The Great Ocean Road is an iconic driving route in Australia and one of the most scenic routes in the TOP 10 world rating. It stretches for 243 kilometres along the coast from Torquay to Allansford. Travelling the Great Ocean Road is only part of the ocean and traffic. There are many incredible places, surfer beaches, and viewpoints. You drive from town to town, visiting national parks, admiring lighthouses and waterfalls, meeting koalas and kangaroos. Then you stop, eat fish and chips, sit in pubs, wander around souvenir shops. This is an experience that will last a lifetime. He talked about his experience conquering the Great Ocean Road, searching for koalas, and walking among the redwoods.
How to get there?
If you go to Australia, you’ll almost certainly fly to Melbourne or Sydney. Australia, as the Australians themselves joke, is a bloody long way. So get ready to spend 20 to 40 hours on the road.
The Great Ocean Road is located in Victoria and starts near Melbourne. If you fly here, find a car (more on that below) and hit the road. Planes fly from Sydney to Melbourne almost every hour, so you should get your tickets in advance to save money. You can fly to Geelong at Avalon Airport, the closest airport to the start of the Great Ocean Road. Jetstar Airways, Qantas, Virgin Australia, and Tigerair Australia are local carriers. Tickets from A$45 (€28).
Car rental and left-hand traffic
Australia is made for road trips: good roads, long distances, and beautiful views. Along the busy highways, there is always a place to drink coffee, have a snack, and relax.
Everyone drives, so car rentals are standard. However, you can also contact the rental company directly. A few popular ones are Avis, Budget, Europcar, Jucy, Hertz, Redspot, and Thrifty. Many companies have offices right at the airport.
Cars are available to drivers 21-75 years old. Having an international driver’s license, passport, and bank card is best to rent a car. You can pick up a car in one city and return it in another.
The average rental cost per day is A$45-70. This price includes standard insurance and local taxes. The deductible for damage is quite large—A$3000-4000, which is blocked on the card. You can reduce this amount to approximately A$700 if you buy full insurance. Its cost will increase the cost of rent by one and a half to two times. You need a good deposit in your account.
Even though Australia drives on the left and the right, drivers agree that changing lanes is relatively easy. Road markings and signs are intuitive. There are reminders everywhere to keep to the left. The only difficulties on the first day behind the wheel are intersections and roundabouts. But you get used to it, too.
In Australia, seat belts must be fastened in front and rear. Children must ride in child seats. You want to avoid paying Australian fines for violating traffic rules. And it doesn’t hurt to think about your safety and the safety of other people on the road.
Be prepared that outside populated areas, a kangaroo or other large animal may suddenly jump onto the road. Accidents involving animals are more severe than you might think. You need to drive especially carefully at night.
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Route
Official markings of the B100 route. The trip requires at least two days, but more than one is needed. Two is more or less; you will have time to see everything in three.
Some lucky people rent (or sometimes buy a used) trailer or campervan and stay longer on the coast. You may be one of them. You can rent a campervan for a couple of days. We probably would have done that, but I’m lucky to have travelled with Australians in their car.
It is worth starting early in the morning, especially on weekends. Otherwise, you risk being stuck in traffic when leaving Melbourne. We go around 7 am, wander around the city a little, looking for a detour due to road repairs, and finally get out to the ocean.
Our route looks like this:
Follow our day-by-day itinerary to explore the breathtaking sights of Melbourne, Anglesey, Memorial Arch, Lorne, Erskine Falls, Teddy’s Lookout, Kennett River Koala Walk, and Apollo Bay in just one day!
Explore the stunning sights of Apollo Bay, California Red Forest, Twelve Apostles, Port Campbell, and Colac Volcanic Lake on Day 2 of your adventure. Don’t miss out on these must-see destinations!
