Getting to the Great Ocean Road

Although the Great Ocean Road is itself a touring route, getting to this iconic tourist attraction from Melbourne is easy. Travelling by car, the Great Ocean Road is just 2 hours from the heart of the city along a dual lane highway that is in good condition and very well signposted. Once you’re on the Great Ocean Road, there’s no missing this famously scenic coastal drive with the main road obviously signposted, ensuring you’ll be able to easily find your way back on track should you choose to stop over at any of the charming seaside towns and attractions along the way.

Getting to the Great Ocean Road from Melbourne is via two main routes, an inland itinerary that follows the Princes Highway from Geelong past picturesque country towns and rich farmland to Warrnambool, or over the West Gate Bridge and along the Bellarine Peninsula or Surf Coast Highway. If you wish to take the West Gate Bridge route, you’ll need to take the Princes Highway over the bridge until you reach Geelong. From here you can either travel along the lovely Bellarine Peninsula or the Surf Coast Highway to the famous surfing town of Torquay.

If you intend on flying into Melbourne from somewhere further afield, your best bet is to arrive at the Avalon Airport. The closest airport to the Great Ocean Road and much closer than the better known Tullamarine Airport, Avalon Airport is situated between Melbourne and Geelong and will get you started on your Great Ocean Road journey sooner.

If you require public transport options, there is a surprisingly great range of them for the Great Ocean Road. The V/line service offers frequent train travel departing Melbourne’s Southern Cross Station and running to both Geelong and Warrnambool. There are also coach services that operate from Geelong to Apollo Bay, Warrnambool, Port Fairy and Portland, travelling via the Great Ocean Road. Another great option are the ferry services that run from Queenscliff and the Bellarine Peninsula to Sorrento and the Mornington Peninsula.