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Great Ocean Road | The Ultimate Travel Guide

The quintessential Australian road trip.

Stephanie Yip
Stephanie Yip

Updated

Fact checked
Woman on a 4WD trip along Great Ocean Road

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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

Where to stay

Top stays in charming coastal towns along the Great Ocean Road.

Where to stay

Flights to Great Ocean Road

Flight deals and essential info on how to get from the airport to the Great Ocean Road.

Flights to Great Ocean Road

Things to do

Twelve Apostles, Cape Otway Lighthouse, Bells Beach and everything in-between.

Things to do

Road trip itineraries

Whether you have one day or one week, these itineraries are hard to beat.

Road trip itineraries

Best time to go

The most ideal months to drive the Great Ocean Road by weather and popularity.

Best time to go

Great Ocean Road tours

Compare your options to see the best of this stretch of coast.

Great Ocean Road tours

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.

Latest Great Ocean Road travel deals

AirbnbAirbnb

Australia stays from $13 per night

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GrouponGroupon

Up to 57% off Great Ocean Road attractions and hotels

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Destination InternationalDestination International

6-night Victoria beach getaway with ferry transfers from $399

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AdrenalineAdrenaline

Up to 37% off flying experiences

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