This dive spot is actually a ship that was wrecked off the eastern beach in Port Fairy in 1849. Great Ocean Road, Victoria, Australia - Visit Victoria home It was in this area that we were treated to stunning views. Did you know: The Great Ocean Road is the worlds largest war memorial, and was built by returning servicemen from World War I. We are a single Mum with 3 kids, 8yo Boy and 5 and 4 yo girls. You will be bracing natural elements on this road trip and its best to dress accordingly. 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. Memorial Arch (8am) Our first stop was the Memorial Arch, which is located just past the city of Torquay. 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. The first to know about trending destinations, travel deals, tips and What kind of still camera/lens are you finding most helpful? If you're planning your big Great Ocean Road trip from Melbourne, here are all the transport options that could get you there. Travellers' Guide To Great Ocean Road - Wiki Travel Guide - Travellerspoint To enlarge the map, click the top right icon and it will open up, full screen, in a new tab. Private Great Ocean Road tour. What is the distance between Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road? Start your 3 day Great Ocean Road itinerary with a lazy morning in Torquay. When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we get paid a small commission at no extra cost to you. An organized tour that takes care of your transportation will help you take the trip within a day. All rights reserved Earth Trekkers. Lorne Seabaths, Gym, inground Trampolines for kids, and more. Note: This post contains affiliate links. What is a partial cave, archway and blowhole, The Grotto is definitely something to marvel at. 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. 5+. To get more information on the Great Ocean Road, visit the official tourism website here. 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. Most of the highlights are located around Port Campbell. One of the best things to do here is take a walk out on thePort Fairy Wharves. 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. It is comparable to Big Sur in California with coastal views, winding roads, and many, many scenic viewpoints. You don't have to miss out on this epic road trip just because you are short on time. We are Alesha and Jarryd, the award-winning writers and professional photographers behind this blog. V/Line - Regional public transport for Victoria - Plan trip/buy tickets Portland | Discover the many attractions of PortlandGetting Here - Portland Theres a lot to see and do along the way. Heavenly, right? 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 most people, the trip willstart in Melbourneand can be done in a loop or a return journey. The green forest with the winding highway meets the ocean here! Seeingthe Twelve Apostlesfor yourself should be at the top of your Australian Bucket list, no matter the weather. For more information on routes and trails visit the websitehere. Great Ocean Road & Beyond Melbourne to Adelaide (Single Traveller Related article: What should you not miss on the Great Ocean Road? 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. Plan ahead and give yourself at least 1 full day. Read our detailed blog to know all about Skydiving in Melbourne and book your Great Ocean Road skydive. You also get to enjoy free WiFi onboard, tea and snacks and relax in comfort between spots. 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 Kennet River located between Lorne and Apollo Bay is one of the best places in Australia to view wild koalas. Your Great Ocean Road itinerary may be coming to an end, but dont worry, youll finish up with a dreamy little visit toPort Fairy. DestinationsPhotographySustainable TourismAdventure Travel, Adventure ToursStart a BlogTravel TipsSitemap, 2023 NOMADasaurus | Peak Evolution Media, The PERFECT Great Ocean Road Drive Itinerary (2023). You might not be making any unscheduled stops to buy snacks. This port city is the second-largest in the state of Victoria and overlooks the gorgeousCorio Bay. 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. 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. However, the Great Ocean Road is a hit at any time of the year and here is why . Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. There are also speed traps to catch those not sticking to the limits with fines up to (and above) $300AUD. This is a rare opportunity to work for a minimum of 3-6 months and with a start date late April. A great photo op spot, this is one of the most photographed spots along the Great Ocean Road. 1st Stop: Torquay. The Great Ocean Road is one of Australias great drives. Other good breaks in addition to Bells Beach includeSan Juc, Winki Pop, Bird RockandSparrowsjust to name a few. The return distance between Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road is 446 Km. The drive offers plenty of places to stop off and explore. A sandy trail took us down to a beach. Try out the walking trails, have a picnic by the sea, take in the scenic views, or go searching for Australian wildlife. 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. The direct route between these two locations is 142km, taking drivers around two hours to complete. Your password has been reset successfully please login with new password. 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. Take the Great Ocean Road tour from Melbourne to catch the best scenery and attractions. Its definitely worth pulling over to read the history of the road as well as getting that classic holiday snap. It has diverse vegetation ranging from lush rainforest to rugged coastline, it has everything from stunning waterfalls to tranquil lakes. You can also use the share icon and share it on Facebook. Drive through the Great Ocean Road's coastal cliffs and river inlets as well as its luscious fern gullies. The Great Ocean Road offers amazing scenery, unforgettable natural features and quaint towns making it a unique vacation spot. Your story was very useful for us to plan our one day trip in March 2020 just before the corona virus outbreak. Imagine free falling from the sky onto these gorgeous views? This is the most common Great Ocean Road route. And to get your fill of more art you can visit theGeelong Art GalleryandThe Heritage Center. Along the way you'll stop by the border of Victoria and South Australia and a red line marks the exact spot. Tip: If youre hungry on the drive back to Melbourne, stop at Colac for food. From the rocks, Tim and I could see a cave in the side of the cliff. 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. Read 1 review. We want to book accommodation as we go . Drive from Melbourne, via the Princes Highway, straight to Warrnambool (over 3 hours drive). The Great Ocean Road Tour covers pristine beaches, geological marvels, and rich forests on your way. It has the most food options before Geelong, which is a further 1 hour drive away. The waves here were big, similar to US east coast waves just before a hurricane. Even in Australia, Tyler and Kara were getting a lot of stares, this time from Chinese tourists. all things travel. Your email address will not be published. 34 mins), (3 hrs The Email id you have Entered is not Registered With us. If you really want a unique perspective though, and love a bit of adventure, how does skydiving over the 12 Apostles sound? Day 3 - Set of on the Great Ocean Road, staying overnight in the village of Lorne, halfway . Spectacular and diverse scenery, wildlife, byo tent or book accommodation along the way. 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 is a rest stop on the Great Ocean Road and gateway to spectacular waterfalls and viewpoints. ULURU: In our Guide to Uluru and Kata-Tjuta, learn how to get here, what to do, and how to plan your time. You can spend more time at each location and engage in activities like trekking, swimming and adventure sports. 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 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. Continue on from this point as there are tons of Great Ocean Road attractions to come. Thats how were going to structure this post for you. Recommended option Bus 3h 30m I dashed out of the cave to higher ground, able to stay dry. If you want one of the best views in Geelong, grab a seat on theSkyWheel. Would like to know what kind of still camera and lens you are using. Whether you surf or not, it is a great place to stop and admire the ocean. . 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. Quest Warrnambool is the perfect place to do just that. For more experienced surfers, and those looking to set foot onto a world-renowned surf beach, head toBells Beach. The Great Otway National Park is located within the Otway ranges and covers the area from Torquay to Princetown. Wealso have information on a great hike in Kings Canyon and a recap of our experience in the Red Centre of Australia. Drive Along the Great Ocean Road. It was nothing fancy but suited our needs for our family of four. Head down to the Moyne River and stretch your legs along the wharves. Just a few minutes west of the border you'll come across a beautiful pink salt lake. The Great Ocean Road map highlights 50 of the best attractions, recommended places to stop, and things to do on a self-drive holiday along the Victorian coast to the 12 Apostles and Port Campbell National Park. To do this, leave Melbourne before 8am as most tours leave Melbourne city between 8am and 9am. But the Great Ocean Road is about so much more than its sinuous, coast hugging tarmac. Torquay is also home to theSurf World Museumwith tons of history about the sport and its fame in Australia. Day 2 - Pinnacles Walk in the Grampians National Park and drive to Port Campbell on the Great Ocean Road to stay overnight. Brekkie tacos, smoothie bowls and a full lunch menu to eat in or take away will please anyone visiting. Great Ocean Road one-day itinerary. Check map and driving directions of your route which helps you find the destination easier. 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. In front of us were walls of sandstone, giant waves crashing on the beach, and a rocky peninsula just waiting to be explored. After passing through Port Campbell, youll pass by The Arch and London Bridge. To save even more time, you can cut out Warrnambool completely from your drive. Tip: Beat the tour buses to avoid the traffic and crowds. 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. Its a highlight of a Great Ocean Road itinerary! Once in Warrnambool, it doesnt take long to drive to Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve. Please enter your email address or username. 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. In Portland we stayed at the Portland Holiday Village. Perfect write up, very helpful indeed, Appreciate your work guys, Cheers. Explore Victoria's Great Ocean Road on an all-day reverse tour Discover the region's history and culture with a knowledgeable local guide Get going early and enjoy a small-group experience that beats the crowds Experience London Bridge, 12 Apostles, Great Otway, and other sites National Park fees Live commentary on board Professional guide TheKennett River Koala Walkis the perfect place to get your fix. Best Great Ocean Road Tours Save AU$10 on your Great Ocean Road Bus tours with this promo code. You could drive the main highlights of the Great Ocean Road (from the Bay of Islands to the Twelve Apostles), and then drive to Melbourne on highway A1. 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 cave was not very big, extending about ten meters back into the cliff from the opening. The official length of the Great Ocean Road is around 243 km/ 151 miles. Thousands of visitors flock here for summer and for festivals during the year, including the world famous Folkie. Its a small village, but Port Campbell is a nice place to stop for a snack and some fuel. Live chat with local experts anywhere, anytime. The beaches on the Great Ocean Road are fantastic for swimming, especially in the summer. Trust me, though, it'll be worth waking up early for. This will start your Ocean Road drive in the opposite direction as most others, avoiding the busy traffic. We walked out to the tip of the peninsula. Rent a campervan and go on an adventure. The four of us made our way over to the cave, dodging waves washing up onto shore with approaching high tide. This is one of Victorias best bush and ocean walks. 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. Stunning photos. Director, editor and producer of feature documentary about animal welfare in farming. 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. However, if you only have 1 day to work with, then here are some suggestions to save yourself time. You can also find the flight distance or distance to fly from Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road. FromWarrnambool Breakwaterall the way toLogans Beachthis is a great spot to take in the coastal views and even pass a little penguin breeding ground. Michael Dahlstrom - Environment Editor - Yahoo | LinkedIn Yes. Discover the different regions and their world class surf breaks, local food & wine, magnificent coastal walks, beautiful rainforest trails and pristine beaches. The Cape Otway lighthouse is the oldest surviving lighthouse in Australia and was rightly known as the Beacon of Hope. Griffiths Islandcan be accessed by a footbridge nearby to the wharf and is a great place to do a little bird watching. 375km of scenic winding roads along the southern ocean will take you through some of the countrys most beautiful UNESCO-listed landscapes. A camper van or any sporty rental car is good for the drive through the stunning coastal road. Driving from Melbourne to Cape Jervis ( Kangaroo Island ) Headout is building the future of how we experience our cities. Whether you're a history buff, foodie, nature lover or adventurer get ready for a great weekend. A few minutes down the road from Sherbrook West is a large car park with trails to various viewpoints. 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. If you are spending a night while on the road, the best coastal towns to rent a motel are Anglesea, Lorne, Apollo Bay and Around the Otway National Park. 5 Melbourne: 2-Hour City Highlights River Cruise. Dont want to drive but still want to see the Great Ocean Road? Although i highly recommend visiting Warrnambool, you may not have the time to spend there. On a clear sunny day and depending on the tide you can get pretty close. Forget all about the stress of driving, checking the GPS and creating an itinerary of your own! Melbourne to Adelaide South East Coast 3 Day Overland Tour. Soaring high above the limestone stacks youll get the best views of Victorias Shipwreck Coast. A dormant volcanic crater, Tower Hill is full of Australian wildlife (koalas, kangaroos, emus to name a few) and has lush wetlands and bush. Blazing Saddles Trail Rides, Aireys Inlet. Truly a paradise, the area is a popular destination for water sports and recreation activities. Sandstone cliffs plunging into the ocean, pillars of hardened sandstone sitting just offshore, all of this being pounded by some serious waves. During your travel, you plan to visit the following- 1) Great Ocean Road, Apollo Bay, Victoria, Australia Recent Melbourne distance calculations Distance from Melbourne to New York , United States Distance from Melbourne to Canberra via Albury NSW 2640 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. Burrell has studied under expert chefs, including Tom Aikens in London, Monica Pope in Houston, and Tyson Cole. Happy travels. During your travel, you plan to visit the following-1) Great Ocean Road, Apollo Bay, Victoria, Australia. Have enjoyed your stories since departing Columbia almost a year ago. Both are amazing expressions of natural beauty and are worth checking out. Youll find them sitting up in the eucalyptus trees. Melbourne to Great Ocean Road | Road trips | The NRMA 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. MELBOURNE: Melbourne is our favorite city in Australia. Great Ocean Road & Melbourne itinerary and attractions Day 1: Arriving in city of Melbourne Australia. The Great Ocean Road is a 243-kilometre (151-mile) route located along the coast of Victoria in southeastern Australia. For a shorter track check outMaits Restwhich will take you through a beautiful section of rainforest. Lorne is a picturesque town set between Loutit Bay and the Otway National Park, it is where the bush meets the ocean. 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. It shows off sheer limestone cliffs, dairy farms and heathland, and gets you up close and personal with the crashing . 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. Bells Beach is Australias premiere surf spot, a spot also labeled by some as the best surfing destination in the world. A little warning about the Penguin Parade: It is very touristy and professionally put together. It is essentially a sinkhole in a limestone stack and opens out to a view of the sea and cliffs beyond. 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. If you have a registered account with us,then we have sent you an email to reset your password. - See 1,941 traveler reviews, 942 candid photos, and great deals for Melbourne, Australia, at Tripadvisor. Great Ocean Road Tours | Australia Vacations & Tours | Goway Wonderful experience - Reviews, Photos - Bunyip Tours - Tripadvisor This is just because we really want to show you the best bits of the beautiful Great Ocean Road! The V/line service offers frequent train travel departing Melbournes Southern Cross Station and running to both Geelong and Warrnambool. Let us help you get started with planning your Great Ocean Road itinerary. Wendy Report inappropriate content A total of 620 properties were sold via auction last . Visit top wilderness destinations and picturesque towns on this epic 3-day tour from Melbourne to the Great Ocean Road and the Grampians. 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. Today, at 4 pm, with clouds and a cold breeze, it did not look like much to us. No 3: Portland - Visit Great Ocean Road Follow our journey in real time on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram. Our personal recommendation for where we stay in Apollo Bay every time is The Apollo Apartment. There were no surfers, really there was no one else here other than a few curious people like ourselves. The Quintessential Great Ocean Road Itinerary - 3 Days From Melbourne: Great Ocean Road Full-Day Guided Trip Check out the Vline train & bus timetable to make your way between Geelong and Warrnambool. You can also try a different route while coming back by adding multiple destinations. 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. Bells Beach is known for hosting Rip Curl Pro, a world surfing competition. They are now a part of a National Park and protected, and are the perfect destination to view the sunset. 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. The Great Ocean Road is where you experience breathtaking nature and the great outdoors of Australia! But that does not take away from the impressive views at all. 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 can also find the distance from Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road using other travel options like bus, subway, tram, train and rail. But all the views are spectacular on this stretch of the Great Ocean Road Trip.