It's okay, you can start planning your Its also worth following The Wreck of the Loch Ard trail (1.4km return) for more scenic viewpoints. 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. Search for more options in Port Campbell here. 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.
Day 1: Melbourne to Port Fairy via inland route.
The ultimate Melbourne to Adelaide roadtrip along the Great Ocean Road and taking in Lorne, Apollo Bay, Port Fairy, Mount Gambier and Victor Harbour. Take the inland road via Colac and drive directly to Port Campbell (about 3 hours from Melbourne). Due to crashing waves over millennia, saltwater and erosion there are now only 8 limestone stacks remaining out of 12. Stop 2 Point Roadknight, Anglesea Alternative Places to Stay in Port Campbell. The downside of taking a tour is that youll never escape the crowds. You can try chocolate buttons for free as you enter and then browse the massive selection of treats including lots of unusual flavours.
Stock up on essentials, fill up the car, turn up the radio and head towards Apollo Bay! The best Great Ocean Road stops are in the Port Campbell National Park (including Twelve Apostles) so focus your time here. You can hike, surf, ride helicopters, follow gourmet food trails, wander seaside towns, and much more.
They are a beautiful sight amongst the dramatic cliffs and crashing waves as they change colour throughout the day. 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. How far is the Great Ocean Road from Melbourne? Explore the best of Australia and find your perfect getaway. Not even 15km from Apollo Bay is the incredibly lush and beautifulGreat Otway National Park. 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. 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. 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. Other options include coming from Adelaide, so if this is you, just read the itinerary backwards.
Each cottage feels very private and has outstanding ocean views. We were also planning to stop at Teddys Lookout on the way out of town, but visibility was so low we didnt bother.
Lorne is one of the most popular towns on a Great Ocean Road Trip. 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. 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. ThePort FairyBotanical Gardensare a lovely spot for an afternoon walk and to admire the plants and flowers. 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. Try searching for places within 2 hours of Melbourne.
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 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. Inland route, via Colac.
9am- Arrive Barwon heads for sky dive then head back to Melbourne CBD, drop car off in city .
Trip Planner | Travel - RACQ Avoid driving after dark as the roads are windy and unlit and theres the danger of hitting wildlife. We already have plans to return and will perhaps try the 100km Great Ocean Walk next time. Port Fairy.
Have a great time. 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. 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. 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.
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. There's a couple of fun things to see in the area including Battery Hill, an old fort, and a beautiful port . Journey Time: 7 minutes from The GrottoStop Time: 20 minutes. Day 3: Warrnambool to Port Fairy then Melbourne (or Adelaide). Make sure you book ahead though, as its not something you can just show up and do. Friday.
Happy travels. You can walk to a few viewing platforms to admire the towering limestone stacks from different angles.