The Great Ocean Road runs about 240 km along Victoria’s south-west coast between Torquay and Allansford, near Warrnambool. It was built by returned soldiers after the First World War as a memorial, and it is now one of the world’s great coastal drives.
You can see the Twelve Apostles in a long day trip from Melbourne, but the road rewards a slower pace. Three days gives you time for beaches, rainforest walks, wildlife and sunset at the Apostles, without spending all of it behind the wheel.
At a glance
1Before You Go
Collect your car at Melbourne Airport or in the city. The airport is on the north-west side of Melbourne, so you avoid city traffic and reach the M1 towards Geelong in about an hour. Leaving from the CBD, take the West Gate Bridge and the M1.
The road is sealed all the way, but it is narrow and winding between Anglesea and Apollo Bay and again through the Otways. Pull-over bays let faster traffic pass, and you should use them. Allow more time than your map app suggests, especially in summer and on long weekends.
Drive west, from Melbourne towards Warrnambool. The ocean is then on your side of the road, which makes it easier and safer to stop at lookouts.
Also read: Our original Great Ocean Road guide
2Day 1: Melbourne to Lorne
Day 1: Melbourne to Lorne
Head south-west to Geelong and on to Torquay, the official start of the Great Ocean Road and home of Australian surfing. Stop at Bells Beach, then follow the coast through Anglesea and Aireys Inlet, where the Split Point Lighthouse looks over the ocean. Pass under the Memorial Arch at Eastern View and continue to Lorne for the night.
- Bells Beach and the Surf Coast Walk
- Split Point Lighthouse at Aireys Inlet
- Memorial Arch at Eastern View
- Erskine Falls, a short drive inland from Lorne
3Day 2: Lorne to Apollo Bay and Cape Otway
Day 2: Lorne to Apollo Bay and the Otways
The stretch from Lorne to Apollo Bay is the most dramatic part of the drive, with the road cut into cliffs above the sea. Stop at Teddy’s Lookout, then at Kennett River, where koalas are often seen in the trees along Grey River Road. After lunch in Apollo Bay, take the 12 km side road to Cape Otway Lightstation, and walk among giant tree ferns at Maits Rest in Great Otway National Park.
- Teddy’s Lookout above Lorne
- Koalas at Kennett River
- Cape Otway Lightstation
- Maits Rest rainforest walk
The Cape Otway road is narrow and winding, and wildlife crosses at dusk. Arrive before late afternoon.
4Day 3: Twelve Apostles to Warrnambool and Back
Day 3: Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge and the drive home
Leave Apollo Bay early for the Shipwreck Coast. The Twelve Apostles viewing platforms are busiest from late morning, so arrive early. Walk down to Loch Ard Gorge, see the Arch and London Bridge near Port Campbell, then continue to Warrnambool. From there, return to Melbourne inland via the Princes Highway, which is faster than the coast road.
- Twelve Apostles at sunrise or late afternoon
- Gibson Steps down to the beach
- Loch Ard Gorge
- London Bridge and the Grotto
5Which Rental Car to Choose
Any car that is comfortable on winding roads will do. A compact car is the best value for two people; a compact SUV adds luggage space and a higher view of the coast. For a special trip, a convertible makes the cliff-top stretches unforgettable, but luggage space is limited.
- Collect and return in Melbourne to avoid a one-way fee, or end in Adelaide via Mount Gambier if you have more time.
- Fuel is available in every main town, but prices are higher along the coast.
- Mobile coverage drops in the Otways, so download offline maps.
6Driving Times at a Glance
| Leg | Distance | Driving time |
|---|---|---|
| Melbourne to Torquay | About 100 km | 1 h 15 min |
| Torquay to Lorne | About 50 km | 50 min |
| Lorne to Apollo Bay | About 45 km | 1 h |
| Apollo Bay to Twelve Apostles | About 90 km | 1 h 20 min |
| Twelve Apostles to Warrnambool | About 70 km | 1 h |
| Warrnambool to Melbourne (inland) | About 260 km | 3 h |
Approximate times without stops. Allow more in summer, on weekends and in wet weather.
7Where to Stay
- Lorne: beachfront town with cafés and walking trails.
- Apollo Bay: fishing harbour and the base for the Otways.
- Port Campbell: closest town to the Twelve Apostles, good for sunrise.
- Warrnambool: larger town with the widest choice of accommodation.
Book accommodation early for summer, Easter and long weekends, when the coast fills up.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to drive the Great Ocean Road?
The road itself is about 240 km, but with stops and the return to Melbourne, plan two to four days to enjoy it.
Can you do the Great Ocean Road in one day?
Yes, as a long day trip to the Twelve Apostles and back via the inland highway, but you will spend most of the day driving.
Which direction should I drive the Great Ocean Road?
Melbourne to Warrnambool, westwards, so the ocean is on your side of the road.
Is the Great Ocean Road sealed?
Yes. It is sealed all the way, but narrow and winding in places.
Do I need a 4WD?
No. Any car is fine on the sealed road.
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