melbourne to portland via great ocean road melbourne to portland via great ocean road

Go-Ride a Wave! 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. Starting and finishing in Melbourne, enjoy a self drive tour along Victoria's southwest coast. Sometimes, Tyler and Kara feel like they will never be able to escape the attention of people curious about their blond hair. We still had a long ways to go. 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. We only recommend the best accommodations, tours and products, and regularly review these. Julie Last updated: October 8, 2022 Australia 4 Comments. Hugging the ocean on one side, the other side of the road changes its landscape from lush rainforest-clad mountains to volcanic plains. Starting and finishing in Melbourne is how most people do the Great Ocean Road drive in 1 day. It has the most food options before Geelong, which is a further 1 hour drive away. Sandstone cliffs plunging into the ocean, pillars of hardened sandstone sitting just offshore, all of this being pounded by some serious waves. We have been travelling the world together since 2008, with a passion for adventure travel and sustainable tourism. The drive offers plenty of places to stop off and explore. The Great Ocean Road offers amazing scenery, unforgettable natural features and quaint towns making it a unique vacation spot. Make sure you book ahead though, as its not something you can just show up and do. 50 Things to do and see along the Great Ocean Road as a PDF Ebook. Thousands of visitors flock here for summer and for festivals during the year, including the world famous Folkie. Would like to know what kind of still camera and lens you are using. The distance between Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road is 446 Km by road. In Portland we stayed at the Portland Holiday Village. The Great Ocean Road in Victoria is a world-famous, Australian National Heritage-listed site along the Sydney to Melbourne drive. Try out the walking trails, have a picnic by the sea, take in the scenic views, or go searching for Australian wildlife. Phillip Island: Penguin Parade Afternoon Wildlife Tour, Autumn (March to May): Cooler weather and fewer tourists, Winter (June to August): Whale watching season, cheaper accommodation and few tourists, Spring (September to November): Flowering season, perfect for visiting the Otways, mild weather and fewer crowds. Dont want to drive but still want to see the Great Ocean Road? Today, it is a spot for whale watching and a centre for learning about the aboriginal history. Depart Melbourne and travel over the West Gate Bridge through the vast volcanic plains en-route to Geelong. The waves here are huge and come fast and furious, making this area a great surfing spot. If you're planning your big Great Ocean Road trip from Melbourne, here are all the transport options that could get you there. If your tour is on schedule you might find yourself some time for a swim. Adults: $119 $104 Online special! You might not be making any unscheduled stops to buy snacks. So you may get lucky to lay your eyes on some of these cute local beach dwellers. We plan to spend 5 days on Kangaroo Island and have allowed 3 days to get to Cape Jervis. Always hustling towards the least trodden path, she has encountered some wonderful people during her escapades and if you ever meet her, she won't stop gushing about them. 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 Take the Great Ocean Road tour from Melbourne to catch the best scenery and attractions. A large wave crashed on shore, quickly heading towards our cave and where we thought we would be safe. 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. The official length of the Great Ocean Road is around 243 km/ 151 miles. Getting stuck behind tour buses will add to your travel time. Its a small village, but Port Campbell is a nice place to stop for a snack and some fuel. 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. Many travelers continue on to Warrnambool and Adelaide or up to the Grampian Mountains while others are returning to Melbourne. For a shorter track check outMaits Restwhich will take you through a beautiful section of rainforest. Recommended option Bus 3h 30m There is also a plaque on the left side of the road which serves as a memory for the soldiers. 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). Hopetoun Falls Just gorgeous, the walk to these falls is not very far, though it does involve steps. 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. Apart from the trip distance, refer. Dont start counting them though, because there are only seven you can count! The total time you can expect to spend driving the Great Ocean Road and return, including stops, is at least 10 hours. ThePort FairyBotanical Gardensare a lovely spot for an afternoon walk and to admire the plants and flowers. Get outdoors on bushwalking, surfing and mountain biking expeditions or take the cultural route through galleries, museums and heritage attractions. READ MORE: Be sure to plan your best trip to Australia by using our Australia Travel Guide! Lorne is a picturesque town set between Loutit Bay and the Otway National Park, it is where the bush meets the ocean. 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! Our ultimate destination being Kangaroo Island. Did you know: The Great Ocean Road is the worlds largest war memorial, and was built by returning servicemen from World War I. The landscape varies depending on which route you take. If you dont want to visit Warrnambool, drive from Melbourne to the 12 Apostles (over 2.5 hours). Note: This post contains affiliate links. 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 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. Port Fairy offers great locations forscuba divingincludingThe Thistle. It is a rest stop on the Great Ocean Road and gateway to spectacular waterfalls and viewpoints. 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. The whole trail is about 15km, but your best chances for spotting the cute indigenous animals are about 6km in atGrey River. 52 Great Weekends > No 3: Portland No 3: Portland Located a little over 4hrs Melbourne, Portland is well worth the drive. Tyler and Kara joined us, took a look around, and then went back to their game. Here we joined the largest crowds of people yet, all elbowing for the best place to take family photos. Yes. It sounds daunting but it's going to be broken down into very manageable chunks. The Great Ocean Road (B100) is one of Australia's most famous touring routes. 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. Whether you surf or not, it is a great place to stop and admire the ocean. If you're planning to visit the Great Ocean Road, here's all that you should squeeze into your itinerary. 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. In 1932, the road was thrown open to the public and has since then become one of the worlds best road trip destinations. Cant wait for the trip , Thanks Tracy. 1 Melbourne: 1-Day Entry Ticket to Melbourne Zoo. ), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. Read more about taking a Melbourne to Phillip Island Tour. We are located almost at the end of the Great Ocean Road, about 4.5 hours from Melbourne. Republishing this articleand/orany of its contents (text, photography, etc. Fabulous horse riding through the forest or down along a long golden beach. Home; Timetables Train & coach timetables; Plan a journey Our personal recommendation for where we stay in Apollo Bay every time is The Apollo Apartment. Chasing waterfalls? Bells Beach is known for hosting Rip Curl Pro, a world surfing competition. And to get your fill of more art you can visit theGeelong Art GalleryandThe Heritage Center. Visit surf beaches, seaside towns, and national parks; and see rain forest, wild koalas, and towering waterfalls. During your travel, you plan to visit the following-1) Great Ocean Road, Apollo Bay, Victoria, Australia. Today, at 4 pm, with clouds and a cold breeze, it did not look like much to us. It will stop off at most of the popular viewing spots. FromWarrnambool Breakwaterall the way toLogans Beachthis is a great spot to take in the coastal views and even pass a little penguin breeding ground. Some of the beautiful coastal towns you will come across during your drive are Apollo Bay, Cape Otway, Port Campbell, Torquay, and Lorne. The Twelve Apostles marked the end of the most scenic of viewpoints but did not end our journey down the Great Ocean Road. Rent a campervan and go on an adventure. Yes, you can do this as a one day trip from Melbourne, but I dont recommend it. We had a villa, a small, two bedroom cabin with a kitchen and ensuite bathroom. Depart from Melbourne in the morning, and begin your Great Ocean Road journey. For many people, the Great Ocean Road is a highlight when visiting Australia. 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. The Great Ocean Road is where you experience breathtaking nature and the great outdoors of Australia! Heavenly, right? Please enter your email address or username. It takes about 75 minutes to drive to, depending on the traffic leaving Melbourne. You don't have to miss out on this epic road trip just because you are short on time. All rights reserved Earth Trekkers. Quest Warrnambool is the perfect place to do just that. From Melbourne, head to Geelong and then south to Torquay. Your email address will not be published. Great post guys, you have inspired me to take a trip here when I finally get to Australia again! 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. Includes: 4 nights' accommodation, 5 days unlimited km use of a compact sized car and fully detailed itinerary with local and regional maps. 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. Burrell has studied under expert chefs, including Tom Aikens in London, Monica Pope in Houston, and Tyson Cole. We recommend Rental Cars, which has the largest range of vehicles for the best value on the market. This is a rare opportunity to work for a minimum of 3-6 months and with a start date late April. DestinationsPhotographySustainable TourismAdventure Travel, Adventure ToursStart a BlogTravel TipsSitemap, 2023 NOMADasaurus | Peak Evolution Media, The PERFECT Great Ocean Road Drive Itinerary (2023). Bells Beach is a paradise for surfers; it is the location of the legendary annual Rip Curl Surfing competition. Along the way you'll stop by the border of Victoria and South Australia and a red line marks the exact spot. 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. The Kennet River located between Lorne and Apollo Bay is one of the best places in Australia to view wild koalas. Distance: 507km / 7 hours roundtrip. Drive Along the Great Ocean Road. To drive direct from the Melbourne CBD to Torquay, where the road officially starts, is 104km, or 1 hour and 20 minutes. Keep an eye open as you wander the trails for koalas up in the trees and beautiful native birds soaring around too. From the car park, there is a short trail that will lead you right to the viewpoint where youll be gifted with the most incredible sweeping views of Apollo Bay and the coastline. The Great Ocean Road is one of the most epic road journeys you can go on across the world! While Tyler and Kara tried to throw each other off of the sand dunes, Tim and I went exploring. The Great Ocean Road is one of Australias great drives. 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. Starting from Torquay, this route takes you through beautiful seaside towns and rain forests as you follow the winding road along the exquisite coastline. Bunyip Tours: See above for that. You can also find the flight distance or distance to fly from Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road. 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. Burrell received her first James Beard nomination for "Best Chef: Texas" in 2020 and . 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. 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. Private Great Ocean Road tour. 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. Discover some of the best things to do in Melbourne. This is one of Victorias best bush and ocean walks. 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. Day 3: Warrnambool to Port Fairy then Melbourne (or Adelaide) Distance: 30km to Port Fairy, then 312km to Melbourne. You will receive a link to create a new password via email. Poor Tim got hit hard by the wave, soaking his feet. While the Great Ocean Road covers a ton of coastline, this national park is a gem located more on the inland route. Sail through the clouds with only 1 other person for an up-close and personal adventure. We drove from Adelaide to Portland, spent the night in Portland, and then drove the Great Ocean Road. Great Ocean Road Tours that offer the best itinerary and great sights within a day from Melbourne. Have a great time. The V/line service offers frequent train travel departing Melbournes Southern Cross Station and running to both Geelong and Warrnambool. Theres so much to see and do, so you dont want to be left feeling rushed and tired at the end of your trip. Check map and driving directions of your route which helps you find the destination easier. 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. Cannon Hillis a great place to start if you want to get the lay of the land. The Great Ocean Road spans 200 kilometers, from Port Campbell in the west to Torquay in the east. Here are a few budget Great Ocean Road tours you should consider. This is the most common Great Ocean Road route. Great Ocean Road starts at Torquay and finishes in Allansford. Great Ocean Road & Melbourne itinerary and attractions Day 1: Arriving in city of Melbourne Australia. It has great local produce, excellent surf beaches, and play parks for the kids to burn off energy. 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 . The cave was not very big, extending about ten meters back into the cliff from the opening. A staircase leads you to view it at the eye-level and is best experience at low tide at sunrise or sunset. Youll find them sitting up in the eucalyptus trees. The Memorial Arch (youve probably seen photos of people standing underneath it) symbolises the start of the road. A softUsvista Inc. venture! To save even more time, you can cut out Warrnambool completely from your drive. The Animal Condition (Feature Film) 2010 - Jun 20177 years. From below the steps you can marvel at the 70m limestone stacks from up close and feel the power of nature. This often includes stopping at lookouts along the way. Of all the fantastic destinations, the one that really draws travelers from across the world is a Great Ocean Road tour. 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. Great Ocean Road one-day itinerary. 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. After passing through Port Campbell, youll pass by The Arch and London Bridge. 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. I dashed out of the cave to higher ground, able to stay dry. Drive Time: 30 minutes to Port Fairy, 4 hours to Melbourne. There are a few towns along the way like Lorne, Apollo Bay and Port Campbell where you can stay or camp overnight. This is a beautiful surfing and fishing town with heritage buildings that have wonderful eateries and accommodation. December to February is summer, March to May is autumn, June to August is winter and September to November is spring. The first destination is Bells Beach in Torquay, a famous location for surfers. What is the shortest road distance between Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road? We can recommend a number of excellent companies who all use smaller buses which means more time at stops and more personalized experience. Spectacular and diverse scenery, wildlife, byo tent or book accommodation along the way. The Email id you have Entered is not Registered With us. Any advice greatly appreciated! Other good breaks in addition to Bells Beach includeSan Juc, Winki Pop, Bird RockandSparrowsjust to name a few. Access a more in-depth look at the popular local sport at the Australian National Surfing Museum, too. The best way to get around is to rent a car and explore on your own! Lookout on the ocean from May to September as you might spot Whales! document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Weve been traveling the world together since 2008, searching for the planets best destinations and adventures. Wealso have information on a great hike in Kings Canyon and a recap of our experience in the Red Centre of Australia. In this guide, learn how to plan a trip around the world. Our self-drive itinerary includes driving via Robe and Victor Harbour though a side trip to include The Grampians could be included. If you have a registered account with us,then we have sent you an email to reset your password. The Gunditjmara people are the rightful owners of the land incorporated into the Great Ocean Road from Portland to Warrnambool, including Port Fairy and the Princess Highway. What is the distance between Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road? 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. Apart from the trip distance, refer Directions from Portland Ln to Mildura VIC 3500 for road driving directions! From AUD$940.00* per person, based on [] 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. This will start your Ocean Road drive in the opposite direction as most others, avoiding the busy traffic. 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. The sea enters the area through a narrow opening between two rock pillars. Tip: If youre hungry on the drive back to Melbourne, stop at Colac for food. One of the most adventurous things to do on the Great Ocean Road drive is to do a bit of scuba diving. Sightseeing Time: 4 hours. Truly a paradise, the area is a popular destination for water sports and recreation activities. The Great Ocean Road is an adventurers' perfect medley; expect breathtaking natural wonders, charming restaurants serving oh-so-delicious fare and vast wilderness dotted with native wildlife and jaw-dropping vistas. Dont feed the koalas or the parrots as they are in the wild and any feeding them our food will disrupt their natural behaviour. ULURU: In our Guide to Uluru and Kata-Tjuta, learn how to get here, what to do, and how to plan your time. Warrnambool railway station is the terminus of the Warrnambool line in Victoria, Australia.It serves the city of Warrnambool, and it opened on 4 February 1890.. The Grotto is multiple geological formations rolled into one and is one of the most spectacular points to view the coast. Your story was very useful for us to plan our one day trip in March 2020 just before the corona virus outbreak. There is no dearth of viewpoints on the Great Ocean Road and Teddys Lookout is another magnificent spot added to the list. They finish at either the 12 Apostles or Warrnambool, and then drive back to Melbourne. Perfect write up, very helpful indeed, Appreciate your work guys, Cheers. For several hours, we traveled along the Great Ocean Road, on very windy roads, through towns like Apollo Bay, Skenes Creek, and Lorne. Here's all you need to know about taking a Great Ocean Road Tour From Melbourne - itinerary, best tours, highlights and quick hacks. When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we get paid a small commission at no extra cost to you. Best Great Ocean Road Tours Save AU$10 on your Great Ocean Road Bus tours with this promo code. Respect the speed limit. Let us help you get started with planning your Great Ocean Road itinerary. 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. The area has a forest of gum and eucalyptus trees which are the main food source of koalas. Less traffic on the road and more time to spend at stops. Griffiths Islandcan be accessed by a footbridge nearby to the wharf and is a great place to do a little bird watching. MELBOURNE: Melbourne is our favorite city in Australia. Find more of them listed here. The road winds through picturesque locations outdo one another in terms of visual extravaganza. Happy travels. Surf lessons can be booked in Lorne, Anglesea, Torquay, and Ocean Grove. 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. I could not imagine trying to swim out past these waves, just to catch one right back to shore. These commissions help us keep creating more free travel content to help people plan their holidays and adventures. 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. An organized tour that takes care of your transportation will help you take the trip within a day. TheForeshore Promenadeis a great place for a stroll as well and stretches on for about 6 km. Head down to the Moyne River and stretch your legs along the wharves. After the gorge youll pass the town of Port Campbell. 5+. 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. Seeingthe Twelve Apostlesfor yourself should be at the top of your Australian Bucket list, no matter the weather.