Great Ocean Road Melbourne: Rental Car vs. Tour

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When I was planning my adventure to Melbourne, Australia, there was one place that stood out above all others...

the incredible Great Ocean Road!

Being quite a distance from the city center, I debated endlessly whether to join a tour.

But thanks to a fantastic local connection, I had the incredible opportunity to drive a rental car and explore it all at my own pace!

The raw, overwhelming natural beauty of the Southern Ocean, a sight truly unique to Melbourne, was absolutely breathtaking.

However, there were definitely aspects where I'd wholeheartedly recommend a guided tour over a solo adventure.

So, here are my personal experiences, reviews, and insider tips from my recent journey along the Great Ocean Road!

3 Hours from the City: The Drive Itself is Pure Bliss!

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We set off bright and early for the Great Ocean Road, armed with our pre-booked Melbourne rental car!

As we left the bustling city of Melbourne behind,

we slowly transitioned into nature's embrace, finally arriving at the legendary Great Ocean Road.

The weather along the Great Ocean Road can be famously fickle, so

✅️ I highly recommend packing for ALL possibilities: a warm jacket, cooler clothing, an umbrella (or parasol), and sunglasses – literally everything! 😉

The Great Ocean Road is a magnificent 234-kilometer coastal road,

carved along Australia's stunning southeastern coastline.

As you eventually hit this incredible coastal route, driving alongside the endless expanse of the sea,

you'll find yourself utterly mesmerized by the sheer grandeur of Mother Nature.

However, with the drive being three hours or more *each way*,

it's almost guaranteed that the driver will get exhausted.

So, as the co-pilot, I made it my mission to keep my driver entertained and well-fueled with snacks like jellies!

KAYAK: Instant Price Comparison for Discounted Car Rentals3ha.in

For rental cars, you can easily compare prices and book through KAYAK or Klook – it's incredibly convenient and budget-friendly!

With filters for car type, passenger count, price, transmission type, rental inclusions, policies, specific companies, payment options, and more,

you can easily set various filters to compare your desired options and find

the most suitable and affordable platform for your booking.

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With major names like Hertz, Europcar, and EverythingFleet,

these are all reputable rental companies, well-known across Australia and Europe, which certainly boosted my confidence when booking.

You can also transparently compare crucial details like insurance options, free cancellation policies, and unlimited mileage, among others,

So make sure to do your price comparison before you commit to that perfect rental!

Melbourne, July 18 – July 203ha.in

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Awe-Inspiring Presence: The 12 Apostles

Naturally, the first spot I want to introduce to you is

the iconic highlight of the Great Ocean Road:

The 12 Apostles!

As you follow the short boardwalk,

you'll witness the spectacular sight of limestone stacks,

with about 8 of the original 12 remaining due to natural erosion.

But oh my, the wind here is absolutely wild, making it quite a challenge to snap a good photo! 😂

The weather was so unpredictable,

it would go from sunny to rainy in an instant, but

it actually made for an even more stunning view, harmonizing exquisitely with the sun that almost looked like a sunset.

Some adventurers even made their way down to the shoreline.

While it's a rugged coast with powerful waves, so caution is advised,

I imagine the view from down there must be absolutely breathtaking!

Your Next Breathtaking Photo Op: The Grotto

The next stop on our adventure is The Grotto, where, nestled between the cliffs,

the sight of waves rolling in is truly mesmerizing and mysterious.

And did you know, 'Grotto' actually means 'small cave'?

Descend the stairs and you can capture that perfect, once-in-a-lifetime shot,

with the waves crashing between the limestone caves as your stunning backdrop.

When I visited, it wasn't particularly crowded, which meant I could truly soak in the magnificent scenery to my heart's content.

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Spectacular Scenery Harmonizing with the Waves: London Bridge

The London Bridge, whose name alone evokes wonder, was once connected to the mainland, but

now it's an isolated island, with its middle section having collapsed.

The sight of waves powerfully crashing through the gap in the rocks is truly magnificent!

It was a moment to truly come face-to-face with the mighty Southern Ocean,

and fitting its powerful namesake, the wind and waves here are absolutely tremendous, wouldn't you agree?

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Even on the path leading up to it, I could marvel at unique and fascinating plants that grow only in Australia.

These were plants with forms I'd never encountered in Korea, making them incredibly, truly fascinating to observe.​

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Realistic Review After My Independent Journey

The biggest charm of a self-guided trip with a rental car is,

that you can visit all the spots you want to see

and go to all the fantastic restaurants you've saved, right?

KAYAK: Compare Discounted Rental Car Prices at a Glance3ha.in

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But there were some downsides too.

😂 Travel Time: The round-trip driving time was quite long, leading to significant fatigue.

😂 Driving Fatigue: In Australia, the driver's seat is on the opposite side, and being on unfamiliar roads made me quite tense.

😂 Planning the Route: If you don't thoroughly research your itinerary, you might end up wasting time on the road.

😂 "Life Shots" (Perfect Photos): Since we took turns taking pictures of each other, we didn't have many photos together...

Also, because time allocation and route planning were tricky,

we unfortunately had to give up on the Puffing Billy Railway and penguin viewing...

We even missed out on seeing wild koalas, a spot always mentioned on tours, sigh!

We recommend a tour for these travelers:

That's why, especially if you're on a family trip with your parents or visiting Australia for the first time,

I felt that choosing a tour package that takes away the worries of driving and route planning could be a smart decision.

Even if I were to visit the Great Ocean Road again,

I think I would definitely take a tour.

I recommend tours even more for these types of travelers!

✅️ Those who want to fully immerse themselves in the scenery without driving stress

✅️ Those who want to comfortably see only the highlights

✅️ Family travelers with parents or children

✅️ First-time visitors to Australia

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Great Ocean Road Tours: A Quick Comparison

Nowadays, there are so many excellent tour packages available, like budget-friendly tours on large buses, or small-group private tours. They even introduce hidden spots where you can see wild koalas and kangaroos!

You can also add an option to view the Great Ocean Road from above by taking a helicopter.

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If I were to go again, I'd probably choose from the options below!

Reverse Itinerary Tour (with Picnic Lunch)

• Reverse itinerary to avoid crowds

• Audio guide in 10 languages

• Includes entrance fees to major spots & picnic lunch

Perfect for families and couples who want to explore comfortably without worrying about meals or extra entrance fees

Starting from ~$104

[Book Now]

Reverse Itinerary Tour (Top 10 Must-Visit Spots)

• Reverse itinerary to avoid crowds

• Conquer 10 essential attractions, including the Twelve Apostles

• English & Chinese guide

• Meals not included

Ideal for travelers who want to explore major attractions thoroughly at a reasonable price

Starting from ~$57

[Book Now]

Wrapping Up

The breathtaking scenery of the Great Ocean Road

was an absolutely unmissable highlight of my Melbourne trip.

If you want to revel in a sense of freedom, consider a rental car self-drive trip,

or if you prefer to conserve your energy and enjoy efficient relaxation, opt for a tour.

Be sure to prepare well for the unpredictable weather,

and have a wonderful trip along Melbourne's Great Ocean Road! ✨