melbourne to portland via great ocean road

Today, it is a spot for whale watching and a centre for learning about the aboriginal history. 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. Our journey ended an hour and a half later, finally at Melbourne. Starting from Torquay, this route takes you through beautiful seaside towns and rain forests as you follow the winding road along the exquisite coastline. 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. While it is a large city the laid back beach vibe is very present here and you could wind up spending more time here than you planned. Tyler and Kara, since they were shorter, were able to retreat to the far depths of the cave, keeping their feet dry. 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. I highly recommended checking out Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve and Port Fairy. This is one of the best things, if not the best, that you can do in the state of Victoria in Australia. 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. 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 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. Would like to do it in 3 days, 2 nights lodging and still see a few things. Your email address will not be published. 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. 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 Purchase tickets. Conveniently located a little ways from Port Campbell, these serviced apartments have great rooms, a gorgeous pool area and make for a great stopover. For more information on routes and trails visit the websitehere. The Great Ocean Road in Victoria is a world-famous, Australian National Heritage-listed site along the Sydney to Melbourne drive. 3 Melbourne: SEA LIFE Aquarium Entrance Ticket. And just for NOMADasaurus readers, if you use the Klook discount codeNOMADS10on the website when checking out, youll get $10 off your first booking! Depart Melbourne and travel over the West Gate Bridge through the vast volcanic plains en-route to Geelong. A large wave crashed on shore, quickly heading towards our cave and where we thought we would be safe. Due to crashing waves over millennia, saltwater and erosion there are now only 8 limestone stacks remaining out of 12. If you arent restricted to only 1 day, give yourself at least 2 days to do the Great Ocean Road drive. It was nothing fancy but suited our needs for our family of four. There are also speed traps to catch those not sticking to the limits with fines up to (and above) $300AUD. Burrell received her first James Beard nomination for "Best Chef: Texas" in 2020 and . Melbourne - This is usually the starting point when planning an itinerary for Great Ocean Road. Bunyip Tours: Wonderful experience - See 1,941 traveler reviews, 941 candid photos, and great deals for Melbourne, Australia, at Tripadvisor. The Obelisk sits atop a rugged coastline, which is rapidly being eroded by the harsh elements. During your travel, you plan to visit the following-1) Great Ocean Road, Apollo Bay, Victoria, Australia. Stevenson Falls, Triplet Falls, Little Aire Falls, andHopetoun Fallsare just a few of the many highlights here. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Featuring the major stops, seaside towns and villages along the Great Ocean Road including Torquay, Anglesea, Airey's Inlet, Lorne, Wye River, Kennett River, Apollo Bay, Port Campbell National Park, Port Campbell and Allensford; plus Warnambool and Port Fairy (as an extension to the official end of the Great Ocean Rd at Allensford.) Maximum group size of 12 travellers with a reverse itinerary to beat the crowds at the 12 Apostles. READ MORE: Be sure to plan your best trip to Australia by using our Australia Travel Guide! Once in Warrnambool, it doesnt take long to drive to Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve. If you fancy trying your luck to spot some wildlife head out to nearbyLake Elizabeth. 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. Home to some of Australia's best-known surf beaches, Torquay marks the official beginning of the Great Ocean Road. 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. A walkway just outside Lorne offers views of the ocean lapping up the mouth of the Saint George River and the Bass Strait. It seemed like there was another amazing view every 400 meters, so we were jumping in and out of our car a lot. Bunyip Tours: Cute Penguins - See 1,941 traveler reviews, 941 candid photos, and great deals for Melbourne, Australia, at Tripadvisor. If youre looking to do a bit of waterfall chasing, this is a great place to find them! If you want to get off the beaten path like we did, do not be afraid to try one of those unlabeled dirt roads. Routing: Adelaide to Melbourne Duration: 5 Days Code: AD3 From AUD$690.00* per person, based on standard double/twin share accommodation. Over time it has been improved to create a peaceful and beautiful space to be enjoyed. While wandering around town youll surely spot a ton of street art, which is something Geelong is known for. 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). You can tackle the Great Ocean Road in one long day, or break it up over a few days, which is what we suggest doing. 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. 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. Distance: 507km / 7 hours roundtrip. Bunyip Tours: Cute Penguins - See 1,940 traveler reviews, 941 candid photos, and great deals for Melbourne, Australia, at Tripadvisor. One of the best things to do on the Great Ocean Road is going out for a paddle at some of the most famous surf beaches in Australia. Thanks for your support, kind friend! 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. It will stop off at most of the popular viewing spots. You also get to enjoy free WiFi onboard, tea and snacks and relax in comfort between spots. A few minutes down the road from Sherbrook West is a large car park with trails to various viewpoints. Once youve had your fill, hop in the car for a quick drive and to the next and last destination of your road trip. 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. Where does the Great Ocean Road start and finish. A sandy trail took us down to a beach. 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 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. Drive Time: 30 minutes to Port Fairy, 4 hours to Melbourne. One of the most adventurous things to do on the Great Ocean Road drive is to do a bit of scuba diving. Brekkie tacos, smoothie bowls and a full lunch menu to eat in or take away will please anyone visiting. Surf lessons can be booked in Lorne, Anglesea, Torquay, and Ocean Grove. The cliffs over the beach offer gorgeous views of the swells coming in from the Southern Ocean. Julie Last updated: October 8, 2022 Australia 4 Comments. This isnt a big deal though as you will still have great views of the scenery either way. However, if you only have 1 day to work with, then here are some suggestions to save yourself time. 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. Jump out of a plane at 15,000 feet above the ground and get the best, most exhilarating views of the entire coastline. 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. There were no surfers, really there was no one else here other than a few curious people like ourselves. TheForeshore Promenadeis a great place for a stroll as well and stretches on for about 6 km. I could not imagine trying to swim out past these waves, just to catch one right back to shore. Check out our Great Ocean Road tours. The lake views here are stunning and if youre lucky you might even be able to lay your eyes on a platypus or two. Read 1 review. 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. For a great post-drive meal check out theGeelong Boathousefor a classic fish & chips by the sea. This was not anywhere near as scenic as Port Campbell National Park but was still worth seeing. How long does it take to drive the Great Ocean Road? The distance between Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road is 446 Km by road. Next, we got off the beaten track, taking an unnamed dirt road towards the shoreline. Road trip: Melbourne to Great Ocean Road 277km Beach Culture Benefit Slip on your driving gloves and set off for a run down one the world's most celebrated and breathtaking roads. For a shorter track check outMaits Restwhich will take you through a beautiful section of rainforest. Stretching over 243km (150mi), among this dramatic coastline's iconic attractions there's a mecca of bucket-list-worthy experiences. The highlight of the Great Ocean Road are the Twelve Apostles. Learn about the Best Things to Do in Melbourne and get a recap of our experiences here. Its not nearly as scenic to do it this way, but it does save you about 50 km and one hour of driving. 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. The sea enters the area through a narrow opening between two rock pillars. The Great Ocean Road winds through picturesque locations that outdo one another in terms of visual extravaganza. 4 From Melbourne: Great Ocean Road Full-Day Trip. Phone: +61 3 5227 9100 Toll Free: 1800 AVALON (1800 282 566) Getting to the Great Ocean Road By Car Travel time FROM MELBOURNE CBD 1hr 17min The step by step directions below should take you there: - Travel from Melbourne city onto the Westgate Freeway - Continue onto Princes Freeway - Continue onto Geelong Ring Road - Follow the signs for Torquay Adelaide to Melbourne via Great Ocean Road - how long? If you travel one way from Port Campbell to Melbourne (or vice versa), it is a 300 km journey. It makes for a perfect family day out or holiday with friends. The starting point of the Great Ocean Road that's closest to Melbourne, Torquay, is 64 miles (103 km) from the city. From AUD$940.00* per person, based on [] Loch Ard Gorgeis the first attraction on the way, just a stones throw from the Twelve Apostles. Yes, you can do this as a one day trip from Melbourne, but I dont recommend it. 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. Great Ocean Road & Melbourne itinerary and attractions Day 1: Arriving in city of Melbourne Australia. This is one of Victorias best bush and ocean walks. Most people start the Great Ocean Road drive from Melbourne to Torquay. A dormant volcanic crater, Tower Hill is full of Australian wildlife (koalas, kangaroos, emus to name a few) and has lush wetlands and bush. Frolic in the ocean and then head up to the lush rainforests abundant with wildlife. If your tour is on schedule you might find yourself some time for a swim. Route: Melbourne-Twelve Apostles return, via B100 (Great Ocean Road) Highlights: Torquay, Bells Beach, Lorne, Apollo Bay . We had one day to drive the Great Ocean Road, including this in our travels from Adelaide to Melbourne. It stretches for 243 kms. 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. We had a villa, a small, two bedroom cabin with a kitchen and ensuite bathroom. 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. Mum, works 2- 3 days a week, Tues and Wednesday and Friday and has the children in daycare and . Thanks Natalie Seltz Towson, MD. You will receive a link to create a new password via email. 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. The Twelve Apostles are giant limestone stacks jutting out of the ocean that form one of the most recognizable landscapes in Australia. Check out the Vline train & bus timetable to make your way between Geelong and Warrnambool. You can also use the share icon and share it on Facebook. Have enjoyed your stories since departing Columbia almost a year ago. We enjoyed our travels on the Great Ocean Road, the area of Port Campbell National Park being the highlight of the day. 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! Read all of our articles in our. Have a great time. . Some of the beautiful coastal towns you will come across during your drive are Apollo Bay, Cape Otway, Port Campbell, Torquay, and Lorne. Starting from Torquay, this route takes you through beautiful seaside towns and rain forests as you follow the winding road along the exquisite coastline. Youll find them sitting up in the eucalyptus trees. Finally, we made it to Bells Beach in Torquay, the end point of the Great Ocean Road. Now 2 pillars are left standing above the sea and make for an impressive view inPort Campbell National Park. Poor Tim got hit hard by the wave, soaking his feet. Cant wait for the trip , Thanks Tracy. 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. Although i highly recommend visiting Warrnambool, you may not have the time to spend there. Thats the word that can truly capture the essence of the Great Ocean Road in Australia. We are a single Mum with 3 kids, 8yo Boy and 5 and 4 yo girls. Bells Beach is Australias premiere surf spot, a spot also labeled by some as the best surfing destination in the world. The official length of the Great Ocean Road is around 243 km/ 151 miles. 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. Best Great Ocean Road Tours Save AU$10 on your Great Ocean Road Bus tours with this promo code. Monumental. Here at Port Campbell National Park, we spent over two hours hopping from scenic view to scenic view. The Ultimate Guide To Watch Phillip Island Penguin Parade. It was another spot that was cool to see, even if it was just for a few minutes. Please enter your email address or username. Make sure you book ahead though, as its not something you can just show up and do. Dont start counting them though, because there are only seven you can count! . Theyll even show you how to throw a Boomerang and spear! Bunyip Tours: Great Ocean Road - See 1,943 traveler reviews, 942 candid photos, and great deals for Melbourne, Australia, at Tripadvisor. Most visitors to the Great Ocean Road travel from Melbourne, which is the nearest major city. Located less than 2 hours from Melbourne. Our ultimate destination being Kangaroo Island. 1. We are located almost at the end of the Great Ocean Road, about 4.5 hours from Melbourne. The Twelve Apostles marked the end of the most scenic of viewpoints but did not end our journey down the Great Ocean Road. 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. ), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. It has some of the best park guides in the area to teach you about the history of the volcano as well as local Aboriginal history. 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. Tyler and Kara joined us, took a look around, and then went back to their game. 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. A softUsvista Inc. venture! The shortest road distance between Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road is 446 Km. Hi Tracy, November is a beautiful time to travel the Great Ocean Road. Its also a fantastic place if you are looking to see some native Australian wildlife. Go for a swim in the southern ocean, soak in the sun or admire the stunning views out over Corio Bay and go for a stroll along theEastern Promenade. In 1932, the road was thrown open to the public and has since then become one of the worlds best road trip destinations. 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. It offers easy transport options to Geelong and Torquay as well as plenty of car hire options. hi guys my husband and l are going to drive the great ocean road in early November. Try out the walking trails, have a picnic by the sea, take in the scenic views, or go searching for Australian wildlife. Duration: 5 Days Prices From: US$ 699 Trip Type: Self-Drives, Tailor-made Travel Ideas Australia See Trip Details An alternative to this driving route is that you do it in the reverse order. Head down to Main Beach for a swim, sunbathe or surf at Point Impossible or Rocky Point. The perfect place for a Melbourne city escape. Visit some of the valleys most impressive wineries, go on a skydiving experience and simply kick your heels and relax. Great Ocean Road Tour 2 Days experience from Melbourne to Adelaide. . Both are amazing expressions of natural beauty and are worth checking out. Read more about taking a Melbourne to Phillip Island Tour. This port city is the second-largest in the state of Victoria and overlooks the gorgeousCorio Bay. It has great local produce, excellent surf beaches, and play parks for the kids to burn off energy. 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. From below the steps you can marvel at the 70m limestone stacks from up close and feel the power of nature. Great Ocean Road Tours that offer the best itinerary and great sights within a day from Melbourne. The drive offers plenty of places to stop off and explore. Lorne is a picturesque town set between Loutit Bay and the Otway National Park, it is where the bush meets the ocean. Click on any of the numbers on the map of The Great Ocean Road to read all about the attraction. Don't be an idiot. However, when the winds pick up it is best to stay above the Grotto. These two areas are highly populated by local surfers, keen to ride their magnificent waves. Recommended Experiences Yarra Valley Full Day Gourmet Tour Skydive Yarra Valley Tandem Freefall. The Kennet River located between Lorne and Apollo Bay is one of the best places in Australia to view wild koalas. 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 best way to get around is to rent a car and explore on your own! Many travelers continue on to Warrnambool and Adelaide or up to the Grampian Mountains while others are returning to Melbourne. The property at 36 Braemar Street sold for $6 million by private sale. From AU $1625 to AU $1895 3 days ex flights. Soaring high above the limestone stacks youll get the best views of Victorias Shipwreck Coast. DESTINATIONS AROUND THE WORLD: For more places to visit around the world, check out our Destinations page. If you have limited time and can only do it in 1 day, then dont stress. All the points of interest mentioned above are marked on the Great Ocean Road Map below. It starts in Torquay and continues westward to Allansford. 2011-2023 distancesfrom.com. Dont feed the koalas or the parrots as they are in the wild and any feeding them our food will disrupt their natural behaviour. 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. 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. 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. Read all of our articles in our Australia Travel Guide. You can also find the flight distance or distance to fly from Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road. Your story was very useful for us to plan our one day trip in March 2020 just before the corona virus outbreak. The road curves quite a lot and if you suffer from motion sickness carry anti-nausea medication or chew on citrusy candy to keep it in check. It is summer and it is simply beautiful on the road! Read more about taking a day trip from Melbourne to Yarra Valley. We recommend Rental Cars, which has the largest range of vehicles for the best value on the market. 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. To get more information on the Great Ocean Road, visit the official tourism website here. A great photo op spot, this is one of the most photographed spots along the Great Ocean Road. Find more of them listed here. 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. You also wont be getting a sunset picture of the 12 Apostles as it will be one of your first major stops. One down side to this is that you will be travelling on the side of the road which isnt on the coast side. A lot of people will finish the day in Warrnambool and spend the there, as it is the largest town along the Great Ocean Road. If you really want a unique perspective though, and love a bit of adventure, how does skydiving over the 12 Apostles sound? You will want to try and get ahead of as many tour buses as you can. They will also add to the crowds at every one of your stops, so you want to beat them if you can. Its a lot of driving. Home to some of Australia's best-known surf beaches, Torquay marks the official beginning of the Great Ocean Road. 639.

Rawcliffe 4 Piece Sectional Charcoal, Sliding Doors To Cover Shelves, Criminal Records Unit Concord Nh Hours, What Did Michael Peters Choreographer, General Milley Height And Weight, Articles M