Iconic coastal road starting at Torquay. Features the Twelve Apostles, Bells Beach, and stunning ocean vistas.

About Great Ocean Road (Torquay start)

The Great Ocean Road is Australia's most famous coastal drive and one of the world's great road trips, stretching 243 km from Torquay to Allansford along Victoria's spectacular southwestern coast. Built by returned soldiers between 1919 and 1932 as a memorial to those killed in World War I, it is the world's largest war memorial.

Torquay, the official starting point, is Australia's surfing capital and home to Bells Beach — the site of the world's longest-running surfing competition, the Rip Curl Pro (held since 1962). The Australian National Surfing Museum in Torquay tells the story of Australian surf culture, while the surf shops and board-shapers along the main street supply surfers heading for the renowned breaks along the coast.

From Torquay, the road winds through the seaside towns of Anglesea (famous for kangaroos on the golf course), Lorne (a holiday town nestled beneath the Otway Ranges), and Apollo Bay (the gateway to the Great Otway National Park rainforest) before reaching the Twelve Apostles — towering limestone stacks rising from the Southern Ocean, sculpted by millions of years of erosion. Other highlights include the London Arch, Loch Ard Gorge, and the Cape Otway Lighthouse, Australia's oldest surviving lighthouse.

Nearby Landmarks

Bells Beach Twelve Apostles Loch Ard Gorge Cape Otway Lighthouse

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost AUD 150-200
Time 1.5 hours

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Rideshare (Grab/Uber)

Cost AUD 130-170
Time 1.5 hours

Arrivals forecourt

Train (V/Line)

Cost AUD 15 to Geelong
Time 1 hour to Geelong
Frequency Hourly to Geelong

Step-by-Step Directions

V/Line train from Southern Cross to Geelong, then V/Line bus to Torquay/Apollo Bay.

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi AUD 150-200 1.5 hours Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Rideshare AUD 130-170 1.5 hours Budget-conscious, app users
Train AUD 15 to Geelong 1 hour to Geelong Budget, avoiding traffic

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

There is no public transport along the Great Ocean Road — a rental car is essential. Torquay has limited taxi services; book in advance. The Great Ocean Road is not recommended for night driving due to wildlife (kangaroos, wombats) on the road and tight curves without guardrails in some sections. Accommodation ranges from camping to boutique lodges in Lorne and Apollo Bay. Most Great Ocean Road towns are very quiet after dark.

Luggage Tips

A rental car is essential for the Great Ocean Road, so luggage is stored in the vehicle. Pack a day bag for walks and short hikes along the coast. Torquay and Lorne have supermarkets for provisions. If starting the drive from the airport, rent the car at Melbourne Airport where all major companies are represented. Some travelers do a one-way drive to the Twelve Apostles and return by inland route to save time.

Accessibility

The Twelve Apostles viewing platform is wheelchair accessible with a paved path from the visitor center. Several other coastal viewpoints have accessible paths, including Gibson Steps (viewing only, the beach stairs are steep). The Great Ocean Road itself is fully sealed and drivable in a standard car. Loch Ard Gorge has an accessible upper viewing area. Many accommodation options are not accessible due to the rugged coastal terrain; book ahead and specify requirements.