The Great Ocean Road is a globally renowned, breathtaking coastal drive, recognised as one of the best in Australia.
Visitors travel here with diverse goals: to immerse themselves in nature, find a moment of relaxation, or enjoy a memorable trip with family or friends.
We believe this incredible stretch of coastline is a must-see for everyone. However, to truly explore the many attractions, a reliable vehicle is essential.
The need for transport is often the biggest hurdle to experiencing this natural wonder. KINTO car rental offers a simple solution, providing a variety of reliable Toyota vehicles with flexible short-term and long-term rental options, ensuring you have everything required for a great journey.
Whether you are a solo traveller who needs a compact hatchback, a family requiring a spacious 7-seater, or an adventurer needing a Ute, KINTO has the right vehicle for you. Plus, you can choose from a range of fuel-efficient Hybrid Electric cars.
Why KINTO is the Reliable Choice for Your Car Rental?
Toyota Reliability: As part of the Toyota company, KINTO provides trusted Toyota vehicles. You can drive with peace of mind, knowing your car is dependable throughout your journey.
All-Inclusive Pricing: KINTO rentals are designed to be hassle-free. Your booking includes essentials like insurance and even fuel, ensuring full transparency and no unexpected costs.
Simple Digital Access: You don't need to visit a counter or speak to anyone. Simply Download the KINTO car hire app, complete your identity verification, and book your car. You can use your phone to unlock and start the vehicle, getting you on the road faster.
Where Exactly is the Great Ocean Road?
Here is the information you need before planning your drive: The Great Ocean Road is located along the spectacular south-eastern coast of Victoria, Australia. The scenic drive officially commences in the surfing town of Torquay and extends west to Allansford.
How Long is the Road and the Trip from Melbourne?
How Long to Explore the Great Ocean Road's Attractions?
The road features numerous iconic landmarks and lookouts. While a quick drive is possible, we recommend allocating more time to truly experience the area:
Recommended Time:
A comfortable 2 to 3 days is ideal for visiting all the major highlights, including the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, the coastal towns of Lorne and Apollo Bay, and a few rainforest walks in the Great Otway National Park.
Key Attractions:
You will discover a wealth of major sites, such as the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, London Arch, The Grotto, Bay of Islands, Cape Otway Lighthouse, and the Memorial Arch.
Explore all KINTO’s cars and price list here
The Full Great Ocean Road: Major Attractions Explained
To truly explore all the spots, we highly recommend a three-day itinerary.
The Surf Coast | Torquay to Apollo Bay
This stretch features dramatic surf beaches and charming resort towns.
1. Bells Beach > Near Torquay
Bells Beach is Australia's most legendary surf beach and the celebrated home of the Rip Curl Pro competition every Easter. While the waves are the main draw, the viewing platforms atop the towering cliffs offer incredible, panoramic views of the powerful Southern Ocean swells. It’s an essential stop for any coastal enthusiast and a great spot to see professional surfers when the swell is running high. Accessing the main carpark is easy with a compact KINTO SUV or hatchback.
2. Split Point Lighthouse
Located in Aireys Inlet, this active, picturesque white lighthouse is often affectionately nicknamed the "White Queen" of the coast. The lighthouse grounds offer spectacular views of the rugged coastline, and guided tours are available for those who wish to climb to the top for a panoramic perspective. Its prominent position and classic design make it one of the most photographed structures along the early section of the road. It provides an excellent break to stretch your legs before reaching the major resort towns.
3. Memorial Arch at Eastern View
The iconic wooden archway marks the beginning of the most spectacular coastal section of the road and is a must-stop photo opportunity. This significant monument is dedicated to the 3,000 returned World War I soldiers who dedicated years to building the entire road between 1919 and 1932. There is a dedicated car park adjacent to the arch, which is essential for safely stopping and taking in the history. It sets the stage for the engineering and natural marvels ahead, reminding visitors that this journey is about heritage as much as scenery.
4. Teddy's Lookout
Located high above the popular town of Lorne, Teddy's Lookout offers an absolutely spectacular elevated vista. From here, you can see the Great Ocean Road winding its way around the cliff face, the St George River estuary, and the vast expanse of the ocean converging beautifully. The drive up to the lookout is short but steep, making the reliable power of a Toyota car rental useful. It’s a rewarding stop that perfectly illustrates the dramatic geography of the coastline.
5. Kennett River Koala Walk
This informal stop is one of the most reliable places on the entire road to spot wild koalas simply hanging out and sleeping in the eucalyptus trees. Koalas are often visible right above the road and in the surrounding bushland, making it a favorite for wildlife enthusiasts. It requires you to slowly drive through and look carefully into the gum trees, so having a safe, modern rental car is key. This is a unique opportunity to see Australian wildlife in its natural habitat up close.
- Best Night Stop Recommendation: Lorne.
The Forest and Coast (Apollo Bay to Port Campbell)
The road briefly moves inland through lush, dense rainforest before returning to the spectacular cliffs.
6. Great Otway National Park / Maits Rest Rainforest Walk
The Great Otway National Park provides a spectacular shift in scenery, trading coastal views for a cool-temperate rainforest filled with towering Myrtle Beech trees and soft, emerald tree ferns. The Maits Rest walk is an easy, beautifully maintained 30-minute boardwalk loop, making it fully accessible for travelers of all abilities. This stop is a vital break from driving and a serene chance to experience the region’s incredible biodiversity away from the coast. The dense forest canopy and cool air offer a refreshing change before the coastline takes over again.
7. Cape Otway Lightstation
The Cape Otway Lightstation is a fascinating historical landmark and proudly stands as the oldest working lighthouse on mainland Australia. While the detour here is significant, the rewards include dramatic cliff views and invaluable insight into the region's perilous maritime history, the notorious Shipwreck Coast. The access road is also famous for reliably spotting koalas in the Manna Gum trees, so keep an eye out as you drive. Having a modern KINTO vehicle means you’ll have a reliable, comfortable base for this longer inland excursion.
- Best Night Stop Recommendation: Apollo Bay. Known for its relaxed harbour and horseshoe-shaped beach, it's the perfect midpoint.
The Shipwreck Coast | Port Campbell National Park to Allansford
This is the dramatic climax of the Great Ocean Road, featuring the towering limestone stacks. Using your flexible Melbourne car hire from KINTO, you can take your time exploring these magnificent formations.
8. The Twelve Apostles
The Twelve Apostles are the world-famous collection of immense limestone stacks rising majestically out of the Southern Ocean, the absolute highlight of this drive. Although only seven stacks remain standing today, their sheer scale and presence are awe-inspiring and truly unforgettable. We highly recommend visiting at either sunrise or sunset for the most spectacular photo opportunities, as the changing light dramatically shifts the colours of the rock. The dedicated visitor centre provides easily accessible viewing platforms, making it simple to take in the views before continuing your journey.
9. Gibson Steps
Located just a short drive from the Twelve Apostles, Gibson Steps provides a unique and unforgettable perspective: the chance to view the massive coastal cliffs and two of the colossal stacks from sea level. Named after a local settler who cut the original steps into the cliff face, this steep descent allows you to stand on the beach (when conditions are safe) and feel the true scale of the landscape. This is the only place in the main section of the Shipwreck Coast where such a descent is possible, making it a crucial stop. Always check the tide and safety warnings before heading down to the beach.
10. Loch Ard Gorge
This stunning, sheltered inlet features sheer cliff walls and tranquil turquoise waters, and is named after the famous 1878 shipwreck that saw only two survivors. It is one of the most photographed and emotionally resonant spots on the entire Shipwreck Coast due to its dramatic history and geological beauty. There are multiple well-marked trails that allow you to explore the area, including paths leading to the 'Razorback' formation and the 'Tom and Eva' lookout. Using KINTO’s transparent and all-inclusive pricing model means you can park and spend hours exploring the extensive trails without stress.
11. The Grotto
The Grotto is a beautiful and serene natural coastal feature: a unique sinkhole and archway that frames the ocean perfectly, creating a natural viewing platform. It is easy to access via a set of steps and is generally less crowded than the main Apostles lookouts, providing a quieter, reflective moment. This geological marvel perfectly showcases the varied erosion patterns along the coast, resulting in a gentle pool of water protected from the powerful waves. It is a fantastic hidden gem that offers excellent photographic opportunities.
12. London Arch (Formerly London Bridge)
London Arch is a magnificent natural coastal arch that gained international fame when the structure dramatically collapsed in 1990, unexpectedly leaving two visitors temporarily stranded on the newly detached section. The collapsed arch illustrates the relentless, powerful forces of nature that continually shape this coastline, offering a humbling perspective on geological time. The viewing platforms provide excellent, clear perspectives of both the separated section and the powerful waves eroding the cliffs below. This location serves as a striking reminder of the impermanence of these incredible limestone formations.
13. Bay of Islands
The Bay of Islands features a beautiful, quieter cluster of smaller, distinct limestone stacks and unique rock formations extending further along the coast from the more famous Apostles. Because this spot is slightly more remote and less crowded, it often provides a more peaceful and reflective viewing experience of the coastal scenery. The view stretches for kilometres, making it an excellent final photo opportunity before the official end of the road near Allansford. If you have chosen a long term car rental from KINTO, you have the flexibility to truly linger and enjoy the quiet majesty of this final bay.
- Best Night Stop Recommendation: Port Campbell.
Your Journey Starts with a Toyota Car Rental from KINTO
Planning this ultimate road trip from Melbourne is simple with KINTO. Our fleet of modern, reliable Toyota car rental vehicles, including spacious SUVs and fuel-efficient Hybrids, ensures you travel in safety and comfort. Forget the hassles of traditional car hire. With KINTO, you can secure your perfect rental car for short-term or long term car rental directly through the app, with no hidden fees and 24/7 access.
Ready to start exploring the Great Ocean Road?
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The Great Ocean Road is an unforgettable experience, and to fully appreciate its scale and natural drama, you need the right car and the flexibility to stop whenever you see something amazing.
