Melbourne to The Great Ocean Road

We here at MNMRidez are excited to share our tips for making your journey from Melbourne to the spectacular Great Ocean Road one to remember. Whether you’re planning a day trip or overnight tour, allow us to craft your itinerary and transport needs.

Melbourne to Great Ocean Road Day Trip

For those with limited time, a day trip from Melbourne to the Great Ocean Road is certainly doable. However, it requires an early start to fully experience the stunning coastal scenery and iconic stops along the way. 

Our recommended plan would be to depart Melbourne by early morning to maximize daylight hours. This still allows time to stop and admire points of interest like the Twelve Apostles while ensuring your return to Melbourne by early evening.

Melbourne to Great Ocean Road Public Transport: Limited and Restrictive

Public transport is an affordable option for driving the Great Ocean Road from Melbourne City. But they’re not without shortcomings. 

Melbourne to Great Ocean Road Train

Train services operated by V/Lines are available from Southern Cross Station. However, the train is quite limited in frequency, running only a handful of times a day. 

Also, how to go Great Ocean Road from Melbourne City by train has another downside. Essentially, it’ll drop you off in Warrnambool, quite far from many of the most popular coastal attractions along Great Ocean Road. From Warrnambool station, you would still need to arrange separate transport to visit spots like the Twelve Apostles. 

The train journey also takes significantly longer than by traveling by car, around 4.5 hours each way versus 3 hours maximum by car. This doesn’t leave much time for exploring once you factor in pickup and transit at each end of the route. Unlike our private chauffeur service, you don’t have the flexibility to linger at scenic viewpoints or skip locations that don’t appeal to your interests.

Now, here’s an analysis of additional public transport options for Melbourne to Great Ocean Road Tour highlighting their shortcomings.

Ferry:

• Only travels between Sorrento and Queenscliff , not directly to areas along the Great Ocean Road itself

• You’ll require a 3-hour drive around the bay to reach spots like Lorne once disembarking in Queenscliff

• Limited to set hourly departure times that may not align with your travel plans for the day

Bus:

• Requires multiple transfers between bus and train services, adding complexity

• Bus times are not frequent or consistent, with potential long wait times between connections

• Total travel time of 2 hours 45 minutes each way leaves little flexibility for exploring attractions

• Limited evening and weekend options compared to our private vehicle option

• Difficulties visiting certain areas like Apollo Bay without separate arrangements once hitting Warrnambool

Overall, both ferry and bus public transport options involve significantly more planning hassle, transfers, and restrictions. This is unlike the direct door-to-door luxury transport we provide.

Luggage space aboard public transport fills quickly too. These constraints barely do justice to the magic of the Great Ocean Road.

By choosing MNMRidez, you avoid navigating uncertain schedules or worrying about parking long distances from sites. Let our planned itineraries make the most of your time on the Great Ocean Road.

Driving Yourself: Distracting and Tiresome

Self-driving the Great Ocean Road sounds freeing but becomes a chore. As a driver, you juggle stopping safely, navigating, parking, and maneuvering back onto the road. Your focus belongs behind the wheel, not immersed in scenic beauty. Essentially, fatigue will set in before the trip ends.

Again, should attractions prove crowded, there goes your plan to linger and appreciate nature’s grand scale. Also, roads can be narrow and winding, jeopardizing security without local expertise. Relaxation belongs elsewhere than a do-it-yourself Great Ocean Road tour.

MNMRidez Chauffeured Transportation: An Indulgent Alternative

For a hassle-free experience, upgrading to MNMRidez chauffeur services provide gold-standard coastal touring. Actually, we know each mile like the backs of our hands, navigating confidently to highlight nature’s finest treasures.

As your personal driver guide, we handle all logistics so your role is to take it easy. Sit back, sip complimentary beverages and enjoy local knowledge our driver shares along the journey. No more sweating parking spots or mapping lengthy itineraries yourself.

Our late-model luxury vehicles include ample legroom, WiFi, and charging for documentation of your trip via dazzling imagery. You also benefit from flexible scheduling around your priorities and interests.

Sample Itinerary: Two Days of Splendor

Allow us to propose a sample VIP Great Ocean Road itinerary. 

• Day one starts with views of waves breaking at Bells Beach, then the coastline scenery around Anglesea. The afternoon unveils Lorne and its rainforested beauty before settling in your boutique resort.

• Day two we encounter Cape Otway’s old lighthouse and Otways pure essence. Taking lunch alfresco at Apollo Bay leads to portrait shoots with Twelve Apostles aglow at sunset. Backdrops don’t come more epic than Princetown’s organic landscapes.

• Return to Melbourne relaxed and satisfied, with cherished photographs and unforgettable nature encounters courtesy of MNMRidez and the Great Ocean Road’s unspoiled magic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Can you do Great Ocean Road in one day from Melbourne?

1. It’s possible to view some highlights of the Great Ocean Road in one day. But we recommend two days to fully experience the diverse coastal scenery and attractions.

Q. How far from Melbourne are the 12 Apostles?

1. The Twelve Apostles are approximately 275 km southwest of Melbourne near the town of Port Campbell. It takes around 3 hours to travel from Melbourne CBD to the Twelve Apostles

Q. Is the Great Ocean Road Australia worth it?

1. Absolutely! The stunning coastal vistas and iconic natural landmarks make the Great Ocean Road one of Australia’s top attractions. It offers scenic beauty and photographic opportunities not to be missed

Q. What is the most beautiful section of the Great Ocean Road?

1. Many consider the dramatic views between Princetown and Twelve Apostles to be the highlights. However, rainforest-lined attractions near Lorne also offer lush natural beauty. It’s all spectacular in different ways.

Q. What is Melbourne to the Great Ocean Road distance?

The distance between Melbourne CBD and the start of the Great Ocean Road near Torquay is approximately 105 km.