melbourne to portland via great ocean roadmelbourne to portland via great ocean road
To get more information on the Great Ocean Road, visit the official tourism website here. Memorial Arch (8am) Our first stop was the Memorial Arch, which is located just past the city of Torquay. Whether you're a history buff, foodie, nature lover or adventurer get ready for a great weekend. Its a small village, but Port Campbell is a nice place to stop for a snack and some fuel. Learn about the Best Things to Do in Melbourne and get a recap of our experiences here. Great post guys, you have inspired me to take a trip here when I finally get to Australia again! Our personal recommendation for where we stay in Apollo Bay every time is The Apollo Apartment. Adelaide to Melbourne via Great Ocean Road - how long? 12. The Kennet River located between Lorne and Apollo Bay is one of the best places in Australia to view wild koalas. If youre looking to do a bit of waterfall chasing, this is a great place to find them! But you may not have that luxury of time. Skydiving is a popular sport at the Great Ocean Road and you're likely to spot many gutsy ones plummeting from the sky at 200 kmph from 15,000 feet above. We plan to spend 5 days on Kangaroo Island and have allowed 3 days to get to Cape Jervis. One of the best things to do here is take a walk out on thePort Fairy Wharves. The beaches on the Great Ocean Road are fantastic for swimming, especially in the summer. 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. 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. 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. Julie Last updated: October 8, 2022 Australia 4 Comments. Please enter your email address or username. FromWarrnambool Breakwaterall the way toLogans Beachthis is a great spot to take in the coastal views and even pass a little penguin breeding ground. Subscribe, Home | Australia | The PERFECT Great Ocean Road Drive Itinerary (2023). We had one day to drive the Great Ocean Road, including this in our travels from Adelaide to Melbourne. There are also speed traps to catch those not sticking to the limits with fines up to (and above) $300AUD. It stretches for 243 kms. 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. Check out the Vline train & bus timetable to make your way between Geelong and Warrnambool. But the Great Ocean Road is about so much more than its sinuous, coast hugging tarmac. If you want to get off the beaten path like we did, do not be afraid to try one of those unlabeled dirt roads. Day 2 - Pinnacles Walk in the Grampians National Park and drive to Port Campbell on the Great Ocean Road to stay overnight. Did you know: The Great Ocean Road is the worlds largest war memorial, and was built by returning servicemen from World War I. Just a few minutes west of the border you'll come across a beautiful pink salt lake. Along the way you'll stop by the border of Victoria and South Australia and a red line marks the exact spot. The Cape Otway lighthouse is the oldest surviving lighthouse in Australia and was rightly known as the Beacon of Hope. 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. After the Twelve Apostles, continue along the Great Ocean Road towards Port Campbell. Melbourne to Apollo Bay 187 km/116 miles, about 3 hours Ease into your road trip with the leisurely drive from Melbourne to Torquay, just over an hour's drive. Its not nearly as scenic to do it this way, but it does save you about 50 km and one hour of driving. The coastline is awesome. 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 Torquay is also home to theSurf World Museumwith tons of history about the sport and its fame in Australia. The first to know about trending destinations, travel deals, tips and Just prepare yourself for a full day with an early start and late(ish) finish. It offers easy transport options to Geelong and Torquay as well as plenty of car hire options. ThePort FairyBotanical Gardensare a lovely spot for an afternoon walk and to admire the plants and flowers. With the last day of your Great Ocean Road itinerary upon you, there is still so much to be seen and experienced. 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. 2 From Melbourne: Great Ocean Road and Wildlife Tour. Tyler and Kara joined us, took a look around, and then went back to their game. The Obelisk sits atop a rugged coastline, which is rapidly being eroded by the harsh elements. I could not imagine trying to swim out past these waves, just to catch one right back to shore. Read our detailed blog to know all about Skydiving in Melbourne and book your Great Ocean Road skydive. It takes travellers past world-class surfing breaks, through pockets of rainforest and calm seaside towns, and under koala-filled tree canopies. The landscape varies depending on which route you take. You dont have to miss out on this epic road trip just because you are short on time. Sail through the clouds with only 1 other person for an up-close and personal adventure. This is one of Victorias best bush and ocean walks. 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. It was nothing fancy but suited our needs for our family of four. 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. Children: $99 $94 (3 - 15 years) Minimum age 3 years. 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. But that does not take away from the impressive views at all. 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 . Our particular itinerary starts in Melbourne and finishes in Port Fairy over 3 days, and is the exact route we have personally done numerous times. While the Great Ocean Road covers a ton of coastline, this national park is a gem located more on the inland route. . ULURU: In our Guide to Uluru and Kata-Tjuta, learn how to get here, what to do, and how to plan your time. Tip: If youre hungry on the drive back to Melbourne, stop at Colac for food. 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. Due to crashing waves over millennia, saltwater and erosion there are now only 8 limestone stacks remaining out of 12. Planning a trip to Australia? While wandering around town youll surely spot a ton of street art, which is something Geelong is known for. We had a villa, a small, two bedroom cabin with a kitchen and ensuite bathroom. If you really want a unique perspective though, and love a bit of adventure, how does skydiving over the 12 Apostles sound? I highly recommended checking out Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve and Port Fairy. After the last couple of years, it seems everyone wants to be out and about and go travelling. Visit some of the valleys most impressive wineries, go on a skydiving experience and simply kick your heels and relax. How long does it take to drive the Great Ocean Road? 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. 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. If you want one of the best views in Geelong, grab a seat on theSkyWheel. Our self-drive itinerary includes driving via Robe and Victor Harbour though a side trip to include The Grampians could be included. It starts in Torquay and continues westward to Allansford. TheKennett River Koala Walkis the perfect place to get your fix. These are decent, but not as good as what you just saw, and definitely not as great as what you are about to visit next. Discover some of the best things to do in Melbourne. 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. A great photo op spot, this is one of the most photographed spots along the Great Ocean Road. All rights reserved Earth Trekkers. A sandy trail took us down to a beach. Although i highly recommend visiting Warrnambool, you may not have the time to spend there. In the shadow of the Otway ranges meeting Cape Otway is the Apollo Bay, midway of the Great Ocean Road. It sounds daunting but it's going to be broken down into very manageable chunks. Note: This post contains affiliate links. To enlarge the map, click the top right icon and it will open up, full screen, in a new tab. To get you fueled up for your last day head toBohemiaCafe & Barfor a takeaway coffee or a wicked and delicious breakfast. Hello Ive so enjoyed the magnificent stories of your world tours and the stunning photos. 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. Would like to know what kind of still camera and lens you are using. 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. The Great Ocean Road is one of the most epic road journeys you can go on across the world! You will also reach the main stops at a different time to the crowds. Have a great time. You don't have to miss out on this epic road trip just because you are short on time. 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). The Great Ocean Road is one of Australias great drives. It can be done. The Ultimate Melbourne To Yarra Valley Tour | Discover The Best Wineries, Chocolateries and Delicatessens! Jump out of a plane at 15,000 feet above the ground and get the best, most exhilarating views of the entire coastline. I am not looking forward to the conclusion of your trek. This will help you make the most of your time so you can see the things that matter to you. Make sure you visit first thing in the morning or later in the afternoon for the best koala viewing times. Here we are, at another beach, and we have it all to ourselves. Adults: $119 $104 Online special! Your password has been reset successfully please login with new password. The first destination is Bells Beach in Torquay, a famous location for surfers. Find out more and plan your adventure. We set off from the city at 6am. 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. The Grotto is one of the most impressive sections of the coastline, and essentially a sinkhole. For more trail information in Great Otway National Park, visit thiswebsite. Most of the highlights are located around Port Campbell. Don't be an idiot. Melbourne to Adelaide South East Coast 3 Day Overland Tour. Whether you surf or not, it is a great place to stop and admire the ocean. Theres so much to see and do, so you dont want to be left feeling rushed and tired at the end of your trip. For a shorter track check outMaits Restwhich will take you through a beautiful section of rainforest. Loch Iel (Pink Lake) The inland Melbourne to Adelaide drive takes around 5.5 hours from the Grampians. If you fancy trying your luck to spot some wildlife head out to nearbyLake Elizabeth. Wear comfortable shoes as there is a lot of walking to do. This is one way to get away from other tourists. Private Great Ocean Road tour. The whole trail is about 15km, but your best chances for spotting the cute indigenous animals are about 6km in atGrey River. Director, editor and producer of feature documentary about animal welfare in farming. Less traffic on the road and more time to spend at stops. While Tyler and Kara tried to throw each other off of the sand dunes, Tim and I went exploring. Day 3: Warrnambool to Port Fairy then Melbourne (or Adelaide) Distance: 30km to Port Fairy, then 312km to Melbourne. Experience the Great Ocean Road from Melbourne to Adelaide. Even in Australia, Tyler and Kara were getting a lot of stares, this time from Chinese tourists. 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. Once you factor in viewpoints and short walks, expect this road trip to take one full day. 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. 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. The starting point of the Great Ocean Road that's closest to Melbourne, Torquay, is 64 miles (103 km) from the city. Whether you are travelling with family, friends or a school group, our Great Ocean Road Private Tour is the best way to explore this scenic coastline. The Perth to Adelaide Drive (via the Nullarbor Plain) 3,700 km | 16 days Swim with dolphins, climb the giant Gloucester Tree, camp among .