Read our detailed blog to know all about Skydiving in Melbourne and book your Great Ocean Road skydive. They are now a part of a National Park and protected, and are the perfect destination to view the sunset. The waves here are huge and come fast and furious, making this area a great surfing spot. The weather can play a huge part in what is visible and how close you can get to this area. . We had a villa, a small, two bedroom cabin with a kitchen and ensuite bathroom. The first stop when driving the Great Ocean Road will beGeelong. On a clear sunny day and depending on the tide you can get pretty close. 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. Your story was very useful for us to plan our one day trip in March 2020 just before the corona virus outbreak. 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. Seeingthe Twelve Apostlesfor yourself should be at the top of your Australian Bucket list, no matter the weather. After the Twelve Apostles, continue along the Great Ocean Road towards Port Campbell. However, if you're short on time and want to cover a good portion of the Great Ocean Road, signing up for an organized trip from Melbourne will come handy. Lorne Seabaths, Gym, inground Trampolines for kids, and more. But you may not have that luxury of time. Forget all about the stress of driving, checking the GPS and creating an itinerary of your own! We plan to spend 5 days on Kangaroo Island and have allowed 3 days to get to Cape Jervis. 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. What is the shortest road distance between Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road? Sandstone cliffs plunging into the ocean, pillars of hardened sandstone sitting just offshore, all of this being pounded by some serious waves. Depending on the vehicle you choose to travel, you can calculate the amount of CO2 emissions from your vehicle and assess the environment impact. Please enter your email address or username. The first destination is Bells Beach in Torquay, a famous location for surfers. Bells Beach is a paradise for surfers; it is the location of the legendary annual Rip Curl Surfing competition. Head down to Main Beach for a swim, sunbathe or surf at Point Impossible or Rocky Point. 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. Thats how were going to structure this post for you. Cruising the Great Ocean Road is ranked amongst the top things to do in Australia. 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. This port city is the second-largest in the state of Victoria and overlooks the gorgeousCorio Bay. 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. It stretches for 243 kms. Do you think that will be possible that time of year or do we have to book in advance ? Experience the Great Ocean Road from Melbourne to Adelaide. Don't be an idiot. 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. Next, we got off the beaten track, taking an unnamed dirt road towards the shoreline. Cannon Hillis a great place to start if you want to get the lay of the land. 1 Melbourne: 1-Day Entry Ticket to Melbourne Zoo. Burrell has studied under expert chefs, including Tom Aikens in London, Monica Pope in Houston, and Tyson Cole. The four of us made our way over to the cave, dodging waves washing up onto shore with approaching high tide. 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. Apart from the trip distance, refer Directions from Portland Ln to Mildura VIC 3500 for road driving directions! Planning a trip to Australia? Bunyip Tours: See above for that. A walkway just outside Lorne offers views of the ocean lapping up the mouth of the Saint George River and the Bass Strait. Along the way be sure to stop off at one of the small towns for a late afternoon-snack or coffee, or you can take a detour up to Ballarat for the night to learn about the gold rush. Read more about taking a day trip from Melbourne to Yarra Valley. 639. Apart from the trip distance, refer. 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. You also wont be getting a sunset picture of the 12 Apostles as it will be one of your first major stops. This is the most common Great Ocean Road route. The V/line service offers frequent train travel departing Melbournes Southern Cross Station and running to both Geelong and Warrnambool. 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 get more information on the Great Ocean Road, visit the official tourism website here. Your Great Ocean Road itinerary may be coming to an end, but dont worry, youll finish up with a dreamy little visit toPort Fairy. 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. 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. Melbourne to Adelaide One Way Itinerary This route follows the Great Ocean Road from Melbourne to Adelaide and is approximately 1,250 km. 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. Thanks for your support, kind friend! 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 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. There are also several wineries and breweries in the area worth stopping in at to pick something up to enjoy throughout the rest of your trip too. While the Great Ocean Road covers a ton of coastline, this national park is a gem located more on the inland route. To enlarge the map, click the top right icon and it will open up, full screen, in a new tab. Drive through the Great Ocean Road's coastal cliffs and river inlets as well as its luscious fern gullies. The Kennet River located between Lorne and Apollo Bay is one of the best places in Australia to view wild koalas. Join our small group coastal adventure to the beaches, rainforests and more of the Great Ocean Road. It will stop off at most of the popular viewing spots. Loch Ard Gorge is a breathtaking natural formation just a short distance from the 12 apostles. 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. 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. For more experienced surfers, and those looking to set foot onto a world-renowned surf beach, head toBells Beach. Have a great time. What is a partial cave, archway and blowhole, The Grotto is definitely something to marvel at. If that is not an option though, or you dont like the idea of driving on the wrong side of the road, there are plenty of excellent tours likethis onethat will take you to see all the sights including the Twelve Apostles, Port Campbell, Otway National Park and more. Theyll even show you how to throw a Boomerang and spear! Stunning photos. A total of 620 properties were sold via auction last . Whether you are travelling with family, friends or a school group, our Great Ocean Road Private Tour is the best way to explore this scenic coastline. 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. The shortest road distance between Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road is 446 Km. We are a single Mum with 3 kids, 8yo Boy and 5 and 4 yo girls. Continue on from this point as there are tons of Great Ocean Road attractions to come. There are a few towns along the way like Lorne, Apollo Bay and Port Campbell where you can stay or camp overnight. 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. Once you factor in viewpoints and short walks, expect this road trip to take one full day. 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. December to February is summer, March to May is autumn, June to August is winter and September to November is spring. If youre looking to do a bit of waterfall chasing, this is a great place to find them! Yes, you can do this as a one day trip from Melbourne, but I dont recommend it. Distance: 507km / 7 hours roundtrip. How long does it take to drive the Great Ocean Road? Day 3: Warrnambool to Port Fairy then Melbourne (or Adelaide). Jump out of a plane at 15,000 feet above the ground and get the best, most exhilarating views of the entire coastline. Battery Hillis a great spot to get a view from on high of the town and see some pieces of Port Fairy history like the remnants of a Russian invasion from the 1860s. The road covers a driveway of 243 km off the coast with pristine views of beaches, geological marvels, and rich forests. Depart Melbourne and travel over the West Gate Bridge through the vast volcanic plains en-route to Geelong. It is a beast to carry around with me everyday but I love the photos get with it. For most people, the trip willstart in Melbourneand can be done in a loop or a return journey. hi guys my husband and l are going to drive the great ocean road in early November. Here's all you need to know about taking a Great Ocean Road Tour From Melbourne - itinerary, best tours, highlights and quick hacks. 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. 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. It seemed like there was another amazing view every 400 meters, so we were jumping in and out of our car a lot. A road trip along the Great Ocean Road & Grampians National Park is a trip where you feel small in the universe. However, Loch Ard Gorge is still a stunning place for a swim. 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. Drive Time: 30 minutes to Port Fairy, 4 hours to Melbourne. You will also reach the main stops at a different time to the crowds. 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. Check our. Here we are, at another beach, and we have it all to ourselves. Iconic Animal Sightings. Melbourne To Phillip Island Tour: A Complete Guide For A Perfect Day Trip, We've served 15 million+ guests and we are here for you, All You Need For An Epic Great Ocean Road Tour From Melbourne, Happy customers across 10,000+ experiences, 5,000+ verified reviews with 90% excellent score, Featured and recommended by the best brands, Have a question? 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. 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. Find out about other waterfalls in the Otways. Children: $99 $94 (3 - 15 years) Minimum age 3 years. See the towering 12 Apostles, get up close to native wildlife, and take in iconic surf breaks, pristine rainforest and misty waterfalls along the spectacular Great Ocean Road. But if you are driving under the speed limit and following protocols, it could be one of the best drives of your life given the amazing view throughout the drive. For the best panoramic views in Apollo Bay head straight forMarriners Lookout. You can drive the entire length of the Great Ocean Road in one long day (about 8 hours return), but we recommend splitting the journey up into a few days. Duration: 5 Days Prices From: US$ 699 Trip Type: Self-Drives, Tailor-made Travel Ideas Australia See Trip Details You don't have to miss out on this epic road trip just because you are short on time. Did you know: The Great Ocean Road is the worlds largest war memorial, and was built by returning servicemen from World War I. Bunyip Tours: Great Ocean Road - See 1,943 traveler reviews, 942 candid photos, and great deals for Melbourne, Australia, at Tripadvisor. Along the way you'll stop by the border of Victoria and South Australia and a red line marks the exact spot. 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. 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. Memorial Arch (8am) Our first stop was the Memorial Arch, which is located just past the city of Torquay. In Portland we stayed at the Portland Holiday Village. Great Ocean Road Tour 2 Days experience from Melbourne to Adelaide. This was not anywhere near as scenic as Port Campbell National Park but was still worth seeing. You can also carry a pair of flip flops or sandals if you wish to dip your feet in the ocean at Loch Ard Gorge or any other beach enroute. Its not nearly as scenic to do it this way, but it does save you about 50 km and one hour of driving. The Obelisk sits atop a rugged coastline, which is rapidly being eroded by the harsh elements. From below the steps you can marvel at the 70m limestone stacks from up close and feel the power of nature. From Torquay to Warrnambool (the last town on the Great Ocean Road), expect to spend at least 4 hours of driving which doesnt include stops. Live chat with local experts anywhere, anytime. They finish at either the 12 Apostles or Warrnambool, and then drive back to Melbourne. Quest Warrnambool is the perfect place to do just that. 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. . Both are amazing expressions of natural beauty and are worth checking out. There is also a plaque on the left side of the road which serves as a memory for the soldiers. 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. If you really want a unique perspective though, and love a bit of adventure, how does skydiving over the 12 Apostles sound? Recommended option Bus 3h 30m Here we joined the largest crowds of people yet, all elbowing for the best place to take family photos. The Cape Otway lighthouse is the oldest surviving lighthouse in Australia and was rightly known as the Beacon of Hope. Less people in your 12 Apostles selfie! 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. The Great Ocean Road winds through picturesque locations that outdo one another in terms of visual extravaganza. Youll also find theAustralian Surfing Hall of Famehere as well. Dont want to drive but still want to see the Great Ocean Road? Its a lot of driving. The official length of the Great Ocean Road is around 243 km/ 151 miles. 5+. A large wave crashed on shore, quickly heading towards our cave and where we thought we would be safe. Phillip Island: Penguin Parade Afternoon Wildlife Tour, Autumn (March to May): Cooler weather and fewer tourists, Winter (June to August): Whale watching season, cheaper accommodation and few tourists, Spring (September to November): Flowering season, perfect for visiting the Otways, mild weather and fewer crowds. Grab some coffee and stroll the foreshore. . Ziplining, surfing, horse riding, canoes, and kayaking, to name a few. Torquay is also home to theSurf World Museumwith tons of history about the sport and its fame in Australia. Happy travels. To get here, however, was a two-hour drive via the M1 highway from Melbourne. 1. Whether you're a history buff, foodie, nature lover or adventurer get ready for a great weekend. For a great post-drive meal check out theGeelong Boathousefor a classic fish & chips by the sea. Now 2 pillars are left standing above the sea and make for an impressive view inPort Campbell National Park. Home; Timetables Train & coach timetables; Plan a journey Walk up near the Grey River Road and you will find koalas lounging on the trees. Adults: $119 $104 Online special! Today, it is a spot for whale watching and a centre for learning about the aboriginal history. Day 3 - Set of on the Great Ocean Road, staying overnight in the village of Lorne, halfway . From the rocks, Tim and I could see a cave in the side of the cliff. Other good breaks in addition to Bells Beach includeSan Juc, Winki Pop, Bird RockandSparrowsjust to name a few. We want to book accommodation as we go . Our journey ended an hour and a half later, finally at Melbourne. 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. It shows off sheer limestone cliffs, dairy farms and heathland, and gets you up close and personal with the crashing . Theres so much to see and do, so you dont want to be left feeling rushed and tired at the end of your trip. Stock up on essentials, fill up the car, turn up the radio and head towards Apollo Bay! The perfect place for a Melbourne city escape. 3. 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. We set off from the city at 6am. The two-way highway is scenic as it gets and covers iconic landmarks like the Twelve Apostles, Apollo Bay, and the Otways. Wendy Report inappropriate content There are 5 ways to get from Mount Gambier to Great Ocean Road by bus or car Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2rio's travel planner. 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. Best Great Ocean Road Tours Save AU$10 on your Great Ocean Road Bus tours with this promo code. Private Great Ocean Road tour. Carry a fast-drying towel, a bathing suit and a change of clothes to go swimming. Hopetoun Falls Just gorgeous, the walk to these falls is not very far, though it does involve steps. It makes for a perfect family day out or holiday with friends. 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.