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 cottages are modern and stylish with big windows to make the most of the views of the rolling green hills and ocean beyond. I'd like to drive the GOR but am concerned about the nasty road incidents that have happened- I know it can be a challenging drive with hairpin bends.
Train operators. The Arch is the first in a series of rock formations where you can stop for a quick look from viewing platforms. Journey Time: 20 minutes from ChocolaterieStop Time: 25 minutes.
Adelaide to Melbourne Drive Itinerary: Great Ocean Road Trip Gradually caves were formed, then arches, and when they collapsed the rock stacks stood alone, isolated from the shore. Check the latest prices of Anchors on Vrbo or on Booking.com. 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. 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.
Road Trip | Adelaide to Melbourne via the Great Ocean Road: Warrnambool The sun doesnt set behind the arch but the cliffs look beautiful in the glowing light. Our last full day was dedicated to the Port Campbell National Park. . I found holiday rental sites had the most interesting options and ended up booking two lovely cottages with stunning views. With the last day of your Great Ocean Road itinerary upon you, there is still so much to be seen and experienced. 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. Journey Time: 40 minutes from LorneStop Time: 15 minutes.
Location - Tucker House Wye River While you could scale this drive down to a 2 or 3-day itinerary, I'd recommend 1 or 2 weeks to fully enjoy it. Alternative Places to Stay in Port Campbell. I highly recommend visiting in the morning to truly enjoy it. 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.
Or get a full Melbourne to Lorne flight plan. To drive direct from the Melbourne CBD to Torquay, where the road officially starts, is 104km, or 1 hour and 20 minutes. We already have plans to return and will perhaps try the 100km Great Ocean Walk next time. But no need to rush. Its only a 10-minute drive from the Twelve Apostles so was very convenient for getting there early. First, fuel up at Caf Moby, a converted weatherboard house full of character and with foreshore views to boot.
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. Reserve your spot here. There were a few people around then (and some photographers just leaving) but it was still quiet. 2pm Check into hotel. However, when the winds pick up it is best to stay above the Grotto.
Bells Beach (4 mentions) 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. If you're planning a road trip to Lorne, you can research locations to stop along the way. Please read our. We only recommend the best accommodations, tours and products, and regularly review these. This budget-friendly hostel has dorms and private rooms and its in the centre of town with a fantastic roof terrace. The views of the town and coastline are superb. Get the reverse directions for a Now youll be able to find the wreckage in shallow waters, which makes it great for divers to explore. You can also walk down the steps onto the beautiful beach. Then, if you like, you can descend to the foot of the falls via a 30-minute hike.
If you only have time for one, follow the 900-metre-return Geology walk to the left of the car park which takes you to The Razorback, a massive rock formation. On the way back to Melbourne, do some . We liked the brie and pepper havarti (sadly they dont have storage space for cheddar). There are many free campsites and serviced holiday parks along the route, and you can either pitch your own tent or drive a campervan. This is where the exterior scenes of the familys lighthouse home were filmed! Apollo Bay is a popular place, so make sure you have booked your accommodation ahead of time. All prices quotes below are in Australian dollars.
We were out for about four hours in total and were left with the afternoon to relax in our wonderful cottage. stay for about 1 hour and leave at 3:37 pmdrive for about 24 minutes, Shadowfax Wines
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. Thanks. (In fact, we returned a month later to do just that!). Stop 2 Point Roadknight, Anglesea 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. FromWarrnambool Breakwaterall the way toLogans Beachthis is a great spot to take in the coastal views and even pass a little penguin breeding ground. Turn off for this road just before you reach Apollo Bay. We want to book accommodation as we go . Where does the Great Ocean Road start and finish. Don't forget about exploring your own hometown with a staycation.
Follow our journey in real time on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram. If you happen to be road-tripping on the second Sunday of the month, check out the Birregurra Markets. Get detailed, easy-to-follow driving or walking directions.
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). When you continue down the road, the Cape Patton Lookout Point is a good place for views. Perfect write up, very helpful indeed, Appreciate your work guys, Cheers.
The most scenic leg of the drive is further along between Lorne and Apollo Bay.
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. Quest Warrnambool is the perfect place to do just that. The Marriners Lookout is a short drive from the centre of town and a 5-minute uphill walk from the car park. Despite staying close to Apollo Bay, we loved our cottage so much that we didnt visit the town until our way out. Last on the Great Ocean Road Backpackers Guide is the quaint little town of Port Fairy. Day 1: Melbourne to Port Fairy via inland route.
Even better, its a non-profit enterprise that provides training and employment opportunities to people with mental and physical disabilities. 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.
Other lunch options are Movida which was recommended to us for tapas or The Swingbridge Cafe is right on the beach. And your Great Ocean Road route should not miss out on two other attractions nearby either.
Expect to see beaches, waterfalls, forests, lighthouses, limestone formations, koalas, and if youre lucky, whales. If you fancy trying your luck to spot some wildlife head out to nearbyLake Elizabeth. Friday.
Beauchamp Falls wasnt on our original plan but ended up being my favourite stop of the day. Port Fairy offers great locations forscuba divingincludingThe Thistle. 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. 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.
If you time it right, there are also history and bush tucker talks. And to get your fill of more art you can visit theGeelong Art GalleryandThe Heritage Center. But all the views are spectacular on this stretch of the Great Ocean Road Trip. Get detailed, easy-to-follow driving or walking directions. We didnt find the drive difficult although it is very windy, which gets tiring after a while (especially if you get travel sick). 3rd Stop: Lorne. Now 2 pillars are left standing above the sea and make for an impressive view inPort Campbell National Park.
We are Alesha and Jarryd, the award-winning writers and professional photographers behind this blog. Journey Time: 1.5 hours from MelbourneStop Time: 10 minutes. From your third and final spot it will only be around a 30 minute drive to your final destination, we recommend settling into your Lorne accommodation, then either relaxing or going for a wander around the quaint town of Lorne. Seeingthe Twelve Apostlesfor yourself should be at the top of your Australian Bucket list, no matter the weather. Note there are no toilets at any of the other sights on todays itinerary.
The Best Stops during a Melbourne to Adelaide Road Trip
Another good stop in Aireys Inlet is Fairhaven Beach. 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. You can visit the Marriners Lookout, Lake Elizabeth, and local museums such as The Bass Strait Shell Museum to discover more about sea life. While wandering around town youll surely spot a ton of street art, which is something Geelong is known for. .
Through our stories and images we promote exciting off-the-beaten-path destinations and fascinating cultures as we go. Simon loved the cheese and vegetable pasty. 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 Drive from Melbourne to Adelaide along one of Australia's most famous coastal routes.
Shadowfax Wines Jan Juc
We decided to skip sunrise and arrive about an hour later at 7.20am. I recommend overnight stays near Apollo Bay and Port Campbell as we did.
Top Road Trips Stops: Torquay, Lorne, Great Otway National Park, 12 Apostles, Logan's Beach, Mount Gambier. There are several veggie options and the lentil burger was decent, if nothing special. Find the best hotels, restaurants, and attractions based on the
Melbourne to Lorne drive - plan a road trip
However, you can take the train to Geelong, take the walk to Geelong, then take the bus to Lorne Visitor Centre/Great Ocean Rd. Even if youve never seen the show, its worth a stop as its a quintessential lighthouse and there are beautiful coastal views. 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 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). This gives you the opportunity to see the quieter countryside inland of vibrant rolling hills and farmlandyou could almost be in England.
Victoria
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. We left Melbourne at 11 am, but I recommend an earlier start as we did feel a little rushed and theres lots to see on the way to Apollo Bay. How far is the Great Ocean Road from Melbourne?
Great Ocean Road Touring Route - Visit Victoria home 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. If you have one night/ two days to spend on the Great Ocean Road, I would follow the strategy above and drive directly to Port Campbell to get there before the tour buses.
Great Ocean Road 2-Day Itinerary: The BEST Self Drive Itinerary Stop 3 Otway Harvest Trail
We had 4 nights and 4.5 days on the road trip and it was a good amount of time to see the Great Ocean Road highlights, although we could easily have spent longer. Follow the inland route if you are headed back to Melbourne for a shorter drive. Im glad we bought plenty of food (and wine) as we did not want to go out for dinner. If you have an extra night, you could add it to either of those locations depending on your interestsApollo Bay is nearer forests and waterfalls and Port Campbell is nearer the Twelve Apostles and many other beautiful coastal rock formations.
- along with all the incredible attractions and things to do .
DestinationsPhotographySustainable TourismAdventure Travel, Adventure ToursStart a BlogTravel TipsSitemap, 2023 NOMADasaurus | Peak Evolution Media, The PERFECT Great Ocean Road Drive Itinerary (2023). From the car park its a short walk to a viewpoint of the beach surrounded by cliffs. There arent many eating options up here so bring a packed lunch or theres a cafe at Otway Fly and a few options further along in Lavers Hill.
For more experienced surfers, and those looking to set foot onto a world-renowned surf beach, head toBells Beach.
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Continue on from this point as there are tons of Great Ocean Road attractions to come. We also walked to the Gibson Steps, which took 15 minutes each way (you can also drive but parking is limited).
Thats how were going to structure this post for you. Once youve had your fill, hop in the car for a quick drive and to the next and last destination of your road trip.
The homemade scones and vegetarian korma pie were delicious, and the cakes looked tempting.
Its a wonderfully scenic place with a beach below and crashing waves. Wear shoes that are comfortable for walking. Other options include coming from Adelaide, so if this is you, just read the itinerary backwards.
We were also planning to stop at Teddys Lookout on the way out of town, but visibility was so low we didnt bother. The road starts in Torquay, and finishes in Allansford.
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We left at 10.30am and with the stops below arrived back in the city at 3.30pm.
Its also a fantastic place if you are looking to see some native Australian wildlife.
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.
3 must-do stops on a Melbourne to Lorne road trip - Mantra What used to be a swamp was reclaimed and turned into these pretty gardens in 1858.
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. We saw an adorable mother and baby koala! Hey! 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. As Victorias 5th largest city, Warrnambool is a lot bigger than most of the seaside towns along the Great Ocean Road drive. 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 can sometimes see whales here in winter. If you want one of the best views in Geelong, grab a seat on theSkyWheel. 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.
The Great Ocean Road is one of the most scenic coastal drives in the world.
Trip Planner | Travel - RACQ Trippy is where We visited in early spring (mid-September) and while we werent going to do any swimming, it was good walking weather. As we were staying so close we were able to arrive early and easily take breaks between exploring different areas. You need to park just off the road and then walk up the hill to the lighthouse. 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. DAY 1 Drive: Melbourne > Geelong > Lorne (2-2.5 HRS) It's time to head out!
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. For a great post-drive meal check out theGeelong Boathousefor a classic fish & chips by the sea.
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.
For more information on routes and trails visit the websitehere. After the last couple of years, it seems everyone wants to be out and about and go travelling.
The ocean route via Angelsea (159km) is a spectacular coastal drive and an excellent introduction to the Great Ocean Road. We spent four days self-driving the road from Melbourne, but you could follow our Great Ocean Road itinerary in two or three days if necessary (we had a fair amount of relaxation time). 15 minutes down the road from Kennett River is Wongarra, where we spent the next two nights at Points South by the Sea.
This lookout gives you the chance to see right out to sea and over the entire city. One of the most iconic road trips in all of Australia, if not the world, has got to be the Great Ocean Road drive. We rented a car from the local company Advance Car Rental in Melbournea Toyota Corolla cost us $158 for six days.
Expert travel tips from a digital nomad couple, This page contains affiliate links. hi guys my husband and l are going to drive the great ocean road in early November. 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(!) After a late arrival intoWarrnambool,youll want to see a few of the sights the city has to offer. Have a great time. If you start early and arrive by late morning, youll have a good chance of enjoying the Twelve Apostles without the crowds.
Avoid driving after dark as the roads are windy and unlit and theres the danger of hitting wildlife. You can hike, surf, ride helicopters, follow gourmet food trails, wander seaside towns, and much more. 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. Dinner, stay over night. And sadly our Great Ocean Road trip was over. 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). Journey Time: 15 minutes from Points South by the SeaStop Time: 15 minutes. Our personal recommendation for where we stay in Apollo Bay every time is The Apollo Apartment. The Twelve Apostles are by far the most famous sight on the Great Ocean Road.
Your stop times will varywe tend to walk fast but take a lot of photos. 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). Covering nearly 200 hectares, this park is one of the few Great Ocean Road highlights that is not a beach. You can follow a very similar itinerary to ours, but youll need to pack more in every day.
They are happy for you to wander the property to see the horses, chickens, pigs, and sheep. We didnt bother stopping in Torquay where the Great Ocean Road officially starts, but you might want to visit if youre interested in surf wear. This stone archway once formed a natural bridge over the gorge, but unfortunately collapsed almost a decade ago.
Its also worth following The Wreck of the Loch Ard trail (1.4km return) for more scenic viewpoints. Made famous for theRip Curl Prohosted every Easter, Bells Beach is not only beautiful but a huge part of both Australian and surf culture.
9am- Arrive Barwon heads for sky dive then head back to Melbourne CBD, drop car off in city . 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. There are striking cliffs and rock formations, easy coastal walks, and interesting history. 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. . Journey Time: 7 minutes from The GrottoStop Time: 20 minutes. 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. The weather can play a huge part in what is visible and how close you can get to this area. Benefit. Particularly loved those places you stayed, will have to check them out. The ocean views from almost everywhere in the cottage (including the bed) were just amazing. The iconic rock stacks were created by erosion of the limestone cliffs from the stormy Southern Ocean. Go on a culinary crusade via craft breweries and top regional restaurants on the short inland route back to Melbourne via Colac (below). Subscribe, Home | Australia | The PERFECT Great Ocean Road Drive Itinerary (2023). By the time we arrived it was pouring with rain, so we didnt see much and just had lunch at The Bottle of Milk. Other options include coming from Adelaide, so if this is you, just read the itinerary backwards. It hugs the coastline with many twists and turns and stunning ocean views. Cannon Hillis a great place to start if you want to get the lay of the land. nev-tagAustralianev-tagMelbournenev-tagVictoria Erin, Heading on a road trip along the Great Ocean Road soon, so great article to read.
We enjoyed our cone in the lovely gardens. As the area is popular with day tour buses from Melbourne, the Twelve Apostles are busiest in the afternoon. The Great Ocean Road is in the state of Victoria in south-eastern Australia. They are impossibly cute and fluffy and we couldnt quite believe they were real. Journey Time: 10 minutes from Port CampbellStop Time: 5 minutes. There is a walking track around the island and on the most westerly point youll find a lovely little lighthouse and a pretty viewpoint too. Its a fairly steep climb back up to the car park where there are toilets. Try searching for places within 2 hours of Melbourne. Over time it has been improved to create a peaceful and beautiful space to be enjoyed. One of the most adventurous things to do on the Great Ocean Road drive is to do a bit of scuba diving. The return walk took us 20 minutes and it is rather a steep climb back up. 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.
TheKennett River Koala Walkis the perfect place to get your fix. The drive from Melbourne to Lorne isnt particularly long, only around 2 hours all up.
Its a highlight of a Great Ocean Road itinerary!
Find the best hotels, restaurants, and attractions based on the most talked about places recommended by Trippy members. Happy travels. English . From there you could continue the loop back down to the Great Ocean Road via Lavers Hill.
Melbourne to Adelaide: A 5-day road trip - Tourism Australia Journey Time: 10 minutes from Hopetoun FallsStop Time: 1 hour. Many people also continue inland to the Grampians National Park, a fantastic hiking and wildlife location, before returning to Melbourne via the old gold mining town of Ballarat. You can walk to a few viewing platforms to admire the towering limestone stacks from different angles.
A great photo op spot, this is one of the most photographed spots along the Great Ocean Road. The Ultimate Melbourne to Sydney Road Trip Itinerary Our itinerary will take you through the most iconic towns and cities, the rugged Phillip Island, the small town of Walhalla, the beautiful Wilsons Promontory, and onto the vast Kosciuszko National Park.
The Ultimate Melbourne to Sydney Road Trip Itinerary We hope you have a great time along the Great Ocean Road.