Note: This post contains affiliate links. The Great Ocean Road winds through picturesque locations that outdo one another in terms of visual extravaganza. . This is one way to get away from other tourists. The Great Ocean Road is where you experience breathtaking nature and the great outdoors of Australia! Tyler and Kara, since they were shorter, were able to retreat to the far depths of the cave, keeping their feet dry. 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. 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. Thanks Natalie Seltz Towson, MD. 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). Apollo Bay is a popular place, so make sure you have booked your accommodation ahead of time. Truly a paradise, the area is a popular destination for water sports and recreation activities. Port Fairy is a tiny town on Victorias iconic shipwreck coast with a charming vibe and an exciting causeway that leads you out to an island worth exploring too. Surf Culture at Australian National Museum of Surfing. Day 3: Warrnambool to Port Fairy then Melbourne (or Adelaide). From AU $1625 to AU $1895 3 days ex flights. It was in this area that we were treated to stunning views. The official length of the Great Ocean Road is around 243 km/ 151 miles. The Great Ocean Road drive is one of the most scenic drives that Australia has to offer. Plan ahead and give yourself at least 1 full day. Make sure you visit first thing in the morning or later in the afternoon for the best koala viewing times. This is one of Victorias best bush and ocean walks. Screened at CinefestOZ, Portland International Film Festival, Social Justice Film Festival (Seattle), St Louis International Film Festival, Mostly . Read 1 review. If you're planning to visit the Great Ocean Road, here's all that you should squeeze into your itinerary. Brambuk: The National Park and Cultural Centre The Obelisk sits atop a rugged coastline, which is rapidly being eroded by the harsh elements. For several hours, we traveled along the Great Ocean Road, on very windy roads, through towns like Apollo Bay, Skenes Creek, and Lorne. hi guys my husband and l are going to drive the great ocean road in early November. FromWarrnambool Breakwaterall the way toLogans Beachthis is a great spot to take in the coastal views and even pass a little penguin breeding ground. 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. Due to crashing waves over millennia, saltwater and erosion there are now only 8 limestone stacks remaining out of 12. The starting point of the Great Ocean Road that's closest to Melbourne, Torquay, is 64 miles (103 km) from the city. 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. It takes about 75 minutes to drive to, depending on the traffic leaving Melbourne. Respect the speed limit. There are also speed traps to catch those not sticking to the limits with fines up to (and above) $300AUD. It is comparable to Big Sur in California with coastal views, winding roads, and many, many scenic viewpoints. For a shorter track check outMaits Restwhich will take you through a beautiful section of rainforest. And just for NOMADasaurus readers, if you use the Klook discount codeNOMADS10on the website when checking out, youll get $10 off your first booking! 34 mins), (3 hrs
If youre looking to do a bit of waterfall chasing, this is a great place to find them! The coastline is awesome. The V/line service offers frequent train travel departing Melbournes Southern Cross Station and running to both Geelong and Warrnambool. Hey! However, Loch Ard Gorge is still a stunning place for a swim. We parked at a small car park and were the only ones here. Youll also find theAustralian Surfing Hall of Famehere as well. There are 2 main routes to reach the Great Ocean Road from Melbourne - an inland road that follows the Princes Highway from Geelong to Warrnambool, or drive over the West Gate Bridge and along the Bellarine Peninsula or Surf Coast Highway. . Frolic in the ocean and then head up to the lush rainforests abundant with wildlife. Day 1 - Drive to the Grampians National Park from Melbourne, visit McKenzie falls and stay overnight in the town of Halls Gap. The total time you can expect to spend driving the Great Ocean Road and return, including stops, is at least 10 hours. Once youve had your fill, hop in the car for a quick drive and to the next and last destination of your road trip. Would like to know what kind of still camera and lens you are using. A walkway just outside Lorne offers views of the ocean lapping up the mouth of the Saint George River and 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. There were no surfers, really there was no one else here other than a few curious people like ourselves. Born to parents bit by the wander bug, Lakshmi calls her love for travel "hereditary and habitual". 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. The Twelve Apostles are giant limestone stacks jutting out of the ocean that form one of the most recognizable landscapes in Australia. Explore the cool temperate rainforest of the Great Otway National Park, waterfalls on Great Ocean Road, best viewpoints, koalas, and wildlife. Getting to the Great Ocean Road When to visit Experience the rugged beauty along the south-west coast of Victoria by setting off along one of the world's most scenic coastal drives. A great photo op spot, this is one of the most photographed spots along the Great Ocean Road. Visit some of the valleys most impressive wineries, go on a skydiving experience and simply kick your heels and relax. Any advice greatly appreciated! No Great Ocean road trip is complete without making a stop atMemoria Arch, which is less than 30 minutes from Torquay and a real highlight of the journey. Not too far down the coast is an iconic must-visit stop on any of the Great Ocean Road drives,Torquay, known for its epic surf beaches. During your travel, you plan to visit the following-1) Great Ocean Road, Apollo Bay, Victoria, Australia. The Great Ocean Road is one of Australias great drives. You can also find the flight distance or distance to fly from Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road. 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. 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. These two areas are highly populated by local surfers, keen to ride their magnificent waves. 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). Duration: 5 Days Prices From: US$ 699 Trip Type: Self-Drives, Tailor-made Travel Ideas Australia See Trip Details Visit top wilderness destinations and picturesque towns on this epic 3-day tour from Melbourne to the Great Ocean Road and the Grampians. Chasing waterfalls? 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! Related article: What should you not miss on the Great Ocean Road? 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. Further along, you will find verdant bush where koalas nest and then onto the lush rainforests with spectacular waterfalls and native wildlife. Going up is going to be a task though! Theres a lot to see and do along the way. Fabulous horse riding through the forest or down along a long golden beach. 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]. Take the Great Ocean Road tour from Melbourne to catch the best scenery and attractions. For many people, the Great Ocean Road is a highlight when visiting Australia. For the best panoramic views in Apollo Bay head straight forMarriners Lookout. An alternative to this driving route is that you do it in the reverse order. Stunning photos. By continuing to browse this website you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Today, it is a spot for whale watching and a centre for learning about the aboriginal history. In Portland we stayed at the Portland Holiday Village. 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. This is one of the best things, if not the best, that you can do in the state of Victoria in Australia. This lookout gives you the chance to see right out to sea and over the entire city. In front of us were walls of sandstone, giant waves crashing on the beach, and a rocky peninsula just waiting to be explored. 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. 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. It has great local produce, excellent surf beaches, and play parks for the kids to burn off energy. One down side to this is that you will be travelling on the side of the road which isnt on the coast side. ThePort FairyBotanical Gardensare a lovely spot for an afternoon walk and to admire the plants and flowers. A staircase leads you to view it at the eye-level and is best experience at low tide at sunrise or sunset. If you have limited time and can only do it in 1 day, then dont stress. The Email id you have Entered is not Registered With us. 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. To enlarge the map, click the top right icon and it will open up, full screen, in a new tab. They are now a part of a National Park and protected, and are the perfect destination to view the sunset. 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. Most of the highlights are located around Port Campbell. If youve hired a car youll most likely collect it at the airport. Bunyip Tours: Wonderful experience - See 1,941 traveler reviews, 941 candid photos, and great deals for Melbourne, Australia, at Tripadvisor. Through our stories and images we promote exciting off-the-beaten-path destinations and fascinating cultures as we go. If you have a registered account with us,then we have sent you an email to reset your password. Recommended option Train 4h 12m Take the train from Southern Cross to Warrnambool Warrnambool - Melbourne Via Colac & Geelong $103 - $128 If you're planning a self-guided tour, this could come handy. READ MORE: Be sure to plan your best trip to Australia by using our Australia Travel Guide! Of all the fantastic destinations, the one that really draws travelers from across the world is a Great Ocean Road tour. Great Ocean Road Tours that offer the best itinerary and great sights within a day from Melbourne. Great Ocean Road starts at Torquay and finishes in Allansford. The cave was not very big, extending about ten meters back into the cliff from the opening. 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. Walk up near the Grey River Road and you will find koalas lounging on the trees. 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. Conveniently located a little ways from Port Campbell, these serviced apartments have great rooms, a gorgeous pool area and make for a great stopover. Drive Along the Great Ocean Road. Made famous for theRip Curl Prohosted every Easter, Bells Beach is not only beautiful but a huge part of both Australian and surf culture. To do this, leave Melbourne before 8am as most tours leave Melbourne city between 8am and 9am. Always hustling towards the least trodden path, she has encountered some wonderful people during her escapades and if you ever meet her, she won't stop gushing about them. You also get to enjoy free WiFi onboard, tea and snacks and relax in comfort between spots. Find out more here. Melbourne to Adelaide One Way Itinerary This route follows the Great Ocean Road from Melbourne to Adelaide and is approximately 1,250 km. Great Ocean Road one-day itinerary. Having your own vehicle is highly recommended so you can really explore all the things to see on the Great Ocean Road, as it really is one of the Australias top destinations. The distance from Adelaide to Melbourne is 1500km on this itinerary, which amounts to over 21 hours worth of driving. Route: Melbourne-Twelve Apostles return, via B100 (Great Ocean Road) Highlights: Torquay, Bells Beach, Lorne, Apollo Bay . All the while, Tyler and Kara were screaming with delight, laughing afterwards. 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. Rent a campervan and go on an adventure. It's also possible to travel from Melbourne to Adelaide via the Great . 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. Sail through the clouds with only 1 other person for an up-close and personal adventure. 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. We have been travelling the world together since 2008, with a passion for adventure travel and sustainable tourism. If you want one of the best views in Geelong, grab a seat on theSkyWheel. If you travel one way from Port Campbell to Melbourne (or vice versa), it is a 300 km journey. 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. 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. Burrell has studied under expert chefs, including Tom Aikens in London, Monica Pope in Houston, and Tyson Cole. We are a single Mum with 3 kids, 8yo Boy and 5 and 4 yo girls. This will help you make the most of your time so you can see the things that matter to you. A total of 620 properties were sold via auction last . 15 years ago Save Would appreciate any advice for how long it would take to drive from Adelaide to Melbourne via the Scenic Ocean Road. We had one day to drive the Great Ocean Road, including this in our travels from Adelaide to Melbourne. Spectacular and diverse scenery, wildlife, byo tent or book accommodation along the way. 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. all things travel. The drive offers plenty of places to stop off and explore. 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. 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.. The Great Ocean Road in Victoria is a world-famous, Australian National Heritage-listed site along the Sydney to Melbourne drive. Today, at 4 pm, with clouds and a cold breeze, it did not look like much to us. Yes, you can. Its not nearly as scenic to do it this way, but it does save you about 50 km and one hour of driving. Click on any of the numbers on the map of The Great Ocean Road to read all about the attraction. Seeingthe Twelve Apostlesfor yourself should be at the top of your Australian Bucket list, no matter the weather. One of the most adventurous things to do on the Great Ocean Road drive is to do a bit of scuba diving. Find out about other waterfalls in the Otways. Memorial Arch (8am) Our first stop was the Memorial Arch, which is located just past the city of Torquay. The Great Ocean Road Tour covers pristine beaches, geological marvels, and rich forests on your way. It was awesome having this place all to ourselves, being able to explore without anyone else around. . Your email address will not be published. The lake views here are stunning and if youre lucky you might even be able to lay your eyes on a platypus or two. Depart from Melbourne in the morning, and begin your Great Ocean Road journey. You will be bracing natural elements on this road trip and its best to dress accordingly. We only recommend the best accommodations, tours and products, and regularly review these. Youll find them sitting up in the eucalyptus trees. Check out our Great Ocean Road tours. Planning a trip to Australia? You can walk, trek, horse-ride or bike through the park. 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. Keep an eye open as you wander the trails for koalas up in the trees and beautiful native birds soaring around too. This is the start of their Great Ocean Road drive. Check, (2 hrs
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. A camper van or any sporty rental car is good for the drive through the stunning coastal road. We recommend Rental Cars, which has the largest range of vehicles for the best value on the market. Covering nearly 200 hectares, this park is one of the few Great Ocean Road highlights that is not a beach. It is a popular stop for photographs with the name of the road and the plaque. Depart Melbourne and travel over the West Gate Bridge through the vast volcanic plains en-route to Geelong. 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. The four of us were ecstatic to be off those winding roads. 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. Live chat with local experts anywhere, anytime. 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. 3 Melbourne: SEA LIFE Aquarium Entrance Ticket. Our website uses cookies. 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. Great Ocean Road Tour 2 Days experience from Melbourne to Adelaide. Departs: 7:00am.