Dotted with wild surf beaches, limestone cliffs carved by earthly elements and some of the most exciting spots to eat and drink, a road trip along the Great Ocean Road is one of the best ways to experience the beauty of Victoria’s coastline.
With a starting point of Torquay, just a 1-hour and 30-minute drive from Melbourne CBD, yes you could technically do it in a day. In fact, many tour operators do.
But, where’s the fun in that?
Try to squeeze everything in one day and you’ll be faced with impossible choices: Stop at a hidden bay or meet the region’s furry and feathered friends? An award-winning, fruits of the earth kind of dining experience or viewing the 12 Apostles at sunset? This is the kind of place that rewards those who go at their own pace.
Flying into Melbourne Airport? Collecting your hire car on arrival means you’re already road-ready without the CBD detour, straight from tarmac to that first clifftop vista.
Scroll down for our essential Great Ocean Road tips: timing, vehicle recommendations, and the stops that separate good road trips from legendary ones.
TL;DR:
- The Great Ocean Road is one of the most iconic drives in Australia, following the coastline from Torquay to Allansford. It’s filled with all kinds of nature, wildlife spotting and dining destinations.
- The Great Ocean Road is best enjoyed in a vehicle that offers space, comfort and confidence behind the wheel.
- If you’re flying into Melbourne Airport, collecting a hire car is one of the ways to streamline all your Great Ocean Road journey plans.
Everything (almost) you need to know about Melbourne to Great Ocean Road…
How far is Melbourne from the Great Ocean Road?
Torquay is the official start of the designated highway, which is just over 100 km away from Melbourne CBD. Via the M1, it should take approximately 1 hour and 21 minutes to drive to the start of the Great Ocean Road in a hire car.
What time should I depart?
It’s best to leave before 8am. Most tours depart from Melbourne CBD between 8am and 9am, so leaving before them means you’ll have some lead time before droves of buses hit a lot of the big hitters.
What are the route options?
When planning your route, you can drive clockwise or counterclockwise. Many travellers prefer the clockwise direction (Melbourne, Torquay, Lorne, Apollo Bay, Twelve Apostles) so the ocean views are on the passenger side and you’re travelling in the same direction as most jaw-dropping pull-offs.
How long does it take to go on a round trip from Melbourne to the Great Ocean Road?
Expect a round trip from Melbourne to the Great Ocean Road to take upwards of 12 hours if you’re trying to cram all the highlights in one day.
Who does this trip suit?
Everyone. The beauty of hiring your own car to explore the Great Ocean Road is that you can make an itinerary that suits your exact interests.
How far in advance should I book car hire?
For peak travel periods, booking car hire at least 2–4 weeks in advance is recommended to secure availability and value.
How long is the Great Ocean Road?
Officially, the Australian National Heritage-listed road stretches over 240km from Torquay to Allansford. Drive it non-stop, and the loop should take around 4.5 hours. Though this isn’t a place to rip through.
Rainforested national parks, surf-loving beachside towns and koalas in every second tree deserve some time. While it’s possible in one big day, a 2–3 day itinerary offers you a real opportunity to get underneath all the beauty of the region.
With your own wheels, you can drive straight from the crackle of the Southern Ocean to birdsong in the remarkable Redwoods of the Otway Ranges.
Best things to do along the Great Ocean Road:
Expect pull-overs and pretty panoramas aplenty on the drive from Melbourne to the Great Ocean Road.
Here are some of our favourite places to stop along the Great Ocean Road if you’ve got a hire car:
Best nature spots along the Great Ocean Road…
1. Surf coast beaches
See them suit up, wet-suited up that is. Start at Bells Beach, where the circumpolar sea swells whip up waves from Antarctica. It plays home to one of the longest-running events in competitive surfing, where the world’s best wave-riders take on the cliffs west of Cape Otway.
2. Erksine Falls
A short rainforest walk leads to this cascading waterfall in the Otways. It’s possibly the freshest mountain air you’ve ever had the pleasure of breathing, plus the lush fern gullies put you in a Jurassic Park state of mind.
3. Great Otway National Park
With 103,000 towering rainforests, beaches, waterfalls and heathlands, this misty scenery gives an alternative take to the Great Ocean Road rugged landscape.
4. Twelve Apostles
The region’s most iconic sight. Twelve in name only (there are only seven left!), these limestone pillars shoot through the roaring waves below. Stop at Teddy’s Lookout at sunset to see the yellow rocks transition to an ochre red and every hue in between.
5. Loch Ard Gorge
A calm cove framed by towering rock walls, rich with shipwreck history and dramatic coastal views. Take to the trails, explore blowholes or just get lost in every moment of natural beauty.
6. Gibson Steps
Descend 86 cliffside steps to stand on the sand beneath towering limestone formations named Gog and Magog.
Wildlife spotting on the Great Ocean Road…
Look up at koalas sleeping in eucalyptus trees near Kennett River (or anywhere really!)
Play a round of golf at Anglesea Gold Course and share the course with eastern grey kangaroos.
Hear the sounds of over 150 bird species, including the three with the most whimsical storybook names that you’ve ever heard: the fairy wren, welcome swallow and bookbook owl.
Favourite food and drink along the Great Ocean Road…
1. Brae Restaurant
A destination in its own right, Brae delivers Chef-Hatted, produce-driven dining in a farmhouse, where hyper-local ingredients and an ever-evolving tasting menu make it well worth booking ahead.
2. Totti’s Lorne
Bringing its pillowy woodfired bread and relaxed Italian flair to the Southern coast, Totti’s Lorne pairs generous share plates with that ‘la dolce vita’ atmosphere just steps from the sea.
3. Merrijig Kitchen
Polished yet warm, Merrijig Kitchen champions seasonal regional produce with thoughtful, technique-driven dishes that feel elevated without losing their down-to-earth country roots.
4. Great Ocean Road Brewhouse
A local favourite, this pub pours small-batch craft beers alongside hearty, crowd-pleasing fare.
5. Otway Estate
Set among rolling greenery, Otway Estate offers cool-climate wines and craft brews in a tranquil setting that invites you to linger longer than planned.
6. Basalt Wines (near Port Fairy)
Be tempted by the tapas-style lunch that spruiks the area’s finest bounty of the sea, but stay for the cold-climate Riesling and Pinot Noir.
7. Pierrepoint Wines
At the foothills of Mount Pierrepoint, this boutique winery showcases elegant wines thanks to some of the coldest terroir on mainland Australia.
Your Great Ocean Road Itinerary Options
Option A: Great Ocean Road One Day Trip
Perfect for travellers short on time who still want all those essential hits. Set off with your hire car from Melbourne so you can skip the tourists hitting up the Great Ocean Road:
- Depart early from Melbourne and chase the coastline through Torquay, Lorne, and Apollo Bay
- Strategically pause for beach walks, clifftop views, and those inevitable photo stops
- Build your day around Twelve Apostles for sunset. Trust us.
- Return inland via Colac to complete the loop without backtracking or late-night fatigue
Option B: 2-3 Day Explorer Drive
For those who understand that the journey deserves as much attention as the destination.
- Lose yourself in the Otways with rainforest walks through ancient tree ferns and towering eucalypts
- Explore Loch Ard Gorge and other dramatic shipwreck coast formations
- Spot wildlife naturally, koalas snoozing in gum trees, kangaroos at dusk, birdlife everywhere
- Linger over meals at Apollo Bay’s waterfront cafes or Port Campbell’s local spots
- Add winery detours through the Otways hinterland for cool-climate drops
Choosing the right ride for the Great Ocean Road
The right car hire makes all the difference when it comes to this long, winding road.
- Couples: Compact SUV or sedan. You get luggage space, fuel efficiency, and nimble handling on coastal curves
- Families: Standard SUV with room for kids, gear, snacks (so many snacks!) and optional child seats
- Larger groups: Spacious large SUV for comfort, elevated ocean views and that relaxed cruising energy everyone deserves
Book through Bargain Car Rentals for transparent pricing, flexible Melbourne Airport pick-up and service that actually cares about your adventure going smoothly.
Practical tips for planning the perfect road trip? Get some help from us.
A little preparation goes a long way on the Great Ocean Road. Watch for wildlife at dusk, especially along forested stretches and fuel up before long distances between towns.
It’s best to plan fuel stops in advance and download offline maps, as mobile reception can drop out in remote areas. At this point, you can also mark scenic lookouts ahead of time so you don’t miss the best views, and allow buffer time to really let yourself get swept away. When you’re ready to hit the road, we’ll be here. Browse the latest vehicles available at Bargain Car Rentals Melbourne and start planning your greatest escape yet.
Is the Great Ocean Road suitable for first-time drivers?
Yes. You’ll be driving on sealed roads that are well-maintained for the most part. Remember to prepare for the conditions on the drive. The Great Ocean Road traces along a bountiful number of twists and turns on the Victorian Coast, which can be challenging for those who aren’t used to it. In summer, these curves (though beautiful) have been known to make some people car sick.
Come winter, the Otways can be wet, foggy and dark beneath the canopy, so you’ll want to go slower than the speed limit to account for that.
Where does the Great Ocean Road end?
The official end of the Great Ocean Road is at Allansford, just east of Warrnambool in Victoria’s south-west. While many travellers turn back after visiting the Twelve Apostles, continuing on to Warrnambool adds a more relaxed finish to your journey. With a hire car, your Great Ocean Road trip can go as long as you’d like it to or explore the rest of the great state of Victoria.
Do I need to hire an SUV for the Great Ocean Road?
It’s not essential, but it’s absolutely more comfortable for families and luggage. If you’re travelling with the whole motley crew, we’ve also got tips on the best family-friendly attractions across Melbourne.
Can I do the Great Ocean Road in one day from Melbourne?
It is possible if you’re one to maximise time. Make sure you share the drive because you’ll be on the road for between eight to 12 hours. We offer one free additional driver with each of our Melbourne Airport car rentals, so you can swap duties on the Great Ocean Road.
Is it better to start early from Melbourne?
Yes. Get there early, and you’ll have less traffic and better light for photos.
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