Plan ahead and give yourself at least 1 full day. Things all of a sudden became a lot more exciting. I could not imagine trying to swim out past these waves, just to catch one right back to shore. Make sure you book ahead though, as its not something you can just show up and do. A total of 620 properties were sold via auction last . 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. Apart from the trip distance, refer Directions from Portland Ln to Mildura VIC 3500 for road driving directions! For more experienced surfers, and those looking to set foot onto a world-renowned surf beach, head toBells Beach. With the last day of your Great Ocean Road itinerary upon you, there is still so much to be seen and experienced. 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. Your email address will not be published. Starting from Torquay, this route takes you through beautiful seaside towns and rain forests as you follow the winding road along the exquisite coastline. 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. Built in honour of the 3,000 soldiers who worked on this stretch of road after WWI, there is now also a sculpture there to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the arch. The best way to get around is to rent a car and explore on your own! . It was nothing fancy but suited our needs for our family of four. 6 Melbourne: Werribee Open Range Zoo Admission Ticket. 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. 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. Have enjoyed your stories since departing Columbia almost a year ago. 12. 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. It was another spot that was cool to see, even if it was just for a few minutes. What is the distance between Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road? Great commentary. 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 Melbourne: SEA LIFE Aquarium Entrance Ticket. Dont start counting them though, because there are only seven you can count! This is one of Victorias best bush and ocean walks. 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. It makes for a perfect family day out or holiday with friends. Thats the word that can truly capture the essence of the Great Ocean Road in Australia. Discover some of the best things to do in Melbourne. plenty of accommodation choices in Warrnambool, Apollo Bay Surf, Stand Up Paddle Boarding & Kayak, Otway Estate Brewery Prickly Moses Beer. 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. Recommended Experiences Yarra Valley Full Day Gourmet Tour Skydive Yarra Valley Tandem Freefall. 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. Brekkie tacos, smoothie bowls and a full lunch menu to eat in or take away will please anyone visiting. We are located almost at the end of the Great Ocean Road, about 4.5 hours from Melbourne. The first to know about trending destinations, travel deals, tips and
All rights reserved Earth Trekkers. Part 1: Melbourne Part 2: Melbourne to Ballarat Part 3: Ballarat to Torquay Part 4: Torquay to Port Campbell Part 5: Port Campbell to Warrnambool Part 6: Warrnambool to Portland Part 7: Portland to Mount Gambier The two-way highway is scenic as it gets and covers iconic landmarks like the Twelve Apostles, Apollo Bay, and the Otways. These unique and adorable local animals call this spot home and have been known to use the lake as a nesting ground when having babies so best to keep your eyes peeled. Includes: 4 nights' accommodation, 5 days unlimited km use of a compact sized car, continental breakfast in Barossa Valley and fully detailed itinerary with local and regional maps. Planning a trip to Australia? With the last day of your Great Ocean Road itinerary upon you, there is still so much to be seen and experienced. You can also find the flight distance or distance to fly from Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road. Born to parents bit by the wander bug, Lakshmi calls her love for travel "hereditary and habitual". The Great Ocean Road in Victoria is a world-famous, Australian National Heritage-listed site along the Sydney to Melbourne drive. 4 From Melbourne: Great Ocean Road Full-Day Trip. The Perth to Adelaide Drive (via the Nullarbor Plain) 3,700 km | 16 days Swim with dolphins, climb the giant Gloucester Tree, camp among . 5 Melbourne: 2-Hour City Highlights River Cruise. 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]. Skydiving is a popular sport at the Great Ocean Road and you're likely to spot many gutsy ones plummeting from the sky at 200 kmph from 15,000 feet above. Make sure you visit first thing in the morning or later in the afternoon for the best koala viewing times. However, if you only have 1 day to work with, then here are some suggestions to save yourself time. The four of us were ecstatic to be off those winding roads. A walkway just outside Lorne offers views of the ocean lapping up the mouth of the Saint George River and the Bass Strait. Read all of our articles in our. Burrell has studied under expert chefs, including Tom Aikens in London, Monica Pope in Houston, and Tyson Cole. After the gorge youll pass the town of Port Campbell. Try out the walking trails, have a picnic by the sea, take in the scenic views, or go searching for Australian wildlife. All the points of interest mentioned above are marked on the Great Ocean Road Map below. The whole trail is about 15km, but your best chances for spotting the cute indigenous animals are about 6km in atGrey River. TheForeshore Promenadeis a great place for a stroll as well and stretches on for about 6 km. This is the start of their Great Ocean Road drive. If you arent restricted to only 1 day, give yourself at least 2 days to do the Great Ocean Road drive. The Ultimate Guide To Watch Phillip Island Penguin Parade. In this post, we cover the best spots to see along the way. 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. We personally stayed there when we travelled across Australia, and highly recommend it. Hi Tracy, November is a beautiful time to travel the Great Ocean Road. Stock up on essentials, fill up the car, turn up the radio and head towards Apollo Bay! But all the views are spectacular on this stretch of the Great Ocean Road Trip. Along the way you'll stop by the border of Victoria and South Australia and a red line marks the exact spot. Your password has been reset successfully please login with new password. For many people, the Great Ocean Road is a highlight when visiting Australia. Getting stuck behind tour buses will add to your travel time. Stops. Now 2 pillars are left standing above the sea and make for an impressive view inPort Campbell National Park. Includes: 4 nights' accommodation, 5 days unlimited km use of a compact sized car and fully detailed itinerary with local and regional maps. The road winds through picturesque locations outdo one another in terms of visual extravaganza. The Great Ocean Road spans 200 kilometers, from Port Campbell in the west to Torquay in the east. Visit top wilderness destinations and picturesque towns on this epic 3-day tour from Melbourne to the Great Ocean Road and the Grampians. Depart Melbourne and travel over the West Gate Bridge through the vast volcanic plains en-route to Geelong. You can also find the distance from Portland Ln to Mildura VIC 3500 using other travel options like bus, subway, tram, train and rail. 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. 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. December to February is the best time to take a Great Ocean Road tour from Melbourne. For a shorter track check outMaits Restwhich will take you through a beautiful section of rainforest. Here we joined the largest crowds of people yet, all elbowing for the best place to take family photos. And to get your fill of more art you can visit theGeelong Art GalleryandThe Heritage Center. 1st Stop: Torquay. What is a partial cave, archway and blowhole, The Grotto is definitely something to marvel at. 5+. The direct route between these two locations is 142km, taking drivers around two hours to complete. 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. The distance from Adelaide to Melbourne is 1500km on this itinerary, which amounts to over 21 hours worth of driving. The cliffs over the beach offer gorgeous views of the swells coming in from the Southern Ocean. Drive Time: 30 minutes to Port Fairy, 4 hours to Melbourne. Reserve your spot here. A road trip along the Great Ocean Road & Grampians National Park is a trip where you feel small in the universe. 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. Happy travels. The beaches on the Great Ocean Road are fantastic for swimming, especially in the summer. The sea enters the area through a narrow opening between two rock pillars. Bells Beach is a paradise for surfers; it is the location of the legendary annual Rip Curl Surfing competition. 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. A softUsvista Inc. venture! Apollo Bay is a popular place, so make sure you have booked your accommodation ahead of time. You could drive the main highlights of the Great Ocean Road (from the Bay of Islands to the Twelve Apostles), and then drive to Melbourne on highway A1. 3. Most of the highlights are located around Port Campbell. 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. It can be done. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. It stretches for 243 kms. 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. Brambuk: The National Park and Cultural Centre Live chat with local experts anywhere, anytime. 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. Torquay is also home to theSurf World Museumwith tons of history about the sport and its fame in Australia. This is the most common Great Ocean Road route. Like I mentioned before, covering all of these in a day may be a long shot, hence plan for a 2 day Great Ocean Road trip. Perfect write up, very helpful indeed, Appreciate your work guys, Cheers. 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. One of the most iconic road trips in all of Australia, if not the world, has got to be the Great Ocean Road drive. 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. I dashed out of the cave to higher ground, able to stay dry. After the last couple of years, it seems everyone wants to be out and about and go travelling. Note: This post contains affiliate links. 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. It is a rest stop on the Great Ocean Road and gateway to spectacular waterfalls and viewpoints. Its a highlight of a Great Ocean Road itinerary! We only recommend the best accommodations, tours and products, and regularly review these. You will want to try and get ahead of as many tour buses as you can. You don't have to miss out on this epic road trip just because you are short on time. 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. The road driving distance between Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road is 446 Km. 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. The coastline of the Great Ocean Road is constantly changing and one such natural formation is the London Arch. What is the road driving distance between Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road? 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. This would end up being our favorite part of the day. Youll find them sitting up in the eucalyptus trees. Along the way be sure to stop off at one of the small towns for a late afternoon-snack or coffee, or you can take a detour up to Ballarat for the night to learn about the gold rush. 1 Melbourne: 1-Day Entry Ticket to Melbourne Zoo. You can also try a different route while coming back by adding multiple destinations. Hopetoun Falls Just gorgeous, the walk to these falls is not very far, though it does involve steps. 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. Loch Iel (Pink Lake) The inland Melbourne to Adelaide drive takes around 5.5 hours from the Grampians. Theres so much to see and do, so you dont want to be left feeling rushed and tired at the end of your trip. Surf lessons can be booked in Lorne, Anglesea, Torquay, and Ocean Grove. - See 1,941 traveler reviews, 942 candid photos, and great deals for Melbourne, Australia, at Tripadvisor. 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. Heavenly, right? 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. This lookout gives you the chance to see right out to sea and over the entire city. From below the steps you can marvel at the 70m limestone stacks from up close and feel the power of nature. FromWarrnambool Breakwaterall the way toLogans Beachthis is a great spot to take in the coastal views and even pass a little penguin breeding ground. With your own car however youll be able to stop when and where you want, spending as long as you need to check out the beaches, taking in the views and having the freedom to explore at your leisure. If that is not an option though, or you dont like the idea of driving on the wrong side of the road, there are plenty of excellent tours likethis onethat will take you to see all the sights including the Twelve Apostles, Port Campbell, Otway National Park and more. Most people start the Great Ocean Road drive from Melbourne to Torquay. Other options include coming from Adelaide, so if this is you, just read the itinerary backwards. 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. It has diverse vegetation ranging from lush rainforest to rugged coastline, it has everything from stunning waterfalls to tranquil lakes. Forget all about the stress of driving, checking the GPS and creating an itinerary of your own! What is the return distance between Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road? Bells Beach is known for hosting Rip Curl Pro, a world surfing competition. From Torquay to Warrnambool (the last town on the Great Ocean Road), expect to spend at least 4 hours of driving which doesnt include stops. Over time it has been improved to create a peaceful and beautiful space to be enjoyed. Stunning photos. If you fancy trying your luck to spot some wildlife head out to nearbyLake Elizabeth. But that does not take away from the impressive views at all. Would like to do it in 3 days, 2 nights lodging and still see a few things. 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. Monumental. Kms. Our personal recommendation for where we stay in Apollo Bay every time is The Apollo Apartment. Check map and driving directions of your route which helps you find the destination easier. Maximum group size of 12 travellers with a reverse itinerary to beat the crowds at the 12 Apostles. 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. However, the Great Ocean Road is a hit at any time of the year and here is why . Private Great Ocean Road tour. Purchase tickets. 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 Twelve Apostles are giant limestone stacks jutting out of the ocean that form one of the most recognizable landscapes in Australia. 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. Trust me, though, it'll be worth waking up early for. Melbourne to Apollo Bay 187 km/116 miles, about 3 hours Ease into your road trip with the leisurely drive from Melbourne to Torquay, just over an hour's drive. Bunyip Tours: Cute Penguins - See 1,940 traveler reviews, 941 candid photos, and great deals for Melbourne, Australia, at Tripadvisor. Returns: Approx 9:00pm. Respect the speed limit. This stone archway once formed a natural bridge over the gorge, but unfortunately collapsed almost a decade ago. 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. You can spend more time at each location and engage in activities like trekking, swimming and adventure sports. The weather can play a huge part in what is visible and how close you can get to this area. Road trip: Melbourne to Great Ocean Road 277km Beach Culture Benefit Slip on your driving gloves and set off for a run down one the world's most celebrated and breathtaking roads. Of all the fantastic destinations, the one that really draws travelers from across the world is a Great Ocean Road tour. Most visitors to the Great Ocean Road travel from Melbourne, which is the nearest major city. The Great Ocean Road is a 243-kilometre (151-mile) route located along the coast of Victoria in southeastern Australia. The same would not go for the rest of the Earth Trekkers. Read all of our articles in our Australia Travel Guide. Recommended option Bus 3h 30m One of the best things to do here is take a walk out on thePort Fairy Wharves. The Great Ocean Road Tour covers pristine beaches, geological marvels, and rich forests on your way. DESTINATIONS AROUND THE WORLD: For more places to visit around the world, check out our Destinations page. Stretching over 243km (150mi), among this dramatic coastline's iconic attractions there's a mecca of bucket-list-worthy experiences. Whether you're a history buff, foodie, nature lover or adventurer get ready for a great weekend. Sandstone cliffs plunging into the ocean, pillars of hardened sandstone sitting just offshore, all of this being pounded by some serious waves. Just a few minutes west of the border you'll come across a beautiful pink salt lake. Less traffic on the road and more time to spend at stops. 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. It shows off sheer limestone cliffs, dairy farms and heathland, and gets you up close and personal with the crashing . The Great Ocean Road is one of Australias great drives. Thousands of visitors flock here for summer and for festivals during the year, including the world famous Folkie. From the rocks, Tim and I could see a cave in the side of the cliff. 2011-2023 distancesfrom.com. Hey! Mum, works 2- 3 days a week, Tues and Wednesday and Friday and has the children in daycare and . 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. If you want to get off the beaten path like we did, do not be afraid to try one of those unlabeled dirt roads. The cave was not very big, extending about ten meters back into the cliff from the opening. I am not looking forward to the conclusion of your trek. Route: Melbourne-Twelve Apostles return, via B100 (Great Ocean Road) Highlights: Torquay, Bells Beach, Lorne, Apollo Bay . 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. This is one way to get away from other tourists. To get more information on the Great Ocean Road, visit the official tourism website here. Required fields are marked *. 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. Theres a lot to see and do along the way. Here we are, at another beach, and we have it all to ourselves. Loch Ard Gorgeis the first attraction on the way, just a stones throw from the Twelve Apostles. If you dont want to visit Warrnambool, drive from Melbourne to the 12 Apostles (over 2.5 hours). Although i highly recommend visiting Warrnambool, you may not have the time to spend there. Learn about the Best Things to Do in Melbourne and get a recap of our experiences here. Last week, 1156 properties were scheduled to be auctioned in Melbourne. We can recommend a number of excellent companies who all use smaller buses which means more time at stops and more personalized experience. The shortest road distance between Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road is 446 Km. 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. When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we get paid a small commission at no extra cost to you. Made famous for theRip Curl Prohosted every Easter, Bells Beach is not only beautiful but a huge part of both Australian and surf culture. 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. In front of us were walls of sandstone, giant waves crashing on the beach, and a rocky peninsula just waiting to be explored. Adults: $119 $104 Online special! To save even more time, you can cut out Warrnambool completely from your drive. Port Fairy offers great locations forscuba divingincludingThe Thistle. The Great Ocean Road is where you experience breathtaking nature and the great outdoors of Australia! 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. In Portland we stayed at the Portland Holiday Village. There are also speed traps to catch those not sticking to the limits with fines up to (and above) $300AUD. Our journey ended an hour and a half later, finally at Melbourne. See the towering 12 Apostles, get up close to native wildlife, and take in iconic surf breaks, pristine rainforest and misty waterfalls along the spectacular Great Ocean Road. Cannon Hillis a great place to start if you want to get the lay of the land. The Great Ocean Road map highlights 50 of the best attractions, recommended places to stop, and things to do on a self-drive holiday along the Victorian coast to the 12 Apostles and Port Campbell National Park. Portland is 6 hours (540 km) away from Adelaide. Stevenson Falls, Triplet Falls, Little Aire Falls, andHopetoun Fallsare just a few of the many highlights here. They will also add to the crowds at every one of your stops, so you want to beat them if you can. It was awesome having this place all to ourselves, being able to explore without anyone else around. Carry a fast-drying towel, a bathing suit and a change of clothes to go swimming. Check our. We could not get too close to the edge or else we would risk being pulled into the ocean by a rogue wave. The perfect place for a Melbourne city escape. The nearly 250 kilometre road encapsulates some of Australia's most iconic scenery and gives visitors the opportunity to get close to wildlife. It is essentially a sinkhole in a limestone stack and opens out to a view of the sea and cliffs beyond. You might even get a stretch of beach all to yourself, maybe for the best adventure of the day. Duration: 5 Days Prices From: US$ 699 Trip Type: Self-Drives, Tailor-made Travel Ideas Australia See Trip Details We had a villa, a small, two bedroom cabin with a kitchen and ensuite bathroom. What is the shortest road distance between Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road? But one of the most incredible Great Ocean Road attractions is just around the corner. The Memorial Arch (youve probably seen photos of people standing underneath it) symbolises the start of the road. This often includes stopping at lookouts along the way. can include Port Fairy and more coastal towns. Day 3: Warrnambool to Port Fairy then Melbourne (or Adelaide) Distance: 30km to Port Fairy, then 312km to Melbourne. Director, editor and producer of feature documentary about animal welfare in farming. Yes, you can. 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. Find more of them listed here. Recommended option Train 4h 12m Take the train from Southern Cross to Warrnambool Warrnambool - Melbourne Via Colac & Geelong $103 - $128 Both are amazing expressions of natural beauty and are worth checking out. Even in Australia, Tyler and Kara were getting a lot of stares, this time from Chinese tourists. A drive between Melbourne and Adelaide via the inland route takes only 8 hours. 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 If you're planning your big Great Ocean Road trip from Melbourne, here are all the transport options that could get you there. We are a single Mum with 3 kids, 8yo Boy and 5 and 4 yo girls.