeSan Juc, Winki Pop, Bird RockandSparrowsjust to name a few. Here are a few budget Great Ocean Road tours you should consider. There is also a plaque on the left side of the road which serves as a memory for the soldiers. 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. Day 1 - Drive to the Grampians National Park from Melbourne, visit McKenzie falls and stay overnight in the town of Halls Gap. It's also possible to travel from Melbourne to Adelaide via the Great . 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 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. We are located almost at the end of the Great Ocean Road, about 4.5 hours from Melbourne. Let us help you get started with planning your Great Ocean Road itinerary. Subscribe, Home | Australia | The PERFECT Great Ocean Road Drive Itinerary (2023). Great Ocean Road & Melbourne itinerary and attractions Day 1: Arriving in city of Melbourne Australia. Theres a lot to see and do along the way. 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. Ziplining, surfing, horse riding, canoes, and kayaking, to name a few. Drive from Melbourne, via the Princes Highway, straight to Warrnambool (over 3 hours drive). 5+. 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. Located less than 2 hours from Melbourne. You will receive a link to create a new password via email. You might not be making any unscheduled stops to buy snacks. DESTINATIONS AROUND THE WORLD: For more places to visit around the world, check out our Destinations page. Hello Ive so enjoyed the magnificent stories of your world tours and the stunning photos. From AUD$940.00* per person, based on [] 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. 8 Days or so of hiking from Apollo Bay to the 12 Apostles following the coastline with views and experiences not possible by car or bus. Lorne Seabaths, Gym, inground Trampolines for kids, and more. 52 Great Weekends > No 3: Portland No 3: Portland Located a little over 4hrs Melbourne, Portland is well worth the drive. Mum, works 2- 3 days a week, Tues and Wednesday and Friday and has the children in daycare and . 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. Visit surf beaches, seaside towns, and national parks; and see rain forest, wild koalas, and towering waterfalls. Start your 3 day Great Ocean Road itinerary with a lazy morning in Torquay. Our particular itinerary starts in Melbourne and finishes in Port Fairy over 3 days, and is the exact route we have personally done numerous times. 2011-2023 distancesfrom.com. Torquay is also home to theSurf World Museumwith tons of history about the sport and its fame in Australia. Make sure you visit first thing in the morning or later in the afternoon for the best koala viewing times. Truly a paradise, the area is a popular destination for water sports and recreation activities. If you really want a unique perspective though, and love a bit of adventure, how does skydiving over the 12 Apostles sound? Loch Ard Gorgeis the first attraction on the way, just a stones throw from the Twelve Apostles. Try out the walking trails, have a picnic by the sea, take in the scenic views, or go searching for Australian wildlife. The first destination is Bells Beach in Torquay, a famous location for surfers. The Cape Otway lighthouse is the oldest surviving lighthouse in Australia and was rightly known as the Beacon of Hope. You can buy Great Ocean Road Tours online which would cover your itinerary and tickets for attractions. The cliffs over the beach offer gorgeous views of the swells coming in from the Southern Ocean. Here at Port Campbell National Park, we spent over two hours hopping from scenic view to scenic view. Warrnambool railway station is the terminus of the Warrnambool line in Victoria, Australia.It serves the city of Warrnambool, and it opened on 4 February 1890.. It takes travellers past world-class surfing breaks, through pockets of rainforest and calm seaside towns, and under koala-filled tree canopies. 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. TheForeshore Promenadeis a great place for a stroll as well and stretches on for about 6 km. Yes, you can do this as a one day trip from Melbourne, but I dont recommend it. Turn off for this road just before you reach Apollo Bay. Includes: 4 nights' accommodation, 5 days unlimited km use of a compact sized car and fully detailed itinerary with local and regional maps. Port Fairy offers great locations forscuba divingincludingThe Thistle. Whether you surf or not, it is a great place to stop and admire the ocean. The Twelve Apostlesare one of the most amazing sights within Australia and its not hard to see why as you drive along the coast from Great Otway. Walk up near the Grey River Road and you will find koalas lounging on the trees. How long does it take to drive the Great Ocean Road? You can also find the distance from Portland Ln to Mildura VIC 3500 using other travel options like bus, subway, tram, train and rail. If youve hired a car youll most likely collect it at the airport. Youll find them sitting up in the eucalyptus trees. Its also a fantastic place if you are looking to see some native Australian wildlife. Theres so much to see and do, so you dont want to be left feeling rushed and tired at the end of your trip. From Portland, we drove 2 hours (160 km) to get to Port Campbell, the start of the Great Ocean Road. Last week, 1156 properties were scheduled to be auctioned in Melbourne. BONUS Booking ahead of time ensures you wont miss out on the tour, and get the best price too! For those wanting to drive a bit further west, theres the historic harbour settlement of Portland which you can visit. Portland is 6 hours (540 km) away from Adelaide. Join our small group coastal adventure to the beaches, rainforests and more of the Great Ocean Road. 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. 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. There are 5 ways to get from Mount Gambier to Great Ocean Road by bus or car Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2rio's travel planner. If you have the time, sample the delights near Warrnambool. All the while, Tyler and Kara were screaming with delight, laughing afterwards. You will be bracing natural elements on this road trip and its best to dress accordingly. What is the road driving distance between Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road? Conveniently located a little ways from Port Campbell, these serviced apartments have great rooms, a gorgeous pool area and make for a great stopover. An alternative to this driving route is that you do it in the reverse order. Born to parents bit by the wander bug, Lakshmi calls her love for travel "hereditary and habitual". 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. Bells Beach is a paradise for surfers; it is the location of the legendary annual Rip Curl Surfing competition. Tyler and Kara joined us, took a look around, and then went back to their game.