melbourne to lorne via inland route

Get detailed, easy-to-follow driving or walking directions. All prices quotes below are in Australian dollars. Its most famous for the Twelve Apostles rock formations, but theres lots to see along the stunning Shipwreck Coast. 3rd Stop: Lorne. Through our stories and images we promote exciting off-the-beaten-path destinations and fascinating cultures as we go. Follow our journey in real time on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram. There are a few options for pit stop number 3, which will time in perfectly with a late lunch. The inland route is generally the quicker choice for these times. Thanks. Your Great Ocean Road itinerary may be coming to an end, but dont worry, youll finish up with a dreamy little visit toPort Fairy. The gas log fire kept us warm. 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). 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. Note there are no toilets at any of the other sights on todays itinerary.

Port Fairy. Picking up and dropping off the car was quick and easy, and they are near Queen Victoria Market where you can pick up supplies for the trip. Particularly loved those places you stayed, will have to check them out. To get you fueled up for your last day head toBohemiaCafe & Barfor a takeaway coffee or a wicked and delicious breakfast. We even saw a wallaby (like a smaller kangaroo)!
Our road trip starts in Melbourne and our first destination is Lorne but since that's a little far, let's make a stopover in Geelong on the way. Visit 12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge. At the end of your Great Ocean Road itinerary, you can leave Port Fairy andhead back towards Melbourneon the M8 National highway to take on your next series of Aussie fun. Journey Time: 25 minutes from Aireys InletStop Time: 50 minutes. You can see our detailed GOR self-drive itinerary below. 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. Journey Time: 20 minutes from ChocolaterieStop Time: 25 minutes. Stock up on essentials, fill up the car, turn up the radio and head towards Apollo Bay! 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. Winter (June to August) can be chilly, but youll have the chance to see whales, lower crowds, and can cosy up by the fire. No, the Great Ocean Road isnt particularly dangerous to drive, as long as you take proper precautions. Make sure you check road conditions to double check the weather. This map shows the best things to see on the Great Ocean Road drive.
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.
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. 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. The ocean views from almost everywhere in the cottage (including the bed) were just amazing. Journey Time: 10 minutes from Port CampbellStop Time: 1 hour 25 minutes. There are two viewing platforms to admire London Bridge a short walk from the car park. Bells Beach (4 mentions) document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Weve been traveling the world together since 2008, searching for the planets best destinations and adventures. The inland route via Ballarat and Bordertown is faster, but the Great Ocean Road is an incredible experience. 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 rented a car from the local company Advance Car Rental in Melbournea Toyota Corolla cost us $158 for six days. We stayed in one of the modern, luxury cottages at Anchors at Port Campbellon a farm a few kilometres inland from Port Campbell. 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].
  • . DAY 1 Drive: Melbourne > Geelong > Lorne (2-2.5 HRS) It's time to head out! The Arch is the first in a series of rock formations where you can stop for a quick look from viewing platforms. 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.
    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. The nearest major city is Melbourne and its a popular day or side trip from there (its where we visited from). This lookout gives you the chance to see right out to sea and over the entire city. The Great Ocean Road is one of the most scenic coastal drives in the world. stay for about 1 hour and leave at 12:30 pmdrive for about 51 minutes, 1:22 pm Jan Juc 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.
    Our last full day was dedicated to the Port Campbell National Park.
    And sadly our Great Ocean Road trip was over. But one of the most incredible Great Ocean Road attractions is just around the corner. TheKennett River Koala Walkis the perfect place to get your fix.
    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. Bells Beach is a famous surf beach with huge waves and is home to the Rip Curl Pro surfing competition in April. Soaring high above the limestone stacks youll get the best views of Victorias Shipwreck Coast. hi guys my husband and l are going to drive the great ocean road in early November. I have no problem driving. While all the cottages have superb views, I recommend requesting Cottage 1 as it has the best views down to Cape Patton.
  • The homemade scones and vegetarian korma pie were delicious, and the cakes looked tempting. We loved the quiet location. For the best panoramic views in Apollo Bay head straight forMarriners Lookout. To: Adelaide. . For more trail information in Great Otway National Park, visit thiswebsite. 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. 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. They live in the eucalyptus trees behind the caravan park and are not hard to find. The Twelve Apostles are by far the most famous sight on the Great Ocean Road. Its most popular in summer (December to February) when you can enjoy the beaches. Expert travel tips from a digital nomad couple, This page contains affiliate links. Hi Tracy, November is a beautiful time to travel the Great Ocean Road. For a great post-drive meal check out theGeelong Boathousefor a classic fish & chips by the sea. 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. Torquay is also home to theSurf World Museumwith tons of history about the sport and its fame in Australia. We take the coastal route on the way there, and head inland to explore The Otways on the way back. Day 3: Warrnambool to Port Fairy then Melbourne (or Adelaide). 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.
    Its also worth following The Wreck of the Loch Ard trail (1.4km return) for more scenic viewpoints. At 8.30am we had it entirely to ourselves.
    288 km/179 miles, about 3.5 hours. 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. 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. Plan your journey with our route planner. Other good breaks in addition to Bells Beach includeSan Juc, Winki Pop, Bird RockandSparrowsjust to name a few. And to get your fill of more art you can visit theGeelong Art GalleryandThe Heritage Center. Melbourne is a city renowned for its food, shopping, sporting culture and nightlife. We didnt do this but tours take place every half an hour from 11am until 1.30pm for 3045 minutes and cost $10. Journey Time: 25 minutes from Twelve Apostles (15 minutes from Port Campbell)Stop Time: 1 hour 30 minutes. Gradually caves were formed, then arches, and when they collapsed the rock stacks stood alone, isolated from the shore. 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. What used to be a swamp was reclaimed and turned into these pretty gardens in 1858. It consists of three cottages on a 160-acre farm owned by Bryan and Joan. The drive from Lorne to Apollo Bay is the most scenic section of the Great Ocean Road.
    The views of the countryside outside are lovely. Seeingthe Twelve Apostlesfor yourself should be at the top of your Australian Bucket list, no matter the weather. I definitely recommend allocating a few hours to explore it all.
    Youll also find theAustralian Surfing Hall of Famehere as well. . There are some short trails you can follow, but we didnt have time to go far. 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. The best way to get around is to rent a car and explore on your own!

    suggest every local activity or attraction, we'll leave it Kennett River is known as one of the best spots on the Great Ocean Road to see koalas, and it didnt disappoint. Even if youve never seen the show, its worth a stop as its a quintessential lighthouse and there are beautiful coastal views. You can also buy a toasted sandwich or cheese platter ($20). FromWarrnambool Breakwaterall the way toLogans Beachthis is a great spot to take in the coastal views and even pass a little penguin breeding ground.
    If possible, I recommend driving yourself and spending at least two nights on the road. Yes, even this step is optional, because if you're on vacation
    , 3 must-do stops on a Melbourne to Lorne road trip. You can also compare many rental companies and find the cheapest cars at Rental Cars.
    . You can look down to the falls from a platform near the car park, but its better to walk down the steps to get a closeup view. 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.
    How far is the Great Ocean Road from Melbourne? Happy travels.
    Both are natural, offshore stone archways. Do you think that will be possible that time of year or do we have to book in advance ? Youll find them sitting up in the eucalyptus trees. They are full of handmade art and crafts and locally made treats to indulge in like jams, pastries, pickles and ice-cream. Plan your journey with our route planner. Its worth a quick stop to admire the surfers riding the waves from the viewing platform above. 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 Follow the inland route if you are headed back to Melbourne for a shorter drive. Journey Time: 3 minutes from RedwoodsStop Time: 20 minutes. Stevenson Falls, Triplet Falls, Little Aire Falls, andHopetoun Fallsare just a few of the many highlights here. 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. Both routes meet in Lorne, which is 15 minutes from Wye River. Theres also a cafe if you just want a coffee or one of the tasty looking cakes. 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. 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. And if you know Melbourne well, please help your fellow Great Ocean Road. After the gorge youll pass the town of Port Campbell. After a late arrival intoWarrnambool,youll want to see a few of the sights the city has to offer. Theres a pull-down bed in the living room so the cottages can sleep up to four people. This was our Great Ocean Road route.
    You can visit the Marriners Lookout, Lake Elizabeth, and local museums such as The Bass Strait Shell Museum to discover more about sea life. We visited in early spring (mid-September) and while we werent going to do any swimming, it was good walking weather. Have a great time.
    From there you could continue the loop back down to the Great Ocean Road via Lavers Hill.
    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. Its not the best quality chocolate, but we still enjoyed it. Covering nearly 200 hectares, this park is one of the few Great Ocean Road highlights that is not a beach. If you want one of the best views in Geelong, grab a seat on theSkyWheel. Family. 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 steps lead to a beach where you can get another view of the Twelve Apostles, but unfortunately, they were closed for safety reasons on our visit.
    The sun wasnt quite high enough to illuminate the stacks, but an hour later it was, and there were even fewer people around. Now 2 pillars are left standing above the sea and make for an impressive view inPort Campbell National Park. Trippy is where After passing through Port Campbell, youll pass by The Arch and London Bridge. Journey Time: 4 minutes from London BridgeStop Time: 20 minutes. The current exchange rate is 1 AUD = 0.78 USD and 0.56 GBP. Once youve had your fill, hop in the car for a quick drive and to the next and last destination of your road trip. You can also walk down the steps onto the beautiful beach. 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). Get the reverse directions for a
    Journey Time: 15 minutes from Points South by the SeaStop Time: 15 minutes. 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. trip dates & more! Required fields are marked *. Want to plan the trip back? 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. 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. Journey Time: 10 minutes from Port CampbellStop Time: 5 minutes. What is a partial cave, archway and blowhole, The Grotto is definitely something to marvel at. Its a hub for the local food scene with a small shop selling cheese, wine, beer, condiments and other products made in the area. For a view worth getting out of the comfort of your car for, your next stop is Point Roadknight in Anglesea. Learn how your comment data is processed. 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.
    Its a beautiful drive but slow going. After the Twelve Apostles, continue along the Great Ocean Road towards Port Campbell. Below Ive included driving times between stops and how long we spent at each destination. You can try chocolate buttons for free as you enter and then browse the massive selection of treats including lots of unusual flavours. Its a highlight of a Great Ocean Road itinerary! They are a beautiful sight amongst the dramatic cliffs and crashing waves as they change colour throughout the day.
    With the last day of your Great Ocean Road itinerary upon you, there is still so much to be seen and experienced.
    Journey Time: 7 minutes from The GrottoStop Time: 20 minutes. (I would have liked to stay longer but we were getting hungry for lunch as it was after 2pm). stay for about 1 hour and leave at 3:37 pmdrive for about 24 minutes, Shadowfax Wines If you want an even better view of the Twelve Apostles, you can take a helicopter ride over them.
    to each other and sharing tips and advice. 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. Total Distance: 1,121 km. 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. We saw an adorable mother and baby koala! 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. 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. 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. Reserve your spot here. Journey Time: 40 minutes from LorneStop Time: 15 minutes. You have to walk down 400 steps to get to the beach where you can see the remains of shipwrecks.

    Find the best hotels, restaurants, and attractions based on the Cannon Hillis a great place to start if you want to get the lay of the land. 7am-Leave Lorne . Journey Time: 1 hour from Apollo Bay or WongarraStop Time: 25 minutes. Theres also a cafe if you want a longer break. So you may get lucky to lay your eyes on some of these cute local beach dwellers. because there's an entire community of travelers talking
    you can get answers personalized for your tastes, budgets, Both are amazing expressions of natural beauty and are worth checking out.
  • 11:00 am start in Melbournedrive for about 30 minutes, 11:30 am eat at Shadowfax Wines Conveniently located a little ways from Port Campbell, these serviced apartments have great rooms, a gorgeous pool area and make for a great stopover.
    Book as far in advance as you can as it is very popular. There was only one other person on the beach when we visited.
    You can do a Great Ocean Road Trip at any time of year.
    Head forEastern Beachfirst. The drive from Melbourne to Lorne isnt particularly long, only around 2 hours all up. Journey Time: 10 minutes from Bells BeachStop Time: 30 minutes. The ocean route via Angelsea (159km) is a spectacular coastal drive and an excellent introduction to the Great Ocean Road. Wear shoes that are comfortable for walking. English . Journey Time: 1.5 hours from MelbourneStop Time: 10 minutes.
    Great Ocean Road (6 mentions) 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. We visited two stops in the tiny town of Timboon for lunch and fitted in a couple more on our way back to Melbourne the next day. Its a beautiful long sweep of sand that would be great for a walk. Sail through the clouds with only 1 other person for an up-close and personal adventure. You have given us a great itinerary to get the best out of our trip. The most scenic leg of the drive is further along between Lorne and Apollo Bay. But no need to rush. You need to park just off the road and then walk up the hill to the lighthouse. We didnt expect to spend so long at a chocolate shop, but this place is huge! nev-tagAustralianev-tagMelbournenev-tagVictoria Erin, Heading on a road trip along the Great Ocean Road soon, so great article to read. It hugs the coastline with many twists and turns and stunning ocean views. 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. Each cottage feels very private and has outstanding ocean views. 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). Beach. Many people visit the Great Ocean Road as a very long day trip from Melbourne on bus tours. 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. Days: 5. I cant recommend Points South enough. This section could be endless, so rather than trying to There are striking cliffs and rock formations, easy coastal walks, and interesting history.
  • The Great Ocean Road is in the state of Victoria in south-eastern Australia. by calculating the distance from Melbourne to Lorne. We were more interested in luxury accommodation on the Great Ocean Road as we wanted a place where we could relax and enjoy the views between sightseeing trips. However, when the winds pick up it is best to stay above the Grotto.
    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. The Botanic Cafe on the Lake within the Botanical Gardens is a pretty spot for lunch with outdoor seating and views of the lake.

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