Directions
By Car
From Melbourne (About 3 hours)
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This is my preferred route — fewer bends and much easier if you’re towing a caravan.
CLICK FOR GOOGLE MAPS – VIA APOLLO BAY
A lovely drive with some winding sections between Forrest and Apollo Bay, but still quite manageable.
CLICK FOR GOOGLE MAPS – VIA GREAT OCEAN ROAD
The most scenic option — if you haven’t done it before, it’s a must! The views are stunning, though the drive can take longer as you pass through coastal towns and holiday traffic.
From Adelaide (About 8.5 hours)
CLICK HERE FOR GOOGLE MAPS- INLAND VIA BOARDETOWN – HAMILTON
A straightforward inland drive through open countryside and farming towns — smooth and easygoing with good roads most of the way.
CLICK HERE FOR GOOGLE MAPS – VIA MOUNT GAMBIER AND NELSON
My favourite route — it takes you through Mount Gambier’s volcanic landscapes and along the Great Ocean Road, where you can enjoy some of the most spectacular coastal scenery in the world.
From Sydney (About 11.5 hours)
CLICK HERE FOR GOOGLE MAPS – VIA GREAT OCEAN ROAD
Most scenic and if you have n’t done it you need to. it’s beautiful but can take longer as you go through all the towns and lots of holiday makers.
CLICK HERE FOR GOOGLE MAPS – VIA COLAC
A more direct inland option with fewer bends, making it a smoother, easier drive — especially if you’re towing a caravan.
By Air
From Avalon
Avalon Airport makes flying simple — with low-cost flights, easy parking, and fast boarding, it’s a relaxed way to begin your journey. Hiring a car from the airport makes it easy to get around and discover the Otways at your own pace.
CLICK HERE FOR GOOGLE MAPS – VIA APOLLO BAY
A beautiful drive through the Otways with lush forest and ocean views. A few winding sections, but well worth it for the scenery.
CLICK HERE FOR GOOGLE MAPS – VIA COLAC
My favourite route — smoother roads and less windy, making it easier if you’re towing or prefer a gentler drive. Also lots of shops in Colac for supplies.
From Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine)
Melbourne Airport has regular domestic and international flights and is the main capital city access point for Bimbi Park. Hiring a car from the airport makes it easy to explore Geelong, the Great Ocean Road, and the Otways. Geelong is about 55 minutesaway via the Western Ring Road and Princes Freeway.
CLICK HERE FOR GOOGLE MAPS – VIA COLAC
Colac is a great stop with shops for supplies, cafés, and straighter roads — a comfortable and easy drive.
CLICK HERE FOR GOOGLE MAPS – VIA APOLLO BAY
This route offers a stunning mix of rainforest and coastline, with some winding stretches between Forrest and Apollo Bay that reward you with incredible views.
By Bus
Several daily bus services travel to Melbournefrom major Australian cities and regional centres, making it easy to connect to the Great Ocean Road and the Otways.
From Sydney, the journey to Melbourne takes around 12 hours, while from Adelaideit’s about 10½ hours. Once in Melbourne, you can continue your journey to the coast by car, rail, or bus, with regular services operating along the Great Ocean Roadbetween Geelongand Apollo Bay.
V/Lineruns a weekly service between Apollo Bay and Warrnamboolevery Friday, as well as frequent connections between Melbourne, Geelong, Warrnambool, Port Fairy, and Portland, extending all the way to Mount Gambierin South Australia.
For passengers flying into Avalon Airport, the Avalon Airport Shuttleprovides convenient transfers to Geelong, the Bellarine Peninsula, and the Great Ocean Road. The Gull Airport Servicealso offers daily connections between Melbourne Airportand Geelong, making it easy to reach the coast without the need for a flight.
