A SUV adventure on the Great Ocean Road
By Vroom Team • Reviewed 11 Nov 2024
The Great Ocean Road — an iconic Aussie road trip that attracts millions of enthusiastic tourists raring to check out a magical slice of Victoria. Located just a two-hour drive from the culturally vibrant city of Melbourne, the spectacular views, unbeatable range of wildlife, sand, and sea, has to be why this drive is world-class. Rent an SUV in Melbourne and explore this epic location and see why this place really has it all.
Don’t forget, you can fly into Melbourne Airport, and from there you can pick up your car rental and start your road trip.
The Great Ocean Road by SUV
Recommended car
Useful tips
Nearby depots in Melbourne
Avis: Grand Hyatt Hotel. Car Park Level 4, 123 Collins St, Melbourne, 3000.
Budget: Shop 3/8 Franklin St, Melbourne, 3000.
Dollar: Shop 3/8 Franklin St, Melbourne, 3000.
East Coast: Grand Hyatt Hotel Level 4, 123 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC, 3000
Enterprise: 34 - 60 Little Collins St, Melbourne, 3000.
Europcar: Melbourne City. 89 Franklin Street, Melbourne, 3000.
Hertz: Shop 3/8 Franklin Street, Melbourne, 3000.
Sixt: Southern Cross Station, Docklands VIC, 3008.
Thrifty: Shop 3/8 Franklin Street, Melbourne, 3000.
Friday evening
Arrive in Melbourne: After flying into Melbourne, you can pickup your rental car up and have an amazing dinner in the city. Melbourne’s gorgeous alleyways are home to a plethora of cuisines and world-class restaurants to feast in. It’s up to you if you want to stay the night in the city or drive to Geelong and stay there before getting started on your road trip.
Saturday morning
Coffee in Geelong: Filled with cute cafes and strong coffee, fuel up your car and yourself with brekkie and get ready to hit the road.
Bells Beach: This world-renowned surf beach does not disappoint. The Rip Curl Pro takes place here every year and is a great place to check out and perhaps catch a wave.
Kennett River Koala Walk: Kennett River Koala Walk is a great place to spot koalas. As it names suggests, this place is where heaps of koalas live. As always, be respectful and simply observe the animals from a polite distance.
Saturday midday
The Twelve Apostles: Have you really road-tripped along the Great Ocean Road if you haven’t stopped by the star of the show? These limestone stacked towers are quite the spectacle and are up next on your road trip. Always have your camera ready, this place is stunning.
Gibson Steps: Set on the cusp of the Port Campbell National Park, the Gibson Steps are where you can access the beach from the top of the cliff face.
Loch Ard Gorge: See the vastness of these gorgeous cliffs and check out Razorback and Thunder Cave.
Saturday evening
Stay in Port Campbell: Port Campbell is a town close by. Book an Airbnb, relax in this quaint town and rest up—you have a busy day tomorrow.
Sunday morning to midday
The Arch: Explore the natural archway that is set in the water. It’s an amazing sight to see, especially when you consider it isn’t man-made.
The Grotto: Did you know that the Grotto is actually a sinkhole? Following the steps down, you will see that it is seriously impressive. The best way to describe it would be that it is partly a cave, with a gorgeous arch shape to it.
Sunday afternoon
Bay of Islands: Next up is the Bay of Islands. Want to check out some more impressive limestone structures? This is the place to go. Some say they are just as impressive as the 12 Apostles and less crowded. Watch the sunset and have a picnic at this beautiful location.
Sunday evening
Back to Melbourne: Once you have finished up exploring the Bay of Islands, it’s time to head back to Melbourne. The drive should take you just over three hours if you don’t stop along the way.
About the author
Vroom Team
VroomVroomVroom’s writing team brings together decades of writing expertise to share their insights into travelling around Australia by rental car. Let our team help you get the most out of your rental car experience.
