Bike Riding The Great Ocean Road

The Great Ocean Road is one of the most scenic coastal roads in the world, stretching for over 240km along the south-eastern coast of Australia offering some of Australia’s finest cycling, with world-famous coastal scenery, stunning coastal towns and an ever changing scenery providing great opportunities for the more experienced cyclists.

Riding the Great Ocean Road can be done in multiple ways and it all depends on what type of riding your are after. Below are a few suggested routes. If you end up in Warrnambool you have the option of taking the train back to Geelong.

Geelong to Torquay

Geelong has good public transport options with a direct train from Melbourne (only 50 mins) which also caters for bicycle transport. For more information on travelling with a bicycle refer to the bicycle on trains page of V/Line.

Once in Geelong the ride to Torquay is generally down the Surf Coast highway for about 20km on a good-sized hard shoulder. There are back road options for the more adventurous if you wish to avoid the highway ride but that will mean limited hard shoulder to ride on, but the advantage is less traffic.

Torquay to Lorne

This stretch is section is 45km in length and can be completed in around 2 ½ hours of regular cycling. The route offers some spectacular sweeping views of the rugged coastline below.

Lorne to Apollo Bay

Arguably the most popular section is the 50km stretch between Lorne and Apollo Bay offering stunning views of the ocean and surrounding landscape. Just before Apollo Bay, the trails that lead in the heart of the Great Otway National Park offers you a great opportunity for a range of detours.

Just a few kilometers out of Lorne is Kennett River, a small coastal town famous for its koala inhabitants.

Apollo Bay to Port Campbell (or Princetown)

This winding and scenic route is 93 km long and can reach elevations of over 450 meters above sea level, guaranteed to get the heart pumping.

Port Campbell to Warrnambool

A flatter section with the elevation never surpassing 40 meters above sea level and only 60km long. Once on Warrnambool you have the option of taking the V/Line train back to Geelong. It is always worth checking the V/Line travelling with bikes page before you book.

For more information to help you plan your Great Ocean Road cycling adventure check out Visit Victoria Great Ocean Road.