What is the best way to travel along the Great Ocean Road, and is it possible to get around efficiently between the various locations by public transport?

You’ll find out in this chapter.

Hiring a car at Melbourne Airport

Travelling by car

Most natural attractions can only be reached comfortably by car, or via long-distance walks. In particular, the interior of the Great Otway National Park and many beaches along the south coast are accessible exclusively by car.

That is why hiring a car is the most common way to get around the Great Ocean Road.

We’ve put together a detailed section on prices, traffic rules and points of interest – read Car hire on the Great Ocean Road.

Public transport – buses

Bus services only operate along the main coastal road and are provided by V/Line.

There are also a few services a week running from Apollo Bay via the inland route to the town of Colac; however, due to the infrequent service and the lack of stops at natural attractions, these are practically of no use to tourists.

You can search for connections and timetables on the websitevline.com.au/Timetables.

You can find the specific timetable for the route along the Great Ocean Road by searching for Coach Timetables -> South Western Victoria -> Warrnambool-Melbourne (via Great Ocean Road) .

The bus route, also known as the number 101, is divided into two sections:

• Geelong – Torquay – Anglesea – Aireys Inlet – Lorne – Apollo Bay
  • 4 times a day
  • In Geelong, there are frequent V/Line train connections to Melbourne
  • Stops are only in towns and permanently inhabited areas; the bus does not stop at any natural attractions outside these areas
• Apollo Bay – Lavers Hill – 12 Apostles – Port Campbell – Bay of Islands – Warrnambool
  • 3 times a week (Monday, Wednesday, Friday)
  • In Warrnambool, there are V/Line trains to Melbourne four times a day
  • This route is designed primarily for tourists, as it stops at the most famous natural attractions, giving you time for a short visit
  • Bay of Islands – 10-minute stop
  • London Bridge – 10-minute stop
  • Loch-Ard Gorge – 15-minute stop
  • 12 Apostles – 30-minute stop

In both Geelong and Warrnambool, there are frequent V/Line trains to and from Melbourne.

In Apollo Bay, the buses wait for one another, making it possible to change between them.

When travelling from Torquay to Warrnambool, there is only a 10-minute connection in Apollo Bay, whilst in the opposite direction you will have more than 2½ hours in Apollo Bay.

Top 10 hotels – Great Ocean Road

Tickets and prices

You can buy a ticket online atvline.com.au/Plan-trip-buy-tickets, which we recommend, particularly during the peak season (December–March), at least 5–7 days in advance.

Tickets are also sold by the driver (card payments accepted), but if the bus is full, you will not be able to board.

If you wish to use the tourist route between Warrnambool and Apollo Bay, with short stops at the three natural landmarks mentioned above – including the Twelve Apostles – simply buy a one-way ticket from Warrnambool to Apollo Bay.

Price examples:

• Warrnambool – Apollo Bay
  • 11 aud Adults
  • 5,50 aud children under 18
• Melbourne – Apollo Bay (one ticket for the train from Melbourne to Geelong, followed by a bus to Apollo Bay)
  • 11 aud Adults
  • 5,50 aud children under 18
• 12 Apostles – Warrnambool
  • 11 aud Adults
  • 5,50 aud children under 18