Once you factor in viewpoints and short walks, expect this road trip to take one full day. Fabulous horse riding through the forest or down along a long golden beach. You can also try a different route while coming back by adding multiple destinations. To get you fueled up for your last day head toBohemiaCafe & Barfor a takeaway coffee or a wicked and delicious breakfast. Trust me, though, it'll be worth waking up early for. Your Great Ocean Road itinerary may be coming to an end, but dont worry, youll finish up with a dreamy little visit toPort Fairy. The Memorial Arch (youve probably seen photos of people standing underneath it) symbolises the start of the road. All the while, Tyler and Kara were screaming with delight, laughing afterwards. For those wanting to drive a bit further west, theres the historic harbour settlement of Portland which you can visit. During your travel, you plan to visit the following- 1) Great Ocean Road, Apollo Bay, Victoria, Australia Recent Melbourne distance calculations Distance from Melbourne to New York , United States Distance from Melbourne to Canberra via Albury NSW 2640 This will start your Ocean Road drive in the opposite direction as most others, avoiding the busy traffic. Things all of a sudden became a lot more exciting. The Great Ocean Road (B100) is one of Australia's most famous touring routes. Melbourne's two best day tours, Great Ocean Road & Phillip Island, with entrance to Melbourne Skydeck. 1st Stop: Torquay. Head forEastern Beachfirst. Perfect write up, very helpful indeed, Appreciate your work guys, Cheers. The Email id you have Entered is not Registered With us. 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. The Great Ocean Road offers amazing scenery, unforgettable natural features and quaint towns making it a unique vacation spot. For several hours, we traveled along the Great Ocean Road, on very windy roads, through towns like Apollo Bay, Skenes Creek, and Lorne. A softUsvista Inc. venture! Dont start counting them though, because there are only seven you can count! It will stop off at most of the popular viewing spots. The drive offers plenty of places to stop off and explore. Now youll be able to find the wreckage in shallow waters, which makes it great for divers to explore. 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. Things to do in Melbourne Day Trips from Melbourne Great Ocean Road Tour From Melbourne. Happy travels. It is the southernmost active regular passenger railway station on the Australian mainland (several other Victorian Railways lines such as the branch lines to Timboon and Crowes did venture further south but all have now closed). Melbourne To Phillip Island Tour: A Complete Guide For A Perfect Day Trip, We've served 15 million+ guests and we are here for you, All You Need For An Epic Great Ocean Road Tour From Melbourne, Happy customers across 10,000+ experiences, 5,000+ verified reviews with 90% excellent score, Featured and recommended by the best brands, Have a question? 3. 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 Twelve Apostles are giant limestone stacks jutting out of the ocean that form one of the most recognizable landscapes in Australia. 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. Today, it is a spot for whale watching and a centre for learning about the aboriginal history. The cave was not very big, extending about ten meters back into the cliff from the opening. This is a beautiful surfing and fishing town with heritage buildings that have wonderful eateries and accommodation. Although i highly recommend visiting Warrnambool, you may not have the time to spend there. Here at Port Campbell National Park, we spent over two hours hopping from scenic view to scenic view. 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). 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. Brambuk: The National Park and Cultural Centre We personally stayed there when we travelled across Australia, and highly recommend it. Other good breaks in addition to Bells Beach includeSan Juc, Winki Pop, Bird RockandSparrowsjust to name a few. TheKennett River Koala Walkis the perfect place to get your fix. Melbourne to Adelaide South East Coast 3 Day Overland Tour. The coastline is awesome. can include Port Fairy and more coastal towns. 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. ThePort FairyBotanical Gardensare a lovely spot for an afternoon walk and to admire the plants and flowers. Distance: 507km / 7 hours roundtrip. 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. Live chat with local experts anywhere, anytime. 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. Next, we got off the beaten track, taking an unnamed dirt road towards the shoreline. Dont feed the koalas or the parrots as they are in the wild and any feeding them our food will disrupt their natural behaviour. 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. Hey! If you want one of the best views in Geelong, grab a seat on theSkyWheel. Check out the Vline train & bus timetable to make your way between Geelong and Warrnambool. In this post, we cover the best spots to see along the way. Lorne Seabaths, Gym, inground Trampolines for kids, and more. A sandy trail took us down to a beach. Most visitors to the Great Ocean Road travel from Melbourne, which is the nearest major city. Mum, works 2- 3 days a week, Tues and Wednesday and Friday and has the children in daycare and . 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. Further along, you will find verdant bush where koalas nest and then onto the lush rainforests with spectacular waterfalls and native wildlife. The Cape Otway lighthouse is the oldest surviving lighthouse in Australia and was rightly known as the Beacon of Hope. FromWarrnambool Breakwaterall the way toLogans Beachthis is a great spot to take in the coastal views and even pass a little penguin breeding ground. You can spend more time at each location and engage in activities like trekking, swimming and adventure sports. 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. 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. It seemed like there was another amazing view every 400 meters, so we were jumping in and out of our car a lot. You will be bracing natural elements on this road trip and its best to dress accordingly. 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. Loch Ard Gorge is a breathtaking natural formation just a short distance from the 12 apostles. We have been travelling the world together since 2008, with a passion for adventure travel and sustainable tourism. 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. 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. Thousands of visitors flock here for summer and for festivals during the year, including the world famous Folkie. If you're planning your big Great Ocean Road trip from Melbourne, here are all the transport options that could get you there. December to February is the best time to take a Great Ocean Road tour from Melbourne. Just a few minutes west of the border you'll come across a beautiful pink salt lake. This is one way to get away from other tourists. With the last day of your Great Ocean Road itinerary upon you, there is still so much to be seen and experienced. 5+. 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. Quest Warrnambool is the perfect place to do just that. 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. Lookout on the ocean from May to September as you might spot Whales! MELBOURNE: Melbourne is our favorite city in Australia. 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. Route: Melbourne-Twelve Apostles return, via B100 (Great Ocean Road) Highlights: Torquay, Bells Beach, Lorne, Apollo Bay . Spectacular and diverse scenery, wildlife, byo tent or book accommodation along the way. Apart from the trip distance, refer Directions from Portland Ln to Mildura VIC 3500 for road driving directions! You can also find the flight distance or distance to fly from Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road. 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. Our self-drive itinerary includes driving via Robe and Victor Harbour though a side trip to include The Grampians could be included. Surf Culture at Australian National Museum of Surfing. Respect the speed limit. We want to book accommodation as we go . Director, editor and producer of feature documentary about animal welfare in farming. The Great Ocean Road in Victoria is a world-famous, Australian National Heritage-listed site along the Sydney to Melbourne drive. What is the road driving distance between Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road? 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 road covers a driveway of 243 km off the coast with pristine views of beaches, geological marvels, and rich forests. Would like to know what kind of still camera and lens you are using. 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 road driving distance between Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road is 446 Km. Discover. A total of 620 properties were sold via auction last . The Grotto is one of the most impressive sections of the coastline, and essentially a sinkhole. Would like to do it in 3 days, 2 nights lodging and still see a few things. They will also add to the crowds at every one of your stops, so you want to beat them if you can. 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. It shows off sheer limestone cliffs, dairy farms and heathland, and gets you up close and personal with the crashing . Loch Ard Gorgeis the first attraction on the way, just a stones throw from the Twelve Apostles. Recommended option Train 4h 12m Take the train from Southern Cross to Warrnambool Warrnambool - Melbourne Via Colac & Geelong $103 - $128 This is a rare opportunity to work for a minimum of 3-6 months and with a start date late April. This is just because we really want to show you the best bits of the beautiful Great Ocean Road! However, the views arent affected by the bigger cityscape. Discover some of the best things to do in Melbourne. In this guide, learn how to plan a trip around the world. ULURU: In our Guide to Uluru and Kata-Tjuta, learn how to get here, what to do, and how to plan your time. While the Great Ocean Road covers a ton of coastline, this national park is a gem located more on the inland route. A few minutes down the road from Sherbrook West is a large car park with trails to various viewpoints. We still had a long ways to go. 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. We only recommend the best accommodations, tours and products, and regularly review these. Bunyip Tours: Great Ocean Road - See 1,943 traveler reviews, 942 candid photos, and great deals for Melbourne, Australia, at Tripadvisor. Great commentary. The drive home will take you inland on country roads (be careful of any cattle or wildlife on the roads) before you hit the highway back to Melbourne. This is a great place not only to catch some stunner views but also to watch the fisherman come in with their catch, which you likely can find in the restaurants in town. It is summer and it is simply beautiful on the road! The green forest with the winding highway meets the ocean here! Home to some of Australia's best-known surf beaches, Torquay marks the official beginning of the Great Ocean Road. Due to crashing waves over millennia, saltwater and erosion there are now only 8 limestone stacks remaining out of 12. Covering nearly 200 hectares, this park is one of the few Great Ocean Road highlights that is not a beach. The Great Ocean Road is a 243-kilometre (151-mile) route located along the coast of Victoria in southeastern Australia. 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. 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. Have a great time. Brekkie tacos, smoothie bowls and a full lunch menu to eat in or take away will please anyone visiting. The direct route between these two locations is 142km, taking drivers around two hours to complete. The same would not go for the rest of the Earth Trekkers. It takes 3 day to drive through the Great Ocean Road and to see all the attractions on the way. 2011-2023 distancesfrom.com. Melbourne to Apollo Bay 187 km/116 miles, about 3 hours Ease into your roadtrip with the leisurely drive from Melbourne to Torquay, just over an hour's drive. After passing through Port Campbell, youll pass by The Arch and London Bridge. Now 2 pillars are left standing above the sea and make for an impressive view inPort Campbell National Park. Its definitely worth pulling over to read the history of the road as well as getting that classic holiday snap. Loch Iel (Pink Lake) The inland Melbourne to Adelaide drive takes around 5.5 hours from the Grampians. 21 Awesome Things to Do in Ipswich, Queensland (2023 Guide), The Perfect 3 Days in Rockhampton Itinerary, 16 BEST Cairns Day Trips Not to Be Missed [2023 Guide]. Have enjoyed your stories since departing Columbia almost a year ago. 15 years ago Save Would appreciate any advice for how long it would take to drive from Adelaide to Melbourne via the Scenic Ocean Road. Finally, we made it to Bells Beach in Torquay, the end point of the Great Ocean Road. Find out about other waterfalls in the Otways. The view of these sandstone pillars along the coastline is one of the Great Ocean Roads most famous. 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. This is the start of their Great Ocean Road drive. . Bunyip Tours: Cute Penguins - See 1,940 traveler reviews, 941 candid photos, and great deals for Melbourne, Australia, at Tripadvisor. A little warning about the Penguin Parade: It is very touristy and professionally put together. The spectacular Great Ocean Road hugs the seaside cliffs that snake along the wild and windswept Southern Ocean. This port city is the second-largest in the state of Victoria and overlooks the gorgeousCorio Bay. Theres so much to see and do, so you dont want to be left feeling rushed and tired at the end of your trip. Maximum group size of 12 travellers with a reverse itinerary to beat the crowds at the 12 Apostles. Our website uses cookies. You also wont be getting a sunset picture of the 12 Apostles as it will be one of your first major stops. The total time you can expect to spend driving the Great Ocean Road and return, including stops, is at least 10 hours. Port Fairy offers great locations forscuba divingincludingThe Thistle. 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. We had a villa, a small, two bedroom cabin with a kitchen and ensuite bathroom. Stunning photos. Burrell has studied under expert chefs, including Tom Aikens in London, Monica Pope in Houston, and Tyson Cole. You can walk, trek, horse-ride or bike through the park. Start your 3 day Great Ocean Road itinerary with a lazy morning in Torquay. 375km of scenic winding roads along the southern ocean will take you through some of the countrys most beautiful UNESCO-listed landscapes. While wandering around town youll surely spot a ton of street art, which is something Geelong is known for. Click on any of the numbers on the map of The Great Ocean Road to read all about the attraction. Thanks Natalie Seltz Towson, MD. Some of the beautiful coastal towns you will come across during your drive are Apollo Bay, Cape Otway, Port Campbell, Torquay, and Lorne. Ziplining, surfing, horse riding, canoes, and kayaking, to name a few. Head down to Main Beach for a swim, sunbathe or surf at Point Impossible or Rocky Point. There is also a plaque on the left side of the road which serves as a memory for the soldiers. 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. Learn about the Best Things to Do in Melbourne and get a recap of our experiences here. 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.) Explore the cool temperate rainforest of the Great Otway National Park, waterfalls on Great Ocean Road, best viewpoints, koalas, and wildlife. Starting and finishing in Melbourne is how most people do the Great Ocean Road drive in 1 day. Great Ocean Road starts at Torquay and finishes in Allansford. Both are amazing expressions of natural beauty and are worth checking out. Bells Beach is Australias premiere surf spot, a spot also labeled by some as the best surfing destination in the world. Don't be an idiot. These two areas are highly populated by local surfers, keen to ride their magnificent waves. If you have limited time and can only do it in 1 day, then dont stress. Walk up near the Grey River Road and you will find koalas lounging on the trees. Although you could go through the city of Geelong, south-west of Melbourne, there's no need to as the Freeway Extension bypasses it, thus speeding . You might not be making any unscheduled stops to buy snacks. The coastline of the Great Ocean Road is constantly changing and one such natural formation is the London Arch. Discover the different regions and their world class surf breaks, local food & wine, magnificent coastal walks, beautiful rainforest trails and pristine beaches. Whether you surf or not, it is a great place to stop and admire the ocean. Other options include coming from Adelaide, so if this is you, just read the itinerary backwards. How far is the Great Ocean Road from Melbourne? you really need 2-3 weeks to make the most of this itinerary, especially as you're going to be going over to Kangaroo Island. But the Great Ocean Road is about so much more than its sinuous, coast hugging tarmac. 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. An alternative to this driving route is that you do it in the reverse order.