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Great Ocean Road | The Ultimate Travel Guide
The quintessential Australian road trip.
Updated
Covering 243 kilometres of Victorian coast, the Great Ocean Road is one of the world's largest war memorials and arguably, the most picturesque. It was built by returned World War II veterans as a dedication to their fallen comrades and has since grown to become one of the most iconic road trips in the nation.resta
Stretching from Torquay to Allansford, the drive steers alongside sheer cliff faces and through charming coastal towns. Its more notable sights include the Twelve Apostles, which are limestone stacks that emerge strikingly from the ocean, and Cape Otway Lighthouse, which is the oldest working lighthouse in Australia.
The Great Ocean Road is popularly accessed from Melbourne and can be driven in a day, or over several for a more immersive experience.
Check out our first-hand guide on how to drive the Great Ocean Road over a romantic couple's weekend.
The closest airports to Great Ocean Road are Melbourne's Tullamarine and Avalon airports. Avalon is closer to the start of the scenic drive, but Tullamarine does have more flight options.
Use the tool below to compare flights to both airports by selecting Melbourne (All) as the destination.
If you're looking for accommodation en route, consider searching for hotels in Lorne or Apollo Bay. They're both small, seaside towns that offer beaches and dining options.
Getting around on Great Ocean Road
The Great Ocean Road is a scenic road stretching for 245 kilometres between the coastal towns of Torquay and Warrnambool. The unique natural formations, green meadows, turquoise sea and untouched beaches make it one of the most spectacular road trips in Australia.
The journey is best enjoyed in your own vehicle, but for those looking to drop driving duties bus tours are easily available. There are so many points of attraction near the coast, including the Twelve Apostles, London Bridge and Memorial Arch, that using public transport to get to and see each can be difficult.
Great Ocean Road public transport
- Types of transport: Driving or hiring your own car, caravan or motorcycle would be the obvious choice to explore the Great Ocean Road. It gives you the liberty to move at your own pace and visit places not covered by tourist coaches. However, if you're someone who likes to take the passenger's seat, tourist coaches might be perfect for you. You can also park your vehicle at 12 Apostles and take the free 12A morning express bus to travel to Princetown.
- Paying for transport: Payment for car rentals and coaches can be made via cash or card, although carrying cash could be the safest option.
- Getting to and from the airport: Avalon Airport in Melbourne is a 45-minute drive from Torquay and the nearest major airport to the Great Ocean Road. From Melbourne you can take an airport shuttle, train (up to Geelong) or bus to Torquay.
- Best apps for getting around: There is no official transport app however some popular apps that can help you navigate your way on the go include The Great Southern Touring Route.
Taxis and Rideshare
Taxi: Taxis are available via phone or online for local rides, personalised tours and airport transfers.
Uber: The on-demand ridesharing service can be booked from Melbourne to Torquay.
Car hire for Great Ocean Road
Hiring a car or caravan gives you the freedom to visit spots not covered by taxis and coaches. Budget, Thrifty and Enterprise are some well-known companies offering cars for hire in Torquay.
You can also hire a car or caravan from the Avalon Airport itself from companies like Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, DriveNow, Redspot and Thrifty.
Airport transfers for Great Ocean Road
Jayride and Viator are an option for booking a transfer in advance.
Melbourne Airport Shuttle
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Latest Great Ocean Road travel deals
Adrenaline
Up to 30% off flying experiences
Valid on select dates and for experiences like hot air ballooning, helicopter scenic flight, skydiving, flying lessons and more. Destinations include Sydney, Melbourne, Hunter Valley, Great Ocean Road, Perth and more. T&Cs apply.
Groupon
Up to 57% off Great Ocean Road attractions and hotels
Save on day tours, hotel stays, skydives and more along the Great Ocean Road.
Cheap Flights
Australia flights from $132 return
Ends
Available on select dates in December 2020 to Melbourne, Hobart, Adelaide, Launceston and more. Sample fare is Ballina-Sydney with Jetstar.
Lastminute.com.au
Up to 14% off Great Ocean Road and Phillip Island tour
Ends
Available until December 2020. Includes transfers and hotel pick up, one day guided tour of the Great Ocean Road, one day tour to Phillip Island, and more. T&Cs apply.
Experience Oz
Puffing Billy tours from $109
Valid for travel on select dates. Destinations include Victoria departing from Melbourne. Includes hotel pick-up, 30-minute steam train ride and more. T&Cs apply.
Avis
Up to $10 off Victoria truck rentals
Ends
Available on rentals until 31 January 2021. Minimum rental length of 1 day and maximum rental length of 5 days applies. T&Cs apply.
Avis
Up to $20 off Victoria truck rentals
Ends
Available on rentals until 31 January 2021. Minimum 2 days rental required. T&Cs apply.
Luxury Escapes
Up to 37% off Victoria getaway with flights
Ends
Available for travel until 18 December 2020. Package includes return economy flights, accommodation at The Mitchelton Hotel Nagambie – MGallery by Sofitel, breakfast and more. Valid for 2 persons. T&Cs apply.
Airbnb
Perth stays from $35 /night
Available on select stay dates from June 2020 onward. Sample accommodation is in East Victoria Park. T&Cs apply.
Swiss BelHotel
Up to 15% off Auckland stay
Ends
Available for stays until 28 February 2021 at Swiss-Belsuites Victoria Park, Auckland. Minimum 2 night stay required. T&Cs apply.
Wotif
Great Ocean Road stays from $80/night
Available on select stay dates until December 2020. Sample rate is for Mahogany Motel.
RedBalloon
Puffing Billy steam train from $144
Valid for travel on select dates. Destinations include Healesville Sanctuary, Victoria departing from Melbourne and more. T&Cs apply.
Klook
Melbourne shared airport transfers from $20
Valid on shared transfers in Melbourne with Skybus. Sample price is from the Avalon airport to Melbourne City. Includes Wi-Fi on board, free city hotel shuttle and more. T&Cs apply.
