We only recommend the best accommodations, tours and products, and regularly review these. Day 3 - Set of on the Great Ocean Road, staying overnight in the village of Lorne, halfway . 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. What is the distance between Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road? The Great Ocean Road spans 200 kilometers, from Port Campbell in the west to Torquay in the east. 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. The Great Ocean Road Australia | Victoria's Most Scenic Stretch Book Great Ocean Road Tours & Tickets in Melbourne Today - Viator Most of the people here were Chinese. 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. DESTINATIONS AROUND THE WORLD: For more places to visit around the world, check out our Destinations page. 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. 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. 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. You can also find the distance from Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road using other travel options like bus, subway, tram, train and rail. To get more information on the Great Ocean Road, visit the official tourism website here. Departs: 7:00am. Visit some of the valleys most impressive wineries, go on a skydiving experience and simply kick your heels and relax. All the while, Tyler and Kara were screaming with delight, laughing afterwards. 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. Wendy Report inappropriate content Adelaide to Melbourne via Great Ocean Road - how long? Day 2 - Pinnacles Walk in the Grampians National Park and drive to Port Campbell on the Great Ocean Road to stay overnight. 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. These two areas are highly populated by local surfers, keen to ride their magnificent waves. It is essentially a sinkhole in a limestone stack and opens out to a view of the sea and cliffs beyond. Griffiths Islandcan be accessed by a footbridge nearby to the wharf and is a great place to do a little bird watching. 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. The Great Ocean Road (B100) is one of Australia's most famous touring routes. Check our. On a clear sunny day and depending on the tide you can get pretty close. How Much Does It Cost to Experience Melbourne & the Great Ocean Road in 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. Portland | Discover the many attractions of PortlandGetting Here - Portland Located less than 2 hours from Melbourne. Planning a trip to Australia? The first to know about trending destinations, travel deals, tips and Join the adventures on our YouTube channel! The waves here are huge and come fast and furious, making this area a great surfing spot. 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). Covering nearly 200 hectares, this park is one of the few Great Ocean Road highlights that is not a beach. Once in Warrnambool, it doesnt take long to drive to Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve. This is one of the best things, if not the best, that you can do in the state of Victoria in Australia. Day 3: Warrnambool to Port Fairy then Melbourne (or Adelaide). Great Ocean Road travel guide Discover. Recommended option Bus 3h 30m Both are natural, offshore stone archways. The Great Ocean Road is the most famous coastal road in Australia and meanders along sheer limestone cliff tops, spectacular jutting headlands beside the edge of pristine beaches. The highlight of the Great Ocean Road are the Twelve Apostles. Port Fairy offers great locations forscuba divingincludingThe Thistle. Always hustling towards the least trodden path, she has encountered some wonderful people during her escapades and if you ever meet her, she won't stop gushing about them. 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. Lookout on the ocean from May to September as you might spot Whales! Most of the highlights are located around Port Campbell. Here's all you need to know about taking a Great Ocean Road Tour From Melbourne - itinerary, best tours, highlights and quick hacks. Theres a lot to see and do along the way. Built in 1848, it sits at the edge of the ocean almost 90m over the Bass Strait. Mount Gambier to Great Ocean Road - 5 ways to travel via bus, and car Lorne Seabaths, Gym, inground Trampolines for kids, and more. 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. You can buy Great Ocean Road Tours online which would cover your itinerary and tickets for attractions. All rights reserved Earth Trekkers. Please note: this popular area is big and therefore the tour involves quite a lot of driving. 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 your tour is on schedule you might find yourself some time for a swim. To enlarge the map, click the top right icon and it will open up, full screen, in a new tab. It sounds daunting but it's going to be broken down into very manageable chunks. Route planner, Travel information, Victoria, Australia Phone: +61 3 5227 9100 Toll Free: 1800 AVALON (1800 282 566) Getting to the Great Ocean Road By Car Travel time FROM MELBOURNE CBD 1hr 17min The step by step directions below should take you there: - Travel from Melbourne city onto the Westgate Freeway - Continue onto Princes Freeway - Continue onto Geelong Ring Road - Follow the signs for Torquay The Great Otway National Park is located within the Otway ranges and covers the area from Torquay to Princetown. ThePort FairyBotanical Gardensare a lovely spot for an afternoon walk and to admire the plants and flowers. Happy travels. 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. We recommend Rental Cars, which has the largest range of vehicles for the best value on the market. Head down to the Moyne River and stretch your legs along the wharves. Ziplining, surfing, horse riding, canoes, and kayaking, to name a few. In Portland there's time for panoramic coastal views from the Cape Nelson Lighthouse, before a scenic drive through dense pine plantations to our lunch venue in the . Thats the word that can truly capture the essence of the Great Ocean Road in Australia. How far is the Great Ocean Road from Melbourne? You might not be making any unscheduled stops to buy snacks. Monumental. Visit Great Ocean Road | Where untamed spirits create inspirational It was nothing fancy but suited our needs for our family of four. 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. 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. Drive through the Great Ocean Road's coastal cliffs and river inlets as well as its luscious fern gullies. An organized tour that takes care of your transportation will help you take the trip within a day. 3 Melbourne: SEA LIFE Aquarium Entrance Ticket. Bunyip Tours: Great Ocean Road - See 1,943 traveler reviews, 942 candid photos, and great deals for Melbourne, Australia, at Tripadvisor. Route: Melbourne-Twelve Apostles return, via B100 (Great Ocean Road) Highlights: Torquay, Bells Beach, Lorne, Apollo Bay . What is a partial cave, archway and blowhole, The Grotto is definitely something to marvel at. Great Ocean Road - Wikipedia Less traffic on the road and more time to spend at stops. What is the return distance between Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road? It has great local produce, excellent surf beaches, and play parks for the kids to burn off energy. 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. Dont start counting them though, because there are only seven you can count! The property at 36 Braemar Street sold for $6 million by private sale. There were no surfers, really there was no one else here other than a few curious people like ourselves. Great Ocean Road Drive Info - Time, Distance & Tips Melbourne to the Great Ocean Road - Best Routes & Travel Advice Recommended Experiences Yarra Valley Full Day Gourmet Tour Skydive Yarra Valley Tandem Freefall. A sandy trail took us down to a beach. The Perth to Adelaide Drive (via the Nullarbor Plain) 3,700 km | 16 days Swim with dolphins, climb the giant Gloucester Tree, camp among . We enjoyed our travels on the Great Ocean Road, the area of Port Campbell National Park being the highlight of the day. If you travel one way from Port Campbell to Melbourne (or vice versa), it is a 300 km journey. 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. Check, (2 hrs 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. Check out our Great Ocean Road tours. 12. 1 Melbourne: 1-Day Entry Ticket to Melbourne Zoo. Wonderful experience - Reviews, Photos - Bunyip Tours - Tripadvisor Born to parents bit by the wander bug, Lakshmi calls her love for travel "hereditary and habitual". This is the start of their Great Ocean Road drive. If you're planning to visit the Great Ocean Road, here's all that you should squeeze into your itinerary. From below the steps you can marvel at the 70m limestone stacks from up close and feel the power of nature. For more experienced surfers, and those looking to set foot onto a world-renowned surf beach, head toBells Beach. Head down to Main Beach for a swim, sunbathe or surf at Point Impossible or Rocky Point. Here we are, at another beach, and we have it all to ourselves. You can also find the flight distance or distance to fly from Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road. Drive Along the Great Ocean Road. The Great Ocean Road from Melbourne - 1-Day Itinerary The first destination is Bells Beach in Torquay, a famous location for surfers. Melbourne to Adelaide One Way Itinerary This route follows the Great Ocean Road from Melbourne to Adelaide and is approximately 1,250 km. The road winds through picturesque locations outdo one another in terms of visual extravaganza. 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. To save even more time, you can cut out Warrnambool completely from your drive. 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. Your Great Ocean Road itinerary may be coming to an end, but dont worry, youll finish up with a dreamy little visit toPort Fairy. However, when the winds pick up it is best to stay above the Grotto. 1 Day Great Ocean Road Tour on Large Coach $105 Great Ocean Road Tours that offer the best itinerary and great sights within a day from Melbourne. 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. The total distance you can expect to drive is over 600 km. Our self-drive itinerary includes driving via Robe and Victor Harbour though a side trip to include The Grampians could be included. Head forEastern Beachfirst. You will also reach the main stops at a different time to the crowds. The Great Ocean Road is one of Australias great drives. While Tyler and Kara tried to throw each other off of the sand dunes, Tim and I went exploring. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. There is a walking track around the island and on the most westerly point youll find a lovely little lighthouse and a pretty viewpoint too. One Day Road Trip on the Great Ocean Road, Australia These are decent, but not as good as what you just saw, and definitely not as great as what you are about to visit next. 34 mins), (3 hrs Reserve your spot here. 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 is awesome. The four of us were ecstatic to be off those winding roads. . Your email address will not be published. Adelaide to Melbourne via Great Ocean Road - how long? 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. 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. Try out the walking trails, have a picnic by the sea, take in the scenic views, or go searching for Australian wildlife. 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. 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. READ MORE: Be sure to plan your best trip to Australia by using our Australia Travel Guide! Purchase tickets. Lorne is a picturesque town set between Loutit Bay and the Otway National Park, it is where the bush meets the ocean. If you're planning a self-guided tour, this could come handy. Private Great Ocean Road tour. Returns: Approx 9:00pm. If you want to get off the beaten path like we did, do not be afraid to try one of those unlabeled dirt roads. 6 Melbourne: Werribee Open Range Zoo Admission Ticket. Bunyip Tours: See above for that. Thousands of visitors flock here for summer and for festivals during the year, including the world famous Folkie. I dashed out of the cave to higher ground, able to stay dry. We are Alesha and Jarryd, the award-winning writers and professional photographers behind this blog. The Animal Condition (Feature Film) 2010 - Jun 20177 years. 4 From Melbourne: Great Ocean Road Full-Day Trip. Here are a few budget Great Ocean Road tours you should consider. Perfect write up, very helpful indeed, Appreciate your work guys, Cheers. 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. It starts at the surfing town of Torquay and finishes near Warrnambool. Sightseeing Time: 4 hours. No 3: Portland - Visit Great Ocean Road The distance from Adelaide to Melbourne is 1500km on this itinerary, which amounts to over 21 hours worth of driving. Or Warrnambool, Camperdown, Geelong, Melbourne. Click on any of the numbers on the map of The Great Ocean Road to read all about the attraction. Mum, works 2- 3 days a week, Tues and Wednesday and Friday and has the children in daycare and . 1. Great Ocean Road one-day itinerary. Children: $99 $94 (3 - 15 years) Minimum age 3 years. We walked out to the tip of the peninsula. Day 3: Warrnambool to Port Fairy then Melbourne (or Adelaide) Distance: 30km to Port Fairy, then 312km to Melbourne. Both are amazing expressions of natural beauty and are worth checking out. Tip: Beat the tour buses to avoid the traffic and crowds. The Twelve Apostles marked the end of the most scenic of viewpoints but did not end our journey down the Great Ocean Road. Burrell received her first James Beard nomination for "Best Chef: Texas" in 2020 and . Through our stories and images we promote exciting off-the-beaten-path destinations and fascinating cultures as we go. Have a great time. 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. This is the most common Great Ocean Road route. Campervan Hire Great Ocean Road - Melbourne to Adelaide - Camper Champ The Best 5 Day Great Ocean Road Itinerary (Self Drive) Find good prices and choices of accommodation: there is still so much more to see, Port Fairy is a beautiful little village and well worth spending time visiting too. 7-Day Melbourne to Adelaide Road Trip Itinerary via the Great Ocean It was in this area that we were treated to stunning views. Great Ocean Road Tours | Australia Vacations & Tours | Goway Brekkie tacos, smoothie bowls and a full lunch menu to eat in or take away will please anyone visiting. 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. Many travelers continue on to Warrnambool and Adelaide or up to the Grampian Mountains while others are returning to Melbourne.