Both are amazing expressions of natural beauty and are worth checking out. To drive direct from the Melbourne CBD to Torquay, where the road officially starts, is 104km, or 1 hour and 20 minutes. Go-Ride a Wave! Your password has been reset successfully please login with new password. The Ultimate Guide To Watch Phillip Island Penguin Parade. In Portland we stayed at the Portland Holiday Village. Our ultimate destination being Kangaroo Island. Planning a trip to Australia? In front of us were walls of sandstone, giant waves crashing on the beach, and a rocky peninsula just waiting to be explored. Apollo Bay is a popular place, so make sure you have booked your accommodation ahead of time. Bunyip Tours: Cute Penguins - See 1,940 traveler reviews, 941 candid photos, and great deals for Melbourne, Australia, at Tripadvisor. Now 2 pillars are left standing above the sea and make for an impressive view inPort Campbell National Park. 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. Chasing waterfalls? Grab some coffee and stroll the foreshore. The V/line service offers frequent train travel departing Melbournes Southern Cross Station and running to both Geelong and Warrnambool. If you're planning your big Great Ocean Road trip from Melbourne, here are all the transport options that could get you there. The Twelve Apostles Driving East on the Great Ocean Road Bells Beach Arriving in Melbourne Road Trip from Port Campbell to Melbourne Day Trip from Melbourne Driving the Great Ocean Road The Great Ocean Road spans 200 kilometers, from Port Campbell in the west to Torquay in the east. How far is the Great Ocean Road from Melbourne? On a clear sunny day and depending on the tide you can get pretty close. We can recommend a number of excellent companies who all use smaller buses which means more time at stops and more personalized experience. Checking out the view of Bells Beach from the lookout. You can also use the share icon and share it on Facebook. Great Ocean Road Tours that offer the best itinerary and great sights within a day from Melbourne. Find out more here. This will start your Ocean Road drive in the opposite direction as most others, avoiding the busy traffic. There is no dearth of viewpoints on the Great Ocean Road and Teddys Lookout is another magnificent spot added to the list. Departs: 7:00am. In this post, we cover the best spots to see along the way. 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. Our personal recommendation for where we stay in Apollo Bay every time is The Apollo Apartment. For most people, the trip willstart in Melbourneand can be done in a loop or a return journey. However, if you're short on time and want to cover a good portion of the Great Ocean Road, signing up for an organized trip from Melbourne will come handy. But all the views are spectacular on this stretch of the Great Ocean Road Trip. 50 Things to do and see along the Great Ocean Road as a PDF Ebook. DestinationsPhotographySustainable TourismAdventure Travel, Adventure ToursStart a BlogTravel TipsSitemap, 2023 NOMADasaurus | Peak Evolution Media, The PERFECT Great Ocean Road Drive Itinerary (2023). Republishing this articleand/orany of its contents (text, photography, etc. There are 5 ways to get from Mount Gambier to Great Ocean Road by bus or car Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2rio's travel planner. The Perth to Adelaide Drive (via the Nullarbor Plain) 3,700 km | 16 days Swim with dolphins, climb the giant Gloucester Tree, camp among . Getting to the Great Ocean Road When to visit Experience the rugged beauty along the south-west coast of Victoria by setting off along one of the world's most scenic coastal drives. If that is the case, you can head straight back to Melbourne after seeing the famous sites such as the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, London Bridge and The Grotto. Theyll even show you how to throw a Boomerang and spear! No Great Ocean road trip is complete without making a stop atMemoria Arch, which is less than 30 minutes from Torquay and a real highlight of the journey. Cannon Hillis a great place to start if you want to get the lay of the land. The Great Ocean Road was built as a memorial for soldiers of World War I and this timber arch commemorates them. Part 1: Melbourne Part 2: Melbourne to Ballarat Part 3: Ballarat to Torquay Part 4: Torquay to Port Campbell Part 5: Port Campbell to Warrnambool Part 6: Warrnambool to Portland Part 7: Portland to Mount Gambier Visit some of the valleys most impressive wineries, go on a skydiving experience and simply kick your heels and relax. Check out the Vline train & bus timetable to make your way between Geelong and Warrnambool. Both are natural, offshore stone archways. If you're planning on the West Gate Bridge route, take the Princes Highway over the bridge and travel along the Bellarine Peninsula or the Surf Coast Highway to the famous surfing town of Torquay. There are 4 ways to get from Melbourne to Great Ocean Road by train, bus or car Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2rio's travel planner. And your Great Ocean Road route should not miss out on two other attractions nearby either. A sandy trail took us down to a beach. Sail through the clouds with only 1 other person for an up-close and personal adventure. But you may not have that luxury of time. This is a beautiful surfing and fishing town with heritage buildings that have wonderful eateries and accommodation. The nearly 250 kilometre road encapsulates some of Australia's most iconic scenery and gives visitors the opportunity to get close to wildlife. You can drive the entire length of the Great Ocean Road in one long day (about 8 hours return), but we recommend splitting the journey up into a few days. 639. Turn off for this road just before you reach Apollo Bay. Port Fairy is a tiny town on Victorias iconic shipwreck coast with a charming vibe and an exciting causeway that leads you out to an island worth exploring too. . 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. Melbourne To Phillip Island Tour: A Complete Guide For A Perfect Day Trip, We've served 15 million+ guests and we are here for you, All You Need For An Epic Great Ocean Road Tour From Melbourne, Happy customers across 10,000+ experiences, 5,000+ verified reviews with 90% excellent score, Featured and recommended by the best brands, Have a question? From Portland, we drove 2 hours (160 km) to get to Port Campbell, the start of the Great Ocean Road. And just for NOMADasaurus readers, if you use the Klook discount codeNOMADS10on the website when checking out, youll get $10 off your first booking! Featuring the major stops, seaside towns and villages along the Great Ocean Road including Torquay, Anglesea, Airey's Inlet, Lorne, Wye River, Kennett River, Apollo Bay, Port Campbell National Park, Port Campbell and Allensford; plus Warnambool and Port Fairy (as an extension to the official end of the Great Ocean Rd at Allensford.) Covering nearly 200 hectares, this park is one of the few Great Ocean Road highlights that is not a beach. 3. December to February is the best time to take a Great Ocean Road tour from Melbourne. Your story was very useful for us to plan our one day trip in March 2020 just before the corona virus outbreak. Please note: this popular area is big and therefore the tour involves quite a lot of driving. Some of the beautiful coastal towns you will come across during your drive are Apollo Bay, Cape Otway, Port Campbell, Torquay, and Lorne. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Mum, works 2- 3 days a week, Tues and Wednesday and Friday and has the children in daycare and . It is a rest stop on the Great Ocean Road and gateway to spectacular waterfalls and viewpoints. Access a more in-depth look at the popular local sport at the Australian National Surfing Museum, too. You can also find the flight distance or distance to fly from Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road. It has some of the best park guides in the area to teach you about the history of the volcano as well as local Aboriginal history. After a late arrival intoWarrnambool,youll want to see a few of the sights the city has to offer. The landscape varies depending on which route you take. For a great post-drive meal check out theGeelong Boathousefor a classic fish & chips by the sea. This isnt a big deal though as you will still have great views of the scenery either way. Make sure you book ahead though, as its not something you can just show up and do. Distance: 507km / 7 hours roundtrip. However, Loch Ard Gorge is still a stunning place for a swim. Thanks for your support, kind friend! See the towering 12 Apostles, get up close to native wildlife, and take in iconic surf breaks, pristine rainforest and misty waterfalls along the spectacular Great Ocean Road. The Subaru Forester has been an exceptional ride on the trip on the Melbourne to Adelaide via Great Ocean Road trip - powerful, economical, spacious, and with loads of safety features built-in, making the long drives a comfortable experience. 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 spectacular Great Ocean Road hugs the seaside cliffs that snake along the wild and windswept Southern Ocean. It is a popular stop for photographs with the name of the road and the plaque. It is comparable to Big Sur in California with coastal views, winding roads, and many, many scenic viewpoints. The coastline is awesome. Happy travels. How long does it take to drive the Great Ocean Road? Perfect write up, very helpful indeed, Appreciate your work guys, Cheers. Most people start the Great Ocean Road drive from Melbourne to Torquay. You will also reach the main stops at a different time to the crowds. Surf Culture at Australian National Museum of Surfing. The Great Ocean Road winds through picturesque locations that outdo one another in terms of visual extravaganza. Stunning photos. 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. If youd like to continue travelling Australia beyond the Great Ocean Road, you canhead northwest to Adelaide. Purchase tickets. Warrnambool railway station is the terminus of the Warrnambool line in Victoria, Australia.It serves the city of Warrnambool, and it opened on 4 February 1890.. Melbourne to Apollo Bay 187 km/116 miles, about 3 hours Ease into your road trip with the leisurely drive from Melbourne to Torquay, just over an hour's drive. What is a partial cave, archway and blowhole, The Grotto is definitely something to marvel at. Melbourne Daylesford and the Macedon Ranges Gippsland Great Ocean Road Phillip Island Attractions More top attractions Sovereign Hill History & heritage Strike it rich with a day out in 1850s Ballarat and pan for gold, ride in a horse-drawn carriage and relive the Eureka Rebellion with sound and light. 5 Day Great Ocean Road Itinerary: Day 1 - Melbourne to Lorne Setting out on the first section of the Great Ocean Road will take you from the Victorian capital of Melbourne to the coastal town of Lorne. We would appreciate some advice for an itinerary driving from Melbourne to Cape Jervis via the Great Ocean Road visiting Phillip Island and Kennett River where we may hopefully see some Koalas, on the way. Get outdoors on bushwalking, surfing and mountain biking expeditions or take the cultural route through galleries, museums and heritage attractions. In the shadow of the Otway ranges meeting Cape Otway is the Apollo Bay, midway of the Great Ocean Road. Hugging the ocean on one side, the other side of the road changes its landscape from lush rainforest-clad mountains to volcanic plains. Monumental. Melbourne - This is usually the starting point when planning an itinerary for Great Ocean Road. Whether you surf or not, it is a great place to stop and admire the ocean. Kms. What kind of still camera/lens are you finding most helpful? The Twelve Apostles are giant limestone stacks jutting out of the ocean that form one of the most recognizable landscapes in Australia. The distance between Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road is 446 Km by road. This is one of Victorias best bush and ocean walks. The route of 243 KM stretches from Torquay to Allansford in Victoria state. Its a lot of driving. Another fun way to get to the Great Ocean Road is by using the ferry service from Queenscliff and the Bellarine Peninsula to Sorrento and the Mornington Peninsula. There were no surfers, really there was no one else here other than a few curious people like ourselves. 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. If you don't want to take the ferry, you can also take the alternative route via Geelong by car, although the ferry crossing is much nicer. The Cape Otway lighthouse is the oldest surviving lighthouse in Australia and was rightly known as the Beacon of Hope. Made famous for theRip Curl Prohosted every Easter, Bells Beach is not only beautiful but a huge part of both Australian and surf culture. Stops. TheKennett River Koala Walkis the perfect place to get your fix. The colors are vivid, the sun is out and the water is ideal for water sports and activities, but it is also the busiest time of the year. There are a few towns along the way like Lorne, Apollo Bay and Port Campbell where you can stay or camp overnight. Have enjoyed your stories since departing Columbia almost a year ago. 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. 375km of scenic winding roads along the southern ocean will take you through some of the countrys most beautiful UNESCO-listed landscapes. The gorge has been named after a ship Loch Ard ran aground nearby and the rock pillars are named Tom and Eva after the only two survivors. One of the most iconic road trips in all of Australia, if not the world, has got to be the Great Ocean Road drive. It sounds daunting but it's going to be broken down into very manageable chunks. Lorne is a picturesque town set between Loutit Bay and the Otway National Park, it is where the bush meets the ocean. Apart from the trip distance, refer Directions from Portland Ln to Mildura VIC 3500 for road driving directions! This is a stop that not a lot of tourists know about, so you can avoid the crowds and see and experience more than most people would on their Great Ocean Road trip. Would like to do it in 3 days, 2 nights lodging and still see a few things. Great post guys, you have inspired me to take a trip here when I finally get to Australia again! . The shortest road distance between Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road is 446 Km. While wandering around town youll surely spot a ton of street art, which is something Geelong is known for. Seeingthe Twelve Apostlesfor yourself should be at the top of your Australian Bucket list, no matter the weather. hi guys my husband and l are going to drive the great ocean road in early November. To get you fueled up for your last day head toBohemiaCafe & Barfor a takeaway coffee or a wicked and delicious breakfast. You will ride on an AC tour bus, accompanied by a friendly tour guide who will ensure you hit all the spots on your Great Ocean Road tour. We are located almost at the end of the Great Ocean Road, about 4.5 hours from Melbourne. Tip: Beat the tour buses to avoid the traffic and crowds. GREAT OCEAN ROAD Routing: Melbourne to Adelaide Duration: 5 Days Code: M01 From AUD$685.00* per person, based on standard double/twin share accommodation. Check map and driving directions of your route which helps you find the destination easier. Walk up near the Grey River Road and you will find koalas lounging on the trees. I am using a Canon 5D Mark iii with a 20-70 mm lens. 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. Perpetually ensconced with a book in her hand and a mug of coffee in the other, she has been to over 15 countries in her 23 years of existence and is currently saving miles and money for her solo trip to Iceland. Today, it is a spot for whale watching and a centre for learning about the aboriginal history. A relaxed pace - The only 4 day Melbourne to Adelaide Great Ocean Road experience, allowing ample time for all the 'must-sees' along the iconic Great Ocean Road and Beyond. Frolic in the ocean and then head up to the lush rainforests abundant with wildlife. We set off from the city at 6am. Fabulous horse riding through the forest or down along a long golden beach. Over time it has been improved to create a peaceful and beautiful space to be enjoyed. 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. It starts in Torquay and continues westward to Allansford. Find good prices and choices of accommodation: there is still so much more to see, Port Fairy is a beautiful little village and well worth spending time visiting too. Dont start counting them though, because there are only seven you can count! Other options include coming from Adelaide, so if this is you, just read the itinerary backwards. While the Great Ocean Road covers a ton of coastline, this national park is a gem located more on the inland route. This is one of the best things, if not the best, that you can do in the state of Victoria in Australia. Conveniently located a little ways from Port Campbell, these serviced apartments have great rooms, a gorgeous pool area and make for a great stopover. 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. It is the southernmost active regular passenger railway station on the Australian mainland (several other Victorian Railways lines such as the branch lines to Timboon and Crowes did venture further south but all have now closed). They will also add to the crowds at every one of your stops, so you want to beat them if you can. 12. I dashed out of the cave to higher ground, able to stay dry. As Victorias 5th largest city, Warrnambool is a lot bigger than most of the seaside towns along the Great Ocean Road drive. Now youll be able to find the wreckage in shallow waters, which makes it great for divers to explore. We recommend Rental Cars, which has the largest range of vehicles for the best value on the market. The Great Ocean Road in Victoria is a world-famous, Australian National Heritage-listed site along the Sydney to Melbourne drive. Join the adventures on our YouTube channel! Skydiving is a popular sport at the Great Ocean Road and you're likely to spot many gutsy ones plummeting from the sky at 200 kmph from 15,000 feet above. All the points of interest mentioned above are marked on the Great Ocean Road Map below. Would like to know what kind of still camera and lens you are using. An alternative to this driving route is that you do it in the reverse order. The driving distance from Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road is 446 km. If that is not an option though, or you dont like the idea of driving on the wrong side of the road, there are plenty of excellent tours likethis onethat will take you to see all the sights including the Twelve Apostles, Port Campbell, Otway National Park and more. Although most Great Ocean Road tours offer snacks they might be limited and since you are in for a long day its best to stock up on extra snacks and beverages for the road. What is the road driving distance between Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road? Reserve your spot here. To get more information on the Great Ocean Road, visit the official tourism website here. If youre looking to do a bit of waterfall chasing, this is a great place to find them! Drive through the Great Ocean Road's coastal cliffs and river inlets as well as its luscious fern gullies. Home to some of Australia's best-known surf beaches, Torquay marks the official beginning of the Great Ocean Road. The drive offers plenty of places to stop off and explore. If youve hired a car youll most likely collect it at the airport. If you want to travel by bus, know that there are plenty from Geelong to Apollo Bay, Warrnambool, Port Fairy and Portland,all travelling via the Great Ocean Road. In Portland there's time for panoramic coastal views from the Cape Nelson Lighthouse, before a scenic drive through dense pine plantations to our lunch venue in the . Things to do in Melbourne Day Trips from Melbourne Great Ocean Road Tour From Melbourne. Truly a paradise, the area is a popular destination for water sports and recreation activities. Stretching over 243km (150mi), among this dramatic coastline's iconic attractions there's a mecca of bucket-list-worthy experiences. All the while, Tyler and Kara were screaming with delight, laughing afterwards. Where does the Great Ocean Road start and finish. Wendy Report inappropriate content Youll also find theAustralian Surfing Hall of Famehere as well. Things all of a sudden became a lot more exciting. 1 Melbourne: 1-Day Entry Ticket to Melbourne Zoo. Poor Tim got hit hard by the wave, soaking his feet. A lot of people will finish the day in Warrnambool and spend the there, as it is the largest town along the Great Ocean Road. Great Ocean Road Tour 2 Days experience from Melbourne to Adelaide. It can get quite chilly in winter and autumn, bring your warm clothes and it is always quite windy so keep a windcheater, scarf or cap handy. Adults: $119 $104 Online special! If you fancy trying your luck to spot some wildlife head out to nearbyLake Elizabeth. Includes: 4 nights' accommodation, 5 days unlimited km use of a compact sized car, continental breakfast in Barossa Valley and fully detailed itinerary with local and regional maps. Most of the highlights are located around Port Campbell. This is one way to get away from other tourists. From here you are well on your way to having covered a ton of ground. Find out more, Along with so many natural attractions to experience, the Ocean Road also has activities to keep visitors on a self-drive tour busy for days. Follow our journey in real time on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram. Loch Ard Gorge is a breathtaking natural formation just a short distance from the 12 apostles. Depart Melbourne and travel over the West Gate Bridge through the vast volcanic plains en-route to Geelong. The coastline will be on the left side of the bus for Great Ocean Road tours starting from Melbourne, so if the bus seats are not pre-booked you can try to catch a window-seat on the left side. Iconic Animal Sightings. To get here, however, was a two-hour drive via the M1 highway from Melbourne. Or Warrnambool, Camperdown, Geelong, Melbourne. The main issues can be poor visibility due to fog, slippery roads in wet weather, and traffic from vehicles and pedestrians in the busy sections. The Great Ocean Road is where you experience breathtaking nature and the great outdoors of Australia! It is essentially a sinkhole in a limestone stack and opens out to a view of the sea and cliffs beyond. Find more of them listed here. However, if you only have 1 day to work with, then here are some suggestions to save yourself time. The total time you can expect to spend driving the Great Ocean Road and return, including stops, is at least 10 hours. 1. The Great Ocean Road is a 243-kilometre (151-mile) route located along the coast of Victoria in southeastern Australia. With the last day of your Great Ocean Road itinerary upon you, there is still so much to be seen and experienced. I could not imagine trying to swim out past these waves, just to catch one right back to shore. For just a moment though, it was neat peering out at the waves and the coastline from this unique vantage point. A camper van or any sporty rental car is good for the drive through the stunning coastal road. Wear comfortable shoes as there is a lot of walking to do. Here's all you need to know about taking a Great Ocean Road Tour From Melbourne - itinerary, best tours, highlights and quick hacks. The four of us were ecstatic to be off those winding roads. We had one day to drive the Great Ocean Road, including this in our travels from Adelaide to Melbourne. The Grotto is one of the most impressive sections of the coastline, and essentially a sinkhole. Our website uses cookies. 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. If you want to get off the beaten path like we did, do not be afraid to try one of those unlabeled dirt roads. Geelong - The second largest city in Victoria, it is about 30 mins from the beginning of the ocean road trip and worth visiting if you have time. For more experienced surfers, and those looking to set foot onto a world-renowned surf beach, head toBells Beach. Day 3 - Set of on the Great Ocean Road, staying overnight in the village of Lorne, halfway . For more information on routes and trails visit the websitehere. Melbourne's two best day tours, Great Ocean Road & Phillip Island, with entrance to Melbourne Skydeck. You can also find the distance from Portland Ln to Mildura VIC 3500 using other travel options like bus, subway, tram, train and rail. Blazing Saddles Trail Rides, Aireys Inlet. The Great Ocean Road is one of the most epic road journeys you can go on across the world! And to get your fill of more art you can visit theGeelong Art GalleryandThe Heritage Center. A drive between Melbourne and Adelaide via the inland route takes only 8 hours. 8 Days or so of hiking from Apollo Bay to the 12 Apostles following the coastline with views and experiences not possible by car or bus. Tip: If youre hungry on the drive back to Melbourne, stop at Colac for food. Phillip Island: Penguin Parade Afternoon Wildlife Tour, Autumn (March to May): Cooler weather and fewer tourists, Winter (June to August): Whale watching season, cheaper accommodation and few tourists, Spring (September to November): Flowering season, perfect for visiting the Otways, mild weather and fewer crowds. By continuing to browse this website you are agreeing to our use of cookies. 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. However, the views arent affected by the bigger cityscape. Ziplining, surfing, horse riding, canoes, and kayaking, to name a few. Melbourne to Apollo Bay 187 km/116 miles, about 3 hours Ease into your roadtrip with the leisurely drive from Melbourne to Torquay, just over an hour's drive. The distance from Adelaide to Melbourne is 1500km on this itinerary, which amounts to over 21 hours worth of driving. But if you are driving under the speed limit and following protocols, it could be one of the best drives of your life given the amazing view throughout the drive. READ MORE: Be sure to plan your best trip to Australia by using our Australia Travel Guide! No, the Great Ocean Road isnt particularly dangerous to drive, as long as you take proper precautions. The cave was not very big, extending about ten meters back into the cliff from the opening. 30 mins), 446 Km - Distance from Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road, FAQ about Distance from Melbourne to Portland, The driving distance from Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road is, Directions from Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road, map from Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road, Travel time from Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road, Distance from Melbourne to New York , United States, Distance from Melbourne to Canberra via Albury NSW 2640, Distance from Melbourne to Canberra via Albury New South Wales, Distance from Melbourne to Canberra via Orbost. We have been travelling the world together since 2008, with a passion for adventure travel and sustainable tourism. Less traffic on the road and more time to spend at stops. Once in Warrnambool, it doesnt take long to drive to Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve. These two areas are highly populated by local surfers, keen to ride their magnificent waves. The whole trail is about 15km, but your best chances for spotting the cute indigenous animals are about 6km in atGrey River. Read all of our articles in our. Portland is 6 hours (540 km) away from Adelaide. You can also carry a pair of flip flops or sandals if you wish to dip your feet in the ocean at Loch Ard Gorge or any other beach enroute. Adelaide to Melbourne via Great Ocean Road - how long? Getting stuck behind tour buses will add to your travel time. From Melbourne to Torquay (the first town on the Great Ocean Road), it will take you about 1.5 hours. 34 mins), (3 hrs The perfect place for a Melbourne city escape. There is also a plaque on the left side of the road which serves as a memory for the soldiers. You will be bracing natural elements on this road trip and its best to dress accordingly. Not even 15km from Apollo Bay is the incredibly lush and beautifulGreat Otway National Park. Dont want to drive but still want to see the Great Ocean Road? Theres so much to see and do, so you dont want to be left feeling rushed and tired at the end of your trip.