Our website uses cookies. The driving distance from Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road is 446 km. 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. The Perth to Adelaide Drive (via the Nullarbor Plain) 3,700 km | 16 days Swim with dolphins, climb the giant Gloucester Tree, camp among . The road starts in Torquay, and finishes in Allansford. Depart Melbourne and travel over the West Gate Bridge through the vast volcanic plains en-route to Geelong. 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. Here we are, at another beach, and we have it all to ourselves. It stretches for 243 kms. It takes travellers past world-class surfing breaks, through pockets of rainforest and calm seaside towns, and under koala-filled tree canopies. Republishing this articleand/orany of its contents (text, photography, etc. 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. Departs: 7:00am. Dont start counting them though, because there are only seven you can count! After the last couple of years, it seems everyone wants to be out and about and go travelling. Although i highly recommend visiting Warrnambool, you may not have the time to spend there. You might not be making any unscheduled stops to buy snacks. Walk up near the Grey River Road and you will find koalas lounging on the trees. 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. If you're planning your big Great Ocean Road trip from Melbourne, here are all the transport options that could get you there. Over time it has been improved to create a peaceful and beautiful space to be enjoyed. I guess the quickest and easiest route from Portland back to Melbourne would be up to Hamilton then via the Glenelg Hwy to Ballarat then it is freeway on to Melbourne. The Grotto is one of the most impressive sections of the coastline, and essentially a sinkhole. Located less than 2 hours from Melbourne. What kind of still camera/lens are you finding most helpful? Burrell has studied under expert chefs, including Tom Aikens in London, Monica Pope in Houston, and Tyson Cole. Our journey ended an hour and a half later, finally at Melbourne. DESTINATIONS AROUND THE WORLD: For more places to visit around the world, check out our Destinations page. Cruising the Great Ocean Road is ranked amongst the top things to do in Australia. Once you factor in viewpoints and short walks, expect this road trip to take one full day. 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. If you have the time, sample the delights near Warrnambool. For just a moment though, it was neat peering out at the waves and the coastline from this unique vantage point. The Obelisk sits atop a rugged coastline, which is rapidly being eroded by the harsh elements. In Portland we stayed at the Portland Holiday Village. The first stop when driving the Great Ocean Road will beGeelong. From Melbourne to Torquay (the first town on the Great Ocean Road), it will take you about 1.5 hours. The lake views here are stunning and if youre lucky you might even be able to lay your eyes on a platypus or two. Once in Warrnambool, it doesnt take long to drive to Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve. The Great Ocean Road is one of Australias great drives. Would like to do it in 3 days, 2 nights lodging and still see a few things. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Great Ocean Road one-day itinerary. 52 Great Weekends > No 3: Portland No 3: Portland Located a little over 4hrs Melbourne, Portland is well worth the drive. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. However, Loch Ard Gorge is still a stunning place for a swim. 1 Melbourne: 1-Day Entry Ticket to Melbourne Zoo. 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. Please note: this popular area is big and therefore the tour involves quite a lot of driving. Stunning photos. Here's all you need to know about taking a Great Ocean Road Tour From Melbourne - itinerary, best tours, highlights and quick hacks. Recommended option Bus 3h 30m Many travelers continue on to Warrnambool and Adelaide or up to the Grampian Mountains while others are returning to Melbourne. 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? Take the Great Ocean Road tour from Melbourne to catch the best scenery and attractions. An alternative to this driving route is that you do it in the reverse order. It starts at the surfing town of Torquay and finishes near Warrnambool. 5+. Although you could go through the city of Geelong, south-west of Melbourne, there's no need to as the Freeway Extension bypasses it, thus speeding . After a late arrival intoWarrnambool,youll want to see a few of the sights the city has to offer. Spectacular and diverse scenery, wildlife, byo tent or book accommodation along the way. 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. Turn off for this road just before you reach Apollo Bay. 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. Experience the Great Ocean Road from Melbourne to Adelaide. 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. Less people in your 12 Apostles selfie! For a great post-drive meal check out theGeelong Boathousefor a classic fish & chips by the sea. Enjoy the iconic Penguin Parade on Phillip Island, hand feed kangaroos and wallabies at Moonlit Sanctuary, visit the famous Brighton Beach boxes and more on a day trip from Melbourne to Phillip Island. 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. Day 3 - Set of on the Great Ocean Road, staying overnight in the village of Lorne, halfway . A walkway just outside Lorne offers views of the ocean lapping up the mouth of the Saint George River and the Bass Strait. Required fields are marked *. Things all of a sudden became a lot more exciting. Hey! Grab some coffee and stroll the foreshore. The two-way highway is scenic as it gets and covers iconic landmarks like the Twelve Apostles, Apollo Bay, and the Otways. 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. The Subaru Forester has been an exceptional ride on the trip on the Melbourne to Adelaide via Great Ocean Road trip - powerful, economical, spacious, and with loads of safety features built-in, making the long drives a comfortable experience. It is comparable to Big Sur in California with coastal views, winding roads, and many, many scenic viewpoints. 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. Chasing waterfalls? A road trip along the Great Ocean Road & Grampians National Park is a trip where you feel small in the universe. Live chat with local experts anywhere, anytime. Great commentary. While the Great Ocean Road covers a ton of coastline, this national park is a gem located more on the inland route. Sometimes, Tyler and Kara feel like they will never be able to escape the attention of people curious about their blond hair. 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. The first destination is Bells Beach in Torquay, a famous location for surfers. 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. Let us help you get started with planning your Great Ocean Road itinerary. This will start your Ocean Road drive in the opposite direction as most others, avoiding the busy traffic. In 1932, the road was thrown open to the public and has since then become one of the worlds best road trip destinations. In this post, we cover the best spots to see along the way. It has great local produce, excellent surf beaches, and play parks for the kids to burn off energy. All rights reserved Earth Trekkers. A camper van or any sporty rental car is good for the drive through the stunning coastal road. Going up is going to be a task though! If you dont want to visit Warrnambool, drive from Melbourne to the 12 Apostles (over 2.5 hours). The Ultimate Melbourne To Yarra Valley Tour | Discover The Best Wineries, Chocolateries and Delicatessens! 4 From Melbourne: Great Ocean Road Full-Day Trip. And your Great Ocean Road route should not miss out on two other attractions nearby either. 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. The spectacular Great Ocean Road hugs the seaside cliffs that snake along the wild and windswept Southern Ocean. 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. Great Ocean Road Tour 2 Days experience from Melbourne to Adelaide. While wandering around town youll surely spot a ton of street art, which is something Geelong is known for. The Memorial Arch (youve probably seen photos of people standing underneath it) symbolises the start of the road. 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. ThePort FairyBotanical Gardensare a lovely spot for an afternoon walk and to admire the plants and flowers. The Great Ocean Road in Victoria is a world-famous, Australian National Heritage-listed site along the Sydney to Melbourne drive. Any advice greatly appreciated! 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. It seemed like there was another amazing view every 400 meters, so we were jumping in and out of our car a lot. The Animal Condition (Feature Film) 2010 - Jun 20177 years. Melbourne to Adelaide South East Coast 3 Day Overland Tour. Join our small group coastal adventure to the beaches, rainforests and more of the Great Ocean Road. The Great Ocean Road winds through picturesque locations that outdo one another in terms of visual extravaganza. A little warning about the Penguin Parade: It is very touristy and professionally put together. Just prepare yourself for a full day with an early start and late(ish) finish. 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. Starting and finishing in Melbourne, enjoy a self drive tour along Victoria's southwest coast. The perfect place for a Melbourne city escape. 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. If you fancy trying your luck to spot some wildlife head out to nearbyLake Elizabeth. If youre a hiker more than a surfer, youll be in for a treat with theSurf Coast Walk 44km of trails that connect Torquay toAngelseaandAireys Inletalong the coast. Director, editor and producer of feature documentary about animal welfare in farming. 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. 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. You can spend more time at each location and engage in activities like trekking, swimming and adventure sports. Most visitors to the Great Ocean Road travel from Melbourne, which is the nearest major city. 1. We love this place and even bought one of their horses a few years ago! However, if you only have 1 day to work with, then here are some suggestions to save yourself time. Starting from Torquay, this route takes you through beautiful seaside towns and rain forests as you follow the winding road along the exquisite coastline. 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). Surf Culture at Australian National Museum of Surfing. With the last day of your Great Ocean Road itinerary upon you, there is still so much to be seen and experienced. - See 1,941 traveler reviews, 942 candid photos, and great deals for Melbourne, Australia, at Tripadvisor. 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. All the while, Tyler and Kara were screaming with delight, laughing afterwards. From the rocks, Tim and I could see a cave in the side of the cliff. You can walk, trek, horse-ride or bike through the park. Maximum group size of 12 travellers with a reverse itinerary to beat the crowds at the 12 Apostles. Now 2 pillars are left standing above the sea and make for an impressive view inPort Campbell National Park. The beaches on the Great Ocean Road are fantastic for swimming, especially in the summer. We personally stayed there when we travelled across Australia, and highly recommend it. A staircase leads you to view it at the eye-level and is best experience at low tide at sunrise or sunset. TheKennett River Koala Walkis the perfect place to get your fix. Starting from Torquay, this route takes you through beautiful seaside towns and rain forests as you follow the winding road along the exquisite coastline. Melbourne's two best day tours, Great Ocean Road & Phillip Island, with entrance to Melbourne Skydeck. Most take this road trip to visit the iconic Twelve Apostles but fall in love with the grandeur of nature. 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. It is a beast to carry around with me everyday but I love the photos get with it. You can buy Great Ocean Road Tours online which would cover your itinerary and tickets for attractions. 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. All the points of interest mentioned above are marked on the Great Ocean Road Map below. Today, it is a spot for whale watching and a centre for learning about the aboriginal history. 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. Wear comfortable shoes as there is a lot of walking to do. However, the Great Ocean Road is a hit at any time of the year and here is why . Related article: What should you not miss on the Great Ocean Road? Duration: 5 Days Prices From: US$ 699 Trip Type: Self-Drives, Tailor-made Travel Ideas Australia See Trip Details Adelaide to Melbourne via Great Ocean Road - how long? 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. Most people start the Great Ocean Road drive from Melbourne to Torquay. Or Warrnambool, Camperdown, Geelong, Melbourne. If you're planning on the West Gate Bridge route, take the Princes Highway over the bridge and travel along the Bellarine Peninsula or the Surf Coast Highway to the famous surfing town of Torquay. Griffiths Islandcan be accessed by a footbridge nearby to the wharf and is a great place to do a little bird watching. 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. From here you are well on your way to having covered a ton of ground. Finally, we made it to Bells Beach in Torquay, the end point of the Great Ocean Road. The first to know about trending destinations, travel deals, tips and For most people, the trip willstart in Melbourneand can be done in a loop or a return journey. Poor Tim got hit hard by the wave, soaking his feet. Bunyip Tours: Great Ocean Road - See 1,943 traveler reviews, 942 candid photos, and great deals for Melbourne, Australia, at Tripadvisor. 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. 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. Try out the walking trails, have a picnic by the sea, take in the scenic views, or go searching for Australian wildlife. 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. 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. 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. . If you're planning to visit the Great Ocean Road, here's all that you should squeeze into your itinerary. can include Port Fairy and more coastal towns. We only recommend the best accommodations, tours and products, and regularly review these. Loch Ard Gorgeis the first attraction on the way, just a stones throw from the Twelve Apostles. In the shadow of the Otway ranges meeting Cape Otway is the Apollo Bay, midway of the Great Ocean Road. Where does the Great Ocean Road start and finish. 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. The Great Ocean Road is where you experience breathtaking nature and the great outdoors of Australia! Route: Melbourne-Twelve Apostles return, via B100 (Great Ocean Road) Highlights: Torquay, Bells Beach, Lorne, Apollo Bay . 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. Like I mentioned before, covering all of these in a day may be a long shot, hence plan for a 2 day Great Ocean Road trip. 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. Further along, you will find verdant bush where koalas nest and then onto the lush rainforests with spectacular waterfalls and native wildlife. Best Great Ocean Road Tours Save AU$10 on your Great Ocean Road Bus tours with this promo code. No, the Great Ocean Road isnt particularly dangerous to drive, as long as you take proper precautions. The weather can play a huge part in what is visible and how close you can get to this area. Most tour buses will leave between 8am and 9am, so try and leave before then. 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. . December to February is summer, March to May is autumn, June to August is winter and September to November is spring. Next, we got off the beaten track, taking an unnamed dirt road towards the shoreline. It is essentially a sinkhole in a limestone stack and opens out to a view of the sea and cliffs beyond. They will also add to the crowds at every one of your stops, so you want to beat them if you can. 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. If you have limited time and can only do it in 1 day, then dont stress. You will also reach the main stops at a different time to the crowds. 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. While Tyler and Kara tried to throw each other off of the sand dunes, Tim and I went exploring. These are decent, but not as good as what you just saw, and definitely not as great as what you are about to visit next. Our ultimate destination being Kangaroo Island. 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. Checking out the view of Bells Beach from the lookout. An organized tour that takes care of your transportation will help you take the trip within a day. 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 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. In front of us were walls of sandstone, giant waves crashing on the beach, and a rocky peninsula just waiting to be explored.