Scenic drive
Great Ocean Road car rental
The Great Ocean Road is Australia's most famous coastal drive - the Twelve Apostles, surf beaches and rainforest, an easy loop from Melbourne. Rent a car in Melbourne and take it at your own pace over two or three days.
The drive
- The Great Ocean Road proper runs about 240 km from Torquay to Allansford, but the natural trip is a loop from Melbourne - roughly 660 km round trip, ideally over two or three days rather than a rushed day tour.
- The road is sealed the whole way but winding and coastal - unhurried is the point. Give yourself time for the lookouts; the driving is the attraction, not the distance.
- Pick up (and return) in Melbourne, so it's a simple round trip - no one-way fee needed unless you carry on to Adelaide afterwards.
Highlights along the way
- Twelve Apostles - the limestone stacks at sunrise or sunset are the signature stop.
- Lorne and Apollo Bay - relaxed seaside towns to overnight and eat well.
- Great Otway National Park - rainforest walks, waterfalls and glow-worms just inland.
- Bells Beach and Torquay - the surf-culture gateway at the eastern end.
The practical bits
- Car choice: a small or mid-size automatic is perfect - the road is sealed, so you don't need a 4WD; prioritise comfort over size.
- Round trip: pick up and drop off in Melbourne, so there's usually no one-way fee. Continuing to Adelaide instead? That's a one-way - quoted before you book.
- Roads: sealed but winding and busy in peak season; take the curves gently and use the pull-over bays for photos rather than stopping on the road.
- When to go: year-round; summer and Easter are busiest, so book the car early. Spring and autumn are quieter and lovely.
Common questions
How many days do you need for the Great Ocean Road?
Two to three days does it justice - a round trip from Melbourne is roughly 660 km. You can day-trip it, but the winding coastal road rewards an unhurried pace.
Do I need a 4WD for the Great Ocean Road?
No. The road is fully sealed, so a comfortable small or mid-size automatic is ideal. A 4WD is unnecessary unless you're heading well off the beaten track.
Where do I rent a car for the Great Ocean Road?
Pick up in Melbourne - it's the natural start and end of the loop. Set Melbourne as pickup and return when you search.
Is the Great Ocean Road a one-way or round trip?
Most people loop back to Melbourne, so no one-way fee. If you carry on to Adelaide afterwards, that's a one-way rental and the fee is quoted before you book.
Keep reading
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