There are more motels than boutique hotels in the area. Subscribe, Home | Australia | The PERFECT Great Ocean Road Drive Itinerary (2023). 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. Journey Time: 1 hour from Apollo Bay or WongarraStop Time: 25 minutes. If you really want a unique perspective though, and love a bit of adventure, how does skydiving over the 12 Apostles sound? We loved the quiet location. The iconic rock stacks were created by erosion of the limestone cliffs from the stormy Southern Ocean.

The nearest major city is Melbourne and its a popular day or side trip from there (its where we visited from). We arrived in Port Campbell at 2.45pm and had a few hours rest before heading out to see the sunset at London Bridge, which is a quieter alternative to the Twelve Apostles.
Sat & Sun One of the best things to do here is take a walk out on thePort Fairy Wharves. I include suggestions for shorter trips below. Join the adventures on our YouTube channel! Split Point Lighthouse is still a functioning lighthouse, so you can only go inside on a tour.
Its a wonderfully scenic place with a beach below and crashing waves. 5- Arrive at Lorne. There are two viewing platforms to admire London Bridge a short walk from the car park.
You can walk to a few viewing platforms to admire the towering limestone stacks from different angles. Last on the Great Ocean Road Backpackers Guide is the quaint little town of Port Fairy.
9am- Arrive Barwon heads for sky dive then head back to Melbourne CBD, drop car off in city . Explore the best of Australia and find your perfect getaway. Other lunch options are Movida which was recommended to us for tapas or The Swingbridge Cafe is right on the beach.
The Great Ocean Road drive is 243km (151 miles) long. If you time it right, there are also history and bush tucker talks. next trip!
The views of the countryside outside are lovely. Griffiths Islandcan be accessed by a footbridge nearby to the wharf and is a great place to do a little bird watching. Bay of Martyrs is an overlooked spot thats perfect for escaping the crowds. 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 . However, when the winds pick up it is best to stay above the Grotto.
We left at 10.30am and with the stops below arrived back in the city at 3.30pm.
I cant recommend Points South enough. Jump out of a plane at 15,000 feet above the ground and get the best, most exhilarating views of the entire coastline.
To drive direct from the Melbourne CBD to Torquay, where the road officially starts, is 104km, or 1 hour and 20 minutes. You will pass the Twelve Apostles on the way to Port Campbell, but its very crowded mid-afternoon so we left it for the next morning. Day 1: Melbourne to Apollo Bay Distance: 195km Drive Time: 3 Hours Sightseeing Time: 5 Hours For most people, the trip will start in Melbourne and can be done in a loop or a return journey. Visit 12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge. 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. A round trip from Melbourne to the 12 Apostles travelling along the Great Ocean Road will take your travel . Yes, even this step is optional, because if you're on vacation The Cape Otway Lightstation is a 15-minute (each way) detour from the Great Ocean Road and is the only place we visited with an entrance fee ($18.50), but its well worth it. For a shorter track check outMaits Restwhich will take you through a beautiful section of rainforest.
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. Take the inland road via Colac and drive directly to Port Campbell (about 3 hours from Melbourne). The huge natural limestone arch was formed by erosion and you can see the power of the waves that caused it.
This budget-friendly hostel has dorms and private rooms and its in the centre of town with a fantastic roof terrace.

Another good stop in Aireys Inlet is Fairhaven Beach. 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. Lorneis the closest town from the arch and a great spot to grab some lunch atBottle of Milk, use the facilities and continue on towardsKennett River. There are some short trails you can follow, but we didnt have time to go far. The ultimate Melbourne to Adelaide roadtrip along the Great Ocean Road and taking in Lorne, Apollo Bay, Port Fairy, Mount Gambier and Victor Harbour.
Quest Warrnambool is the perfect place to do just that. trip dates & more! We were out for about four hours in total and were left with the afternoon to relax in our wonderful cottage. While the Great Ocean Road covers a ton of coastline, this national park is a gem located more on the inland route. You can also compare the travel time if you're flying or driving
Journey Time: 25 minutes from Aireys InletStop Time: 50 minutes. Plan your journey with our route planner. Dinner, stay over night Friday 7am-Leave Lorne 9am- Arrive Barwon heads for sky dive then head back to Melbourne CBD, drop car off in city 2pm Check into hotel Sat & Sun 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. Apollo Bay is a popular place, so make sure you have booked your accommodation ahead of time. Other options include coming from Adelaide, so if this is you, just read the itinerary backwards.
This means youll be driving on the ocean side of the road and will have the best views and easy access to the many viewpoints. open-ended. Park at the Kafe Koala and follow the crowds. And to get your fill of more art you can visit theGeelong Art GalleryandThe Heritage Center. DestinationsPhotographySustainable TourismAdventure Travel, Adventure ToursStart a BlogTravel TipsSitemap, 2023 NOMADasaurus | Peak Evolution Media, The PERFECT Great Ocean Road Drive Itinerary (2023). Road trip: Melbourne to Adelaide in 6 days. The quieter location meant we could really enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
  • Your email address will not be published. But all the views are spectacular on this stretch of the Great Ocean 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. Total Distance: 1,121 km. We left at 10am and arrived in Port Campbell at 2.45pm. Its known for the dramatic Twelve Apostles rock stacks that emerge from the ocean, and while they are definitely a highlight, there is so much more to enjoy along the way. Below Ive included driving times between stops and how long we spent at each destination. They are full of handmade art and crafts and locally made treats to indulge in like jams, pastries, pickles and ice-cream. . However, Loch Ard Gorge is still a stunning place for a swim. Journey Time: 25 minutes from Twelve Apostles (15 minutes from Port Campbell)Stop Time: 1 hour 30 minutes.
    There are also several wineries and breweries in the area worth stopping in at to pick something up to enjoy throughout the rest of your trip too. 1 hour, 50 minutes/92 kilometres A touch over 100 kilometres from Melbourne's Tullamarine Airport, Torquay marks the Great Ocean Road's official launch point. Its only a 10-minute drive from the Twelve Apostles so was very convenient for getting there early. Journey Time: 4 minutes from London BridgeStop Time: 20 minutes.
    Even better, its a non-profit enterprise that provides training and employment opportunities to people with mental and physical disabilities. Hey! Jan Juc
  • Lorne is one of the most popular towns on a Great Ocean Road Trip. Please read our disclosure for more info. We already have plans to return and will perhaps try the 100km Great Ocean Walk next time. 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. Stay the night in Warrnambool or head back towards Melbourne. Wye River is just over two hours drive from Melbourne via the M1. The ocean route via Angelsea (159km) is a spectacular coastal drive and an excellent introduction to the Great Ocean Road. The cottages are modern and stylish with big windows to make the most of the views of the rolling green hills and ocean beyond. stay for about 1 hour and leave at 3:37 pmdrive for about 24 minutes, Shadowfax Wines to each other and sharing tips and advice. One day we had frost on the car in the morning but by the afternoon were eating ice cream in the sun with 20C temperatures. It would also be tempting to continue down past the end of the road to Warrnambool or Port Fairy for a night and visit the nearby Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve for a chance to see koalas, kangaroos, and emu in the wild. Lorne to Melbourne drive, or go to the main page to plan a new road trip. Particularly loved those places you stayed, will have to check them out. 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. There are toilets here but not at Hopetoun Falls.
    Winter (June to August) can be chilly, but youll have the chance to see whales, lower crowds, and can cosy up by the fire. Your stop times will varywe tend to walk fast but take a lot of photos. We hope you have a great time along the Great Ocean Road. There are a few hostels in the centre of this small townPort Campbell Guesthouse & Flash Packers has private rooms and a homely vibe, while Port Campbell Hostel has dorms and rooms (and a brewery next door). We personally stayed there when we travelled across Australia, and highly recommend it.
    You can also compare many rental companies and find the cheapest cars at Rental Cars. 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. For most people, the trip willstart in Melbourneand can be done in a loop or a return journey. After the last couple of years, it seems everyone wants to be out and about and go travelling. You could then drive the Great Ocean Road at a more leisurely pace and spend the night in the Apollo Bay area before continuing back to Melbourne the next day. Loch Ard Gorge is another place that you dont want to miss. I have no problem driving. Answer 1 of 3: Hi - I'm on a tour of Melbourne with 3 seniors and one 4 year. 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.
    If you're planning a road trip to Lorne, you can research locations to stop along the way. One of the best walking tracks to visit here isMelba Gulleywhich is full of gorgeous giant fern trees and home to glow worm caves, which are best seen after dark. Click the button below to explore more questions Have a great time. The return walk took us 20 minutes and it is rather a steep climb back up. Conveniently located a little ways from Port Campbell, these serviced apartments have great rooms, a gorgeous pool area and make for a great stopover. 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.
    If it hadnt been raining so heavily, Im sure we would have stopped often for photos. No, the Great Ocean Road isnt particularly dangerous to drive, as long as you take proper precautions. Soaring high above the limestone stacks youll get the best views of Victorias Shipwreck Coast. The sun wasnt quite high enough to illuminate the stacks, but an hour later it was, and there were even fewer people around. We also walked to the Gibson Steps, which took 15 minutes each way (you can also drive but parking is limited). Hi David and Marg, thanks so much for your comment. 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. Theres a distant view of the lighthouse after 1.5km, but the trail continues beyond that as this is a section of the Great Ocean Walk. 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. Get the reverse directions for a Sail through the clouds with only 1 other person for an up-close and personal adventure. If you just wanted a quick stop, you could do that in about 15 minutes, but its worth following one or all of the three marked trails. I recommend packing a water bottle (we always travel with a few Vapur flexible bottles as they are light and foldable when empty) and a travel coffee mug or thermos. The trip from Adelaide to Melbourne takes around 8 hours if you go the inland route. Another worthwhile detour on the way to Port Campbell is Wreck Beach, but we didnt have the energy to stop. 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. They live in the eucalyptus trees behind the caravan park and are not hard to find. Each cottage feels very private and has outstanding ocean views. On the way back to Melbourne, do some . Then tuck into a delicious dinner at the Salty Dog Fish & Chippery along the beachfront, the perfect way to end a day of exploring. We saw an adorable mother and baby koala!
    Port Fairy. Trippy is where Try searching for places within 2 hours of Melbourne. 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.
    Family. We spent the first two nights in an incredible cottage overlooking the ocean at Points South by the Sea, a 15-minute drive before Apollo Bay. If youre looking to do a bit of waterfall chasing, this is a great place to find them!
    While you could drive it in the opposite direction, Port Campbell would be quite far to reach on the coastal route for your overnight stay, and its a fairly long drive from Apollo Bay to Twelve Apostles for an early morning visit. If you cant drive or only have a day available, this Great Ocean Road Day Tour is popular. Theres also a small but well-equipped kitchen, a balcony with table and chairs, and a bathroom with an excellent shower and a spa bath with a view.
    Not even 15km from Apollo Bay is the incredibly lush and beautifulGreat Otway National Park. Your Great Ocean Road itinerary may be coming to an end, but dont worry, youll finish up with a dreamy little visit toPort Fairy. hi guys my husband and l are going to drive the great ocean road in early November. You need to park just off the road and then walk up the hill to the lighthouse. Itll take longer than you think due to the many curves and places youll want to stop to take a photo or visit an attraction. Split into colour-coded sections to help you find exactly what you are looking for quickly and easily, the map includes viewpoints and lookouts, campsites and campgrounds, the major towns and holiday destinations, waterfalls, beaches - even petrol stations(!) nev-tagAustralianev-tagMelbournenev-tagVictoria Erin, Heading on a road trip along the Great Ocean Road soon, so great article to read. Keep an eye open as you wander the trails for koalas up in the trees and beautiful native birds soaring around too. Go on a culinary crusade via craft breweries and top regional restaurants on the short inland route back to Melbourne via Colac (below). Not too far down the coast is an iconic must-visit stop on any of the Great Ocean Road drives,Torquay, known for its epic surf beaches. Thats how were going to structure this post for you. The views of the town and coastline are superb.

    We were also planning to stop at Teddys Lookout on the way out of town, but visibility was so low we didnt bother. 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. DAY 1 Drive: Melbourne > Geelong > Lorne (2-2.5 HRS) It's time to head out! 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. This was our Great Ocean Road route. David & Marg.
  • Both routes meet in Lorne, which is 15 minutes from Wye River. The total driving distance from Adelaide to Melbourne is almost 1,000km along the coastal route, so the Great Ocean Road is actually only a small part of the journey. Journey Time: 3 minutes from RedwoodsStop Time: 20 minutes. There are signs reminding you along the road as tourists driving the wrong way is a common problem. The cottages are quite close together, so if you take a bath with the blinds up, you do have to trust your neighbours wont walk in front of your cottage (we had no issues). After a late arrival intoWarrnambool,youll want to see a few of the sights the city has to offer. From: Melbourne. The ocean views from almost everywhere in the cottage (including the bed) were just amazing.
    Via: Where should I stop along the way? This section could be endless, so rather than trying to Dont forget that in Australia you drive on the left. . 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. The Great Ocean Road (2 mentions) If youve hired a car youll most likely collect it at the airport. If you want an even better view of the Twelve Apostles, you can take a helicopter ride over them. The cottage is very well-equipped and Bryan is a fantastic host who goes out of his way to help you make the most of your stay and share his tips for the area. The drive from Melbourne to Lorne isn't particularly long, only around 2 hours all up.
    There were a few people around then (and some photographers just leaving) but it was still quiet. Our last full day was dedicated to the Port Campbell National Park. Its a beautiful long sweep of sand that would be great for a walk. Journey Time: 10 minutes from Bells BeachStop Time: 30 minutes. After the gorge youll pass the town of Port Campbell. Its a small village, but Port Campbell is a nice place to stop for a snack and some fuel. It should take you just under 3 hours to drive from Warrnambool back . Its a beautiful drive but slow going. In the late afternoon, photography was difficult as I was shooting into the sun, but itd be an excellent place for sunset. Required fields are marked *. For more experienced surfers, and those looking to set foot onto a world-renowned surf beach, head toBells Beach. But no need to rush.
    Shadowfax Wines Jan Juc We walked all of the trails except for the furthest section between Broken Head and Sherwood Estuary and walked a total of 6km (3.7 miles). Journey Time: 10 minutes from Hopetoun FallsStop Time: 1 hour. Journey Time: 15 minutes from Points South by the SeaStop Time: 15 minutes. Despite staying close to Apollo Bay, we loved our cottage so much that we didnt visit the town until our way out. 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. It might not seem as impressive as the other stops from the viewing platform by the car park, but you can walk down to the beach for a scenic walk. 375km of scenic winding roads along the southern ocean will take you through some of the countrys most beautiful UNESCO-listed landscapes.

    (In fact, we returned a month later to do just that!). All prices quotes below are in Australian dollars. 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. Anyone remember the 90s TV show Round the Twist? 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. There are several veggie options and the lentil burger was decent, if nothing special. Make sure you visit first thing in the morning or later in the afternoon for the best koala viewing times. If you had plenty of time, you might want to spend a night here as there are some beautiful beaches and waterfalls nearby. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. We recommend Rental Cars, which has the largest range of vehicles for the best value on the market. Youll also find theAustralian Surfing Hall of Famehere as well.
    Nearby youll find another popular waterfall, Triplet Falls (a one hour walk). Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Note there are no toilets at any of the other sights on todays itinerary. 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.
    But that does not take away from the impressive views at all. Make sure you check road conditions to double check the weather. 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. You can visit the Marriners Lookout, Lake Elizabeth, and local museums such as The Bass Strait Shell Museum to discover more about sea life.
    Beach. Stop 1 Torquay As the area is popular with day tour buses from Melbourne, the Twelve Apostles are busiest in the afternoon. The weather can play a huge part in what is visible and how close you can get to this area. 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. 7am-Leave Lorne . Do allocate as much time as you can, thoughits a gorgeous part of the world with plenty to see.

    Brekkie tacos, smoothie bowls and a full lunch menu to eat in or take away will please anyone visiting. If possible, I recommend driving yourself and spending at least two nights on the road.
    Made famous for theRip Curl Prohosted every Easter, Bells Beach is not only beautiful but a huge part of both Australian and surf culture. (Seriously!) On a clear sunny day and depending on the tide you can get pretty close. Amongst the native eucalyptus trees is this surprising cluster of giant Californian Redwoods which were planted in the 1930s and are thriving. From here you are well on your way to having covered a ton of ground. Continue on from this point as there are tons of Great Ocean Road attractions to come.
    It starts in Torquay, which is 105km (65 miles) from Melbourne, and continues westward along the coast to finish at Allansford near Warrnambool. Following the Otway Harvest Trail choose between local breweries, berry and fruit farms with quaint cafes, provedore grocers and restaurants a plenty. We stayed at Anchors at Port Campbellwhere there are three cottages on a farm a few kilometres inland from town.

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    melbourne to lorne via inland route