Here we joined the largest crowds of people yet, all elbowing for the best place to take family photos. 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. Great Ocean Road one-day itinerary. Screened at CinefestOZ, Portland International Film Festival, Social Justice Film Festival (Seattle), St Louis International Film Festival, Mostly . The lake views here are stunning and if youre lucky you might even be able to lay your eyes on a platypus or two. 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. And just for NOMADasaurus readers, if you use the Klook discount codeNOMADS10on the website when checking out, youll get $10 off your first booking! Discover. On a clear sunny day and depending on the tide you can get pretty close. 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 story was very useful for us to plan our one day trip in March 2020 just before the corona virus outbreak. Melbourne to Adelaide One Way Itinerary This route follows the Great Ocean Road from Melbourne to Adelaide and is approximately 1,250 km. Carry a fast-drying towel, a bathing suit and a change of clothes to go swimming. It takes 3 day to drive through the Great Ocean Road and to see all the attractions on the way. The Cape Otway lighthouse is the oldest surviving lighthouse in Australia and was rightly known as the Beacon of Hope. ThePort FairyBotanical Gardensare a lovely spot for an afternoon walk and to admire the plants and flowers. 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. It will stop off at most of the popular viewing spots. If youve hired a car youll most likely collect it at the airport. It shows off sheer limestone cliffs, dairy farms and heathland, and gets you up close and personal with the crashing . 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 . Your email address will not be published. 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. Monumental. A few minutes down the road from Sherbrook West is a large car park with trails to various viewpoints. 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). The highlight of the Great Ocean Road are the Twelve Apostles. The route of 243 KM stretches from Torquay to Allansford in Victoria state. Bunyip Tours: See above for that. 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. Departs: 7:00am. The landscape varies depending on which route you take. Things to do in Melbourne Day Trips from Melbourne Great Ocean Road Tour From Melbourne. We had one day to drive the Great Ocean Road, including this in our travels from Adelaide to Melbourne. 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 Great Ocean Road tour allows you to witness the spectacular surf coast of Torquay and Lorne, with their sandy white beaches and curling waves. In front of us were walls of sandstone, giant waves crashing on the beach, and a rocky peninsula just waiting to be explored. Geelong - The second largest city in Victoria, it is about 30 mins from the beginning of the ocean road trip and worth visiting if you have time. Maximum group size of 12 travellers with a reverse itinerary to beat the crowds at the 12 Apostles. One of the most adventurous things to do on the Great Ocean Road drive is to do a bit of scuba diving. Duration: 5 Days Prices From: US$ 699 Trip Type: Self-Drives, Tailor-made Travel Ideas Australia See Trip Details The coastline of the Great Ocean Road is constantly changing and one such natural formation is the London Arch. 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. Read 1 review. It was in this area that we were treated to stunning views. The road driving distance between Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road is 446 Km. Brekkie tacos, smoothie bowls and a full lunch menu to eat in or take away will please anyone visiting. This is a beautiful surfing and fishing town with heritage buildings that have wonderful eateries and accommodation. Its also a fantastic place if you are looking to see some native Australian wildlife. These two areas are highly populated by local surfers, keen to ride their magnificent waves. If you arent restricted to only 1 day, give yourself at least 2 days to do the Great Ocean Road drive. For most people, the trip willstart in Melbourneand can be done in a loop or a return journey. Melbourne's two best day tours, Great Ocean Road & Phillip Island, with entrance to Melbourne Skydeck. There is no dearth of viewpoints on the Great Ocean Road and Teddys Lookout is another magnificent spot added to the list. However, Loch Ard Gorge is still a stunning place for a swim. 6 Melbourne: Werribee Open Range Zoo Admission Ticket. This is just because we really want to show you the best bits of the beautiful Great Ocean Road! For several hours, we traveled along the Great Ocean Road, on very windy roads, through towns like Apollo Bay, Skenes Creek, and Lorne. 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. Get outdoors on bushwalking, surfing and mountain biking expeditions or take the cultural route through galleries, museums and heritage attractions. No, the Great Ocean Road isnt particularly dangerous to drive, as long as you take proper precautions. All the while, Tyler and Kara were screaming with delight, laughing afterwards. Over time it has been improved to create a peaceful and beautiful space to be enjoyed. 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. Forget all about the stress of driving, checking the GPS and creating an itinerary of your own! 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. Home to some of Australia's best-known surf beaches, Torquay marks the official beginning of the Great Ocean Road. After the gorge youll pass the town of Port Campbell. 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. Hopetoun Falls Just gorgeous, the walk to these falls is not very far, though it does involve steps. The same would not go for the rest of the Earth Trekkers. Its not nearly as scenic to do it this way, but it does save you about 50 km and one hour of driving. It has some of the best park guides in the area to teach you about the history of the volcano as well as local Aboriginal history. 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. Theres so much to see and do, so you dont want to be left feeling rushed and tired at the end of your trip. The Memorial Arch (youve probably seen photos of people standing underneath it) symbolises the start of the road. Griffiths Islandcan be accessed by a footbridge nearby to the wharf and is a great place to do a little bird watching. While your stop here signals the end of your epic 3 day Great Ocean Road itinerary, youre now on to new and exciting things. Checking out the view of Bells Beach from the lookout. 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. December to February is the best time to take a Great Ocean Road tour from Melbourne. However, if you only have 1 day to work with, then here are some suggestions to save yourself time. 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. A total of 620 properties were sold via auction last . Most of the highlights are located around Port Campbell. Hey! 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. 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. The four of us were ecstatic to be off those winding roads. Head down to the Moyne River and stretch your legs along the wharves. A camper van or any sporty rental car is good for the drive through the stunning coastal road. Discover some of the best things to do in Melbourne. Cruising the Great Ocean Road is ranked amongst the top things to do in Australia. So you may get lucky to lay your eyes on some of these cute local beach dwellers. Along the way you'll stop by the border of Victoria and South Australia and a red line marks the exact spot. Yes, you can do this as a one day trip from Melbourne, but I dont recommend it. To do this, leave Melbourne before 8am as most tours leave Melbourne city between 8am and 9am. For a shorter track check outMaits Restwhich will take you through a beautiful section of rainforest. The Ultimate Melbourne To Yarra Valley Tour | Discover The Best Wineries, Chocolateries and Delicatessens! We could not get too close to the edge or else we would risk being pulled into the ocean by a rogue wave. You might not be making any unscheduled stops to buy snacks. If youre looking to do a bit of waterfall chasing, this is a great place to find them! Access a more in-depth look at the popular local sport at the Australian National Surfing Museum, too. Try out the walking trails, have a picnic by the sea, take in the scenic views, or go searching for Australian wildlife. The first destination is Bells Beach in Torquay, a famous location for surfers. Check out the Vline train & bus timetable to make your way between Geelong and Warrnambool. One of the best things to do here is take a walk out on thePort Fairy Wharves. 52 Great Weekends > No 3: Portland No 3: Portland Located a little over 4hrs Melbourne, Portland is well worth the drive. Lookout on the ocean from May to September as you might spot Whales! 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. Further along, you will find verdant bush where koalas nest and then onto the lush rainforests with spectacular waterfalls and native wildlife. Youll also find theAustralian Surfing Hall of Famehere as well. It sounds daunting but it's going to be broken down into very manageable chunks. How long does it take to drive the Great Ocean Road? Learn about the Best Things to Do in Melbourne and get a recap of our experiences here. It's also possible to travel from Melbourne to Adelaide via the Great . The Gunditjmara people are the rightful owners of the land incorporated into the Great Ocean Road from Portland to Warrnambool, including Port Fairy and the Princess Highway. 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. Finally, we made it to Bells Beach in Torquay, the end point of the Great Ocean Road. Reserve your spot here. It is essentially a sinkhole in a limestone stack and opens out to a view of the sea and cliffs beyond. Drive from Melbourne, via the Princes Highway, straight to Warrnambool (over 3 hours drive). . Here are a few budget Great Ocean Road tours you should consider. 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. There are a few towns along the way like Lorne, Apollo Bay and Port Campbell where you can stay or camp overnight. 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. Some of the largest waves I have ever seen were crashing onto the rocks, sending up sprays of water at least thirty feet in the air. We plan to spend 5 days on Kangaroo Island and have allowed 3 days to get to Cape Jervis. To get more information on the Great Ocean Road, visit the official tourism website here. 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 beaches on the Great Ocean Road are fantastic for swimming, especially in the summer. Last week, 1156 properties were scheduled to be auctioned in Melbourne. Blazing Saddles Trail Rides, Aireys Inlet. The whole trail is about 15km, but your best chances for spotting the cute indigenous animals are about 6km in atGrey River. Day 2 - Pinnacles Walk in the Grampians National Park and drive to Port Campbell on the Great Ocean Road to stay overnight. Its definitely worth pulling over to read the history of the road as well as getting that classic holiday snap. This dive spot is actually a ship that was wrecked off the eastern beach in Port Fairy in 1849. 34 mins), (3 hrs Our personal recommendation for where we stay in Apollo Bay every time is The Apollo Apartment. You can buy Great Ocean Road Tours online which would cover your itinerary and tickets for attractions. You don't have to miss out on this epic road trip just because you are short on time. Read more about taking a Melbourne to Phillip Island Tour. How far is the Great Ocean Road from Melbourne? 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. The Great Ocean Road winds through picturesque locations that outdo one another in terms of visual extravaganza. I highly recommended checking out Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve and Port Fairy. While the Great Ocean Road covers a ton of coastline, this national park is a gem located more on the inland route. Starting from Torquay, this route takes you through beautiful seaside towns and rain forests as you follow the winding road along the exquisite coastline. MELBOURNE: Melbourne is our favorite city in Australia. Next, we got off the beaten track, taking an unnamed dirt road towards the shoreline. We enjoyed our travels on the Great Ocean Road, the area of Port Campbell National Park being the highlight of the day. The Great Ocean Road (B100) is one of Australia's most famous touring routes. Brambuk: The National Park and Cultural Centre Before making your way onto day number 3 of your adventure-packed Great Ocean Road trip youll be looking for a place to catch a good nights sleep. Headout is building the future of how we experience our cities. What is the shortest road distance between Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road? Although i highly recommend visiting Warrnambool, you may not have the time to spend there. The Obelisk sits atop a rugged coastline, which is rapidly being eroded by the harsh elements. Youll find them sitting up in the eucalyptus trees. From the rocks, Tim and I could see a cave in the side of the cliff. Follow our journey in real time on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram. 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 total distance you can expect to drive is over 600 km. 3 Melbourne: SEA LIFE Aquarium Entrance Ticket. The Animal Condition (Feature Film) 2010 - Jun 20177 years. By continuing to browse this website you are agreeing to our use of cookies. 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. In 1932, the road was thrown open to the public and has since then become one of the worlds best road trip destinations. 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. Less people in your 12 Apostles selfie! We set off from the city at 6am. 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. This often includes stopping at lookouts along the way. The distance between Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road is 446 Km by road. But one of the most incredible Great Ocean Road attractions is just around the corner. You can walk, trek, horse-ride or bike through the park. 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. Stops. Children: $99 $94 (3 - 15 years) Minimum age 3 years. . 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. Head forEastern Beachfirst. Have a great time. Recommended option Bus 3h 30m The weather can play a huge part in what is visible and how close you can get to this area. You can also try a different route while coming back by adding multiple destinations. Its a lot of driving. We can recommend a number of excellent companies who all use smaller buses which means more time at stops and more personalized experience. If you want one of the best views in Geelong, grab a seat on theSkyWheel. The Great Ocean Road is one of Australias great drives. PLACES TO GO IN AUSTRALIA: Spend some time in Sydney, go wine tasting in Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale, explore Uluru and the Red Centre of Australia, visit Melbourne, go snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef, and dont miss Tasmania, one of our favorite places in Australia. But all the views are spectacular on this stretch of the Great Ocean Road Trip. Please note: this popular area is big and therefore the tour involves quite a lot of driving. We are located almost at the end of the Great Ocean Road, about 4.5 hours from Melbourne. Head down to Main Beach for a swim, sunbathe or surf at Point Impossible or Rocky Point. Less traffic on the road and more time to spend at stops. It takes about 75 minutes to drive to, depending on the traffic leaving Melbourne. Sandstone cliffs plunging into the ocean, pillars of hardened sandstone sitting just offshore, all of this being pounded by some serious waves. The Great Ocean Road was built as a memorial for soldiers of World War I and this timber arch commemorates them. For more information on routes and trails visit the websitehere. Melbourne - This is usually the starting point when planning an itinerary for Great Ocean Road. 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. 2 From Melbourne: Great Ocean Road and Wildlife Tour. 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. The drive offers plenty of places to stop off and explore. If youd like to continue travelling Australia beyond the Great Ocean Road, you canhead northwest to Adelaide. Make sure you visit first thing in the morning or later in the afternoon for the best koala viewing times. This was not anywhere near as scenic as Port Campbell National Park but was still worth seeing. The Great Ocean Road offers amazing scenery, unforgettable natural features and quaint towns making it a unique vacation spot. 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. Join the adventures on our YouTube channel! They are now a part of a National Park and protected, and are the perfect destination to view the sunset. A softUsvista Inc. venture! Dont want to drive but still want to see the Great Ocean Road? This is the start of their Great Ocean Road drive. Today, at 4 pm, with clouds and a cold breeze, it did not look like much to us. The Great Ocean Road in Victoria is a world-famous, Australian National Heritage-listed site along the Sydney to Melbourne drive. Stock up on essentials, fill up the car, turn up the radio and head towards Apollo Bay! You can spend more time at each location and engage in activities like trekking, swimming and adventure sports. The Great Ocean Road is one of the most epic road journeys you can go on across the world! can include Port Fairy and more coastal towns. All rights reserved Earth Trekkers. Getting stuck behind tour buses will add to your travel time. What kind of still camera/lens are you finding most helpful? You will receive a link to create a new password via email. What is the distance between Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road? The property at 36 Braemar Street sold for $6 million by private sale. Discover the different regions and their world class surf breaks, local food & wine, magnificent coastal walks, beautiful rainforest trails and pristine beaches. Portland is 6 hours (540 km) away from Adelaide. 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. Fabulous horse riding through the forest or down along a long golden beach. Thanks for your support, kind friend! 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. 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 . For the best panoramic views in Apollo Bay head straight forMarriners Lookout. Take the Great Ocean Road tour from Melbourne to catch the best scenery and attractions. If your tour is on schedule you might find yourself some time for a swim. 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. After the last couple of years, it seems everyone wants to be out and about and go travelling. The road winds through picturesque locations outdo one another in terms of visual extravaganza. TheForeshore Promenadeis a great place for a stroll as well and stretches on for about 6 km. This is one way to get away from other tourists. It was awesome having this place all to ourselves, being able to explore without anyone else around. The starting point of the Great Ocean Road that's closest to Melbourne, Torquay, is 64 miles (103 km) from the city. The Twelve Apostles marked the end of the most scenic of viewpoints but did not end our journey down the Great Ocean Road. It has diverse vegetation ranging from lush rainforest to rugged coastline, it has everything from stunning waterfalls to tranquil lakes. The cliffs over the beach offer gorgeous views of the swells coming in from the Southern Ocean. 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. Spectacular and diverse scenery, wildlife, byo tent or book accommodation along the way. 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. Most of the people here were Chinese. But the Great Ocean Road is about so much more than its sinuous, coast hugging tarmac. Other good breaks in addition to Bells Beach includeSan Juc, Winki Pop, Bird RockandSparrowsjust to name a few. A sandy trail took us down to a beach. Once youve had your fill, hop in the car for a quick drive and to the next and last destination of your road trip. Visit surf beaches, seaside towns, and national parks; and see rain forest, wild koalas, and towering waterfalls.