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The Great Ocean Road is one of the easiest drives in Australia to do independently, but a few practical details make the difference between a rushed day and a relaxed two or three day trip. You need a car, the fuel stops thin out in the middle, and the ocean is cold enough that swimming is a wetsuit affair. Here are the practical answers, from airports to costs to safety. For the route itself, start with things to do guide, and see our Great Ocean Road guide for the complete overview.
Great Ocean Road Travel Tips: Getting There
The nearest airports are Melbourne Avalon (AVV), about 1 hour 15 minutes drive to Torquay, and Melbourne Tullamarine (MEL), about 1 hour 45 minutes from Torquay. Both run domestic flights and Tullamarine handles international arrivals. There is no train along the coast. V/Line trains run Melbourne to Geelong and Melbourne to Warrnambool, and V/Line coaches connect Geelong to Torquay, Lorne and Apollo Bay a few times a day, but the timetable is thin. Rent a car at the airport; a small economy car costs roughly AUD 60 to AUD 90 a day, and our best time to visit guide tells you the cheapest months to go.
Great Ocean Road Travel Tips: Driving and Fuel
The full drive is 243 km and takes about 4 to 5 hours without stops, but you will want at least two days. Australians drive on the left, and the road winds tightly between Lorne and Apollo Bay, so allow extra time there. Fuel is cheapest in Geelong, Torquay, Lorne, Apollo Bay and Warrnambool; there are no reliable fuel stops between Apollo Bay and Port Campbell, a 96 km stretch, so fill up in Apollo Bay, and our town by town guide maps each stop. A two wheel drive car handles the whole route, including the gravel Otway access roads except after heavy rain. Watch for kangaroos and koalas crossing at dawn and dusk, especially through the Otways.
Great Ocean Road Travel Tips: Costs and Budget
Driving the road itself is free, as are the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge and the Otway waterfalls. A mid range budget for two people is about AUD 300 a day: AUD 120 for a motel room, AUD 60 for fuel, AUD 70 for food and coffee, and AUD 50 for one paid attraction or activity, with hotel picks in our where to stay guide. Fuel in regional Victoria runs around AUD 1.80 a litre, a pub meal costs AUD 25 to AUD 35, and a flat white is about AUD 5.50. The Cape Otway Lightstation is the main paid sight at AUD 19.50 for adults, and a surf lesson runs about AUD 75. Tipping is not expected anywhere in Australia.
Great Ocean Road Travel Tips: Safety and Weather
Swim only between the red and yellow flags at patrolled beaches such as Lorne and Apollo Bay; the Southern Ocean rips are strong and the water stays cold, around 13°C to 19°C, so a wetsuit helps. Cliff lookouts along the Shipwreck Coast are unguarded, so stay behind fences and do not climb on the edge, because limestone overhangs collapse. Check the Bureau of Meteorology forecast before you go, since a southerly change can drop the temperature 10°C in an hour and fog can close in over the Otways, and our weather by month guide has the monthly averages. Tap water is safe to drink everywhere, and there is good mobile coverage in the towns but dead zones on the road between them.
Great Ocean Road Travel Tips: Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need a car? Yes. There is no coastal train and the V/Line coach service is too infrequent to sightsee. A hire car or campervan is the only practical way to drive the lookouts at your own pace.
- How many days do I need? Two days minimum, three is comfortable. One day means 8 hours of driving with only quick photo stops, and you miss the Otway waterfalls and most beaches.
- Which direction should I drive? Most people drive west from Melbourne to Warrnambool, which keeps the ocean and the lookout pullovers on the left side of the car. Driving east works fine and is quieter in the mornings.
- When are the whales there? Southern Right Whales calve off Logan’s Beach at Warrnambool from June to September, with the best viewing on calm days at low tide, as listed in our events and festivals guide.
- Do I need a visa? Most visitors need an eVisitor visa (subclass 651) or an ETA (subclass 601) before flying, both free or low cost and applied for online before you arrive.
- Is the road open all year? Yes, but short sections can close for rockfalls and landslides, mainly between Lorne and Apollo Bay in winter. Check VicRoads or the Parks Victoria site for closures before you set out.
Suggested Hotels in Great Ocean Road
If you want a ready shortlist rather than a full search, these three cover the luxury, mid range and budget ends of the coast.
Points South By The Sea
An adults only luxury escape on the cliffs at Apollo Bay with ocean views, balconies and a 9.8 guest rating. Best for couples who want a quiet, high end base near the beach and the Otways. Check rates and availability
Cumberland Lorne Resort
Spacious self contained apartments opposite the beach in central Lorne, with a pool, tennis courts and secure parking. Best for families and groups who want mid range comfort with a kitchen. Check rates and availability
NRMA Port Campbell Holiday Park
A budget friendly holiday park a short walk from Port Campbell bay, with cabins, powered sites and family facilities near the Twelve Apostles. Best for campers and budget family travellers. Check rates and availability
