Getting to the Great Ocean Road: Your Journey Starts Here
Arriving in Victoria: Your Gateway to the Great Ocean Road
For international and interstate visitors, your Great Ocean Road adventure typically begins by arriving in Victoria. Learn about the state’s main airports and how to easily connect to this iconic touring route.
Melbourne Airport (MEL): Major Hub
Also known as Tullamarine Airport, Melbourne Airport it is the second busiest airport in Australia and is the major airport servicing the city with both domestic and international flights. Transport services and car hire are available onsite with connection to the city by public and private operators. Airport accommodation is available and basic convenience stores, cafes and restaurants are available most hours.
Website: www.melbourneairport.com.au
Phone: +61 3 9297 1600
Avalon Airport (AVV): Convenient Access
Located just outside of Geelong and only 45 minutes from Melbourne CBD, Avalon Airport is the closest airport to the start of the Great Ocean Road, being only a 35 minute drive from Torquay. It offers easy transport options to Geelong and Torquay as well as plenty of car hire options. Avalon Airport currently supports budget Jetstar flights to and from Sydney, the Gold Coast and Adelaide.
Website: www.avalonairport.com.au
Phone: +61 3 5227 9100
Toll Free: 1800 AVALON (1800 282 566)
Reaching the Great Ocean Road: Choose Your Journey
Once you’re in Melbourne or its surrounding regions, there are several convenient options to reach the Great Ocean Road. Select the mode of transport that best suits your travel style.
By Car: The Iconic Great Ocean Road Drive
The most popular and flexible way to experience the Great Ocean Road is by car. Enjoy the freedom to explore at your own pace, stopping at breathtaking viewpoints and charming towns. The journey from Melbourne offers stunning coastal scenery right from the start.
Travel time FROM MELBOURNE CBD to Torquay (Start of GOR)
1hr 17min
From the Geelong Ring Road you have 3 main options running east to west depending on the journey you want to take and your end Destination.
- The Hamilton Highway (B140)
- The Princes Freeway (M1)
- The Great Ocean Road (B100).
The road network presents the opportunity to travel through the region one way and return home another.
Driving Tips:
- stay on the left
- Sections of the road are very winding and require extra caution.
- Only stop in clearly signed parking areas
By Train: The Relaxing Journey
For a comfortable and scenic start to your trip, take a V/Line train from Melbourne’s Southern Cross Station to Geelong or Warrnambool stopping at hinterland towns Winchelsea and Colac on the way. From the station, you can connect to bus services or arrange a local car rental to begin your Great Ocean Road exploration.
Travel time FROM SOUTHERN CROSS STATION to Geelong
2hr 40min
To reach coastal towns including Torquay, Anglesea, Lorne and Apollo Bay, see connecting bus information under ‘By Bus’.
Train times vary and are not available 24/7. Coaches will replace trains on the evening Geelong service, depending on availability.
For train stops and timetables, please visit:
Website: ptv.vic.gov.au
Phone: 1800 800 007
By Ferry: A Scenic Shortcut Across the Bay
Consider the Searoad Ferries car and passenger service across Port Phillip Bay, connecting Sorrento (Mornington Peninsula) to Queenscliff (Bellarine Peninsula, near Geelong). This scenic ferry ride can save driving time around the bay and provides a unique start or end to your Great Ocean Road adventure, especially if combining with the Mornington Peninsula.
Travel time FROM SORRENTO TO QUEENSCLIFF
40min
Easy drive on/drive off. Ferries depart every hour on the hour from 7am to 6pm daily.
Website: www.searoad.com.au
By Bus: Convenient Connections Along the Coast
Public bus services operate along sections of the Great Ocean Road, providing convenient connections between key towns and attractions. While not a complete linear route, it’s a good option for those without a car or looking to explore specific areas.
Travel time FROM MELBOURNE CBD
2hr 45min
To visit coastal towns between Torquay and Apollo Bay including Anglesea and Lorne, buses connect at Geelong, Marshell and Colac Stations serviced by the Melbourne – Warrnambool train line.
To visit coastal towns between Port Campbell and Port Fairy, buses connect at Warrnambool Station serviced by the Melbourne – Warrnambool train line
To visit hinterland towns including Forest, Tanybryn, Cobden, Mortlake and Timboon, buses connect at Colac, Camperdown and Warrnambool Station serviced by the Melbourne – Warrnambool train line.
To visit Portland, travel to Warrnambool by train and bus from Warrnambool or Port Fairy to Portland
Bus times may vary and are not available 24/7.
For bus and coach information and timetables visit:
Website: ptv.vic.gov.au
Phone: 1800 800 007
