Brambuk: The National Park and Cultural Centre Apart from the trip distance, refer. Adults: $119 $104 Online special! It is summer and it is simply beautiful on the road! 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. Did you know: The Great Ocean Road is the worlds largest war memorial, and was built by returning servicemen from World War I. Chasing waterfalls? Checking out the view of Bells Beach from the lookout. For several hours, we traveled along the Great Ocean Road, on very windy roads, through towns like Apollo Bay, Skenes Creek, and Lorne. Adelaide to Melbourne via Great Ocean Road - how long? Returns: Approx 9:00pm. Along the way you'll stop by the border of Victoria and South Australia and a red line marks the exact spot. A camper van or any sporty rental car is good for the drive through the stunning coastal road. Find out more and plan your adventure. Port Fairy offers great locations forscuba divingincludingThe Thistle. Children: $99 $94 (3 - 15 years) Minimum age 3 years. The road winds through picturesque locations outdo one another in terms of visual extravaganza. Tip: If youre hungry on the drive back to Melbourne, stop at Colac for food. 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. Stock up on essentials, fill up the car, turn up the radio and head towards Apollo Bay! Finally, we made it to Bells Beach in Torquay, the end point of the Great Ocean Road. The Great Ocean Road is one of Australias great drives. You will also reach the main stops at a different time to the crowds. After the Twelve Apostles, continue along the Great Ocean Road towards Port Campbell. Reserve your spot here. 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. Just a few minutes west of the border you'll come across a beautiful pink salt lake. 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. Sightseeing Time: 4 hours. 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. DESTINATIONS AROUND THE WORLD: For more places to visit around the world, check out our Destinations page. Even in Australia, Tyler and Kara were getting a lot of stares, this time from Chinese tourists. 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. Happy travels. 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. 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. Portland is 6 hours (540 km) away from Adelaide. To do this, leave Melbourne before 8am as most tours leave Melbourne city between 8am and 9am. Discover the different regions and their world class surf breaks, local food & wine, magnificent coastal walks, beautiful rainforest trails and pristine beaches. . Depending on the vehicle you choose to travel, you can calculate the amount of CO2 emissions from your vehicle and assess the environment impact. We have been travelling the world together since 2008, with a passion for adventure travel and sustainable tourism. 12. You will be bracing natural elements on this road trip and its best to dress accordingly. Premiered at Melbourne International Film Festival. While your stop here signals the end of your epic 3 day Great Ocean Road itinerary, youre now on to new and exciting things. Most tour buses will leave between 8am and 9am, so try and leave before then. 3 Melbourne: SEA LIFE Aquarium Entrance Ticket. 34 mins), (3 hrs Hey! With great facilities, cozy apartment-style suites and great views from almost any room on site, this is your best choice if youd like a bit of space to stretch out after a big day of driving the Great Ocean Road. Explore the cool temperate rainforest of the Great Otway National Park, waterfalls on Great Ocean Road, best viewpoints, koalas, and wildlife. 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. Access a more in-depth look at the popular local sport at the Australian National Surfing Museum, too. Follow our journey in real time on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram. DestinationsPhotographySustainable TourismAdventure Travel, Adventure ToursStart a BlogTravel TipsSitemap, 2023 NOMADasaurus | Peak Evolution Media, The PERFECT Great Ocean Road Drive Itinerary (2023). Truly a paradise, the area is a popular destination for water sports and recreation activities. This will help you make the most of your time so you can see the things that matter to you. - See 1,941 traveler reviews, 942 candid photos, and great deals for Melbourne, Australia, at Tripadvisor. The shortest road distance between Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road is 446 Km. 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. Melbourne's two best day tours, Great Ocean Road & Phillip Island, with entrance to Melbourne Skydeck. If you want one of the best views in Geelong, grab a seat on theSkyWheel. Drive Time: 30 minutes to Port Fairy, 4 hours to Melbourne. The road driving distance between Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road is 446 Km. Lookout on the ocean from May to September as you might spot Whales! Your Great Ocean Road itinerary may be coming to an end, but dont worry, youll finish up with a dreamy little visit toPort Fairy. From below the steps you can marvel at the 70m limestone stacks from up close and feel the power of nature. Youll find them sitting up in the eucalyptus trees. While the Great Ocean Road covers a ton of coastline, this national park is a gem located more on the inland route. There were no surfers, really there was no one else here other than a few curious people like ourselves. Day 3 - Set of on the Great Ocean Road, staying overnight in the village of Lorne, halfway . BONUS Booking ahead of time ensures you wont miss out on the tour, and get the best price too! Home; Timetables Train & coach timetables; Plan a journey The weather can play a huge part in what is visible and how close you can get to this area. The Animal Condition (Feature Film) 2010 - Jun 20177 years. While wandering around town youll surely spot a ton of street art, which is something Geelong is known for. The Great Ocean Road definitely has some dangerous turns. 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. 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. Drive from Melbourne, via the Princes Highway, straight to Warrnambool (over 3 hours drive). 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. The distance between Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road is 446 Km by road. 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. TheForeshore Promenadeis a great place for a stroll as well and stretches on for about 6 km. Screened at CinefestOZ, Portland International Film Festival, Social Justice Film Festival (Seattle), St Louis International Film Festival, Mostly . There is also a plaque on the left side of the road which serves as a memory for the soldiers. Click on any of the numbers on the map of The Great Ocean Road to read all about the attraction. Warrnambool railway station is the terminus of the Warrnambool line in Victoria, Australia.It serves the city of Warrnambool, and it opened on 4 February 1890.. It is comparable to Big Sur in California with coastal views, winding roads, and many, many scenic viewpoints. 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. Discover some of the best things to do in Melbourne. Loch Ard Gorge is a breathtaking natural formation just a short distance from the 12 apostles. This is just because we really want to show you the best bits of the beautiful Great Ocean Road! The same would not go for the rest of the Earth Trekkers. 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. Depart Melbourne and travel over the West Gate Bridge through the vast volcanic plains en-route to Geelong. Day 2 - Pinnacles Walk in the Grampians National Park and drive to Port Campbell on the Great Ocean Road to stay overnight. 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 route of 243 KM stretches from Torquay to Allansford in Victoria state. 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. Day 3: Warrnambool to Port Fairy then Melbourne (or Adelaide). We can recommend a number of excellent companies who all use smaller buses which means more time at stops and more personalized experience. We had one day to drive the Great Ocean Road, including this in our travels from Adelaide to Melbourne. 2 From Melbourne: Great Ocean Road and Wildlife Tour. 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. Walk up near the Grey River Road and you will find koalas lounging on the trees. This is a rare opportunity to work for a minimum of 3-6 months and with a start date late April. We walked out to the tip of the peninsula. You can also use the share icon and share it on Facebook. Not for the faint hearted, Gibson steps are a set of 86 steep steps that head down from the cliffs to the beach near the twelve apostles. Its a highlight of a Great Ocean Road itinerary! 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. To get more information on the Great Ocean Road, visit the official tourism website here. 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. Cant wait for the trip , Thanks Tracy. ULURU: In our Guide to Uluru and Kata-Tjuta, learn how to get here, what to do, and how to plan your time. The Great Ocean Road (B100) is one of Australia's most famous touring routes. 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. Stevenson Falls, Triplet Falls, Little Aire Falls, andHopetoun Fallsare just a few of the many highlights here. Memorial Arch (8am) Our first stop was the Memorial Arch, which is located just past the city of Torquay. We love this place and even bought one of their horses a few years ago! Starting and finishing in Melbourne is how most people do the Great Ocean Road drive in 1 day. Great Ocean Road Tours that offer the best itinerary and great sights within a day from Melbourne. It shows off sheer limestone cliffs, dairy farms and heathland, and gets you up close and personal with the crashing . All the points of interest mentioned above are marked on the Great Ocean Road Map below. Join our small group coastal adventure to the beaches, rainforests and more of the Great Ocean Road. Wear comfortable shoes as there is a lot of walking to do. Great Ocean Road one-day itinerary. A softUsvista Inc. venture! I could not imagine trying to swim out past these waves, just to catch one right back to shore. Apollo Bay is a popular place, so make sure you have booked your accommodation ahead of time. Read 1 review. For those wanting to drive a bit further west, theres the historic harbour settlement of Portland which you can visit. 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. . Dont want to drive but still want to see the Great Ocean Road? Bells Beach is known for hosting Rip Curl Pro, a world surfing competition. And just for NOMADasaurus readers, if you use the Klook discount codeNOMADS10on the website when checking out, youll get $10 off your first booking! If you want to get off the beaten path like we did, do not be afraid to try one of those unlabeled dirt roads. Sail through the clouds with only 1 other person for an up-close and personal adventure. You can buy Great Ocean Road Tours online which would cover your itinerary and tickets for attractions. Required fields are marked *. If you really want a unique perspective though, and love a bit of adventure, how does skydiving over the 12 Apostles sound? 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. Melbourne - This is usually the starting point when planning an itinerary for Great Ocean Road. We still had a long ways to go. Visit surf beaches, seaside towns, and national parks; and see rain forest, wild koalas, and towering waterfalls. The lake views here are stunning and if youre lucky you might even be able to lay your eyes on a platypus or two. How long does it take to drive the Great Ocean Road? The Ultimate Guide To Watch Phillip Island Penguin Parade. It was in this area that we were treated to stunning views. Thats how were going to structure this post for you. But one of the most incredible Great Ocean Road attractions is just around the corner. Spectacular and diverse scenery, wildlife, byo tent or book accommodation along the way. An organized tour that takes care of your transportation will help you take the trip within a day. 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 whole trail is about 15km, but your best chances for spotting the cute indigenous animals are about 6km in atGrey River. When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we get paid a small commission at no extra cost to you. The Great Ocean Road is a 243-kilometre (151-mile) route located along the coast of Victoria in southeastern Australia. Check, (2 hrs From here you are well on your way to having covered a ton of ground. A total of 620 properties were sold via auction last . Less people in your 12 Apostles selfie! Great Ocean Road starts at Torquay and finishes in Allansford. If you arent restricted to only 1 day, give yourself at least 2 days to do the Great Ocean Road drive. 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 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. 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. Have a great time. Mum, works 2- 3 days a week, Tues and Wednesday and Friday and has the children in daycare and . Lorne Seabaths, Gym, inground Trampolines for kids, and more. Yes. Republishing this articleand/orany of its contents (text, photography, etc. It stretches for 243 kms. The main issues can be poor visibility due to fog, slippery roads in wet weather, and traffic from vehicles and pedestrians in the busy sections. The Cape Otway lighthouse is the oldest surviving lighthouse in Australia and was rightly known as the Beacon of Hope. 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. Brekkie tacos, smoothie bowls and a full lunch menu to eat in or take away will please anyone visiting. The Twelve Apostles are giant limestone stacks jutting out of the ocean that form one of the most recognizable landscapes in Australia. After the gorge youll pass the town of Port Campbell. Hi Tracy, November is a beautiful time to travel the Great Ocean Road. Now 2 pillars are left standing above the sea and make for an impressive view inPort Campbell National Park. Read more about taking a day trip from Melbourne to Yarra Valley. 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. From Portland, we drove 2 hours (160 km) to get to Port Campbell, the start of the Great Ocean Road. The Great Ocean Road winds through picturesque locations that outdo one another in terms of visual extravaganza. Bunyip Tours: Cute Penguins - See 1,940 traveler reviews, 941 candid photos, and great deals for Melbourne, Australia, at Tripadvisor. The return distance between Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road is 446 Km. 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. 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. Heavenly, right? TheKennett River Koala Walkis the perfect place to get your fix. Would like to do it in 3 days, 2 nights lodging and still see a few things. They will also add to the crowds at every one of your stops, so you want to beat them if you can. 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. The best way to get around is to rent a car and explore on your own! This port city is the second-largest in the state of Victoria and overlooks the gorgeousCorio Bay. Road Trip from Port Campbell to Melbourne, wine tasting in Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale, 5 Amazing Things to Do on the Tasman Peninsula, Australia, The Great Barrier Reef: Cruising to Lady Musgrave Island. The Grotto is multiple geological formations rolled into one and is one of the most spectacular points to view the coast. Other options include coming from Adelaide, so if this is you, just read the itinerary backwards. You might even get a stretch of beach all to yourself, maybe for the best adventure of the day. However, when the winds pick up it is best to stay above the Grotto. Join the adventures on our YouTube channel! Experience the Great Ocean Road from Melbourne to 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. Stunning photos. We personally stayed there when we travelled across Australia, and highly recommend it. 639. Tip: Beat the tour buses to avoid the traffic and crowds. Any advice greatly appreciated! 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). Some people do this as a very long day trip from Melbourne while others can take as long as a week, stopping at towns along the way, leisurely enjoying the beaches, wineries, and historic towns along the way. 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. Bunyip Tours: Cute Penguins - See 1,941 traveler reviews, 941 candid photos, and great deals for Melbourne, Australia, at Tripadvisor. What is the shortest road distance between Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road? As one of the world's leading travel journalists, our content and adventures have been featured by National Geographic, Lonely Planet, CNN, BBC, Forbes, Business Insider, Washington Post, Yahoo!, BuzzFeed, Channel 7, Channel 10, ABC, The Guardian, and plenty other publications. 3. If your tour is on schedule you might find yourself some time for a swim. 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 waves here were big, similar to US east coast waves just before a hurricane. Make sure you visit first thing in the morning or later in the afternoon for the best koala viewing times. 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. This is the most common Great Ocean Road route. 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. Learn about the Best Things to Do in Melbourne and get a recap of our experiences here. The total time you can expect to spend driving the Great Ocean Road and return, including stops, is at least 10 hours. 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. The total distance you can expect to drive is over 600 km. Planning a trip to Australia? After passing through Port Campbell, youll pass by The Arch and London Bridge. 1st Stop: Torquay. This would end up being our favorite part of the day. It was awesome having this place all to ourselves, being able to explore without anyone else around. Here's all you need to know about taking a Great Ocean Road Tour From Melbourne - itinerary, best tours, highlights and quick hacks. You don't have to miss out on this epic road trip just because you are short on time. FromWarrnambool Breakwaterall the way toLogans Beachthis is a great spot to take in the coastal views and even pass a little penguin breeding ground. In 1932, the road was thrown open to the public and has since then become one of the worlds best road trip destinations. Melbourne to Adelaide South East Coast 3 Day Overland Tour. We had a villa, a small, two bedroom cabin with a kitchen and ensuite bathroom. 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. Stretching over 243km (150mi), among this dramatic coastline's iconic attractions there's a mecca of bucket-list-worthy experiences. Plan ahead and give yourself at least 1 full day. Best Great Ocean Road Tours Save AU$10 on your Great Ocean Road Bus tours with this promo code. It takes 3 day to drive through the Great Ocean Road and to see all the attractions on the way. Planning a trip to Australia? To get you fueled up for your last day head toBohemiaCafe & Barfor a takeaway coffee or a wicked and delicious breakfast. In front of us were walls of sandstone, giant waves crashing on the beach, and a rocky peninsula just waiting to be explored. If youre looking to do a bit of waterfall chasing, this is a great place to find them! Here are a few budget Great Ocean Road tours you should consider. The distance between Portland Ln to Mildura VIC 3500 is 542 Km by road. One of the most adventurous things to do on the Great Ocean Road drive is to do a bit of scuba diving. Theyll even show you how to throw a Boomerang and spear! 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. 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. Monumental. The Great Ocean Road drive is one of the most scenic drives that Australia has to offer. 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. Tyler and Kara joined us, took a look around, and then went back to their game. 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. Visit some of the valleys most impressive wineries, go on a skydiving experience and simply kick your heels and relax. Bunyip Tours: See above for that. All the while, Tyler and Kara were screaming with delight, laughing afterwards. Featuring the major stops, seaside towns and villages along the Great Ocean Road including Torquay, Anglesea, Airey's Inlet, Lorne, Wye River, Kennett River, Apollo Bay, Port Campbell National Park, Port Campbell and Allensford; plus Warnambool and Port Fairy (as an extension to the official end of the Great Ocean Rd at Allensford.) It can get quite chilly in winter and autumn, bring your warm clothes and it is always quite windy so keep a windcheater, scarf or cap handy. Get outdoors on bushwalking, surfing and mountain biking expeditions or take the cultural route through galleries, museums and heritage attractions. 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. 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. With the last day of your Great Ocean Road itinerary upon you, there is still so much to be seen and experienced. Live chat with local experts anywhere, anytime.