Starting from Torquay, this route takes you through beautiful seaside towns and rain forests as you follow the winding road along the exquisite coastline. 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. To get here, however, was a two-hour drive via the M1 highway from Melbourne. Sightseeing Time: 4 hours. Melbourne's two best day tours, Great Ocean Road & Phillip Island, with entrance to Melbourne Skydeck. 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. Mum, works 2- 3 days a week, Tues and Wednesday and Friday and has the children in daycare and . 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. For more information on routes and trails visit the websitehere. 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. Join our small group coastal adventure to the beaches, rainforests and more of the Great Ocean Road. You will also reach the main stops at a different time to the crowds. The four of us were ecstatic to be off those winding roads. Discover the different regions and their world class surf breaks, local food & wine, magnificent coastal walks, beautiful rainforest trails and pristine beaches. We love this place and even bought one of their horses a few years ago! Thats how were going to structure this post for you. 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. Stevenson Falls, Triplet Falls, Little Aire Falls, andHopetoun Fallsare just a few of the many highlights here. The road driving distance between Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road is 446 Km. 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. It is summer and it is simply beautiful on the road! 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. We are a single Mum with 3 kids, 8yo Boy and 5 and 4 yo girls. Please enter your email address or username. It is a rest stop on the Great Ocean Road and gateway to spectacular waterfalls and viewpoints. Perpetually ensconced with a book in her hand and a mug of coffee in the other, she has been to over 15 countries in her 23 years of existence and is currently saving miles and money for her solo trip to Iceland. 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. For more experienced surfers, and those looking to set foot onto a world-renowned surf beach, head toBells Beach. While your stop here signals the end of your epic 3 day Great Ocean Road itinerary, youre now on to new and exciting things. And your Great Ocean Road route should not miss out on two other attractions nearby either. . Forget all about the stress of driving, checking the GPS and creating an itinerary of your own! The distance between Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road is 446 Km by road. 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. 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. It was another spot that was cool to see, even if it was just for a few minutes. Hello Ive so enjoyed the magnificent stories of your world tours and the stunning photos. There are also speed traps to catch those not sticking to the limits with fines up to (and above) $300AUD. The Great Ocean Road spans 200 kilometers, from Port Campbell in the west to Torquay in the east. It stretches for 243 kms. Subscribe, Home | Australia | The PERFECT Great Ocean Road Drive Itinerary (2023). Great Ocean Road Tour 2 Days experience from Melbourne to Adelaide. Once youve had your fill, hop in the car for a quick drive and to the next and last destination of your road trip. Reserve your spot here. Truly a paradise, the area is a popular destination for water sports and recreation activities. 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. This is one of Victorias best bush and ocean walks. The Ultimate Guide To Watch Phillip Island Penguin Parade. I guess the quickest and easiest route from Portland back to Melbourne would be up to Hamilton then via the Glenelg Hwy to Ballarat then it is freeway on to Melbourne. Our ultimate destination being Kangaroo Island. 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! 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. For the best panoramic views in Apollo Bay head straight forMarriners Lookout. The sea enters the area through a narrow opening between two rock pillars. 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. 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 are located almost at the end of the Great Ocean Road, about 4.5 hours from Melbourne. BONUS Booking ahead of time ensures you wont miss out on the tour, and get the best price too! Best Great Ocean Road Tours Save AU$10 on your Great Ocean Road Bus tours with this promo code. You can also try a different route while coming back by adding multiple destinations. 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. PLACES TO GO IN AUSTRALIA: Spend some time in Sydney, go wine tasting in Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale, explore Uluru and the Red Centre of Australia, visit Melbourne, go snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef, and dont miss Tasmania, one of our favorite places in Australia. Continue on from this point as there are tons of Great Ocean Road attractions to come. 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. Ziplining, surfing, horse riding, canoes, and kayaking, to name a few. Memorial Arch (8am) Our first stop was the Memorial Arch, which is located just past the city of Torquay. Planning a trip to Australia? Some of the largest waves I have ever seen were crashing onto the rocks, sending up sprays of water at least thirty feet in the air. Spectacular and diverse scenery, wildlife, byo tent or book accommodation along the way. can include Port Fairy and more coastal towns. Once in Warrnambool, it doesnt take long to drive to Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve. Walk up near the Grey River Road and you will find koalas lounging on the trees. If you want one of the best views in Geelong, grab a seat on theSkyWheel. The green forest with the winding highway meets the ocean here! Your Great Ocean Road itinerary may be coming to an end, but dont worry, youll finish up with a dreamy little visit toPort Fairy. It was nothing fancy but suited our needs for our family of four. You might not be making any unscheduled stops to buy snacks. I could not imagine trying to swim out past these waves, just to catch one right back to shore. If you arent restricted to only 1 day, give yourself at least 2 days to do the Great Ocean Road drive. Trust me, though, it'll be worth waking up early for. If your tour is on schedule you might find yourself some time for a swim. It is comparable to Big Sur in California with coastal views, winding roads, and many, many scenic viewpoints. Day 3: Warrnambool to Port Fairy then Melbourne (or Adelaide) Distance: 30km to Port Fairy, then 312km to Melbourne. Would like to do it in 3 days, 2 nights lodging and still see a few things. Perfect write up, very helpful indeed, Appreciate your work guys, Cheers. Find more of them listed here. Maximum group size of 12 travellers with a reverse itinerary to beat the crowds at the 12 Apostles. 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. This is a beautiful surfing and fishing town with heritage buildings that have wonderful eateries and accommodation. Port Fairy offers great locations forscuba divingincludingThe Thistle. 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. 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. 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. The two-way highway is scenic as it gets and covers iconic landmarks like the Twelve Apostles, Apollo Bay, and the Otways. 375km of scenic winding roads along the southern ocean will take you through some of the countrys most beautiful UNESCO-listed landscapes. Visit top wilderness destinations and picturesque towns on this epic 3-day tour from Melbourne to the Great Ocean Road and the Grampians. Great Ocean Road Tours that offer the best itinerary and great sights within a day from Melbourne. There is no dearth of viewpoints on the Great Ocean Road and Teddys Lookout is another magnificent spot added to the list. 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. Carry a fast-drying towel, a bathing suit and a change of clothes to go swimming. In this guide, learn how to plan a trip around the world. It was awesome having this place all to ourselves, being able to explore without anyone else around. Republishing this articleand/orany of its contents (text, photography, etc. Battery Hillis a great spot to get a view from on high of the town and see some pieces of Port Fairy history like the remnants of a Russian invasion from the 1860s. 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. The starting point of the Great Ocean Road that's closest to Melbourne, Torquay, is 64 miles (103 km) from the city. Read more about taking a Melbourne to Phillip Island Tour. Great Ocean Road Melbourne to Adelaide Drive 1,500 km | 7 - 12 days Great surf, picturesque coastal towns, ocean views around every bend, wine country and some spectacular hikes define this road trip. With the last day of your Great Ocean Road itinerary upon you, there is still so much to be seen and experienced. Purchase tickets. We walked out to the tip of the peninsula. 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. From Melbourne to Torquay (the first town on the Great Ocean Road), it will take you about 1.5 hours. If you fancy trying your luck to spot some wildlife head out to nearbyLake Elizabeth. ULURU: In our Guide to Uluru and Kata-Tjuta, learn how to get here, what to do, and how to plan your time. What is the distance between Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road? If you want to get off the beaten path like we did, do not be afraid to try one of those unlabeled dirt roads. If you're planning a self-guided tour, this could come handy. Kms. The four of us made our way over to the cave, dodging waves washing up onto shore with approaching high tide. This stone archway once formed a natural bridge over the gorge, but unfortunately collapsed almost a decade ago. 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. The Great Ocean Road drive is one of the most scenic drives that Australia has to offer. 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. During your travel, you plan to visit the following-1) Great Ocean Road, Apollo Bay, Victoria, Australia. It sounds daunting but it's going to be broken down into very manageable chunks. Drive Along the Great Ocean Road. 1. The Email id you have Entered is not Registered With us. 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.) 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.. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Taking an organized bus tour from Melbourne to the Great Ocean Road is the best way to experience the best of the pictursque route from the comfort of your bus. 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. It is essentially a sinkhole in a limestone stack and opens out to a view of the sea and cliffs beyond. 34 mins), (3 hrs 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. The Memorial Arch (youve probably seen photos of people standing underneath it) symbolises the start of the road. This lookout gives you the chance to see right out to sea and over the entire city. The same would not go for the rest of the Earth Trekkers. Follow our journey in real time on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram. You also wont be getting a sunset picture of the 12 Apostles as it will be one of your first major stops. There are a few towns along the way like Lorne, Apollo Bay and Port Campbell where you can stay or camp overnight. Its a highlight of a Great Ocean Road itinerary! 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 For those strapped for time, a visit to just Port Campbellwould allow you to see the best of the Great Ocean Road, skipping the monotonous winding roads between Port Campbell National Park and 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. 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. 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. Go for a swim in the southern ocean, soak in the sun or admire the stunning views out over Corio Bay and go for a stroll along theEastern Promenade. 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. Loch Ard Gorgeis the first attraction on the way, just a stones throw from the Twelve Apostles. If you have limited time and can only do it in 1 day, then dont stress. A few minutes down the road from Sherbrook West is a large car park with trails to various viewpoints. Stunning photos. Check map and driving directions of your route which helps you find the destination easier. Recommended Experiences Yarra Valley Full Day Gourmet Tour Skydive Yarra Valley Tandem Freefall. Get outdoors on bushwalking, surfing and mountain biking expeditions or take the cultural route through galleries, museums and heritage attractions. Iconic Animal Sightings. These commissions help us keep creating more free travel content to help people plan their holidays and adventures. Depart Melbourne and travel over the West Gate Bridge through the vast volcanic plains en-route to Geelong. 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. Drive through the Great Ocean Road's coastal cliffs and river inlets as well as its luscious fern gullies.
