You don’t need a car to explore the Great Ocean Road. Whether you’re visiting from overseas, travelling solo, or choosing a more sustainable approach, this iconic stretch of coastline is within reach. In fact, going car-free can offer a deeper connection with the landscape, the people, and the pace of life along the coast.
From trains and shuttles to guided tours, walking tracks and e-bikes, a growing network of transport options makes it easier than ever to explore Victoria’s south-west region on your own terms. Below are seven practical and rewarding ways to discover the coast without a car.
1. Take a V/Line Train and Bus from Melbourne
Public transport is one of the most straightforward ways to access the Great Ocean Road. V/Line trains depart regularly from Melbourne’s Southern Cross Station to Geelong, where you can connect with buses to Torquay, Lorne, Apollo Bay, and Warrnambool.
This route suits travellers planning overnight stays or a multi-stop journey along the coast. Trains offer comfort and onboard facilities, while the bus legs wind along the scenic route, offering glimpses of ocean views and native bushland. Make sure to book in advance during weekends and holiday periods. Luggage is permitted, but check size limits before you go. For more detail, read about getting to the Great Ocean Road.
2. Join a Guided Day Tour or Multi-Day Group Tour
If planning every leg of your trip feels overwhelming, guided tours offer a stress-free alternative. Departing from Melbourne, various tour operators run day trips and extended group tours along the coast.
These experiences are ideal for international visitors, short-stay travellers, or anyone who prefers curated itineraries. Some include major landmarks like the 12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, koala habitats and rainforest boardwalks. Other packages also cover meals and entry fees. Opt for smaller group tours for a more personal experience, and make sure to review the day’s inclusions before booking. For options, browse Tours.
3. Base Yourself in a Walkable Town
For a slower-paced, immersive experience, consider staying in one of the region’s walkable towns. Places like Lorne, Apollo Bay, Port Fairy and Aireys Inlet offer a coastal lifestyle where beaches, walking trails, cafés, galleries and shops are all within easy reach on foot.
This style of travel suits digital nomads, couples, solo adventurers and anyone who values being grounded in a single location. Many local accommodations are located within town centres, making it easy to enjoy daily routines without the need for transport.
Discover how others embrace this style of travel in the Van Life Along the Great Ocean Road guide, a celebration of slow, sustainable living by the sea.
4. Rent an E-Bike or Bicycle to Explore Coastal Trails
Cycling offers a liberating way to explore the coast up close. With e-bike and standard bicycle hire available in towns like Torquay, Anglesea, Forrest, and Port Fairy, it’s a great option for active travellers and curious wanderers alike.
Cruise along scenic beach paths or challenge yourself with a day on the Yaugher Network Trails in Forrest, a popular hub for mountain biking through the Otway forest. E-bikes are perfect for extending your range or tackling hills with ease.
Be prepared, carry a helmet, check the weather, and bring water and a repair kit. For the most diverse and fun trail suggestions, explore Ride Forrest.
5. Walk a Section of the Great Ocean Walk
For a truly immersive, car-free experience, few journeys compare to the Great Ocean Walk. This 110-kilometre coastal trail stretches from Apollo Bay to the 12 Apostles, offering day hikes or multi-day treks through rainforest, cliff-top heathland and remote beaches.
The walk is designed in segments, so you can take on one day at a time or complete the full track over several days. Shuttle services and accommodation options are available along the route, allowing you to travel light and stay well-rested.
This is ideal for independent, fit travellers who want to slow down and engage with nature. For planning resources, read the Great Ocean Walk guide.
6. Use Shuttle Services for One-Way Hikes or Transfers
One-way shuttles make it easy to link sections of the Great Ocean Walk or connect between towns without a car. Services operate between Apollo Bay, Princetown, Port Campbell, and the 12 Apostles, and are a reliable option for walkers, campers and day-trippers.
Some providers also offer luggage transfers and airport pick-ups, giving car-free travellers flexibility without needing to backtrack. Just be sure to book in advance and confirm availability, especially during peak periods.
For more information and regional transport options, visit Getting Here.
7. Attend a Festival or Event Accessible by Public Transport
Anchoring your trip around a local event can be a memorable way to explore the coast without needing to cover too much ground. Many events align well with bus and rail timetables, making them ideal for car-free visitors.
Catch a V/Line service to Warrnambool and head to the Port Fairy Folk Festival, or visit Apollo Bay for its popular Seafood Festival. With live music, local produce, community energy and walkable town centres, these events offer a chance to immerse yourself in place and culture. To plan your visit around upcoming events, check the latest listings at What’s On.
Plan Your Trip Without a Car
The Great Ocean Road isn’t just accessible without a car, it’s arguably more enjoyable. Without the pressure of driving, parking, or plotting routes, you’re free to travel slower, experience more, and engage more deeply with each place you visit.
Whether you’re catching a bus, walking a coastal trail, or staying put in a town that invites you to live like a local, there’s more than one way to discover the coast. Plan your trip today.
