Getting Around the Great Ocean Road
A drive first and foremost — 243 km of winding coast from Torquay best taken slowly. Here’s the route, the timing, and how to do it well.
Driving the Great Ocean Road
The Great Ocean Road is a drive first and foremost — 243 km of coast from Torquay to Allansford, best taken slowly. From Melbourne it’s about 1.5 hours to the start via Geelong, and the Twelve Apostles are roughly 3–4 hours direct. The road is sealed but winding, so the trick is to allow far more time than the distance suggests. Here’s how to plan the drive.
How to Do It
Self-Drive
The most flexible way — stop at every lookout and beach. Drive west so the sea is on your left.
Guided Tour
A day trip or overnight with the winding driving and timing handled — you just enjoy the coast.
A Full Day+
Melbourne to the Apostles and back is 12–14 hrs in a day — two days is far more relaxed.
Return Inland
Loop back via Colac for a faster return, or continue to the Grampians on the touring route.
On the Road
- Start early to beat the coaches at the Twelve Apostles
- Drive west (Torquay first) for easier sea-side lookout stops
- Watch for cyclists, wildlife and coaches — the road is winding
- Fuel up in the bigger towns (Torquay, Lorne, Apollo Bay)
- Weigh up self-drive vs a guided tour before you go
- Give it two days if you can — see where to stay
Getting Around — FAQ
How do you get to the Great Ocean Road from Melbourne?
Drive south-west via the M1 to Geelong, then to Torquay where the road begins — about 1.5 hours to the start. The Twelve Apostles are roughly 3–4 hours direct. A guided day tour handles the driving.
How long does it take to drive the Great Ocean Road?
Torquay to the Twelve Apostles is around 2.5–3 hours of pure driving, but with stops it’s a full day one-way. Melbourne to the Apostles and back in a day is a long 12–14 hour trip — two days is far better.
Should you drive the Great Ocean Road east to west or west to east?
Most drive west (Torquay first) so the sea is on your left for easier pull-offs at lookouts. Returning inland via Colac makes a faster loop. See the best stops guide.
Is the Great Ocean Road hard to drive?
It’s sealed and well signed but winding and slow in parts, with cyclists, wildlife and coach traffic. Allow extra time, take breaks at the many pull-offs, and drive to the conditions.
Can you do it without a car?
V/Line coaches run along the coast, but they’re limited for sightseeing. A car or a guided tour is far better for reaching the lookouts and the Otways.
The Great Ocean Road, Planned Around You
The Twelve Apostles, the surf coast, the Otway rainforest and the wildlife — with the driving and bookings handled by the family that’s toured Australia since 1974.
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