The Great Ocean Road from Melbourne - 1-Day Itinerary Travellers' Guide To Great Ocean Road - Wiki Travel Guide - Travellerspoint 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. Its a highlight of a Great Ocean Road itinerary! The Great Ocean Road Map of Best Things To See, 50 of the Best Attractions to see Great Ocean Road Stops, Activities and Attractions on the Great Ocean Road. Deep lush valleys, sky-high rainforests, stunning waterfalls and tons of walking tracks make it a great spot to get off the beach and still be in nature. 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. For a great post-drive meal check out theGeelong Boathousefor a classic fish & chips by the sea. It was nothing fancy but suited our needs for our family of four. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Earth Trekkers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn advertising fees by advertising & linking to Amazon.com. 4 Day Great Ocean Road Melbourne to Adelaide Tour One Day Road Trip on the Great Ocean Road, Australia Copyright 2023 | Sightseeing Tours Australia ABN: 53 204 539 966 | 252 Flinders St, Melbourne VIC 3000 |, What should you not miss on the Great Ocean Road, Great Ocean Road Weather Local Weather Forecasts. The coastline is awesome. If you're planning your big Great Ocean Road trip from Melbourne, here are all the transport options that could get you there. Now 2 pillars are left standing above the sea and make for an impressive view inPort Campbell National Park. Director, editor and producer of feature documentary about animal welfare in farming. 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. December to February is the best time to take a Great Ocean Road tour from Melbourne. Continue on from this point as there are tons of Great Ocean Road attractions to come. Click on any of the numbers on the map of The Great Ocean Road to read all about the attraction. 1st Stop: Torquay. Here we joined the largest crowds of people yet, all elbowing for the best place to take family photos. Starting from Torquay, this route takes you through beautiful seaside towns and rain forests as you follow the winding road along the exquisite coastline. Drive from Melbourne, via the Princes Highway, straight to Warrnambool (over 3 hours drive). Visit surf beaches, seaside towns, and national parks; and see rain forest, wild koalas, and towering waterfalls. Great Ocean Road one-day itinerary. The first stop when driving the Great Ocean Road will beGeelong. 34 mins), (3 hrs Planning a trip to Australia? 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. 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. Find out about other waterfalls in the Otways. The direct route between these two locations is 142km, taking drivers around two hours to complete. 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. Happy travels. And to get your fill of more art you can visit theGeelong Art GalleryandThe Heritage Center. Great Ocean Road, Victoria, Australia - Visit Victoria home Find more of them listed here. Respect the speed limit. Drive Time: 30 minutes to Port Fairy, 4 hours to Melbourne. But that does not take away from the impressive views at all. Yes. The Great Ocean Road drive itineraries from Melbourne Dog-Friendly Great Ocean Road: Driving with a Dog - Travelnuity Julie Last updated: October 8, 2022 Australia 4 Comments. Please enter your email address or username. If you have a registered account with us,then we have sent you an email to reset your password. 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. These commissions help us keep creating more free travel content to help people plan their holidays and adventures. You don't have to miss out on this epic road trip just because you are short on time. Don't be an idiot. The property at 36 Braemar Street sold for $6 million by private sale. Thanks Natalie Seltz Towson, MD. A few minutes down the road from Sherbrook West is a large car park with trails to various viewpoints. From below the steps you can marvel at the 70m limestone stacks from up close and feel the power of nature. 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. Subscribe, Home | Australia | The PERFECT Great Ocean Road Drive Itinerary (2023). Many travelers continue on to Warrnambool and Adelaide or up to the Grampian Mountains while others are returning to Melbourne. Getting to the Great Ocean Road When to visit Experience the rugged beauty along the south-west coast of Victoria by setting off along one of the world's most scenic coastal drives. Stops. 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. Where does the Great Ocean Road start and finish. 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. Starting and finishing in Melbourne, enjoy a self drive tour along Victoria's southwest coast. However, the Great Ocean Road is a hit at any time of the year and here is why . 3. You will want to try and get ahead of as many tour buses as you can. 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. Well, at least until the constant winding roads started making Kara nauseous, giving her a front seat in our car and a dose of dramamine. Burrell received her first James Beard nomination for "Best Chef: Texas" in 2020 and . Most of the highlights are located around Port Campbell. Maximum group size of 12 travellers with a reverse itinerary to beat the crowds at the 12 Apostles. Visit top wilderness destinations and picturesque towns on this epic 3-day tour from Melbourne to the Great Ocean Road and the Grampians. 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. Reserve your spot here. 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? 5 Melbourne: 2-Hour City Highlights River Cruise. The Great Ocean Road is one of the most epic road journeys you can go on across the world! This dive spot is actually a ship that was wrecked off the eastern beach in Port Fairy in 1849. Visit some of the valleys most impressive wineries, go on a skydiving experience and simply kick your heels and relax. Visit Great Ocean Road | Where untamed spirits create inspirational They finish at either the 12 Apostles or Warrnambool, and then drive back to Melbourne. 6 Melbourne: Werribee Open Range Zoo Admission Ticket. Check out our Great Ocean Road tours. A walkway just outside Lorne offers views of the ocean lapping up the mouth of the Saint George River and the Bass Strait. . The V/line service offers frequent train travel departing Melbournes Southern Cross Station and running to both Geelong and Warrnambool. Just a few minutes west of the border you'll come across a beautiful pink salt lake. We could not get too close to the edge or else we would risk being pulled into the ocean by a rogue wave. The view of these sandstone pillars along the coastline is one of the Great Ocean Roads most famous. They are now a part of a National Park and protected, and are the perfect destination to view the sunset. What To Know About The Top Chef World All-Stars Contestants The Best 5 Day Great Ocean Road Itinerary (Self Drive) 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. V/Line - Regional public transport for Victoria - Plan trip/buy tickets This will help you make the most of your time so you can see the things that matter to you. The waves here were big, similar to US east coast waves just before a hurricane. A sandy trail took us down to a beach. For a shorter track check outMaits Restwhich will take you through a beautiful section of rainforest. Read more about taking a day trip from Melbourne to Yarra Valley. Curious Goose | The Grampians and The Great Ocean Road - a 4 day self The Subaru Forester has been an exceptional ride on the trip on the Melbourne to Adelaide via Great Ocean Road trip - powerful, economical, spacious, and with loads of safety features built-in, making the long drives a comfortable experience. I dashed out of the cave to higher ground, able to stay dry. Follow our journey in real time on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram. Burrell has studied under expert chefs, including Tom Aikens in London, Monica Pope in Houston, and Tyson Cole. This is a rare opportunity to work for a minimum of 3-6 months and with a start date late April. 1. Located less than 2 hours from Melbourne. But one of the most incredible Great Ocean Road attractions is just around the corner. The road starts in Torquay, and finishes in Allansford. It stretches for 243 kms. Great Ocean Road Tours that offer the best itinerary and great sights within a day from Melbourne. Born to parents bit by the wander bug, Lakshmi calls her love for travel "hereditary and habitual". Portland | Discover the many attractions of PortlandGetting Here - Portland 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. Forget all about the stress of driving, checking the GPS and creating an itinerary of your own! Day 2 - Pinnacles Walk in the Grampians National Park and drive to Port Campbell on the Great Ocean Road to stay overnight. Get outdoors on bushwalking, surfing and mountain biking expeditions or take the cultural route through galleries, museums and heritage attractions. We plan to spend 5 days on Kangaroo Island and have allowed 3 days to get to Cape Jervis. 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. Take the Great Ocean Road tour from Melbourne to catch the best scenery and attractions. The shortest road distance between Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road is 446 Km. 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. And your Great Ocean Road route should not miss out on two other attractions nearby either. It is comparable to Big Sur in California with coastal views, winding roads, and many, many scenic viewpoints. No 3: Portland - Visit Great Ocean Road A great photo op spot, this is one of the most photographed spots along the Great Ocean Road. 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 The coastline of the Great Ocean Road is constantly changing and one such natural formation is the London Arch. The route of 243 KM stretches from Torquay to Allansford in Victoria state. Melbourne to Adelaide South East Coast 3 Day Overland Tour. 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. All the points of interest mentioned above are marked on the Great Ocean Road Map below. Adelaide to Melbourne Drive Itinerary: Great Ocean Road Trip Adults: $119 $104 Online special! Recommended option Train 4h 12m Take the train from Southern Cross to Warrnambool Warrnambool - Melbourne Via Colac & Geelong $103 - $128 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. Its definitely worth pulling over to read the history of the road as well as getting that classic holiday snap. We enjoyed our travels on the Great Ocean Road, the area of Port Campbell National Park being the highlight of the day. Screened at CinefestOZ, Portland International Film Festival, Social Justice Film Festival (Seattle), St Louis International Film Festival, Mostly . Adelaide to Melbourne via Great Ocean Road - how long? From the rocks, Tim and I could see a cave in the side of the cliff. 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 It was another spot that was cool to see, even if it was just for a few minutes. However, if you're short on time and want to cover a good portion of the Great Ocean Road, signing up for an organized trip from Melbourne will come handy. Great Ocean Road Reverse Itinerary Boutique Tour - Max 12 People - Viator Make sure you visit first thing in the morning or later in the afternoon for the best koala viewing times. We are located almost at the end of the Great Ocean Road, about 4.5 hours from Melbourne. While Tyler and Kara tried to throw each other off of the sand dunes, Tim and I went exploring. Departs: 7:00am. 5+. ULURU: In our Guide to Uluru and Kata-Tjuta, learn how to get here, what to do, and how to plan your time. The Great Ocean Road winds through picturesque locations that outdo one another in terms of visual extravaganza. Chasing waterfalls? Of all the fantastic destinations, the one that really draws travelers from across the world is a Great Ocean Road tour. Wear comfortable shoes as there is a lot of walking to do. Covering nearly 200 hectares, this park is one of the few Great Ocean Road highlights that is not a beach. Have enjoyed your stories since departing Columbia almost a year ago. You can buy Great Ocean Road Tours online which would cover your itinerary and tickets for attractions. Its a small village, but Port Campbell is a nice place to stop for a snack and some fuel. The best way to get around is to rent a car and explore on your own! In this guide, learn how to plan a trip around the world. Guide to the Great Ocean Road, Victoria - Tourism Australia Depending on the vehicle you choose to travel, you can calculate the amount of CO2 emissions from your vehicle and assess the environment impact. With the last day of your Great Ocean Road itinerary upon you, there is still so much to be seen and experienced. Memorial Arch (8am) Our first stop was the Memorial Arch, which is located just past the city of Torquay. 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. Ultimate Adelaide to Melbourne Drive via the Great Ocean Road Bells Beach is known for hosting Rip Curl Pro, a world surfing competition. It sounds daunting but it's going to be broken down into very manageable chunks. From AUD$940.00* per person, based on [] 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. 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. From Portland, we drove 2 hours (160 km) to get to Port Campbell, the start of the Great Ocean Road. The Great Ocean Road spans 200 kilometers, from Port Campbell in the west to Torquay in the east. It has diverse vegetation ranging from lush rainforest to rugged coastline, it has everything from stunning waterfalls to tranquil lakes. You can also find the distance from Portland Ln to Mildura VIC 3500 using other travel options like bus, subway, tram, train and rail. 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. Wendy Report inappropriate content But you may not have that luxury of time. These two areas are highly populated by local surfers, keen to ride their magnificent waves. Day 1 - Drive to the Grampians National Park from Melbourne, visit McKenzie falls and stay overnight in the town of Halls Gap. 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. Theyll even show you how to throw a Boomerang and spear! And just for NOMADasaurus readers, if you use the Klook discount codeNOMADS10on the website when checking out, youll get $10 off your first booking! Port Fairy offers great locations forscuba divingincludingThe Thistle. Explore the cool temperate rainforest of the Great Otway National Park, waterfalls on Great Ocean Road, best viewpoints, koalas, and wildlife. With the last day of your Great Ocean Road itinerary upon you, there is still so much to be seen and experienced. If you're planning to visit the Great Ocean Road, here's all that you should squeeze into your itinerary. For more trail information in Great Otway National Park, visit thiswebsite. Things all of a sudden became a lot more exciting. 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. The main issues can be poor visibility due to fog, slippery roads in wet weather, and traffic from vehicles and pedestrians in the busy sections. Soaring high above the limestone stacks youll get the best views of Victorias Shipwreck Coast. Its not nearly as scenic to do it this way, but it does save you about 50 km and one hour of driving. 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. One of the best walking tracks to visit here isMelba Gulleywhich is full of gorgeous giant fern trees and home to glow worm caves, which are best seen after dark. This is the most common Great Ocean Road route. If you travel one way from Port Campbell to Melbourne (or vice versa), it is a 300 km journey. Read our detailed blog to know all about Skydiving in Melbourne and book your Great Ocean Road skydive. If you have the time, sample the delights near Warrnambool. This is a stop that not a lot of tourists know about, so you can avoid the crowds and see and experience more than most people would on their Great Ocean Road trip. 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. 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. 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. Poor Tim got hit hard by the wave, soaking his feet. Head forEastern Beachfirst. The total distance you can expect to drive is over 600 km. Brekkie tacos, smoothie bowls and a full lunch menu to eat in or take away will please anyone visiting. I highly recommended checking out Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve and Port Fairy. Imagine free falling from the sky onto these gorgeous views? Your story was very useful for us to plan our one day trip in March 2020 just before the corona virus outbreak. One down side to this is that you will be travelling on the side of the road which isnt on the coast side. Join our small group coastal adventure to the beaches, rainforests and more of the Great Ocean Road. Live chat with local experts anywhere, anytime. The Ultimate Great Ocean Road Trip: From Melbourne to Adelaide - NeedaBreak Great Ocean Road Tours | Australia Vacations & Tours | Goway Some of the beautiful coastal towns you will come across during your drive are Apollo Bay, Cape Otway, Port Campbell, Torquay, and Lorne. Bunyip Tours: Cute Penguins - See 1,941 traveler reviews, 941 candid photos, and great deals for Melbourne, Australia, at Tripadvisor. However, when the winds pick up it is best to stay above the Grotto. The nearly 250 kilometre road encapsulates some of Australia's most iconic scenery and gives visitors the opportunity to get close to wildlife. Route planner, Travel information, Victoria, Australia 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. Tip: Beat the tour buses to avoid the traffic and crowds. Cute Penguins - Reviews, Photos - Bunyip Tours - Tripadvisor Depart Melbourne and travel over the West Gate Bridge through the vast volcanic plains en-route to Geelong. Melbourne to Adelaide via Great Ocean Road - Jensen Chua Photography 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. Here at Port Campbell National Park, we spent over two hours hopping from scenic view to scenic view. . Iconic Animal Sightings. Starting from Torquay, this route takes you through beautiful seaside towns and rain forests as you follow the winding road along the exquisite coastline. The Great Otway National Park is located within the Otway ranges and covers the area from Torquay to Princetown. 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. There are also speed traps to catch those not sticking to the limits with fines up to (and above) $300AUD. Grab some coffee and stroll the foreshore. If youre a hiker more than a surfer, youll be in for a treat with theSurf Coast Walk 44km of trails that connect Torquay toAngelseaandAireys Inletalong the coast. Rent a campervan and go on an adventure. Once in Warrnambool, it doesnt take long to drive to Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve. The Kennet River located between Lorne and Apollo Bay is one of the best places in Australia to view wild koalas. If youve hired a car youll most likely collect it at the airport. Children: $99 $94 (3 - 15 years) Minimum age 3 years. The gorge has been named after a ship Loch Ard ran aground nearby and the rock pillars are named Tom and Eva after the only two survivors. Quest Warrnambool is the perfect place to do just that. 1 Day Great Ocean Road & 12 Apostles Tour $104 In the shadow of the Otway ranges meeting Cape Otway is the Apollo Bay, midway of the Great Ocean Road. The Great Ocean Road was built as a memorial for soldiers of World War I and this timber arch commemorates them. The Cape Otway lighthouse is the oldest surviving lighthouse in Australia and was rightly known as the Beacon of Hope.