Starting from Torquay, this route takes you through beautiful seaside towns and rain forests as you follow the winding road along the exquisite coastline. Surf lessons can be booked in Lorne, Anglesea, Torquay, and Ocean Grove. From below the steps you can marvel at the 70m limestone stacks from up close and feel the power of nature. It will stop off at most of the popular viewing spots. 4 From Melbourne: Great Ocean Road Full-Day Trip. Experience the Great Ocean Road from Melbourne to Adelaide. The cliffs over the beach offer gorgeous views of the swells coming in from the Southern Ocean. Sandstone cliffs plunging into the ocean, pillars of hardened sandstone sitting just offshore, all of this being pounded by some serious waves. Over time it has been improved to create a peaceful and beautiful space to be enjoyed. Once in Warrnambool, it doesnt take long to drive to Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve. Soaring high above the limestone stacks youll get the best views of Victorias Shipwreck Coast. Mum, works 2- 3 days a week, Tues and Wednesday and Friday and has the children in daycare and . Heavenly, right? Youll find them sitting up in the eucalyptus trees. Bunyip Tours: See above for that. In 1932, the road was thrown open to the public and has since then become one of the worlds best road trip destinations. The drive offers plenty of places to stop off and explore. Please note: this popular area is big and therefore the tour involves quite a lot of driving. All the points of interest mentioned above are marked on the Great Ocean Road Map below. 639. Dont feed the koalas or the parrots as they are in the wild and any feeding them our food will disrupt their natural behaviour. Less people in your 12 Apostles selfie! 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. Discover some of the best things to do in Melbourne. 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. One of the most iconic road trips in all of Australia, if not the world, has got to be the Great Ocean Road drive. Further along, you will find verdant bush where koalas nest and then onto the lush rainforests with spectacular waterfalls and native wildlife. Apart from the trip distance, refer Directions from Portland Ln to Mildura VIC 3500 for road driving directions! No, the Great Ocean Road isnt particularly dangerous to drive, as long as you take proper precautions. A road trip along the Great Ocean Road & Grampians National Park is a trip where you feel small in the universe. What used to be a swamp was reclaimed and turned into these pretty gardens in 1858. Its a lot of driving. The first to know about trending destinations, travel deals, tips and Depart Melbourne and travel over the West Gate Bridge through the vast volcanic plains en-route to Geelong. The Animal Condition (Feature Film) 2010 - Jun 20177 years. The four of us were ecstatic to be off those winding roads. Check map and driving directions of your route which helps you find the destination easier. Great Ocean Road & Melbourne itinerary and attractions Day 1: Arriving in city of Melbourne Australia. TheKennett River Koala Walkis the perfect place to get your fix. 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. hi guys my husband and l are going to drive the great ocean road in early November. Monumental. 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. Access a more in-depth look at the popular local sport at the Australian National Surfing Museum, too. Seeingthe Twelve Apostlesfor yourself should be at the top of your Australian Bucket list, no matter the weather. Screened at CinefestOZ, Portland International Film Festival, Social Justice Film Festival (Seattle), St Louis International Film Festival, Mostly . Would like to know what kind of still camera and lens you are using. It was nothing fancy but suited our needs for our family of four. It stretches for 243 kms. Frolic in the ocean and then head up to the lush rainforests abundant with wildlife. 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. 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]. The road covers a driveway of 243 km off the coast with pristine views of beaches, geological marvels, and rich forests. Surf Culture at Australian National Museum of Surfing. The Great Ocean Road drive is one of the most scenic drives that Australia has to offer. 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). Bells Beach is known for hosting Rip Curl Pro, a world surfing competition. 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. Drive from Melbourne, via the Princes Highway, straight to Warrnambool (over 3 hours drive). Recommended Experiences Phillip Island: Penguin Parade Afternoon Wildlife Tour Phillip Island Penguin Parade Tour, Yarra Valley is mostly known for its wineries, but thats just one of its many treasures. Other good breaks in addition to Bells Beach includeSan Juc, Winki Pop, Bird RockandSparrowsjust to name a few. Going up is going to be a task though! Departs: 7:00am. ), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. 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. It has great local produce, excellent surf beaches, and play parks for the kids to burn off energy. Distance: 507km / 7 hours roundtrip. The Great Ocean Road is a one-and-a-half-hour drive from Melbourne with dual lane highway conditions for most of the journey and excellent signposting. 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. For just a moment though, it was neat peering out at the waves and the coastline from this unique vantage point. Stevenson Falls, Triplet Falls, Little Aire Falls, andHopetoun Fallsare just a few of the many highlights here. Private Great Ocean Road tour. 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. To get you fueled up for your last day head toBohemiaCafe & Barfor a takeaway coffee or a wicked and delicious breakfast. . The Great Otway National Park is located within the Otway ranges and covers the area from Torquay to Princetown. A drive between Melbourne and Adelaide via the inland route takes only 8 hours. I could not imagine trying to swim out past these waves, just to catch one right back to shore. To get here, however, was a two-hour drive via the M1 highway from Melbourne. GREAT OCEAN ROAD Routing: Melbourne to Adelaide Duration: 5 Days Code: M01 From AUD$685.00* per person, based on standard double/twin share accommodation. 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. Next, we got off the beaten track, taking an unnamed dirt road towards the shoreline. Victoria is the second-smallest state in Australia but packed with abundant natural beauty, all of which is easily accessible on quick day trips from Melbourne. 52 Great Weekends > No 3: Portland No 3: Portland Located a little over 4hrs Melbourne, Portland is well worth the drive. The Great Ocean Road (B100) is one of Australia's most famous touring routes. It was awesome having this place all to ourselves, being able to explore without anyone else around. But one of the most incredible Great Ocean Road attractions is just around the corner. If youd like to continue travelling Australia beyond the Great Ocean Road, you canhead northwest to Adelaide. Tyler and Kara, since they were shorter, were able to retreat to the far depths of the cave, keeping their feet dry. 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. But the Great Ocean Road is about so much more than its sinuous, coast hugging tarmac. 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. Walk up near the Grey River Road and you will find koalas lounging on the trees. For a shorter track check outMaits Restwhich will take you through a beautiful section of rainforest. Find more of them listed here. For more trail information in Great Otway National Park, visit thiswebsite. Check out our Great Ocean Road tours. Iconic Animal Sightings. 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. Things to do in Melbourne Day Trips from Melbourne Great Ocean Road Tour From Melbourne. Poor Tim got hit hard by the wave, soaking his feet. A total of 620 properties were sold via auction last . Most people start the Great Ocean Road drive from Melbourne to Torquay. 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. 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. Find out more here. 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 2011-2023 distancesfrom.com. Whether you're a history buff, foodie, nature lover or adventurer get ready for a great weekend. 5+. Day 3 - Set of on the Great Ocean Road, staying overnight in the village of Lorne, halfway . Theres a lot to see and do along the way. Our ultimate destination being Kangaroo Island. The Twelve Apostles Driving East on the Great Ocean Road Bells Beach Arriving in Melbourne Road Trip from Port Campbell to Melbourne Day Trip from Melbourne Driving the Great Ocean Road The Great Ocean Road spans 200 kilometers, from Port Campbell in the west to Torquay in the east. Or Warrnambool, Camperdown, Geelong, Melbourne. This lookout gives you the chance to see right out to sea and over the entire city. If you're planning a self-guided tour, this could come handy. Hopetoun Falls Just gorgeous, the walk to these falls is not very far, though it does involve steps. The Memorial Arch (youve probably seen photos of people standing underneath it) symbolises the start of the road. Both are amazing expressions of natural beauty and are worth checking out. Live chat with local experts anywhere, anytime. Along the way you'll stop by the border of Victoria and South Australia and a red line marks the exact spot. The Ultimate Guide To Watch Phillip Island Penguin Parade. The first destination is Bells Beach in Torquay, a famous location for surfers. Most tour buses will leave between 8am and 9am, so try and leave before then. When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we get paid a small commission at no extra cost to you. DestinationsPhotographySustainable TourismAdventure Travel, Adventure ToursStart a BlogTravel TipsSitemap, 2023 NOMADasaurus | Peak Evolution Media, The PERFECT Great Ocean Road Drive Itinerary (2023). 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. They are now a part of a National Park and protected, and are the perfect destination to view the sunset. 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? The Great Ocean Road is an Australian National Heritage listed 240-kilometre (150 mi) stretch of road along the south-eastern coast of Australia between the Victorian cities of Torquay and Allansford.Built by returned soldiers between 1919 and 1932 and dedicated to soldiers killed during World War I, the road is the world's largest war memorial.Winding through varying terrain along the coast . Returns: Approx 9:00pm. Most of the highlights are located around Port Campbell. It is a rest stop on the Great Ocean Road and gateway to spectacular waterfalls and viewpoints. 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. Fabulous horse riding through the forest or down along a long golden beach. Bunyip Tours: Cute Penguins - See 1,941 traveler reviews, 941 candid photos, and great deals for Melbourne, Australia, at Tripadvisor. The road winds through picturesque locations outdo one another in terms of visual extravaganza. After passing through Port Campbell, youll pass by The Arch and London Bridge. Follow our journey in real time on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram. Brekkie tacos, smoothie bowls and a full lunch menu to eat in or take away will please anyone visiting. 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. Find out about other waterfalls in the Otways. Duration: 5 Days Prices From: US$ 699 Trip Type: Self-Drives, Tailor-made Travel Ideas Australia See Trip Details You will receive a link to create a new password via email. Griffiths Islandcan be accessed by a footbridge nearby to the wharf and is a great place to do a little bird watching. It's also possible to travel from Melbourne to Adelaide via the Great . Loch Iel (Pink Lake) The inland Melbourne to Adelaide drive takes around 5.5 hours from the Grampians. PLACES TO GO IN AUSTRALIA: Spend some time in Sydney, go wine tasting in Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale, explore Uluru and the Red Centre of Australia, visit Melbourne, go snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef, and dont miss Tasmania, one of our favorite places in Australia. If you want to get off the beaten path like we did, do not be afraid to try one of those unlabeled dirt roads. The highlight of the Great Ocean Road are the Twelve Apostles. The Twelve Apostles marked the end of the most scenic of viewpoints but did not end our journey down the Great Ocean Road. 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. Reserve your spot here. Brambuk: The National Park and Cultural Centre The Great Ocean Road is the most famous coastal road in Australia and meanders along sheer limestone cliff tops, spectacular jutting headlands beside the edge of pristine beaches. 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 . Purchase tickets. 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.