Most take this road trip to visit the iconic Twelve Apostles but fall in love with the grandeur of nature. It is a rest stop on the Great Ocean Road and gateway to spectacular waterfalls and viewpoints. The best way to get around is to rent a car and explore on your own! Routing: Adelaide to Melbourne Duration: 5 Days Code: AD3 From AUD$690.00* per person, based on standard double/twin share accommodation. Iconic Animal Sightings. After passing through Port Campbell, youll pass by The Arch and London Bridge. We are a single Mum with 3 kids, 8yo Boy and 5 and 4 yo girls. 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. Burrell received her first James Beard nomination for "Best Chef: Texas" in 2020 and . 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. By continuing to browse this website you are agreeing to our use of cookies. 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. It is comparable to Big Sur in California with coastal views, winding roads, and many, many scenic viewpoints. This stone archway once formed a natural bridge over the gorge, but unfortunately collapsed almost a decade ago. 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. If you want one of the best views in Geelong, grab a seat on theSkyWheel. Some of the beautiful coastal towns you will come across during your drive are Apollo Bay, Cape Otway, Port Campbell, Torquay, and Lorne. The Ultimate Guide To Watch Phillip Island Penguin Parade. A dormant volcanic crater, Tower Hill is full of Australian wildlife (koalas, kangaroos, emus to name a few) and has lush wetlands and bush. Stretching over 243km (150mi), among this dramatic coastline's iconic attractions there's a mecca of bucket-list-worthy experiences. A drive between Melbourne and Adelaide via the inland route takes only 8 hours. Once you factor in viewpoints and short walks, expect this road trip to take one full day. 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. Dogs are permitted to join you in a vehicle driving along the length of the Great Ocean Road, even when the highway passes through areas of national park. Cannon Hillis a great place to start if you want to get the lay of the land. The driving distance from Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road is 446 km. The two-way highway is scenic as it gets and covers iconic landmarks like the Twelve Apostles, Apollo Bay, and the Otways. The perfect place for a Melbourne city escape. Its a lot of driving. 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]. From here you are well on your way to having covered a ton of ground. Youll also find the end of theGreat Ocean Walkhere, which allows you to get some stunning coastal views from a boardwalk before taking to the beach to see these immense stacks from the ground. 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. Bunyip Tours: Cute Penguins - See 1,940 traveler reviews, 941 candid photos, and great deals for Melbourne, Australia, at Tripadvisor. Conveniently located a little ways from Port Campbell, these serviced apartments have great rooms, a gorgeous pool area and make for a great stopover. Subscribe, Home | Australia | The PERFECT Great Ocean Road Drive Itinerary (2023). Melbourne Daylesford and the Macedon Ranges Gippsland Great Ocean Road Phillip Island Attractions More top attractions Sovereign Hill History & heritage Strike it rich with a day out in 1850s Ballarat and pan for gold, ride in a horse-drawn carriage and relive the Eureka Rebellion with sound and light. 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. To do this, leave Melbourne before 8am as most tours leave Melbourne city between 8am and 9am. Don't be an idiot. You can spend more time at each location and engage in activities like trekking, swimming and adventure sports. The road curves quite a lot and if you suffer from motion sickness carry anti-nausea medication or chew on citrusy candy to keep it in check. 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). Related article: What should you not miss on the Great Ocean Road? Stops. The Great Ocean Road Tour covers pristine beaches, geological marvels, and rich forests on your way. Torquay is also home to theSurf World Museumwith tons of history about the sport and its fame in Australia. Join the adventures on our YouTube channel! 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. You also get to enjoy free WiFi onboard, tea and snacks and relax in comfort between spots. A total of 620 properties were sold via auction last . 1. The Great Ocean Road is where you experience breathtaking nature and the great outdoors of Australia! 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 waves here were big, similar to US east coast waves just before a hurricane. Turn off for this road just before you reach Apollo Bay. Its a small village, but Port Campbell is a nice place to stop for a snack and some fuel. This is one of the best things, if not the best, that you can do in the state of Victoria in Australia. 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. To get more information on the Great Ocean Road, visit the official tourism website here. The spectacular Great Ocean Road hugs the seaside cliffs that snake along the wild and windswept Southern Ocean. 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. Have enjoyed your stories since departing Columbia almost a year ago. An alternative to this driving route is that you do it in the reverse order. plenty of accommodation choices in Warrnambool, Apollo Bay Surf, Stand Up Paddle Boarding & Kayak, Otway Estate Brewery Prickly Moses Beer. Whether you're a history buff, foodie, nature lover or adventurer get ready for a great weekend. can include Port Fairy and more coastal towns. The Great Ocean Road is one of the most epic road journeys you can go on across the world! READ MORE: Be sure to plan your best trip to Australia by using our Australia Travel Guide! Check map and driving directions of your route which helps you find the destination easier. It shows off sheer limestone cliffs, dairy farms and heathland, and gets you up close and personal with the crashing . Please enter your email address or username. 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. And your Great Ocean Road route should not miss out on two other attractions nearby either. Finally, we made it to Bells Beach in Torquay, the end point of the Great Ocean Road. 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). Recommended Experiences Yarra Valley Full Day Gourmet Tour Skydive Yarra Valley Tandem Freefall. Depart from Melbourne in the morning, and begin your Great Ocean Road journey. Loch Ard Gorge is a breathtaking natural formation just a short distance from the 12 apostles. The Great Ocean Road is an Australian National Heritage listed 240-kilometre (150 mi) stretch of road along the south-eastern coast of Australia between the Victorian cities of Torquay and Allansford.Built by returned soldiers between 1919 and 1932 and dedicated to soldiers killed during World War I, the road is the world's largest war memorial.Winding through varying terrain along the coast . It can be done. 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. If your tour is on schedule you might find yourself some time for a swim. Truly a paradise, the area is a popular destination for water sports and recreation activities. 6 Melbourne: Werribee Open Range Zoo Admission Ticket. You can also use the share icon and share it on Facebook. Bells Beach is Australias premiere surf spot, a spot also labeled by some as the best surfing destination in the world. You might even get a stretch of beach all to yourself, maybe for the best adventure of the day. Experience the Great Ocean Road from Melbourne to Adelaide. The Great Ocean Road offers amazing scenery, unforgettable natural features and quaint towns making it a unique vacation spot. You also wont be getting a sunset picture of the 12 Apostles as it will be one of your first major stops. There were no surfers, really there was no one else here other than a few curious people like ourselves. Thanks Natalie Seltz Towson, MD. How far is the Great Ocean Road from Melbourne? 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. If you have limited time and can only do it in 1 day, then dont stress. From AU $1625 to AU $1895 3 days ex flights. Other good breaks in addition to Bells Beach includeSan Juc, Winki Pop, Bird RockandSparrowsjust to name a few. For just a moment though, it was neat peering out at the waves and the coastline from this unique vantage point. 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. Soaring high above the limestone stacks youll get the best views of Victorias Shipwreck Coast. But the Great Ocean Road is about so much more than its sinuous, coast hugging tarmac. The return distance between Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road is 446 Km. 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. Stunning photos. Julie Last updated: October 8, 2022 Australia 4 Comments. Walk up near the Grey River Road and you will find koalas lounging on the trees. Discover. One down side to this is that you will be travelling on the side of the road which isnt on the coast side. How long does it take to drive the Great Ocean Road? The weather can play a huge part in what is visible and how close you can get to this area. 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. Most tour buses will leave between 8am and 9am, so try and leave before then. We recommend Rental Cars, which has the largest range of vehicles for the best value on the market. For a shorter track check outMaits Restwhich will take you through a beautiful section of rainforest. Apart from the trip distance, refer Directions from Portland Ln to Mildura VIC 3500 for road driving directions! This was not anywhere near as scenic as Port Campbell National Park but was still worth seeing. And to get your fill of more art you can visit theGeelong Art GalleryandThe Heritage Center. Although most Great Ocean Road tours offer snacks they might be limited and since you are in for a long day its best to stock up on extra snacks and beverages for the road. But that does not take away from the impressive views at all. Drive Time: 30 minutes to Port Fairy, 4 hours to Melbourne. In Portland we stayed at the Portland Holiday Village. For the best panoramic views in Apollo Bay head straight forMarriners Lookout. 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). If you want to get off the beaten path like we did, do not be afraid to try one of those unlabeled dirt roads. Wendy Report inappropriate content Planning a trip to Australia? A staircase leads you to view it at the eye-level and is best experience at low tide at sunrise or sunset. If you travel one way from Port Campbell to Melbourne (or vice versa), it is a 300 km journey. 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. Bunyip Tours: Cute Penguins - See 1,941 traveler reviews, 941 candid photos, and great deals for Melbourne, Australia, at Tripadvisor. Wear comfortable shoes as there is a lot of walking to do. 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 . There are 4 ways to get from Melbourne to Great Ocean Road by train, bus or car Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2rio's travel planner. 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. The same would not go for the rest of the Earth Trekkers. The first destination is Bells Beach in Torquay, a famous location for surfers. Perfect write up, very helpful indeed, Appreciate your work guys, Cheers. Home to some of Australia's best-known surf beaches, Torquay marks the official beginning of the Great Ocean Road. 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. I am using a Canon 5D Mark iii with a 20-70 mm lens. 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. Note: This post contains affiliate links. 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. We enjoyed our travels on the Great Ocean Road, the area of Port Campbell National Park being the highlight of the day. DESTINATIONS AROUND THE WORLD: For more places to visit around the world, check out our Destinations page. Youll also find theAustralian Surfing Hall of Famehere as well. Our ultimate destination being Kangaroo Island. 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. Stock up on essentials, fill up the car, turn up the radio and head towards Apollo Bay! Happy travels. We can recommend a number of excellent companies who all use smaller buses which means more time at stops and more personalized experience. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. 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 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. 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. . It takes 3 day to drive through the Great Ocean Road and to see all the attractions on the way. If youre looking to do a bit of waterfall chasing, this is a great place to find them! What is the distance between Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road? An absolute must-do for anyone wanting one of the best views of this part of the Great Ocean Road is to book in for aTwelve Apostles Helicopter Ride. Hi Tracy, November is a beautiful time to travel the Great Ocean Road. I dashed out of the cave to higher ground, able to stay dry. Thanks for your support, kind friend! Seeingthe Twelve Apostlesfor yourself should be at the top of your Australian Bucket list, no matter the weather. Memorial Arch (8am) Our first stop was the Memorial Arch, which is located just past the city of Torquay. The lake views here are stunning and if youre lucky you might even be able to lay your eyes on a platypus or two. Surf lessons can be booked in Lorne, Anglesea, Torquay, and Ocean Grove. 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. For those wanting to drive a bit further west, theres the historic harbour settlement of Portland which you can visit. They finish at either the 12 Apostles or Warrnambool, and then drive back to Melbourne. Stevenson Falls, Triplet Falls, Little Aire Falls, andHopetoun Fallsare just a few of the many highlights here. One of the best things to do here is take a walk out on thePort Fairy Wharves. Yes, you can do this as a one day trip from Melbourne, but I dont recommend it. 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. Let us help you get started with planning your Great Ocean Road itinerary. Explore Victoria's Great Ocean Road on an all-day reverse tour Discover the region's history and culture with a knowledgeable local guide Get going early and enjoy a small-group experience that beats the crowds Experience London Bridge, 12 Apostles, Great Otway, and other sites National Park fees Live commentary on board Professional guide Adults: $119 $104 Online special! Just prepare yourself for a full day with an early start and late(ish) finish. 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. MELBOURNE: Melbourne is our favorite city in Australia. Read more about taking a day trip from Melbourne to Yarra Valley. It will stop off at most of the popular viewing spots. Sometimes, Tyler and Kara feel like they will never be able to escape the attention of people curious about their blond hair. The cliffs over the beach offer gorgeous views of the swells coming in from the Southern Ocean. The Great Ocean Road winds through picturesque locations that outdo one another in terms of visual extravaganza. You can also find the flight distance or distance to fly from Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road. Make sure you visit first thing in the morning or later in the afternoon for the best koala viewing times. Visit some of the valleys most impressive wineries, go on a skydiving experience and simply kick your heels and relax. Less traffic on the road and more time to spend at stops. Along the way you'll stop by the border of Victoria and South Australia and a red line marks the exact spot. 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. Frolic in the ocean and then head up to the lush rainforests abundant with wildlife. This is just because we really want to show you the best bits of the beautiful Great Ocean Road! The green forest with the winding highway meets the ocean here! What is the return distance between Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road? 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. 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. 2011-2023 distancesfrom.com. Great Ocean Road starts at Torquay and finishes in Allansford. The drive offers plenty of places to stop off and explore. The first to know about trending destinations, travel deals, tips and all things travel. If you arent restricted to only 1 day, give yourself at least 2 days to do the Great Ocean Road drive. 1st Stop: Torquay. You will want to try and get ahead of as many tour buses as you can. If you fancy trying your luck to spot some wildlife head out to nearbyLake Elizabeth. This will help you make the most of your time so you can see the things that matter to you. 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. But all the views are spectacular on this stretch of the Great Ocean Road Trip. Through our stories and images we promote exciting off-the-beaten-path destinations and fascinating cultures as we go. 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. BONUS Booking ahead of time ensures you wont miss out on the tour, and get the best price too! 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. There are a few towns along the way like Lorne, Apollo Bay and Port Campbell where you can stay or camp overnight. 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. The coastline of the Great Ocean Road is constantly changing and one such natural formation is the London Arch. One of the most adventurous things to do on the Great Ocean Road drive is to do a bit of scuba diving. Home to some of Australia's best-known surf beaches, Torquay marks the official beginning of the Great Ocean Road. Includes: 4 nights' accommodation, 5 days unlimited km use of a compact sized car and fully detailed itinerary with local and regional maps. From the rocks, Tim and I could see a cave in the side of the cliff. 4 From Melbourne: Great Ocean Road Full-Day Trip. The Twelve Apostles marked the end of the most scenic of viewpoints but did not end our journey down the Great Ocean Road. We personally stayed there when we travelled across Australia, and highly recommend it. Surf Culture at Australian National Museum of Surfing. The route of 243 KM stretches from Torquay to Allansford in Victoria state. I am not looking forward to the conclusion of your trek. Lookout on the ocean from May to September as you might spot Whales! 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. If you're planning to visit the Great Ocean Road, here's all that you should squeeze into your itinerary.