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Great Ocean Road | The Ultimate Travel Guide
The quintessential Australian road trip.
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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.
Great Ocean Road travel guides
Book flights to Great Ocean Road
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.
Book accommodation along Great Ocean Road
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. If you're travelling further west along the Victorian coast, Port Fairy is also a picturesque seaside option.
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
Viator
Latest Great Ocean Road travel deals
Virgin Australia
Flights within Australia from $49 each way
Ends
Available on flights from July 2022 – March 2023 to Melbourne, Hobart, Alice Springs, Adelaide, Cairns, Perth and more. Sample fare is Sydney- Ballina. T&Cs apply.
Contiki
Up to 15% off Australia adventures
Ends
Available on select travel dates until 2022. Destinations include Melbourne, Perth, Rottnest Island, Cairns, Darwin, Sydney, Byron Bay, Uluru, Canberra, Jindabyne, Great Ocean Road and more.
Virgin Australia
Flights within Australia from $49 each way
Ends
Available on flights from July 2022 – March 2023 to Melbourne, Hobart, Alice Springs, Adelaide, Cairns, Perth and more. Sample fare is Sydney- Ballina. T&Cs apply.
Avani
Up to 25% off Avani Victoria Falls Resort Zambia stays
Ends
Available on stays until 31 July 2022 when you book a minimum of 5 nights. T&Cs apply.
Avani
Up to 30% off Zambia getaways
Ends
Available on stays until 31 July 2022 at Avani Victoria Falls Resort when you book a minimum of 6 nights. T&Cs apply.
RedBalloon
Get $5 off Victoria whale watching cruises
Available on select travel dates when you spend a minimum of $250.
DriveMyCar
Victoria car hire from $39/day
Available on select dates when you book a minimum of 7 days. Sample price is for a rental in Tullamarine, Melbourne.
Skydive Australia
Great Ocean Road tandem skydives from $369
Available on select dates for an up to 15,000ft jump. Includes a $20 merchandise voucher.
Stayz
Falls Creek stays from $130/night
Available on select stay dates. Sample stay in at Mount Beauty, Victoria. T&Cs apply.
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