Driving along the Great Ocean Road is one of the most scenic trips in Australia, with stunning beaches, natural landscapes, and breathtaking viewpoints. Exploring these areas comfortably requires a reliable vehicle. If you are looking for car hire Australia, it’s best to rent in Melbourne, Geelong, or Adelaide to start your journey efficiently.
Why is car rental the most convenient
Great Ocean Road is a highway of about 240 km long along the southeastern coast of Victoria. With stops at natural monuments like “Twelve Apostles”, Lorne, Apollo Bay, Anglesey and Lorne, you will get flexibility and complete freedom of route. Traveling by car allows you to avoid depending on tour schedules or public transport and stop at any point on the highway.
Where to get a car from: the starting point
There are no rental locations along Great Ocean Road — they usually take cars in Melbourne, Geelong or Adelaide, and then drive along the coast. It takes about 75 minutes by car from Melbourne to Torquay, and about 22 minutes from Geelong. It is better to book in advance — about 79 days before the trip in order to get the price and availability of the car you need.
Which cars to choose and how much an
SUV costs (for example, economy SUV) is the most popular type of car for Great Ocean Road. The average price is about 44 AUD per day, with offers starting from 31 AUD/day. Compact cars are cheaper, from 44-50 AUD/day depending on the season. The average sedan costs about 90 AUD/day, and takes the lead in terms of space and comfort
The average cost of renting a car along the route is approximately 97 AUD per day, or 678 AUD per week, especially during the peak season (December–February). In the off–season (May-October), prices are reduced to 290 AUD/week
Rental conditions and special moments
To rent a car, you will need a driver’s license, passport or ID, credit card and booking confirmation. Many companies do not charge additional fees for refunds in another city, but sometimes a one‑way recharge can be 3-4 times the rental price. By booking in advance, especially with flexible cancellation (free cancellation), you can reduce costs.
Route features and tips for choosing
The traffic on Great Ocean Road is very scenic, but winding — the driver should be careful, especially when cornering and in case of possible landslides on the slopes.
Wildlife: kangaroos, koalas and other animals can take to the road suddenly, especially in the evening and at dawn.
Gasoline and parking: free in all bus stop areas, including Great Otway National Park
Trip and stop plan
The route can be completed in one day (~243 km), but it is recommended to stop for 2-3 nights to enjoy the cities and nature.:
Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, Gibson Steps
Great Otway National Park — walks, waterfalls, forest canopy track
Apollo Bay, Bells Beach, Shipwreck Coast, Otway Flytreetop Walk
How to create a budget: an example of expenses
Renting a small car for 3–4 days costs about 150–200 AUD. An SUV costs about 270–350 AUD.
You also need to pay for fuel, food, park tickets, and places to sleep.
To save money, book early, get the car in the city, and pick one with no limit on kilometres and simple insurance.
Conclusion
If you’re planning car hire in Australia, driving along the Great Ocean Road is the ultimate way to enjoy complete freedom, flexible stops, and a comfortable journey. With your vehicle, you decide which towns to explore, how many lookouts to pause at, and the pace of your adventure. Booking your rental in advance from Melbourne or Geelong not only secures the best prices but also ensures a smooth start to an unforgettable coastal road trip through Victoria.
Soccer lover, nature enthusiast, guitarist, Bauhaus fan and critical graphic designer. Doing at the fulcrum of minimalism and purpose to craft experiences that go beyond design. I am 25 years old.
