Great Ocean Road trip: outline guide
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This trip suits travellers who want a slower coastal drive with stops along the way, rather than a fast transfer. Visit Victoria describes the Great Ocean Road as running from Torquay in the east to Warrnambool in the west (Visit Victoria).
The route
Visit Victoria describes the stretch around Lorne and Apollo Bay as the most picturesque part of the road (Visit Victoria).
When to go
The Great Ocean Road Authority says Port Campbell National Park is open year-round, and that spring and summer offer the most favourable weather for outdoor activities (Great Ocean Road Authority). The same page says to book early in peak seasons for accommodation and National Park campsites, and that the park has limited facilities, while nearby towns such as Port Campbell provide accommodation, dining and other amenities.
Getting there and the car
Flying in and hiring a car is one option. See fly-drive or your own car for how the two options compare.
When you collect a hire car, the company may ask to see your licence information. You can create a 'check code' up to 21 days before your trip (GOV.UK: driving abroad). GOV.UK also says insurance is included with a hire car, so check what it covers with the hire company, and check that you have any equipment you need to carry, such as a reflective jacket or warning triangle (GOV.UK: driving abroad).
Driving there as a UK driver
You need to take your Great Britain or Northern Ireland driving licence with you to drive abroad. Check that it is still valid before you go (GOV.UK: driving abroad). GOV.UK also says you might need an international driving permit (IDP) to drive in some countries, so check whether one is needed for Australia before you travel.
Parks and road checks
Check closures before you go. The Great Ocean Road Authority says Loch Ard Gorge beach access steps are closed due to geological instability, and that the site will stay closed until remediation works are complete (Great Ocean Road Authority). The same page lists dogs as not allowed, and gives VicRoads on 13 11 70 for urgent on-road hazards.
Before you book
- Decide your start and finish points before you compare car hire.
- Read the hire terms, including where you can return the car and what the insurance covers.
- Create your licence check code before you travel if the hire company asks for one.
- Check that your licence is valid and that you will carry it with you.
- Look up current closures and road conditions for each stop.
- Book accommodation early if you are travelling in a peak season.
- Compare the total cost of the trip, not only the daily hire rate.
For the wider planning steps, see the road trip research checklist. The driving abroad checklist lists the documents and kit to check for each country. For the rules on licences abroad, see driving licence and IDP abroad. More guides are on the worldwide road trips hub.
FAQs
Do I need to carry my UK driving licence?
Yes. GOV.UK says you need to take your Great Britain or Northern Ireland driving licence with you when you drive abroad (GOV.UK: driving abroad).
Can I create the hire company's check code before I travel?
Yes. GOV.UK says you can create a check code up to 21 days before your trip (GOV.UK: driving abroad).
More in Worldwide road trips
Sources
- route runs from Torquay in the east to Warrnambool in the west (checked )
- park open year-round, weather guidance, limited facilities, Loch Ard Gorge beach access closure, VicRoads hazard number (checked )
- carry a GB or NI licence, check it is valid, hire car check code, hire insurance, equipment checks, IDP needed in some countries (checked )