melbourne to lorne via inland route
With the last day of your Great Ocean Road itinerary upon you, there is still so much to be seen and experienced. We take the coastal route on the way there, and head inland to explore The Otways on the way back.
Go on a culinary crusade via craft breweries and top regional restaurants on the short inland route back to Melbourne via Colac (below). One of the most iconic road trips in all of Australia, if not the world, has got to be the Great Ocean Road drive. Jan Juc 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. They are impossibly cute and fluffy and we couldnt quite believe they were real. Cant wait for the trip , Thanks Tracy. Click the button below to explore more questions
We stayed at Anchors at Port Campbellwhere there are three cottages on a farm a few kilometres inland from town.
There are more motels than boutique hotels in the area. 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. 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. Quest Warrnambool is the perfect place to do just that. The Grotto is one of the most impressive sections of the coastline, and essentially a sinkhole. While the Great Ocean Road covers a ton of coastline, this national park is a gem located more on the inland route. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Here's a sample itinerary for a drive from Melbourne to Lorne.
As Victorias 5th largest city, Warrnambool is a lot bigger than most of the seaside towns along the Great Ocean Road drive. Days - 1, 2 & 3 - Melbourne CBD.
Other good breaks in addition to Bells Beach includeSan Juc, Winki Pop, Bird RockandSparrowsjust to name a few. 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.
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. . Continue on from this point as there are tons of Great Ocean Road attractions to come. Each cottage feels very private and has outstanding ocean views. Lorne is one of the most popular towns on a Great Ocean Road Trip. We stayed in one of the modern, luxury cottages at Anchors at Port Campbellon a farm a few kilometres inland from Port Campbell. If you had plenty of time, you might want to spend a night here as there are some beautiful beaches and waterfalls nearby. 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. Via: Where should I stop along the way? Port Fairy.
Head down to the Moyne River and stretch your legs along the wharves. Stop for lunch in Campertown - try a local cafe or bring a picnic to eat in the Botanic Gardens; Explore Port Fairy, including the bookshops mentioned in this post, and stay the night .
Note there are no toilets at any of the other sights on todays itinerary. It should take you just under 3 hours to drive from Warrnambool back . Its only a 10-minute drive from the Twelve Apostles so was very convenient for getting there early. How long does it take to drive the Great Ocean Road? Its a small platform and we were lucky that we got to take a few photos before three tour buses arrived.
We left at 10.30am and with the stops below arrived back in the city at 3.30pm. You can visit the Marriners Lookout, Lake Elizabeth, and local museums such as The Bass Strait Shell Museum to discover more about sea life. 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. The Great Ocean Road is in the state of Victoria in south-eastern Australia.
Loch Ard Gorge is another place that you dont want to miss. We already have plans to return and will perhaps try the 100km Great Ocean Walk next time. If you had plenty of time, you might want to spend a night here as there are some beautiful beaches and waterfalls nearby. 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. READ MORE: Be sure to plan your best trip to Australia by using our Australia Travel Guide! Languages. Check out Points South on Vrbo or compare prices on Booking.com. Its barely even a hamlet, just a collection of houses and farms spread along the coast, but the bigger town Apollo Bay is only 15 minutes away. Beach. 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).
Looking for ideas for more destinations within driving distance of Melbourne? Particularly loved those places you stayed, will have to check them out.
Cannon Hillis a great place to start if you want to get the lay of the land. The Great Ocean Road drive is 243km (151 miles) long. The gas log fire kept us warm. The ocean views from almost everywhere in the cottage (including the bed) were just amazing.
As its a fairly leisurely drive why not break up the short journey and enjoy the sights of the Victorian Surf Coast along the way. Youll also find the end of theGreat Ocean Walkhere, which allows you to get some stunning coastal views from a boardwalk before taking to the beach to see these immense stacks from the ground.
- along with all the incredible attractions and things to do . Stop 1 - Torquay The official start of The Great Ocean Road, Torquay is a town with an ingrained surfing culture. 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. The huge natural limestone arch was formed by erosion and you can see the power of the waves that caused it. Avoid driving after dark as the roads are windy and unlit and theres the danger of hitting wildlife.
Dinner, stay over night. We only recommend the best accommodations, tours and products, and regularly review these. This rock arch was once connected to the mainland until in collapsed in 1990 (leaving two tourists trapped but uninjured). If you time it right, there are also history and bush tucker talks. This gives you the opportunity to see the quieter countryside inland of vibrant rolling hills and farmlandyou could almost be in England. From the car park its a short walk to a viewpoint of the beach surrounded by cliffs. 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. Day 3: Warrnambool to Port Fairy then Melbourne (or Adelaide).
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. Dont forget that in Australia you drive on the left.
Yes, even this step is optional, because if you're on vacation
suggest every local activity or attraction, we'll leave it However, Loch Ard Gorge is still a stunning place for a swim. (I would have liked to stay longer but we were getting hungry for lunch as it was after 2pm). The views of the countryside outside are lovely. When you continue down the road, the Cape Patton Lookout Point is a good place for views. 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. Due to crashing waves over millennia, saltwater and erosion there are now only 8 limestone stacks remaining out of 12. 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.
Winter (June to August) can be chilly, but youll have the chance to see whales, lower crowds, and can cosy up by the fire. We recommend Rental Cars, which has the largest range of vehicles for the best value on the market. As the area is popular with day tour buses from Melbourne, the Twelve Apostles are busiest in the afternoon. We arrived at our accommodation at 4.40pm. thought of doing it in one day, but now will make a stop over and take two days..
You can take a bus from Melbourne Airport (MEL) to Lorne via Skybus Coach Terminal/Southern Cross, Southern Cross Coach Terminal/Spencer St, and Geelong in around 5h 11m. 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). Wye River is just over two hours drive from Melbourne via the M1. 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. I highly recommend visiting in the morning to truly enjoy it. This page contains affiliate links. The lake views here are stunning and if youre lucky you might even be able to lay your eyes on a platypus or two. The ultimate Melbourne to Adelaide roadtrip along the Great Ocean Road and taking in Lorne, Apollo Bay, Port Fairy, Mount Gambier and Victor Harbour. 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. For more trail information in Great Otway National Park, visit thiswebsite.
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. Even if youve never seen the show, its worth a stop as its a quintessential lighthouse and there are beautiful coastal views. And sadly our Great Ocean Road trip was over. 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).
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]. 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. We stayed in Cottage 1 and didnt want to leave. 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. to each other and sharing tips and advice. Check the latest prices of Anchors on Vrbo or on Booking.com. TheKennett River Koala Walkis the perfect place to get your fix. The most scenic leg of the drive is further along between Lorne and Apollo Bay. What to expect Surf at world-famous Bells Beach.
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. However, you can take the train to Geelong, take the walk to Geelong, then take the bus to Lorne Visitor Centre/Great Ocean Rd. The first stop when driving the Great Ocean Road will beGeelong.
.
Its part-archway, part-cave with a serene pool of water in contrast to the powerful waves beyond. After the gorge youll pass the town of Port Campbell. The current exchange rate is 1 AUD = 0.78 USD and 0.56 GBP. But no need to rush.
Bells Beach (4 mentions) This dive spot is actually a ship that was wrecked off the eastern beach in Port Fairy in 1849. If wed had an extra night, wed have spent it at Points South by the Sea just so we could have a relaxation day in our cottage enjoying the view and local walks.
stay for about 1 hour and leave at 2:22 pmdrive for about 15 minutes, 2:37 pm Great Ocean Road because there's an entire community of travelers talking
Its a beautiful drive but slow going. hi guys my husband and l are going to drive the great ocean road in early November.
If it hadnt been raining so heavily, Im sure we would have stopped often for photos. to double check the weather. Stevenson Falls, Triplet Falls, Little Aire Falls, andHopetoun Fallsare just a few of the many highlights here. They are famous for their scallop pies but have plenty of vegetarian and vegan options. After a late arrival intoWarrnambool,youll want to see a few of the sights the city has to offer. If possible, I recommend driving yourself and spending at least two nights on the road. Theres a pull-down bed in the living room so the cottages can sleep up to four people.
Get detailed, easy-to-follow driving or walking directions. TheForeshore Promenadeis a great place for a stroll as well and stretches on for about 6 km. For the best panoramic views in Apollo Bay head straight forMarriners Lookout. 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. 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 Alternative Places to Stay in Port Campbell. Along the way you can sample cheese, whisky, beer, chocolate, fudge, strawberries (in summer), ice cream, and olives from local producers. Happy travels. As it's a fairly leisurely drive why not break up the short journey and enjoy the sights of the Victorian Surf Coast along the way. Your stop times will varywe tend to walk fast but take a lot of photos. Stop 3 Otway Harvest Trail While wandering around town youll surely spot a ton of street art, which is something Geelong is known for. They are a beautiful sight amongst the dramatic cliffs and crashing waves as they change colour throughout the day. Reserve your spot here. To: Adelaide.
2pm Check into hotel. open-ended. 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. Before making your way onto day number 3 of your adventure-packed Great Ocean Road trip youll be looking for a place to catch a good nights sleep. DestinationsPhotographySustainable TourismAdventure Travel, Adventure ToursStart a BlogTravel TipsSitemap, 2023 NOMADasaurus | Peak Evolution Media, The PERFECT Great Ocean Road Drive Itinerary (2023). To get you fueled up for your last day head toBohemiaCafe & Barfor a takeaway coffee or a wicked and delicious breakfast. Take in the beauty of the 12 Apostles. Journey Time: 4 minutes from London BridgeStop Time: 20 minutes. 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. As one of the world's leading travel journalists, our content and adventures have been featured by National Geographic, Lonely Planet, CNN, BBC, Forbes, Business Insider, Washington Post, Yahoo!, BuzzFeed, Channel 7, Channel 10, ABC, The Guardian, and plenty other publications. Now youll be able to find the wreckage in shallow waters, which makes it great for divers to explore. 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. The inland route is generally the quicker choice for these times. Many people visit the Great Ocean Road as a very long day trip from Melbourne on bus tours. After the Twelve Apostles, continue along the Great Ocean Road towards Port Campbell. Our last full day was dedicated to the Port Campbell National Park. Journey Time: 35 minutes from Apollo BayStop Time: 2 hours (including lunch). Alternative Places to Stay Near Apollo Bay. RACQ's Trip Planner allows you to find places, get directions or plan your next road trip. Follow the inland route if you are headed back to Melbourne for a shorter drive. Both are natural, offshore stone archways. The Bay of Islandsoffers similar scenery to the Twelve Apostles but without the crowds. And your Great Ocean Road route should not miss out on two other attractions nearby either. Journey Time: 25 minutes from Aireys InletStop Time: 50 minutes. Get the reverse directions for a You can also buy a toasted sandwich or cheese platter ($20).
While driving to Lorne we had our first Australian wildlife experiencean echidna crossing the road. After the last couple of years, it seems everyone wants to be out and about and go travelling. Port Campbell is a tiny town, but its a great base for the Twelve Apostles. Shadowfax Wines Jan Juc . 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. Just around the corner is Timboon Fine Ice Cream where you can choose from a huge selection of unusual flavours including a whisky cream made with the drink from next door. 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). Most of the time I was fine in my Allbirds wool runners, but I was glad for hiking shoes on the muddy trails to the waterfalls in Great Otway National Park. We saw an adorable mother and baby koala! 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). Loch Ard Gorgeis the first attraction on the way, just a stones throw from the Twelve Apostles. 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.
Sat & Sun Both are amazing expressions of natural beauty and are worth checking out.
Journey Time: 10 minutes from Bells BeachStop Time: 30 minutes.
trip dates & more! Answer 1 of 3: Hi - I'm on a tour of Melbourne with 3 seniors and one 4 year. If you have limited time you could skip this one (we preferred London Bridge), but its only a quick stop. You could also fit them in on the previous day. 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. You could continue down the coast, perhaps having a break in Port Campbell (Forage on Foreshore is a recommended cafe).
There are many free campsites and serviced holiday parks along the route, and you can either pitch your own tent or drive a campervan. Days: 5.
Expect to see beaches, waterfalls, forests, lighthouses, limestone formations, koalas, and if youre lucky, whales. The 20-metre falls crash over a ledge with a backdrop of lush ferns and the forest towering above.
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. Beauchamp Falls wasnt on our original plan but ended up being my favourite stop of the day. To drive direct from the Melbourne CBD to Torquay, where the road officially starts, is 104km, or 1 hour and 20 minutes.
Find local inspiration and start planning your next road trip with our simple interactive journey planner. If you're planning a road trip to Lorne, you can research locations to stop along the way.
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. Park at the Kafe Koala and follow the crowds. The landscape varies depending on which route you take.
For most people, the trip willstart in Melbourneand can be done in a loop or a return journey. Day 1: Melbourne to Port Fairy via inland route. Jump out of a plane at 15,000 feet above the ground and get the best, most exhilarating views of the entire coastline.
As we were staying so close we were able to arrive early and easily take breaks between exploring different areas. The extensive grounds contain much more than just the lighthouse and you can learn about the history dating back to 1848 and enjoy fantastic views of the rugged cliffs. Our personal recommendation for where we stay in Apollo Bay every time is The Apollo Apartment. . From there you could continue the loop back down to the Great Ocean Road via Lavers Hill.
Lorne to Melbourne drive, or go to the main page to plan a new road trip. Want to plan the trip back? The sun wasnt quite high enough to illuminate the stacks, but an hour later it was, and there were even fewer people around. 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.
All prices quotes below are in Australian dollars. Bells Beach is a famous surf beach with huge waves and is home to the Rip Curl Pro surfing competition in April. 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. You need to head down to the lower viewing platform to appreciate it, which is a 700-metre return walk with stairs from the car park. 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. First, fuel up at Caf Moby, a converted weatherboard house full of character and with foreshore views to boot. Once youve had your fill, hop in the car for a quick drive and to the next and last destination of your road trip.
Take the inland road via Colac and drive directly to Port Campbell (about 3 hours from Melbourne).
At 8.30am we had it entirely to ourselves. We actually visited at sunset the previous day. 
