Of all the fantastic destinations, the one that really draws travelers from across the world is a Great Ocean Road tour. In this post, we cover the best spots to see along the way. These unique and adorable local animals call this spot home and have been known to use the lake as a nesting ground when having babies so best to keep your eyes peeled. This would end up being our favorite part of the day. Frolic in the ocean and then head up to the lush rainforests abundant with wildlife. 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. . You can also try a different route while coming back by adding multiple destinations. The spectacular Great Ocean Road hugs the seaside cliffs that snake along the wild and windswept Southern Ocean. December to February is the best time to take a Great Ocean Road tour from Melbourne. You dont have to miss out on this epic road trip just because you are short on time. 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. Would like to know what kind of still camera and lens you are using. It is a rest stop on the Great Ocean Road and gateway to spectacular waterfalls and viewpoints. Most visitors to the Great Ocean Road travel from Melbourne, which is the nearest major city. The coastline of the Great Ocean Road is constantly changing and one such natural formation is the London Arch. Bunyip Tours: See above for that. The four of us made our way over to the cave, dodging waves washing up onto shore with approaching high tide. Dont want to drive but still want to see the Great Ocean Road? Checking out the view of Bells Beach from the lookout. On a clear sunny day and depending on the tide you can get pretty close. They are now a part of a National Park and protected, and are the perfect destination to view the sunset. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Mum, works 2- 3 days a week, Tues and Wednesday and Friday and has the children in daycare and . Routing: Adelaide to Melbourne Duration: 5 Days Code: AD3 From AUD$690.00* per person, based on standard double/twin share accommodation. Apollo Bay is a popular place, so make sure you have booked your accommodation ahead of time. The road covers a driveway of 243 km off the coast with pristine views of beaches, geological marvels, and rich forests. Great Ocean Road Tours that offer the best itinerary and great sights within a day from Melbourne. In this guide, learn how to plan a trip around the world. 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. 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. 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. Read more about taking a day trip from Melbourne to Yarra Valley. 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. Depart Melbourne and travel over the West Gate Bridge through the vast volcanic plains en-route to Geelong. 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. Your password has been reset successfully please login with new password. 6 Melbourne: Werribee Open Range Zoo Admission Ticket. We had a villa, a small, two bedroom cabin with a kitchen and ensuite bathroom. plenty of accommodation choices in Warrnambool, Apollo Bay Surf, Stand Up Paddle Boarding & Kayak, Otway Estate Brewery Prickly Moses Beer. 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. The cliffs over the beach offer gorgeous views of the swells coming in from the Southern Ocean. 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. However, if you only have 1 day to work with, then here are some suggestions to save yourself time. Not even 15km from Apollo Bay is the incredibly lush and beautifulGreat Otway National Park. 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. Children: $99 $94 (3 - 15 years) Minimum age 3 years. Your email address will not be published. A great photo op spot, this is one of the most photographed spots along the Great Ocean Road. Lorne is a picturesque town set between Loutit Bay and the Otway National Park, it is where the bush meets the ocean. Due to crashing waves over millennia, saltwater and erosion there are now only 8 limestone stacks remaining out of 12. It takes travellers past world-class surfing breaks, through pockets of rainforest and calm seaside towns, and under koala-filled tree canopies. Maximum group size of 12 travellers with a reverse itinerary to beat the crowds at the 12 Apostles. 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. Recommended option Train 4h 12m Take the train from Southern Cross to Warrnambool Warrnambool - Melbourne Via Colac & Geelong $103 - $128 Whether you're a history buff, foodie, nature lover or adventurer get ready for a great weekend. Our website uses cookies. Required fields are marked *. Try out the walking trails, have a picnic by the sea, take in the scenic views, or go searching for Australian wildlife. 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. Headout is building the future of how we experience our cities. Screened at CinefestOZ, Portland International Film Festival, Social Justice Film Festival (Seattle), St Louis International Film Festival, Mostly . Yes, you can do this as a one day trip from Melbourne, but I dont recommend it. The view of these sandstone pillars along the coastline is one of the Great Ocean Roads most famous. For just a moment though, it was neat peering out at the waves and the coastline from this unique vantage point. 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. The highlight of the Great Ocean Road are the Twelve Apostles. The distance between Portland Ln to Mildura VIC 3500 is 542 Km by road. If youd like to continue travelling Australia beyond the Great Ocean Road, you canhead northwest to Adelaide. The cave was not very big, extending about ten meters back into the cliff from the opening. Starting from Torquay, this route takes you through beautiful seaside towns and rain forests as you follow the winding road along the exquisite coastline. 375km of scenic winding roads along the southern ocean will take you through some of the countrys most beautiful UNESCO-listed landscapes. The Kennet River located between Lorne and Apollo Bay is one of the best places in Australia to view wild koalas. 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. What kind of still camera/lens are you finding most helpful? While Tyler and Kara tried to throw each other off of the sand dunes, Tim and I went exploring. Built in 1848, it sits at the edge of the ocean almost 90m over the Bass Strait. You will ride on an AC tour bus, accompanied by a friendly tour guide who will ensure you hit all the spots on your Great Ocean Road tour. 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. I dashed out of the cave to higher ground, able to stay dry. Cannon Hillis a great place to start if you want to get the lay of the land. It is summer and it is simply beautiful on the road! The beaches on the Great Ocean Road are fantastic for swimming, especially in the summer. However, Loch Ard Gorge is still a stunning place for a swim. Loch Iel (Pink Lake) The inland Melbourne to Adelaide drive takes around 5.5 hours from the Grampians. If you fancy trying your luck to spot some wildlife head out to nearbyLake Elizabeth. We only recommend the best accommodations, tours and products, and regularly review these. 1st Stop: Torquay. No, the Great Ocean Road isnt particularly dangerous to drive, as long as you take proper precautions. However, the Great Ocean Road is a hit at any time of the year and here is why . We could not get too close to the edge or else we would risk being pulled into the ocean by a rogue wave. 2 From Melbourne: Great Ocean Road and Wildlife Tour. Kms. 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. 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. 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. READ MORE: Be sure to plan your best trip to Australia by using our Australia Travel Guide! 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.) Less traffic on the road and more time to spend at stops. But all the views are spectacular on this stretch of the Great Ocean Road Trip. 3 Melbourne: SEA LIFE Aquarium Entrance Ticket. Yes. 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. 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. It's also possible to travel from Melbourne to Adelaide via the Great . The drive offers plenty of places to stop off and explore. Here we are, at another beach, and we have it all to ourselves. Head down to Main Beach for a swim, sunbathe or surf at Point Impossible or Rocky Point. Burrell received her first James Beard nomination for "Best Chef: Texas" in 2020 and . Private Great Ocean Road tour. Once youve had your fill, hop in the car for a quick drive and to the next and last destination of your road trip. Julie Last updated: October 8, 2022 Australia 4 Comments. Visit top wilderness destinations and picturesque towns on this epic 3-day tour from Melbourne to the Great Ocean Road and the Grampians. - See 1,941 traveler reviews, 942 candid photos, and great deals for Melbourne, Australia, at Tripadvisor. Last week, 1156 properties were scheduled to be auctioned in Melbourne. We plan to spend 5 days on Kangaroo Island and have allowed 3 days to get to Cape Jervis. And your Great Ocean Road route should not miss out on two other attractions nearby either. Day 3: Warrnambool to Port Fairy then Melbourne (or Adelaide). Blazing Saddles Trail Rides, Aireys Inlet. Hey! 50 Things to do and see along the Great Ocean Road as a PDF Ebook. Lookout on the ocean from May to September as you might spot Whales! This is a great place not only to catch some stunner views but also to watch the fisherman come in with their catch, which you likely can find in the restaurants in town. Perpetually ensconced with a book in her hand and a mug of coffee in the other, she has been to over 15 countries in her 23 years of existence and is currently saving miles and money for her solo trip to Iceland. Our personal recommendation for where we stay in Apollo Bay every time is The Apollo Apartment. Here at Port Campbell National Park, we spent over two hours hopping from scenic view to scenic view. This is one of the best things, if not the best, that you can do in the state of Victoria in Australia. 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. 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. You can also find the flight distance or distance to fly from Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road. It was awesome having this place all to ourselves, being able to explore without anyone else around. Our self-drive itinerary includes driving via Robe and Victor Harbour though a side trip to include The Grampians could be included. The best way to get around is to rent a car and explore on your own! 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. 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. Find more of them listed here. Get outdoors on bushwalking, surfing and mountain biking expeditions or take the cultural route through galleries, museums and heritage attractions. They finish at either the 12 Apostles or Warrnambool, and then drive back to Melbourne. The weather can play a huge part in what is visible and how close you can get to this area. Whether you surf or not, it is a great place to stop and admire the ocean. Did you know: The Great Ocean Road is the worlds largest war memorial, and was built by returning servicemen from World War I. For more experienced surfers, and those looking to set foot onto a world-renowned surf beach, head toBells Beach. 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. Read our detailed blog to know all about Skydiving in Melbourne and book your Great Ocean Road skydive. Make sure you visit first thing in the morning or later in the afternoon for the best koala viewing times. It stretches for 243 kms. Visit some of the valleys most impressive wineries, go on a skydiving experience and simply kick your heels and relax. 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. Check out our Great Ocean Road tours. The Great Ocean Road was built as a memorial for soldiers of World War I and this timber arch commemorates them. Yes, you can. . The Obelisk sits atop a rugged coastline, which is rapidly being eroded by the harsh elements. The Great Ocean Road is one of the world's most stunning coastal drives, winding along Australia's southern coast in Victoria (Australia).The undisputed highlight of the drive is the Twelve Apostles, but the Great Ocean Road leads past many more sights of interest, from bustling coastal towns like Lorne and Apollo Bay to the lush rain forests of Great Otway National Park. Just a few minutes west of the border you'll come across a beautiful pink salt lake. Located less than 2 hours from Melbourne. Spectacular and diverse scenery, wildlife, byo tent or book accommodation along the way. However, when the winds pick up it is best to stay above the Grotto. Fabulous horse riding through the forest or down along a long golden beach. 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. Today, it is a spot for whale watching and a centre for learning about the aboriginal history. Take the Great Ocean Road tour from Melbourne to catch the best scenery and attractions. It has great local produce, excellent surf beaches, and play parks for the kids to burn off energy. 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. Our journey ended an hour and a half later, finally at Melbourne. Over time it has been improved to create a peaceful and beautiful space to be enjoyed. Its a small village, but Port Campbell is a nice place to stop for a snack and some fuel. Hugging the ocean on one side, the other side of the road changes its landscape from lush rainforest-clad mountains to volcanic plains. Made famous for theRip Curl Prohosted every Easter, Bells Beach is not only beautiful but a huge part of both Australian and surf culture. But the Great Ocean Road is about so much more than its sinuous, coast hugging tarmac. 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. Have a great time. The distance between Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road is 446 Km by road. How long does it take to drive the Great Ocean Road? In front of us were walls of sandstone, giant waves crashing on the beach, and a rocky peninsula just waiting to be explored. 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. 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. The four of us were ecstatic to be off those winding roads. The waves here are huge and come fast and furious, making this area a great surfing spot. If you want one of the best views in Geelong, grab a seat on theSkyWheel. 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. Stunning photos. Lorne Seabaths, Gym, inground Trampolines for kids, and more. Loch Ard Gorge is a breathtaking natural formation just a short distance from the 12 apostles. Your email address will not be published. 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. Youll find them sitting up in the eucalyptus trees. The green forest with the winding highway meets the ocean here! Great Ocean Road Tour 2 Days experience from Melbourne to Adelaide. 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. Its definitely worth pulling over to read the history of the road as well as getting that classic holiday snap. What is a partial cave, archway and blowhole, The Grotto is definitely something to marvel at. 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. Apart from the trip distance, refer. 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. A walkway just outside Lorne offers views of the ocean lapping up the mouth of the Saint George River and the Bass Strait. To save even more time, you can cut out Warrnambool completely from your drive. Drive Time: 30 minutes to Port Fairy, 4 hours to Melbourne. This isnt a big deal though as you will still have great views of the scenery either way. Sail through the clouds with only 1 other person for an up-close and personal adventure. If you arent restricted to only 1 day, give yourself at least 2 days to do the Great Ocean Road drive. 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. December to February is summer, March to May is autumn, June to August is winter and September to November is spring. 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. Stretching over 243km (150mi), among this dramatic coastline's iconic attractions there's a mecca of bucket-list-worthy experiences. A large wave crashed on shore, quickly heading towards our cave and where we thought we would be safe. Republishing this articleand/orany of its contents (text, photography, etc. 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. DISCLAIMER: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you book accommodation, tours or buy a product, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Covering nearly 200 hectares, this park is one of the few Great Ocean Road highlights that is not a beach. It starts at the surfing town of Torquay and finishes near Warrnambool. Burrell has studied under expert chefs, including Tom Aikens in London, Monica Pope in Houston, and Tyson Cole. You can walk, trek, horse-ride or bike through the park. 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. Check, (2 hrs Check out the Vline train & bus timetable to make your way between Geelong and Warrnambool. It can be done. These tours are crafted to help you cover most of it in a short span of time, something you may not be able to do as a tourist in the city. 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. Visit surf beaches, seaside towns, and national parks; and see rain forest, wild koalas, and towering waterfalls. You will be bracing natural elements on this road trip and its best to dress accordingly. 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. Loch Ard Gorgeis the first attraction on the way, just a stones throw from the Twelve Apostles. You might even get a stretch of beach all to yourself, maybe for the best adventure of the day. It makes for a perfect family day out or holiday with friends. Or Warrnambool, Camperdown, Geelong, Melbourne. If you want to travel by bus, know that there are plenty from Geelong to Apollo Bay, Warrnambool, Port Fairy and Portland,all travelling via the Great Ocean Road. Going up is going to be a task though! you really need 2-3 weeks to make the most of this itinerary, especially as you're going to be going over to Kangaroo Island. Surf Culture at Australian National Museum of Surfing. Note: This post contains affiliate links. To get more information on the Great Ocean Road, visit the official tourism website here. 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. We personally stayed there when we travelled across Australia, and highly recommend it. Truly a paradise, the area is a popular destination for water sports and recreation activities. Your story was very useful for us to plan our one day trip in March 2020 just before the corona virus outbreak. The Great Ocean Road (B100) is one of Australia's most famous touring routes. Great Ocean Road one-day itinerary. 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! In the shadow of the Otway ranges meeting Cape Otway is the Apollo Bay, midway of the Great Ocean Road. I am using a Canon 5D Mark iii with a 20-70 mm lens. Planning a trip to Australia? The first to know about trending destinations, travel deals, tips and
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