Australia's Most Iconic Coastal Drive
The Great Ocean Road (B100) stretches 243 km along Victoria's southwestern coast from Torquay to Allansford, passing through temperate rainforest, past dramatic cliffs, and alongside some of the Southern Ocean's most powerful surf breaks. Built by returned World War I soldiers between 1919 and 1932, it's the world's largest war memorial — and one of the world's most beautiful drives.
Getting Your Rental Car
Pick up at Melbourne Airport (MEL) or Melbourne CBD. The drive from Melbourne to Torquay (the Great Ocean Road's starting point) takes about 1.5 hours via the M1 Princes Freeway. Most major rental providers are available at both locations. A standard sedan handles the road well — there's no need for an SUV unless you plan side trips on unsealed roads into the Otway Ranges.
Drive on the left — Australia drives on the left side of the road. If you're not used to this, take extra care at roundabouts and when turning. The Great Ocean Road has many tight curves where staying on the correct side is crucial.
The Route
Torquay to Apollo Bay (115 km, 2–3 hours)
The first section hugs the coast tightly, passing through the surf town of Bells Beach (where the famous Rip Curl Pro competition is held) and the holiday village of Lorne. Stop at the Erskine Falls trailhead near Lorne for a short rainforest walk to a 30-meter waterfall. Continue through the dramatic hairpin bends above the ocean to Apollo Bay, a relaxed fishing town and the best overnight stop on the route.
Apollo Bay to Port Campbell (100 km, 2–3 hours)
This section passes through the Great Otway National Park, a lush temperate rainforest that feels a world away from the coastal scenery. Stop at the Otway Fly Treetop Walk for an elevated walkway through the rainforest canopy. The road then emerges onto the Shipwreck Coast, where the limestone rock formations become increasingly dramatic as you approach Port Campbell.
The Twelve Apostles and Beyond
The Twelve Apostles are the Great Ocean Road's headline attraction — towering limestone stacks rising from the Southern Ocean. Arrive at sunrise or sunset for the best light and smallest crowds. Nearby, Loch Ard Gorge tells the dramatic story of the Loch Ard shipwreck of 1878, and London Arch (formerly London Bridge) is a natural rock formation that dramatically collapsed in 1990, stranding two tourists on the seaward side.
Book Your Great Ocean Road Car
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How long to allow: You can drive the road in 4–5 hours without stops, but that misses the point. Two days minimum is recommended — one night in Apollo Bay gives you time to enjoy the rainforest and coastal sections at a relaxed pace.
Best time to visit: December to February (Australian summer) offers the warmest weather and longest days. However, the coast is beautiful year-round, and autumn (March–May) brings fewer crowds and dramatic skies.
Wildlife: Watch for koalas in the eucalyptus trees along the road (particularly between Kennett River and Apollo Bay) and for kangaroos at dawn and dusk — they're a genuine road hazard. Do not drive at twilight speeds above 80 km/h in areas with wildlife warning signs.
Fuel: Fill up in Torquay or Apollo Bay. Stations along the road are limited and prices are higher in small towns.
Parks Victoria provides visitor information for the Great Otway National Park and walking trails along the route.