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! Great Ocean Road Drive Info - Time, Distance & Tips 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 . 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. The Great Ocean Road is one of Australias great drives. The starting point of the Great Ocean Road that's closest to Melbourne, Torquay, is 64 miles (103 km) from the city. Going up is going to be a task though! The same would not go for the rest of the Earth Trekkers. . This is just because we really want to show you the best bits of the beautiful Great Ocean Road! 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. Wear comfortable shoes as there is a lot of walking to do. Yes. Find good prices and choices of accommodation: there is still so much more to see, Port Fairy is a beautiful little village and well worth spending time visiting too. Drive Time: 30 minutes to Port Fairy, 4 hours to Melbourne. Its a small village, but Port Campbell is a nice place to stop for a snack and some fuel. Now youll be able to find the wreckage in shallow waters, which makes it great for divers to explore. What used to be a swamp was reclaimed and turned into these pretty gardens in 1858. 2011-2023 distancesfrom.com. The Great Ocean Road is a 243-kilometre (151-mile) route located along the coast of Victoria in southeastern Australia. With the last day of your Great Ocean Road itinerary upon you, there is still so much to be seen and experienced. Access a more in-depth look at the popular local sport at the Australian National Surfing Museum, too. If you fancy trying your luck to spot some wildlife head out to nearbyLake Elizabeth. 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. Great Ocean Road & Grampians Road Trip | Apollo Campervans AU TheForeshore Promenadeis a great place for a stroll as well and stretches on for about 6 km. The two-way highway is scenic as it gets and covers iconic landmarks like the Twelve Apostles, Apollo Bay, and the Otways. From AUD$940.00* per person, based on [] Melbourne to Adelaide 2 Day Tour (Single Room) - kilroy.net 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. And your Great Ocean Road route should not miss out on two other attractions nearby either. Plan ahead and give yourself at least 1 full day. Dont feed the koalas or the parrots as they are in the wild and any feeding them our food will disrupt their natural behaviour. The cave was not very big, extending about ten meters back into the cliff from the opening. Its also a fantastic place if you are looking to see some native Australian wildlife. Starting from Torquay, this route takes you through beautiful seaside towns and rain forests as you follow the winding road along the exquisite coastline. Mount Gambier to Great Ocean Road - 5 ways to travel via bus, and car From below the steps you can marvel at the 70m limestone stacks from up close and feel the power of nature. From the rocks, Tim and I could see a cave in the side of the cliff. In this guide, learn how to plan a trip around the world. This will start your Ocean Road drive in the opposite direction as most others, avoiding the busy traffic. After passing through Port Campbell, youll pass by The Arch and London Bridge. The Great Ocean Road Map of Best Things To See, 50 of the Best Attractions to see Great Ocean Road Stops, Activities and Attractions on the Great Ocean Road. Or Warrnambool, Camperdown, Geelong, Melbourne. Other options include coming from Adelaide, so if this is you, just read the itinerary backwards. Surf lessons can be booked in Lorne, Anglesea, Torquay, and Ocean Grove. The landscape varies depending on which route you take. They will also add to the crowds at every one of your stops, so you want to beat them if you can. However, the Great Ocean Road is a hit at any time of the year and here is why . We walked out to the tip of the peninsula. However, when the winds pick up it is best to stay above the Grotto. Before you set off on your adventure though, you should know how long the road is and how long it takes to drive. Let us help you get started with planning your Great Ocean Road itinerary. For those wanting to drive a bit further west, theres the historic harbour settlement of Portland which you can visit. . Melbourne to the Great Ocean Road - Best Routes & Travel Advice Starting from Torquay, this route takes you through beautiful seaside towns and rain forests as you follow the winding road along the exquisite coastline. Today, at 4 pm, with clouds and a cold breeze, it did not look like much to us. Discover the different regions and their world class surf breaks, local food & wine, magnificent coastal walks, beautiful rainforest trails and pristine beaches. Once youve had your fill, hop in the car for a quick drive and to the next and last destination of your road trip. Includes: 4 nights' accommodation, 5 days unlimited km use of a compact sized car and fully detailed itinerary with local and regional maps. The coastline is awesome. It has diverse vegetation ranging from lush rainforest to rugged coastline, it has everything from stunning waterfalls to tranquil lakes. 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. The sea enters the area through a narrow opening between two rock pillars. 1. The waves here are huge and come fast and furious, making this area a great surfing spot. Apollo Bay is a popular place, so make sure you have booked your accommodation ahead of time. Grab some coffee and stroll the foreshore. 50 Things to do and see along the Great Ocean Road as a PDF Ebook. Drive from Melbourne, via the Princes Highway, straight to Warrnambool (over 3 hours drive). Great post guys, you have inspired me to take a trip here when I finally get to Australia again! 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. Visit some of the valleys most impressive wineries, go on a skydiving experience and simply kick your heels and relax. Where does the Great Ocean Road start and finish. 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. Find out about other waterfalls in the Otways. Imagine free falling from the sky onto these gorgeous views? Griffiths Islandcan be accessed by a footbridge nearby to the wharf and is a great place to do a little bird watching. Most of the people here were Chinese. This port city is the second-largest in the state of Victoria and overlooks the gorgeousCorio Bay. Continue on from this point as there are tons of Great Ocean Road attractions to come. Portland is 6 hours (540 km) away from Adelaide. 15 Places Along The Great Ocean Road To Visit On A One-Day Road Trip In It starts at the surfing town of Torquay and finishes near Warrnambool. The property at 36 Braemar Street sold for $6 million by private sale. Both are natural, offshore stone archways. Bunyip Tours: Cute Penguins - See 1,941 traveler reviews, 941 candid photos, and great deals for Melbourne, Australia, at Tripadvisor. How Much Does It Cost to Experience Melbourne & the Great Ocean Road in For more information on routes and trails visit the websitehere. . Your story was very useful for us to plan our one day trip in March 2020 just before the corona virus outbreak. 52 Great Weekends > No 3: Portland No 3: Portland Located a little over 4hrs Melbourne, Portland is well worth the drive. Home to some of Australia's best-known surf beaches, Torquay marks the official beginning of the Great Ocean Road. Try out the walking trails, have a picnic by the sea, take in the scenic views, or go searching for Australian wildlife. Melbourne and Great Ocean Road Itinerary secret-travel.guide Having your own vehicle is highly recommended so you can really explore all the things to see on the Great Ocean Road, as it really is one of the Australias top destinations. Torquay is also home to theSurf World Museumwith tons of history about the sport and its fame in Australia. There were no surfers, really there was no one else here other than a few curious people like ourselves. The distance between Portland Ln to Mildura VIC 3500 is 542 Km by road. 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. It's also possible to travel from Melbourne to Adelaide via the Great . Headout is building the future of how we experience our cities. One Day Road Trip on the Great Ocean Road, Australia Republishing this articleand/orany of its contents (text, photography, etc. 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. Book Great Ocean Road Tours & Tickets in Melbourne Today - Viator Click on any of the numbers on the map of The Great Ocean Road to read all about the attraction. 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. Once you factor in viewpoints and short walks, expect this road trip to take one full day. If you dont want to visit Warrnambool, drive from Melbourne to the 12 Apostles (over 2.5 hours). 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. Whether you're a history buff, foodie, nature lover or adventurer get ready for a great weekend. Depending on the vehicle you choose to travel, you can calculate the amount of CO2 emissions from your vehicle and assess the environment impact. Great Ocean Road & Melbourne itinerary and attractions Day 1: Arriving in city of Melbourne Australia. Dogs are permitted to join you in a vehicle driving along the length of the Great Ocean Road, even when the highway passes through areas of national park. While Tyler and Kara tried to throw each other off of the sand dunes, Tim and I went exploring. Stretching over 243km (150mi), among this dramatic coastline's iconic attractions there's a mecca of bucket-list-worthy experiences. Its a lot of driving. 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). This is a beautiful surfing and fishing town with heritage buildings that have wonderful eateries and accommodation. Find out more and plan your adventure. It was awesome having this place all to ourselves, being able to explore without anyone else around. Thanks for your support, kind friend! A softUsvista Inc. venture! 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. Bunyip Tours: Cute Penguins - See 1,940 traveler reviews, 941 candid photos, and great deals for Melbourne, Australia, at Tripadvisor. No, the Great Ocean Road isnt particularly dangerous to drive, as long as you take proper precautions. Best Great Ocean Road Tours Save AU$10 on your Great Ocean Road Bus tours with this promo code. The official length of the Great Ocean Road is around 243 km/ 151 miles. To drive direct from the Melbourne CBD to Torquay, where the road officially starts, is 104km, or 1 hour and 20 minutes. This is a rare opportunity to work for a minimum of 3-6 months and with a start date late April. Great Ocean Road travel - Lonely Planet | Victoria, Australia Poor Tim got hit hard by the wave, soaking his feet. It was nothing fancy but suited our needs for our family of four. Getting to the Great Ocean Road When to visit Experience the rugged beauty along the south-west coast of Victoria by setting off along one of the world's most scenic coastal drives. You will be bracing natural elements on this road trip and its best to dress accordingly. In 1932, the road was thrown open to the public and has since then become one of the worlds best road trip destinations. Apart from the trip distance, refer. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. If youd like to continue travelling Australia beyond the Great Ocean Road, you canhead northwest to Adelaide. At the end of your Great Ocean Road itinerary, you can leave Port Fairy andhead back towards Melbourneon the M8 National highway to take on your next series of Aussie fun. Just prepare yourself for a full day with an early start and late(ish) finish. 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. The road driving distance between Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road is 446 Km. From Melbourne, head to Geelong and then south to Torquay. Port Fairy is a tiny town on Victorias iconic shipwreck coast with a charming vibe and an exciting causeway that leads you out to an island worth exploring too. Not even 15km from Apollo Bay is the incredibly lush and beautifulGreat Otway National Park. Today, it is a spot for whale watching and a centre for learning about the aboriginal history. What is the road driving distance between Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road? Trust me, though, it'll be worth waking up early for. 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). Our personal recommendation for where we stay in Apollo Bay every time is The Apollo Apartment. 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. 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. Its definitely worth pulling over to read the history of the road as well as getting that classic holiday snap. Find more of them listed here. The weather can play a huge part in what is visible and how close you can get to this area. The whole trail is about 15km, but your best chances for spotting the cute indigenous animals are about 6km in atGrey River. 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. 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. A Melbourne road trip to Adelaide via the Great Ocean Road can be done over 5 days, easily seeing the best of the Ocean Road highlights. Australia Road Trip Planner: The 18 best road trips in Australia Our ultimate destination being Kangaroo Island. We could not get too close to the edge or else we would risk being pulled into the ocean by a rogue wave. This will help you make the most of your time so you can see the things that matter to you. all things travel. Whether you surf or not, it is a great place to stop and admire the ocean. From here you are well on your way to having covered a ton of ground. ThePort FairyBotanical Gardensare a lovely spot for an afternoon walk and to admire the plants and flowers. The Great Ocean Road is where you experience breathtaking nature and the great outdoors of Australia! 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. The official limit on the B100 (the Great Ocean Road) is between 80-100km per hour; in towns between 50-70km/h, and when there is traffic and during busy periods, as low as 30km/h. 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.