For more information on routes and trails visit the websitehere. Now youll be able to find the wreckage in shallow waters, which makes it great for divers to explore. We still had a long ways to go. As Victorias 5th largest city, Warrnambool is a lot bigger than most of the seaside towns along the Great Ocean Road drive. Returns: Approx 9:00pm. 12. With the last day of your Great Ocean Road itinerary upon you, there is still so much to be seen and experienced. It was nothing fancy but suited our needs for our family of four. So you may get lucky to lay your eyes on some of these cute local beach dwellers. I am using a Canon 5D Mark iii with a 20-70 mm lens. The starting point of the Great Ocean Road that's closest to Melbourne, Torquay, is 64 miles (103 km) from the city. 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. 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. The same would not go for the rest of the Earth Trekkers. One of the best things to do here is take a walk out on thePort Fairy Wharves. 1 Melbourne: 1-Day Entry Ticket to Melbourne Zoo. From Melbourne to Torquay (the first town on the Great Ocean Road), it will take you about 1.5 hours. You can drive the entire length of the Great Ocean Road in one long day (about 8 hours return), but we recommend splitting the journey up into a few days. 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. We had one day to drive the Great Ocean Road, including this in our travels from Adelaide to Melbourne. Republishing this articleand/orany of its contents (text, photography, etc. 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. BONUS Booking ahead of time ensures you wont miss out on the tour, and get the best price too! This was not anywhere near as scenic as Port Campbell National Park but was still worth seeing. 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 is a rest stop on the Great Ocean Road and gateway to spectacular waterfalls and viewpoints. Check our. Just a few minutes west of the border you'll come across a beautiful pink salt lake. Turn off for this road just before you reach Apollo Bay. 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. 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. The waves here were big, similar to US east coast waves just before a hurricane. You might not be making any unscheduled stops to buy snacks. The whole trail is about 15km, but your best chances for spotting the cute indigenous animals are about 6km in atGrey River. Further along, you will find verdant bush where koalas nest and then onto the lush rainforests with spectacular waterfalls and native wildlife. Day 1 - Drive to the Grampians National Park from Melbourne, visit McKenzie falls and stay overnight in the town of Halls Gap. For a great post-drive meal check out theGeelong Boathousefor a classic fish & chips by the sea. One of the most iconic road trips in all of Australia, if not the world, has got to be the Great Ocean Road drive. Melbourne's two best day tours, Great Ocean Road & Phillip Island, with entrance to Melbourne Skydeck. The Grotto is one of the most impressive sections of the coastline, and essentially a sinkhole. Lorneis the closest town from the arch and a great spot to grab some lunch atBottle of Milk, use the facilities and continue on towardsKennett River. The sea enters the area through a narrow opening between two rock pillars. 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. 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. This is one of the best things, if not the best, that you can do in the state of Victoria in Australia. 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. Carry a fast-drying towel, a bathing suit and a change of clothes to go swimming. Here at Port Campbell National Park, we spent over two hours hopping from scenic view to scenic view. One of the most adventurous things to do on the Great Ocean Road drive is to do a bit of scuba diving. 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. In front of us were walls of sandstone, giant waves crashing on the beach, and a rocky peninsula just waiting to be explored. 4 From Melbourne: Great Ocean Road Full-Day Trip. This is the start of their Great Ocean Road drive. A great photo op spot, this is one of the most photographed spots along the Great Ocean Road. The lake views here are stunning and if youre lucky you might even be able to lay your eyes on a platypus or two. READ MORE: Be sure to plan your best trip to Australia by using our Australia Travel Guide! The Email id you have Entered is not Registered With us. We are located almost at the end of the Great Ocean Road, about 4.5 hours from Melbourne. all things travel. The driving distance from Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road is 446 km. A softUsvista Inc. venture! We drove from Adelaide to Portland, spent the night in Portland, and then drove the Great Ocean Road. Required fields are marked *. 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. On a clear sunny day and depending on the tide you can get pretty close. A drive between Melbourne and Adelaide via the inland route takes only 8 hours. 1. Bunyip Tours: Cute Penguins - See 1,940 traveler reviews, 941 candid photos, and great deals for Melbourne, Australia, at Tripadvisor. 5+. It's also possible to travel from Melbourne to Adelaide via the Great . 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. Other options include coming from Adelaide, so if this is you, just read the itinerary backwards. The route of 243 KM stretches from Torquay to Allansford in Victoria state. Where does the Great Ocean Road start and finish. 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. If you're planning a self-guided tour, this could come handy. 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. DestinationsPhotographySustainable TourismAdventure Travel, Adventure ToursStart a BlogTravel TipsSitemap, 2023 NOMADasaurus | Peak Evolution Media, The PERFECT Great Ocean Road Drive Itinerary (2023). Stunning photos. 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. Lookout on the ocean from May to September as you might spot Whales! The cave was not very big, extending about ten meters back into the cliff from the opening. What is the shortest road distance between Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road? 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. Imagine free falling from the sky onto these gorgeous views? If youre looking to do a bit of waterfall chasing, this is a great place to find them! Bunyip Tours: See above for that. Recommended option Train 4h 12m Take the train from Southern Cross to Warrnambool Warrnambool - Melbourne Via Colac & Geelong $103 - $128 If you arent restricted to only 1 day, give yourself at least 2 days to do the Great Ocean Road drive. Sightseeing Time: 4 hours. Other good breaks in addition to Bells Beach includeSan Juc, Winki Pop, Bird RockandSparrowsjust to name a few. 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. However, the Great Ocean Road is a hit at any time of the year and here is why . Our ultimate destination being Kangaroo Island. A dormant volcanic crater, Tower Hill is full of Australian wildlife (koalas, kangaroos, emus to name a few) and has lush wetlands and bush. The road driving distance between Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road is 446 Km. Starting and finishing in Melbourne, enjoy a self drive tour along Victoria's southwest coast. 2 From Melbourne: Great Ocean Road and Wildlife Tour. Chasing waterfalls? To get you fueled up for your last day head toBohemiaCafe & Barfor a takeaway coffee or a wicked and delicious breakfast. We can recommend a number of excellent companies who all use smaller buses which means more time at stops and more personalized experience. Live chat with local experts anywhere, anytime. What kind of still camera/lens are you finding most helpful? 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. Rent a campervan and go on an adventure. Bells Beach is a paradise for surfers; it is the location of the legendary annual Rip Curl Surfing competition. This often includes stopping at lookouts along the way. 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. Poor Tim got hit hard by the wave, soaking his feet. The perfect place for a Melbourne city escape. No, the Great Ocean Road isnt particularly dangerous to drive, as long as you take proper precautions. Drive Along the Great Ocean Road. The view of these sandstone pillars along the coastline is one of the Great Ocean Roads most famous. 3. 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. Planning a trip to Australia? The official length of the Great Ocean Road is around 243 km/ 151 miles. For a shorter track check outMaits Restwhich will take you through a beautiful section of rainforest. This iconic route stretches 243km between the towns of Allansford and Torquay, and the most well-known attraction on the Great Ocean Road has to be the Twelve Apostles limestone stacks. Most people start the Great Ocean Road drive from Melbourne to Torquay. Of all the fantastic destinations, the one that really draws travelers from across the world is a Great Ocean Road tour. Loch Ard Gorgeis the first attraction on the way, just a stones throw from the Twelve Apostles. 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. We are Alesha and Jarryd, the award-winning writers and professional photographers behind this blog. 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. If that is the case, you can head straight back to Melbourne after seeing the famous sites such as the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, London Bridge and The Grotto. Most take this road trip to visit the iconic Twelve Apostles but fall in love with the grandeur of nature. Thats the word that can truly capture the essence of the Great Ocean Road in Australia. From below the steps you can marvel at the 70m limestone stacks from up close and feel the power of nature. We enjoyed our travels on the Great Ocean Road, the area of Port Campbell National Park being the highlight of the day. ThePort FairyBotanical Gardensare a lovely spot for an afternoon walk and to admire the plants and flowers. You will be bracing natural elements on this road trip and its best to dress accordingly. 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. 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. We personally stayed there when we travelled across Australia, and highly recommend it. Ziplining, surfing, horse riding, canoes, and kayaking, to name a few. Bunyip Tours: Wonderful experience - See 1,941 traveler reviews, 941 candid photos, and great deals for Melbourne, Australia, at Tripadvisor. The Perth to Adelaide Drive (via the Nullarbor Plain) 3,700 km | 16 days Swim with dolphins, climb the giant Gloucester Tree, camp among . For the best panoramic views in Apollo Bay head straight forMarriners Lookout. You can also use the share icon and share it on Facebook. Visit surf beaches, seaside towns, and national parks; and see rain forest, wild koalas, and towering waterfalls. It is a beast to carry around with me everyday but I love the photos get with it. But one of the most incredible Great Ocean Road attractions is just around the corner. Julie Last updated: October 8, 2022 Australia 4 Comments. The Ultimate Melbourne To Yarra Valley Tour | Discover The Best Wineries, Chocolateries and Delicatessens! There is a walking track around the island and on the most westerly point youll find a lovely little lighthouse and a pretty viewpoint too. It shows off sheer limestone cliffs, dairy farms and heathland, and gets you up close and personal with the crashing . Your email address will not be published. Drive through the Great Ocean Road's coastal cliffs and river inlets as well as its luscious fern gullies. 1. If you have limited time and can only do it in 1 day, then dont stress. While wandering around town youll surely spot a ton of street art, which is something Geelong is known for. Whether you surf or not, it is a great place to stop and admire the ocean. 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. Its a small village, but Port Campbell is a nice place to stop for a snack and some fuel. You will also reach the main stops at a different time to the crowds. A staircase leads you to view it at the eye-level and is best experience at low tide at sunrise or sunset. 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. Loch Iel (Pink Lake) The inland Melbourne to Adelaide drive takes around 5.5 hours from the Grampians. Routing: Adelaide to Melbourne Duration: 5 Days Code: AD3 From AUD$690.00* per person, based on standard double/twin share accommodation. 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. With the last day of your Great Ocean Road itinerary upon you, there is still so much to be seen and experienced. Grab some coffee and stroll the foreshore. 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. Finally, we made it to Bells Beach in Torquay, the end point of the Great Ocean Road. Now 2 pillars are left standing above the sea and make for an impressive view inPort Campbell National Park. We plan to spend 5 days on Kangaroo Island and have allowed 3 days to get to Cape Jervis. Here we joined the largest crowds of people yet, all elbowing for the best place to take family photos. The highlight of the Great Ocean Road are the Twelve Apostles. The Great Ocean Road definitely has some dangerous turns. Great Ocean Road & Melbourne itinerary and attractions Day 1: Arriving in city of Melbourne Australia. For most people, the trip willstart in Melbourneand can be done in a loop or a return journey. From Melbourne, head to Geelong and then south to Torquay. 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. 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. All the points of interest mentioned above are marked on the Great Ocean Road Map below. Head down to Main Beach for a swim, sunbathe or surf at Point Impossible or Rocky Point. Apart from the trip distance, refer Directions from Portland Ln to Mildura VIC 3500 for road driving directions! Did you know: The Great Ocean Road is the worlds largest war memorial, and was built by returning servicemen from World War I. Yes, you can. The Ultimate Guide To Watch Phillip Island Penguin Parade. Join our small group coastal adventure to the beaches, rainforests and more of the Great Ocean Road. Through our stories and images we promote exciting off-the-beaten-path destinations and fascinating cultures as we go. Soaring high above the limestone stacks youll get the best views of Victorias Shipwreck Coast. 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. Visit some of the valleys most impressive wineries, go on a skydiving experience and simply kick your heels and relax. Its a lot of driving. If you want to get off the beaten path like we did, do not be afraid to try one of those unlabeled dirt roads. 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 offers easy transport options to Geelong and Torquay as well as plenty of car hire options. This stone archway once formed a natural bridge over the gorge, but unfortunately collapsed almost a decade ago. Sandstone cliffs plunging into the ocean, pillars of hardened sandstone sitting just offshore, all of this being pounded by some serious waves. Stevenson Falls, Triplet Falls, Little Aire Falls, andHopetoun Fallsare just a few of the many highlights here. You will receive a link to create a new password via email. While the Great Ocean Road covers a ton of coastline, this national park is a gem located more on the inland route. FromWarrnambool Breakwaterall the way toLogans Beachthis is a great spot to take in the coastal views and even pass a little penguin breeding ground. Stretching 641 km, this route will take you from Melbourne to Warrnambool and back in about nine hours - that means you'll be treated to changing landscapes and plenty of different scenery! There are 5 ways to get from Mount Gambier to Great Ocean Road by 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. This will start your Ocean Road drive in the opposite direction as most others, avoiding the busy traffic. A walkway just outside Lorne offers views of the ocean lapping up the mouth of the Saint George River and the Bass Strait. Theres a lot to see and do along the way. Next, we got off the beaten track, taking an unnamed dirt road towards the shoreline. 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. MELBOURNE: Melbourne is our favorite city in Australia. Surf Culture at Australian National Museum of Surfing. Thats how were going to structure this post for you. Wear comfortable shoes as there is a lot of walking to do. 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. Made famous for theRip Curl Prohosted every Easter, Bells Beach is not only beautiful but a huge part of both Australian and surf culture. 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. Have enjoyed your stories since departing Columbia almost a year ago. What is the return distance between Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road? If your tour is on schedule you might find yourself some time for a swim. The Great Ocean Road is where you experience breathtaking nature and the great outdoors of Australia! Premiered at Melbourne International Film Festival. Day 1: Melbourne to Port Campbell We depart from Southern Cross Coach Terminal on Spencer Street at 8:30am before we commence this amazing 4 day, 3 night guided Great Ocean Road & Beyond Itinerary. 52 Great Weekends > No 3: Portland No 3: Portland Located a little over 4hrs Melbourne, Portland is well worth the drive. Check, (2 hrs Torquay is also home to theSurf World Museumwith tons of history about the sport and its fame in Australia. Some of the beautiful coastal towns you will come across during your drive are Apollo Bay, Cape Otway, Port Campbell, Torquay, and Lorne. There is no dearth of viewpoints on the Great Ocean Road and Teddys Lookout is another magnificent spot added to the list. Most tour buses will leave between 8am and 9am, so try and leave before then. Director, editor and producer of feature documentary about animal welfare in farming. 34 mins), (3 hrs For many people, the Great Ocean Road is a highlight when visiting Australia. Check out the Vline train & bus timetable to make your way between Geelong and Warrnambool. 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. It makes for a perfect family day out or holiday with friends. It is a popular stop for photographs with the name of the road and the plaque. 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. Today, at 4 pm, with clouds and a cold breeze, it did not look like much to us. In 1932, the road was thrown open to the public and has since then become one of the worlds best road trip destinations. You dont have to miss out on this epic road trip just because you are short on time. For just a moment though, it was neat peering out at the waves and the coastline from this unique vantage point. Port Fairy offers great locations forscuba divingincludingThe Thistle. 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. We want to book accommodation as we go . Find out more here. The road starts in Torquay, and finishes in Allansford. From Portland, we drove 2 hours (160 km) to get to Port Campbell, the start of the Great Ocean Road. Before you set off on your adventure though, you should know how long the road is and how long it takes to drive. Built in 1848, it sits at the edge of the ocean almost 90m over the Bass Strait. You can also find the distance from Portland Ln to Mildura VIC 3500 using other travel options like bus, subway, tram, train and rail. Tip: If youre hungry on the drive back to Melbourne, stop at Colac for food. The Great Ocean Road (B100) is one of Australia's most famous touring routes. Cannon Hillis a great place to start if you want to get the lay of the land. The weather can play a huge part in what is visible and how close you can get to this area. If you fancy trying your luck to spot some wildlife head out to nearbyLake Elizabeth. 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. Depending on the vehicle you choose to travel, you can calculate the amount of CO2 emissions from your vehicle and assess the environment impact. Start your 3 day Great Ocean Road itinerary with a lazy morning in Torquay. You can walk, trek, horse-ride or bike through the park. To enlarge the map, click the top right icon and it will open up, full screen, in a new tab. This is one of Victorias best bush and ocean walks. Over time it has been improved to create a peaceful and beautiful space to be enjoyed. Day 2 - Pinnacles Walk in the Grampians National Park and drive to Port Campbell on the Great Ocean Road to stay overnight. The Great Ocean Road winds through picturesque locations that outdo one another in terms of visual extravaganza. After a late arrival intoWarrnambool,youll want to see a few of the sights the city has to offer. Once you factor in viewpoints and short walks, expect this road trip to take one full day. Conveniently located a little ways from Port Campbell, these serviced apartments have great rooms, a gorgeous pool area and make for a great stopover. The direct route between these two locations is 142km, taking drivers around two hours to complete. The drive offers plenty of places to stop off and explore. . The distance between Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road is 446 Km by road. 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. This will help you make the most of your time so you can see the things that matter to you. 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. You can also try a different route while coming back by adding multiple destinations. You also wont be getting a sunset picture of the 12 Apostles as it will be one of your first major stops. Try out the walking trails, have a picnic by the sea, take in the scenic views, or go searching for Australian wildlife. During your travel, you plan to visit the following-1) Great Ocean Road, Apollo Bay, Victoria, Australia. Melbourne to Adelaide One Way Itinerary This route follows the Great Ocean Road from Melbourne to Adelaide and is approximately 1,250 km. 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. For more trail information in Great Otway National Park, visit thiswebsite. The spectacular Great Ocean Road hugs the seaside cliffs that snake along the wild and windswept Southern Ocean. From here you are well on your way to having covered a ton of ground.