The nearest major city is Melbourne and its a popular day or side trip from there (its where we visited from). FromWarrnambool Breakwaterall the way toLogans Beachthis is a great spot to take in the coastal views and even pass a little penguin breeding ground. Halfway along the Surf Coast walk its only around a 3km round trip from the town, up the point for amazing views over the town and ocean crashing below. The downside of taking a tour is that youll never escape the crowds. The gas log fire kept us warm. TheKennett River Koala Walkis the perfect place to get your fix. The ocean views are incredible and we could have happily spent all day curled up on the window seat with the fire roaring watching the waves crash down below. Great Ocean Road. Your stop times will varywe tend to walk fast but take a lot of photos. Established during early 19 th Century this town has come a long way, but it has also made a really good effort to stick to its roots.
Journey Time: 1.5 hours from MelbourneStop Time: 10 minutes. 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. I highly recommend visiting in the morning to truly enjoy it. open-ended. While driving to Lorne we had our first Australian wildlife experiencean echidna crossing the road. Despite staying close to Apollo Bay, we loved our cottage so much that we didnt visit the town until our way out. Five minutes down the road is Apostle Whey Cheese where for a bargain price of $1 you can try all 12 of their cows milk cheeses. 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. Follow the inland route if you are headed back to Melbourne for a shorter drive. Answer 1 of 3: Hi - I'm on a tour of Melbourne with 3 seniors and one 4 year. There are a few options for pit stop number 3, which will time in perfectly with a late lunch. What to expect Surf at world-famous Bells Beach.
But all the views are spectacular on this stretch of the Great Ocean Road Trip.
Jarryd, thank you for talking us along the Great Ocean Road, we are coming down from Brisbane mid April 2023 and plan to self drive it.
Journey Time: 25 minutes from Twelve Apostles (15 minutes from Port Campbell)Stop Time: 1 hour 30 minutes.
Another worthwhile detour on the way to Port Campbell is Wreck Beach, but we didnt have the energy to stop. By the time we arrived it was pouring with rain, so we didnt see much and just had lunch at The Bottle of Milk. The views of the countryside outside are lovely. Cant wait for the trip , Thanks Tracy. The Great Ocean Road is in the state of Victoria in south-eastern Australia. I cant recommend Points South enough.
Most of the time I was fine in my Allbirds wool runners, but I was glad for hiking shoes on the muddy trails to the waterfalls in Great Otway National Park. That way you can travel at your own pace, avoid the crowds, and have more time to enjoy the many Great Ocean Road attractions beyond the Twelve Apostles. But that does not take away from the impressive views at all. The homemade scones and vegetarian korma pie were delicious, and the cakes looked tempting. If it hadnt been raining so heavily, Im sure we would have stopped often for photos. Here's a sample itinerary for a drive from Melbourne to Lorne. 3rd Stop: Lorne. Conveniently located a little ways from Port Campbell, these serviced apartments have great rooms, a gorgeous pool area and make for a great stopover.
Have a great time. 2pm Check into hotel. Plan your journey with our route planner. Points South by the Sea is the perfect place to stay on the Great Ocean Road; in fact, its one of our favourite places weve ever stayed. We had no idea what it was at first although its spikes made us guess it was a porcupine. While there is a 230 kilometres direct inland route from Melbourne to the 12 Apostles, a longer scenic day trip along the Great Ocean Road is a much more interesting option.
Jump out of a plane at 15,000 feet above the ground and get the best, most exhilarating views of the entire coastline.
, 3 must-do stops on a Melbourne to Lorne road trip. Its rather a touristy experience as the tour buses stop here and the cafe sells bird feedthe colourful parrots are so tame they hop all over the tourists.
This gives you the opportunity to see the quieter countryside inland of vibrant rolling hills and farmlandyou could almost be in England. If you happen to be road-tripping on the second Sunday of the month, check out the Birregurra Markets. You can do a Great Ocean Road Trip at any time of year.
Learn how your comment data is processed. Journey Time: 4 minutes from London BridgeStop Time: 20 minutes. This connects to the more distant, and much quieter, Living on the Edge walk (to the right of the car park) where you can see Muttonbird Island and enjoy more gorgeous coastal views. Wear shoes that are comfortable for walking.
If you fancy trying your luck to spot some wildlife head out to nearbyLake Elizabeth.
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 Great Ocean Road is one of the most scenic coastal drives in the world. We left at 10.30am and with the stops below arrived back in the city at 3.30pm. Youll also find the end of theGreat Ocean Walkhere, which allows you to get some stunning coastal views from a boardwalk before taking to the beach to see these immense stacks from the ground. If you had plenty of time, you might want to spend a night here as there are some beautiful beaches and waterfalls nearby. For most people, the trip willstart in Melbourneand can be done in a loop or a return journey. And your Great Ocean Road route should not miss out on two other attractions nearby either. We are Alesha and Jarryd, the award-winning writers and professional photographers behind this blog. You need to park just off the road and then walk up the hill to the lighthouse. Its most popular in summer (December to February) when you can enjoy the beaches. There are several veggie options and the lentil burger was decent, if nothing special.
DestinationsPhotographySustainable TourismAdventure Travel, Adventure ToursStart a BlogTravel TipsSitemap, 2023 NOMADasaurus | Peak Evolution Media, The PERFECT Great Ocean Road Drive Itinerary (2023). Port Fairy. 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.
With the last day of your Great Ocean Road itinerary upon you, there is still so much to be seen and experienced. From the car park its a short walk to a viewpoint of the beach surrounded by cliffs. trip dates & more! Loch Ard Gorgeis the first attraction on the way, just a stones throw from the Twelve Apostles. And to get your fill of more art you can visit theGeelong Art GalleryandThe Heritage Center. The best Great Ocean Road stops are in the Port Campbell National Park (including Twelve Apostles) so focus your time here.
Other lunch options are Movida which was recommended to us for tapas or The Swingbridge Cafe is right on the beach. Visit 12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge. Total Distance: 1,121 km. Along the way you can sample cheese, whisky, beer, chocolate, fudge, strawberries (in summer), ice cream, and olives from local producers. The Twelve Apostles are reached by a five-minute walk from the car park, where theres also a visitor centre, toilets, and a kiosk (which doesnt open until 10am). Or you can take the scenic route via the Great Ocean Road - it'll take you a lot longer and you'll probably want to break the trip up by staying a night or two or three along the way - but the scenery is worth it and there's so much to do along the way. The drive from Melbourne to Lorne isnt particularly long, only around 2 hours all up. Hi David and Marg, thanks so much for your comment. We chose to drive back from Port Campbell to Melbourne via the inland route (3 hours) rather than continue on for the final section of the Great Ocean Road that ends just before Warrnambool. Day 3: Warrnambool to Port Fairy then Melbourne (or Adelaide). It consists of three cottages on a 160-acre farm owned by Bryan and Joan.
Learn a little about the surfing history of the town at the Surfworld museum, and if youve brought your board along with you a paddle at Famous Bells Beach, home of the Rip Curl Pro, is a must do.
They are full of handmade art and crafts and locally made treats to indulge in like jams, pastries, pickles and ice-cream.
But no need to rush. And sadly our Great Ocean Road trip was over.
Turn off for this road just before you reach Apollo Bay. Subscribe, Home | Australia | The PERFECT Great Ocean Road Drive Itinerary (2023). Even better, its a non-profit enterprise that provides training and employment opportunities to people with mental and physical disabilities. Hey! Kennett River is known as one of the best spots on the Great Ocean Road to see koalas, and it didnt disappoint.
Get the reverse directions for a On the way back to Melbourne, do some . David & Marg.
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It would be quieter in the morning. Alternatively, you can take a vehicle from Melbourne to Lorne via Geelong and Geelong in around 3h 53m. When we drove past around 2.30pm, the viewing platform was rammed. Family.
Both are amazing expressions of natural beauty and are worth checking out. We have been travelling the world together since 2008, with a passion for adventure travel and sustainable tourism.
DAY 1 Drive: Melbourne > Geelong > Lorne (2-2.5 HRS) It's time to head out! The Marriners Lookout is a short drive from the centre of town and a 5-minute uphill walk from the car park.
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. Theres also a cafe if you just want a coffee or one of the tasty looking cakes. If you want one of the best views in Geelong, grab a seat on theSkyWheel. Next we stocked up on supplies at the Foodworks supermarket (theres no big supermarket in Port Campbell) and bought a snack from the Apollo Bay Bakery. Simon had a reusable coffee cup but wished hed had a larger flask for our early start at Twelve Apostles (the kiosk there doesnt open until 10am). While wandering around town youll surely spot a ton of street art, which is something Geelong is known for. Each cottage feels very private and has outstanding ocean views.
Although officially the Great Ocean Road starts in Geelong, Melbourne is the ideal start to the trip as it provides the contrast of a big city with the quiet of the small towns dotted along the Great Ocean Road. Journey Time: 10 minutes from Port CampbellStop Time: 1 hour 25 minutes.
Covering nearly 200 hectares, this park is one of the few Great Ocean Road highlights that is not a beach. Journey Time: 35 minutes from Apollo BayStop Time: 2 hours (including lunch). At 8.30am we had it entirely to ourselves.
The drive from Melbourne to Lorne isn't particularly long, only around 2 hours all up. Split Point Lighthouse is still a functioning lighthouse, so you can only go inside on a tour. 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. Stop 2 Point Roadknight, Anglesea Lorne is one of the most popular towns on a Great Ocean Road Trip.
We saw an adorable mother and baby koala! Get detailed, easy-to-follow driving or walking directions. If possible, I recommend driving yourself and spending at least two nights on the road. Then back along the coast towards Melbourne, taking a small detour down to the cape otway lighthouse.
After the last couple of years, it seems everyone wants to be out and about and go travelling. Theres also a cafe if you want a longer break. By Ellie Schneider Surf at Bells Beach, walk among the 12 Apostles and sample wine in McLaren Vale on this five-day journey along Australia's dramatic south-east coastline. We want to book accommodation as we go . G.O.R.G.E Chocolates (20 minutes from Port Campbell) is a small, low-key chocolate shop thats very different from the touristy affair of the Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie.
On the way youll see Tom and Eva, two rock stacks named after the only survivors of the shipwreck.
Train operators V/Line Bus operators Gull Airport Service Public Transport Victoria V/Line Other operators Jayride Want to know more about travelling around Australia The trip from Adelaide to Melbourne takes around 8 hours if you go the inland route. most talked about places recommended by Trippy members.
How far is the Great Ocean Road from Melbourne? 5 Day Great Ocean Road Itinerary (Our Route), Where to Stay in Apollo Bay: Points South by the Sea, Where to Stay in Port Campbell: Anchors at Port Campbell, Search for more options in Port Campbell here, Check the latest prices of Anchors on Vrbo. The weather can play a huge part in what is visible and how close you can get to this area. Lorne to Melbourne drive, or go to the main page to plan a new road trip. Journey Time: 15 minutes from Points South by the SeaStop Time: 15 minutes. Deep lush valleys, sky-high rainforests, stunning waterfalls and tons of walking tracks make it a great spot to get off the beach and still be in nature.
We already have plans to return and will perhaps try the 100km Great Ocean Walk next time. The inland route via Ballarat and Bordertown is faster, but the Great Ocean Road is an incredible experience. Now youll be able to find the wreckage in shallow waters, which makes it great for divers to explore. 288 km/179 miles, about 3.5 hours. An absolute must-do for anyone wanting one of the best views of this part of the Great Ocean Road is to book in for aTwelve Apostles Helicopter Ride. If you time it right, there are also history and bush tucker talks. Journey Time: 10 minutes from Hopetoun FallsStop Time: 1 hour. 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. 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. If youd like to continue travelling Australia beyond the Great Ocean Road, you canhead northwest to Adelaide. Despite the name, there are only seven stacks (there were eight when they named it). There are striking cliffs and rock formations, easy coastal walks, and interesting history.
Do allocate as much time as you can, thoughits a gorgeous part of the world with plenty to see.
Its not the best quality chocolate, but we still enjoyed it.
We actually visited at sunset the previous day. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. If you cant drive or only have a day available, this Great Ocean Road Day Tour is popular.
(I would have liked to stay longer but we were getting hungry for lunch as it was after 2pm). Its a longer walk to reach the waterfall than at Hopetoun Falls (it took us an hour return), but its lovely and peaceful through the forest of ferns, mountain ash, and myrtle beech. After a late arrival intoWarrnambool,youll want to see a few of the sights the city has to offer. The extensive grounds contain much more than just the lighthouse and you can learn about the history dating back to 1848 and enjoy fantastic views of the rugged cliffs. Shadowfax Wines Jan Juc On this five-day self-drive trip, explore the coastal capital city of Melbourne and then hit the open road. Torquay is also home to theSurf World Museumwith tons of history about the sport and its fame in Australia.
It should take you just under 3 hours to drive from Warrnambool back . When you continue down the road, the Cape Patton Lookout Point is a good place for views. Winter (June to August) can be chilly, but youll have the chance to see whales, lower crowds, and can cosy up by the fire.
After passing through Port Campbell, youll pass by The Arch and London Bridge. The landscape varies depending on which route you take. Both are natural, offshore stone archways. We visited in early spring (mid-September) and while we werent going to do any swimming, it was good walking weather. We do not recommend feeding wild birds, but it is exciting to see the koalas, and if you walk further down Grey River Rd it gets quieter. By clicking the Submit button, you give consent for us to store your information for the purposes of displaying your comment and you accept the terms of our Privacy Policy. Journey Time: 4 minutes from The ArchStop Time: 20 minutes. As the area is popular with day tour buses from Melbourne, the Twelve Apostles are busiest in the afternoon. You can also buy a toasted sandwich or cheese platter ($20). 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. Stop 3 Otway Harvest Trail Due to crashing waves over millennia, saltwater and erosion there are now only 8 limestone stacks remaining out of 12. Alternative Places to Stay in Port Campbell. To: Adelaide. The road starts in Torquay, and finishes in Allansford.
. We had two partly rainy days and the rest were sunny with varied temperatures. If you are wondering the best direction to drive the Great Ocean Road, I recommend driving it from east to west, starting in Torquay. 21 Awesome Things to Do in Ipswich, Queensland (2023 Guide), The 21 Best Things to Do in Townsville [2023 Guide], MARIA ISLAND The Best Things to Do and Travel Tips [2023]. We saw two koalasone sleeping (which they do for up to 22 hours a day) and one munching on leaves (which they do for the rest of the time). Apollo Bay has plenty of spots for lunch and a big beach. Where does the Great Ocean Road start and finish. 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. Or if youd prefer to visit the Twelve Apostles before most of the other tour buses arrive, this Great Ocean Road Reverse Experience heads directly to the highlights via the inland route then follows the road back to the city. How long does it take to drive the Great Ocean Road? Our first stop was just outside Torquay and was a slight detour off the Great Ocean Road. While all the cottages have superb views, I recommend requesting Cottage 1 as it has the best views down to Cape Patton. There are many free campsites and serviced holiday parks along the route, and you can either pitch your own tent or drive a campervan. READ MORE: Be sure to plan your best trip to Australia by using our Australia Travel Guide! We did not want to leave, but Port Campbell made a much more convenient base for exploring the Twelve Apostles and surrounding attractionswere glad we had a full day and two nights here. For the best panoramic views in Apollo Bay head straight forMarriners Lookout. Bay of Martyrs is an overlooked spot thats perfect for escaping the crowds. Head to Lorne via the Great Ocean Road, stop to check out the bookshop and have a walk along the beach front. Stop 1 - Torquay The official start of The Great Ocean Road, Torquay is a town with an ingrained surfing culture. Port Campbell is a tiny town, but its a great base for the Twelve Apostles. They are set up studio style (best for a couple) with the large comfortable bed on a platform at the back and a sofa, armchair, and small dining table at the front.
travelers and answer their questions about Melbourne! Built in honour of the 3,000 soldiers who worked on this stretch of road after WWI, there is now also a sculpture there to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the arch. I was originally looking for accommodation in Apollo Bay, but Im really glad we ended up 15 minutes outside of town in the hamlet of Wongarra.
That's how we're going to structure this post for you.
However, Loch Ard Gorge is still a stunning place for a swim.
The Twelve Apostles are by far the most famous sight on the Great Ocean Road. Official site for Melbourne, Victoria, Australia Subscribe.
7am-Leave Lorne .
We spent the full day we had in the Apollo Bay area detouring off the Great Ocean Road to explore the inland forest section of the Great Otway National Park. 11:00 am start in Melbournedrive for about 30 minutes, 11:30 am eat at Shadowfax Wines
Want to plan the trip back? Its a fairly steep climb back up to the car park where there are toilets. beaches and quaint towns including Lorne or Apollo Bay.
Its barely even a hamlet, just a collection of houses and farms spread along the coast, but the bigger town Apollo Bay is only 15 minutes away. And if you know Melbourne well, please help your fellow This lookout gives you the chance to see right out to sea and over the entire city.
Another good stop in Aireys Inlet is Fairhaven Beach. There are beautiful countryside and ocean views and all the comforts you need including a well-equipped kitchen, spa bath, and gas log fire.
We were back at our cottage by 2pm and had a two-hour break before heading out to explore the second section of Port Campbell National Park.
You could also fit them in on the previous day.
We chose to drive back from Port Campbell to Melbourne via the inland route (3 hours) rather than continue on for the final section of the Great Ocean . Its a lovely place for a short stroll. Thanks. Journey Time: 5 minutes from Twelve ApostlesStop Time: 1 hour 35 minutes. 3.1 Set off from Melbourne early 3.2 Stop in Torquay 3.3 Visit Bells Beach 3.4 Great Ocean Road sign 3.5 Stop in Lorne for lunch 3.6 Erskine Falls 3.7 Sunset at the Twelve Apostles 3.8 Sleep in Apollo Bay 4 Great Ocean Road itinerary - Day 2 4.1 Hopetoun Falls 4.2 Triplet Falls 4.3 Otway Fly Treetop Adventures 4.4 Gibson Steps 4.5 Loch Ard Gorge You can do this in one big day (its almost 600km direct), but we personally recommend breaking the trip up into 2 or 3 days, spending some time in Mount Gambier and Coorong National Park.
There are toilets here but not at Hopetoun Falls.
Youll find them sitting up in the eucalyptus trees. The town of Port Campbell is in the middle of the park so you can take a break or have lunch there after visiting the eastern side (Twelve Apostles, Gibson Steps, and Loch Ard Gorge), before continuing west. The road up into the forest is even windier than the coastal route and narrow in parts. Its also a fantastic place if you are looking to see some native Australian wildlife. Your email address will not be published. Theres no real need to stop in Colac, but as the inland route back to Melbourne along the A1 passes through, we stopped for lunch. We stayed in Cottage 1 and didnt want to leave. We sampled a few of their offerings (the raspberry liquorice is unusual and delicious) and enjoyed a delicious dark mint hot chocolate in the sun overlooking the farm. Back on the Great Ocean Road, the next section is quite different as it follows a more inland route and alternates sections through the forest with vibrant green rolling hills and farmland with fields of cows and sheep. If you decide to drive yourself, its best to drive in the opposite direction of our itinerary below. 1115km. The iconic rock stacks were created by erosion of the limestone cliffs from the stormy Southern Ocean. If you have more energy than us (or an extra night), the final stops we would have visited were Childers Cove, an uncrowded beach (30 minutes from Port Campbell), and Logans Beach Whale Watching Platform (1 hour from Port Campbell) where you have the chance to see whales in the winter. thought of doing it in one day, but now will make a stop over and take two days.. . Thanks for your support, kind friend! We were also planning to stop at Teddys Lookout on the way out of town, but visibility was so low we didnt bother. Looking for ideas for more destinations within driving distance of Melbourne? Here's a sample itinerary for a drive from Melbourne to Lorne. 8am-fly in, pick up car, drive to 12 apostles (inland route) 12.30- visit 12 Apostles, lunch ect, 2.30-Back on the road 5- Arrive at Lorne.
To get you fueled up for your last day head toBohemiaCafe & Barfor a takeaway coffee or a wicked and delicious breakfast. From: Melbourne. by calculating the distance from Melbourne to Lorne. Beauchamp Falls wasnt on our original plan but ended up being my favourite stop of the day.
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 drive directly from Apollo Bay to Port Campbell on the Great Ocean Road it takes about 1.5 hours, but there are some worthwhile detours along the way. The first stop when driving the Great Ocean Road will beGeelong. If you have a full day in the area, a fun detour off the Great Ocean Road is to follow some of the 12 Apostles Gourmet Food Trail. The large corner window seat is the perfect place to enjoy the views in winter, and for warmer weather, theres a large balcony with a table, chairs, and BBQ.
who wants the trip to end? The return walk took us 20 minutes and it is rather a steep climb back up.
