Tip: If youre hungry on the drive back to Melbourne, stop at Colac for food. Before you set off on your adventure though, you should know how long the road is and how long it takes to drive. Hi Tracy, November is a beautiful time to travel the Great Ocean Road. Thousands of visitors flock here for summer and for festivals during the year, including the world famous Folkie. Blazing Saddles Trail Rides, Aireys Inlet. 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. 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. DestinationsPhotographySustainable TourismAdventure Travel, Adventure ToursStart a BlogTravel TipsSitemap, 2023 NOMADasaurus | Peak Evolution Media, The PERFECT Great Ocean Road Drive Itinerary (2023). Read our detailed blog to know all about Skydiving in Melbourne and book your Great Ocean Road skydive. Carry a fast-drying towel, a bathing suit and a change of clothes to go swimming. Discover some of the best things to do in Melbourne. Less people in your 12 Apostles selfie! 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 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. Visit top wilderness destinations and picturesque towns on this epic 3-day tour from Melbourne to the Great Ocean Road and the Grampians. Subscribe, Home | Australia | The PERFECT Great Ocean Road Drive Itinerary (2023). Melbourne - This is usually the starting point when planning an itinerary for Great Ocean Road. 12. In Portland we stayed at the Portland Holiday Village. 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). 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. 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. Whether you're a history buff, foodie, nature lover or adventurer get ready for a great weekend. The Kennet River located between Lorne and Apollo Bay is one of the best places in Australia to view wild koalas. Start your 3 day Great Ocean Road itinerary with a lazy morning in Torquay. Melbourne to Adelaide South East Coast 3 Day Overland Tour. All rights reserved Earth Trekkers. Sometimes, Tyler and Kara feel like they will never be able to escape the attention of people curious about their blond hair. 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. We want to book accommodation as we go . Cannon Hillis a great place to start if you want to get the lay of the land. Portland is 6 hours (540 km) away from Adelaide. Great Ocean Road Melbourne to Adelaide Drive 1,500 km | 7 - 12 days Great surf, picturesque coastal towns, ocean views around every bend, wine country and some spectacular hikes define this road trip. The perfect place for a Melbourne city escape. We set off from the city at 6am. We drove from Adelaide to Portland, spent the night in Portland, and then drove the Great Ocean Road. Its also a fantastic place if you are looking to see some native Australian wildlife. Great Ocean Road Tour 2 Days experience from Melbourne to Adelaide. Stunning photos. The Ultimate Melbourne To Yarra Valley Tour | Discover The Best Wineries, Chocolateries and Delicatessens! And your Great Ocean Road route should not miss out on two other attractions nearby either. Whether you surf or not, it is a great place to stop and admire the ocean. These two areas are highly populated by local surfers, keen to ride their magnificent waves. 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. Make sure you visit first thing in the morning or later in the afternoon for the best koala viewing times. 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. 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. The lake views here are stunning and if youre lucky you might even be able to lay your eyes on a platypus or two. For more information on routes and trails visit the websitehere. The road driving distance between Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road is 446 Km. Our ultimate destination being Kangaroo Island. Perfect write up, very helpful indeed, Appreciate your work guys, Cheers. Or Warrnambool, Camperdown, Geelong, Melbourne. 1. Follow our journey in real time on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram. For just a moment though, it was neat peering out at the waves and the coastline from this unique vantage point. 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. Check out the Vline train & bus timetable to make your way between Geelong and Warrnambool. A drive down the road will take you through magnificent landscapes of the white surf hitting the golden beaches, where the limestone stacks and arches weather the powerful ocean. Once youve had your fill, hop in the car for a quick drive and to the next and last destination of your road trip. 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. The Great Ocean Road winds through picturesque locations that outdo one another in terms of visual extravaganza. Turn off for this road just before you reach Apollo Bay. From AUD$940.00* per person, based on [] 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. But all the views are spectacular on this stretch of the Great Ocean Road Trip. Discover the different regions and their world class surf breaks, local food & wine, magnificent coastal walks, beautiful rainforest trails and pristine beaches. It has great local produce, excellent surf beaches, and play parks for the kids to burn off energy. Frolic in the ocean and then head up to the lush rainforests abundant with wildlife. Located just outside of Geelong and only 45 minutes from Melbourne CBD, Avalon Airport is the closest airport to the start of the Great Ocean Road, being only a 35 minute drive from Torquay. Brambuk: The National Park and Cultural Centre Cant wait for the trip , Thanks Tracy. 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. 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. Apart from the trip distance, refer. When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we get paid a small commission at no extra cost to you. 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. Apart from the trip distance, refer Directions from Portland Ln to Mildura VIC 3500 for road driving directions! If you arent restricted to only 1 day, give yourself at least 2 days to do the Great Ocean Road drive. Forget all about the stress of driving, checking the GPS and creating an itinerary of your own! To save even more time, you can cut out Warrnambool completely from your drive. Drive Along the Great Ocean Road. The driving distance from Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road is 446 km. The V/line service offers frequent train travel departing Melbournes Southern Cross Station and running to both Geelong and Warrnambool. The Grotto is multiple geological formations rolled into one and is one of the most spectacular points to view the coast. Keep an eye open as you wander the trails for koalas up in the trees and beautiful native birds soaring around too. This is one of Victorias best bush and ocean walks. Lorne is a picturesque town set between Loutit Bay and the Otway National Park, it is where the bush meets the ocean. The first to know about trending destinations, travel deals, tips and Along the way you'll stop by the border of Victoria and South Australia and a red line marks the exact spot. I dashed out of the cave to higher ground, able to stay dry. This is one of the best things, if not the best, that you can do in the state of Victoria in Australia. However, Loch Ard Gorge is still a stunning place for a swim. A softUsvista Inc. venture! You will also reach the main stops at a different time to the crowds. Further along, you will find verdant bush where koalas nest and then onto the lush rainforests with spectacular waterfalls and native wildlife. Jump out of a plane at 15,000 feet above the ground and get the best, most exhilarating views of the entire coastline. Next, we got off the beaten track, taking an unnamed dirt road towards the shoreline. Now 2 pillars are left standing above the sea and make for an impressive view inPort Campbell National Park. Stretching over 243km (150mi), among this dramatic coastline's iconic attractions there's a mecca of bucket-list-worthy experiences. 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. In this guide, learn how to plan a trip around the world. To drive direct from the Melbourne CBD to Torquay, where the road officially starts, is 104km, or 1 hour and 20 minutes. Of all the fantastic destinations, the one that really draws travelers from across the world is a Great Ocean Road tour. hi guys my husband and l are going to drive the great ocean road in early November. It was awesome having this place all to ourselves, being able to explore without anyone else around. 2011-2023 distancesfrom.com. Both are natural, offshore stone archways. What is the shortest road distance between Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road? The Great Ocean Road is a 243-kilometre (151-mile) route located along the coast of Victoria in southeastern Australia. The coastline will be on the left side of the bus for Great Ocean Road tours starting from Melbourne, so if the bus seats are not pre-booked you can try to catch a window-seat on the left side. Best Great Ocean Road Tours Save AU$10 on your Great Ocean Road Bus tours with this promo code. DESTINATIONS AROUND THE WORLD: For more places to visit around the world, check out our Destinations page. One of the best things to do on the Great Ocean Road is going out for a paddle at some of the most famous surf beaches in Australia. If you're planning a self-guided tour, this could come handy. However, if you only have 1 day to work with, then here are some suggestions to save yourself time. ), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. Bunyip Tours: Cute Penguins - See 1,941 traveler reviews, 941 candid photos, and great deals for Melbourne, Australia, at Tripadvisor. The colors are vivid, the sun is out and the water is ideal for water sports and activities, but it is also the busiest time of the year. This would end up being our favorite part of the day. 1. 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. Maximum group size of 12 travellers with a reverse itinerary to beat the crowds at the 12 Apostles. Your email address will not be published. I could not imagine trying to swim out past these waves, just to catch one right back to shore. The Obelisk sits atop a rugged coastline, which is rapidly being eroded by the harsh elements. Part 1: Melbourne Part 2: Melbourne to Ballarat Part 3: Ballarat to Torquay Part 4: Torquay to Port Campbell Part 5: Port Campbell to Warrnambool Part 6: Warrnambool to Portland Part 7: Portland to Mount Gambier If you have limited time and can only do it in 1 day, then dont stress. Drive through the Great Ocean Road's coastal cliffs and river inlets as well as its luscious fern gullies. 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. Located less than 2 hours from Melbourne. The Cape Otway lighthouse is the oldest surviving lighthouse in Australia and was rightly known as the Beacon of Hope. Hugging the ocean on one side, the other side of the road changes its landscape from lush rainforest-clad mountains to volcanic plains. Visit surf beaches, seaside towns, and national parks; and see rain forest, wild koalas, and towering waterfalls. Things to do in Melbourne Day Trips from Melbourne Great Ocean Road Tour From Melbourne. The route of 243 KM stretches from Torquay to Allansford in Victoria state. It starts at the surfing town of Torquay and finishes near Warrnambool. Find more of them listed here. It has the most food options before Geelong, which is a further 1 hour drive away. As Victorias 5th largest city, Warrnambool is a lot bigger than most of the seaside towns along the Great Ocean Road drive. We personally stayed there when we travelled across Australia, and highly recommend it. Burrell has studied under expert chefs, including Tom Aikens in London, Monica Pope in Houston, and Tyson Cole. Melbourne to Apollo Bay 187 km/116 miles, about 3 hours Ease into your road trip with the leisurely drive from Melbourne to Torquay, just over an hour's drive. Its not nearly as scenic to do it this way, but it does save you about 50 km and one hour of driving. Rent a campervan and go on an adventure. It starts in Torquay and continues westward to Allansford. If your tour is on schedule you might find yourself some time for a swim. This is just because we really want to show you the best bits of the beautiful Great Ocean Road! Find out more here. Heavenly, right? 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. It is the southernmost active regular passenger railway station on the Australian mainland (several other Victorian Railways lines such as the branch lines to Timboon and Crowes did venture further south but all have now closed). This will help you make the most of your time so you can see the things that matter to you. 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. Head down to the Moyne River and stretch your legs along the wharves. How long does it take to drive the Great Ocean Road? The road starts in Torquay, and finishes in Allansford. To get here, however, was a two-hour drive via the M1 highway from Melbourne. Our personal recommendation for where we stay in Apollo Bay every time is The Apollo Apartment. Most tour buses will leave between 8am and 9am, so try and leave before then. Reserve your spot here. 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. can include Port Fairy and more coastal towns. 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. Read all of our articles in our. Check map and driving directions of your route which helps you find the destination easier. Try out the walking trails, have a picnic by the sea, take in the scenic views, or go searching for Australian wildlife. The drive offers plenty of places to stop off and explore. We could not get too close to the edge or else we would risk being pulled into the ocean by a rogue wave. Go-Ride a Wave! READ MORE: Be sure to plan your best trip to Australia by using our Australia Travel Guide! Surf Culture at Australian National Museum of Surfing. Theyll even show you how to throw a Boomerang and spear! While it is possibe to do most of these in a day with an early start and quick pitstops at every location, you should factor in a 2 day trip for a sedate trip. A road trip along the Great Ocean Road & Grampians National Park is a trip where you feel small in the universe. The Perth to Adelaide Drive (via the Nullarbor Plain) 3,700 km | 16 days Swim with dolphins, climb the giant Gloucester Tree, camp among . Other options include coming from Adelaide, so if this is you, just read the itinerary backwards. You can walk, trek, horse-ride or bike through the park. Depart from Melbourne in the morning, and begin your Great Ocean Road journey. If you want one of the best views in Geelong, grab a seat on theSkyWheel. A camper van or any sporty rental car is good for the drive through the stunning coastal road. Your story was very useful for us to plan our one day trip in March 2020 just before the corona virus outbreak. A sandy trail took us down to a beach. Discover. Quest Warrnambool is the perfect place to do just that. What is a partial cave, archway and blowhole, The Grotto is definitely something to marvel at. 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. The Great Ocean Road in Victoria is a world-famous, Australian National Heritage-listed site along the Sydney to Melbourne drive. For those wanting to drive a bit further west, theres the historic harbour settlement of Portland which you can visit. Both are amazing expressions of natural beauty and are worth checking out. The Email id you have Entered is not Registered With us. It takes about 75 minutes to drive to, depending on the traffic leaving Melbourne. How far is the Great Ocean Road from Melbourne? Now youll be able to find the wreckage in shallow waters, which makes it great for divers to explore. Just prepare yourself for a full day with an early start and late(ish) finish. Most of the highlights are located around Port Campbell. . plenty of accommodation choices in Warrnambool, Apollo Bay Surf, Stand Up Paddle Boarding & Kayak, Otway Estate Brewery Prickly Moses Beer. 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. 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. Dont want to drive but still want to see the Great Ocean Road? 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. 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. Drive Time: 30 minutes to Port Fairy, 4 hours to Melbourne. If youve hired a car youll most likely collect it at the airport. Stops. Melbourne's two best day tours, Great Ocean Road & Phillip Island, with entrance to Melbourne Skydeck. After passing through Port Campbell, youll pass by The Arch and London Bridge. You can do this in one big day (its almost 600km direct), but we personally recommend breaking the trip up into 2 or 3 days, spending some time in Mount Gambier and Coorong National Park. Adults: $119 $104 Online special! Great Ocean Road one-day itinerary. Explore the cool temperate rainforest of the Great Otway National Park, waterfalls on Great Ocean Road, best viewpoints, koalas, and wildlife. Would like to know what kind of still camera and lens you are using. Lookout on the ocean from May to September as you might spot Whales! December to February is summer, March to May is autumn, June to August is winter and September to November is spring. Read 1 review. Join the adventures on our YouTube channel! 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. john dillinger wisconsin hideout, what is tail number in air suvidha,