They live in the eucalyptus trees behind the caravan park and are not hard to find. Its a beautiful drive but slow going. Particularly loved those places you stayed, will have to check them out.
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. Possible stops on the way back to Apollo Bay are the Cape Otway Lighthouse (which we visit the next day) and Maits Rest, an easy walk through the rainforest. We recommend Rental Cars, which has the largest range of vehicles for the best value on the market.
If you are on a budget, the cheapest way to do a Great Ocean Road Trip is by camping. I definitely recommend allocating a few hours to explore it all. Its a small village, but Port Campbell is a nice place to stop for a snack and some fuel. Drive from Melbourne to Adelaide along one of Australia's most famous coastal routes.
Then tuck into a delicious dinner at the Salty Dog Fish & Chippery along the beachfront, the perfect way to end a day of exploring. Get the reverse directions for a
I cant recommend Points South enough. Now 2 pillars are left standing above the sea and make for an impressive view inPort Campbell National Park.
The Bay of Islandsoffers similar scenery to the Twelve Apostles but without the crowds. Journey Time: 7 minutes from The GrottoStop Time: 20 minutes. And if you know Melbourne well, please help your fellow Its most famous for the Twelve Apostles rock formations, but theres lots to see along the stunning Shipwreck Coast. Jan Juc Along the way you can sample cheese, whisky, beer, chocolate, fudge, strawberries (in summer), ice cream, and olives from local producers. Hi David and Marg, thanks so much for your comment. Alternatively, you can take a vehicle from Melbourne to Lorne via Geelong and Geelong in around 3h 53m. Stevenson Falls, Triplet Falls, Little Aire Falls, andHopetoun Fallsare just a few of the many highlights here. If you want one of the best views in Geelong, grab a seat on theSkyWheel.
Brekkie tacos, smoothie bowls and a full lunch menu to eat in or take away will please anyone visiting. The ocean views from almost everywhere in the cottage (including the bed) were just amazing.
Head forEastern Beachfirst. We stayed at Anchors at Port Campbellwhere there are three cottages on a farm a few kilometres inland from town. Bells Beach (4 mentions) 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. Where does the Great Ocean Road start and finish. 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. There is no direct connection from Melbourne to Lorne. Apollo Bay is a gorgeous seaside village, located at the entry to the Otways, and without a doubt is one of the most scenic and picturesque stops on our Great Ocean Road drive. Get detailed, easy-to-follow driving or walking directions. Port Campbell is a tiny town, but its a great base for the Twelve Apostles. 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. 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. Happy travels. 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. Find the best hotels, restaurants, and attractions based on the
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. This section could be endless, so rather than trying to If you time it right, there are also history and bush tucker talks. 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. READ MORE: Be sure to plan your best trip to Australia by using our Australia Travel Guide!
The cottages are modern and stylish with big windows to make the most of the views of the rolling green hills and ocean beyond. Split Point Lighthouse is still a functioning lighthouse, so you can only go inside on a tour. Just down the road is Hopetoun Falls. TheKennett River Koala Walkis the perfect place to get your fix. Hi Tracy, November is a beautiful time to travel the Great Ocean Road.
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. Relax and unwind in the seaside town of Lorne, attracting visitors for more than a century with its easy Mediterranean feel and charming scenery.
Our final stops in the area were on the food trail. 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. While the Great Ocean Road covers a ton of coastline, this national park is a gem located more on the inland route.
  • 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(!) The sun doesnt set behind the arch but the cliffs look beautiful in the glowing light. (In fact, we returned a month later to do just that!). 5- Arrive at Lorne. There's a couple of fun things to see in the area including Battery Hill, an old fort, and a beautiful port . Once youve had your fill, hop in the car for a quick drive and to the next and last destination of your road trip. If you're planning a road trip to Lorne, you can research locations to stop along the way.
    The Great Ocean Road is one of the most scenic coastal drives in the world. The downside of taking a tour is that youll never escape the crowds. The whole trail is about 15km, but your best chances for spotting the cute indigenous animals are about 6km in atGrey River. The Grotto is one of the most impressive sections of the coastline, and essentially a sinkhole.
    To: Adelaide. 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 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. The best way to get around is to rent a car and explore on your own! Again thank you. On a clear sunny day and depending on the tide you can get pretty close. These are some of the places people talk about on Trippy: Of course, Trippy is the perfect place to ask questions 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. Do allocate as much time as you can, thoughits a gorgeous part of the world with plenty to see. If it hadnt been raining so heavily, Im sure we would have stopped often for photos. The most scenic leg of the drive is further along between Lorne and Apollo Bay. But all the views are spectacular on this stretch of the Great Ocean Road Trip. But no need to rush. Official site for Melbourne, Victoria, Australia Subscribe. Plan your journey with our route planner. 2pm Check into hotel. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam.
    Shadowfax Wines Jan Juc You can't put 'Australia' and 'road trip' in the same sentence and not have the Great Ocean Road spring to mind.
  • by calculating the distance from Melbourne to Lorne.
    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 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. English .
    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. to double check the weather. For the best panoramic views in Apollo Bay head straight forMarriners Lookout. After the gorge youll pass the town of Port Campbell. The 20-metre falls crash over a ledge with a backdrop of lush ferns and the forest towering above. 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.
    As Victorias 5th largest city, Warrnambool is a lot bigger than most of the seaside towns along the Great Ocean Road drive. Loch Ard Gorge is another place that you dont want to miss. Theres a pull-down bed in the living room so the cottages can sleep up to four people. Go on a culinary crusade via craft breweries and top regional restaurants on the short inland route back to Melbourne via Colac (below).
    Via: Where should I stop along the way? . On the way youll see Tom and Eva, two rock stacks named after the only survivors of the shipwreck. You can also travel from Melbourne to Adelaide via the Great Ocean Road, but youll need at least a few days as its a distance of nearly 1000km (620 miles). You can sometimes see whales here in winter. For more trail information in Great Otway National Park, visit thiswebsite. Youll find them sitting up in the eucalyptus trees. stay for about 1 hour and leave at 3:37 pmdrive for about 24 minutes, Shadowfax Wines
    Other lunch options are Movida which was recommended to us for tapas or The Swingbridge Cafe is right on the beach. Wear shoes that are comfortable for walking. 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. From Beauchamp we drove back to Points South in about 45 minutes. The Lightstation is open every day from 10am 5pm (except for Christmas Day), but if you arrive out of hours, you can still walk along the lovely coastal trail that starts by the car park. A great photo op spot, this is one of the most photographed spots along the Great Ocean Road. Anyone remember the 90s TV show Round the Twist? Both are amazing expressions of natural beauty and are worth checking out. Gradually caves were formed, then arches, and when they collapsed the rock stacks stood alone, isolated from the shore. Start early, drive Melbourne > Geelong > Colac > 12 Apostles; this inland route is much faster. Yes, even this step is optional, because if you're on vacation
    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]. The trip from Adelaide to Melbourne takes around 8 hours if you go the inland route.
    The drive from . 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. Quest Warrnambool is the perfect place to do just that.
    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. The lake views here are stunning and if youre lucky you might even be able to lay your eyes on a platypus or two. Stop 1 Torquay We left at 10am and arrived in Port Campbell at 2.45pm. The road up into the forest is even windier than the coastal route and narrow in parts. You can view the falls from the side and clamber on the rocks to see them from the pool below. We already have plans to return and will perhaps try the 100km Great Ocean Walk next time. How far is the Great Ocean Road from Melbourne? 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. Lorne to Melbourne drive, or go to the main page to plan a new road trip. . We didnt do this but tours take place every half an hour from 11am until 1.30pm for 3045 minutes and cost $10. 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. I highly recommend visiting in the morning to truly enjoy it.
    DestinationsPhotographySustainable TourismAdventure Travel, Adventure ToursStart a BlogTravel TipsSitemap, 2023 NOMADasaurus | Peak Evolution Media, The PERFECT Great Ocean Road Drive Itinerary (2023). But it has a strange beak and is one of the few mammals that lay eggs. Join the adventures on our YouTube channel!
    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. But that does not take away from the impressive views at all. We personally stayed there when we travelled across Australia, and highly recommend it. Its not the best quality chocolate, but we still enjoyed it. Melbourne is a city renowned for its food, shopping, sporting culture and nightlife. Below Ive included driving times between stops and how long we spent at each destination. thought of doing it in one day, but now will make a stop over and take two days..
    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. 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. 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. Not even 15km from Apollo Bay is the incredibly lush and beautifulGreat Otway National Park. The landscape varies depending on which route you take. Last on the Great Ocean Road Backpackers Guide is the quaint little town of Port Fairy.
    Journey Time: 1 hour from Apollo Bay or WongarraStop Time: 25 minutes. Distance from Lorne: 45.5 km Estimated total driving time from Lorne: 54 minutes Activity length: 3 hours Another excellent spot for the best coastal views in this Melbourne to Adelaide drive is Apollo Bay. 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. Take the inland road via Colac and drive directly to Port Campbell (about 3 hours from Melbourne). The quieter location meant we could really enjoy the natural beauty of the area. David & Marg.
    Do you think that will be possible that time of year or do we have to book in advance ? The official start of The Great Ocean Road, Torquay is a town with an ingrained surfing culture. Have a great time. We visited in early spring (mid-September) and while we werent going to do any swimming, it was good walking weather. I have no problem driving. Keep an eye open as you wander the trails for koalas up in the trees and beautiful native birds soaring around too. Days: 5. Its only a 10-minute drive from the Twelve Apostles so was very convenient for getting there early.
    As the area is popular with day tour buses from Melbourne, the Twelve Apostles are busiest in the afternoon. Follow our journey in real time on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram.
    Its a wonderfully scenic place with a beach below and crashing waves. Park at the Kafe Koala and follow the crowds. They are famous for their scallop pies but have plenty of vegetarian and vegan options. With the last day of your Great Ocean Road itinerary upon you, there is still so much to be seen and experienced. 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. 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 They are impossibly cute and fluffy and we couldnt quite believe they were real. If you want an even better view of the Twelve Apostles, you can take a helicopter ride over them. The huge natural limestone arch was formed by erosion and you can see the power of the waves that caused it. Languages.
    TheForeshore Promenadeis a great place for a stroll as well and stretches on for about 6 km. Please read our disclosure for more info. It's okay, you can start planning your 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. It hugs the coastline with many twists and turns and stunning ocean views. Check out Points South on Vrbo or compare prices on Booking.com. 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. Try searching for places within 2 hours of Melbourne. No, the Great Ocean Road isnt particularly dangerous to drive, as long as you take proper precautions. I found holiday rental sites had the most interesting options and ended up booking two lovely cottages with stunning views. This budget-friendly hostel has dorms and private rooms and its in the centre of town with a fantastic roof terrace. Port Fairy offers great locations forscuba divingincludingThe Thistle. 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. Theres also a cafe if you want a longer break.
    The drive from Melbourne to Lorne isn't particularly long, only around 2 hours all up. The Twelve Apostles are by far the most famous sight on the Great Ocean Road. 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. 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. We had a light lunch in the surprisingly good cafe housed in the Assistant Keepers Quarters with views of the lighthouse. . The views of the town and coastline are superb. Journey Time: 35 minutes from Apollo BayStop Time: 2 hours (including lunch).

    Sat & Sun trip dates & more!

    Alternative Places to Stay Near Apollo Bay. However, the views arent affected by the bigger cityscape. We loved the quiet location. To drive direct from the Melbourne CBD to Torquay, where the road officially starts, is 104km, or 1 hour and 20 minutes. But one of the most incredible Great Ocean Road attractions is just around the corner. Many people visit the Great Ocean Road as a very long day trip from Melbourne on bus tours. Avoid driving after dark as the roads are windy and unlit and theres the danger of hitting wildlife. Your email address will not be published. . Following the Otway Harvest Trail choose between local breweries, berry and fruit farms with quaint cafes, provedore grocers and restaurants a plenty. If you fancy trying your luck to spot some wildlife head out to nearbyLake Elizabeth. Its a casual, diner type place on the seafront strip thats known for its burgers.
    This port city is the second-largest in the state of Victoria and overlooks the gorgeousCorio Bay. And your Great Ocean Road route should not miss out on two other attractions nearby either. Conveniently located a little ways from Port Campbell, these serviced apartments have great rooms, a gorgeous pool area and make for a great stopover. While your stop here signals the end of your epic 3 day Great Ocean Road itinerary, youre now on to new and exciting things.
    You are free to wander around the farm to try to see koalas and wallabies or head down to the lovely private beach for a walk or surf. 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. While wandering around town youll surely spot a ton of street art, which is something Geelong is known for. With great facilities, cozy apartment-style suites and great views from almost any room on site, this is your best choice if youd like a bit of space to stretch out after a big day of driving the Great Ocean Road. At night we loved snuggling on the comfy couch by the fireplace. We actually visited at sunset the previous day. The first stop when driving the Great Ocean Road will beGeelong. 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.

    Another good stop in Aireys Inlet is Fairhaven Beach. Expert travel tips from a digital nomad couple, This page contains affiliate links. Apollo Bay has plenty of spots for lunch and a big beach. Even better, its a non-profit enterprise that provides training and employment opportunities to people with mental and physical disabilities. Train operators. 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. A round trip from Melbourne to the 12 Apostles travelling along the Great Ocean Road will take your travel . Family. We had lunch and found the vegetarian options a bit limited if you didnt want cheese, but the food gets good reviews from meat-eaters. Its also a fantastic place if you are looking to see some native Australian wildlife. Journey Time: 10 minutes from Port CampbellStop Time: 1 hour 25 minutes. Its worth a quick stop to admire the surfers riding the waves from the viewing platform above. If you really want a unique perspective though, and love a bit of adventure, how does skydiving over the 12 Apostles sound? From: Melbourne. 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).
  • The Grotto is unlike any of the other rock formations in the area. You can also compare the travel time if you're flying or driving These commissions help us keep creating more free travel content to help people plan their holidays and adventures. Journey Time: 1.5 hours from MelbourneStop Time: 10 minutes. Make sure you check road conditions to double check the weather. 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. The only exception is if you only have one day for the drive, which I explain below. You can also compare many rental companies and find the cheapest cars at Rental Cars.
    Although the property is along the road itself, the cottages are perched upon the cliffside and it feels wonderfully tranquil with only the sound of crashing waves below. We enjoyed our cone in the lovely gardens.
    Dont forget that in Australia you drive on the left. Turn off for this road just before you reach Apollo Bay. 288 km/179 miles, about 3.5 hours.
    Linklaters London Staff, Chris Miller White Rabbit Age, 1972 Ford Gran Torino Sport For Sale In California, Quest Hunter Dungeon Under The Tavern Orbs, Articles M