Great Ocean Road Fuel Cost Guide — Melbourne to the 12 Apostles and Back (2026)
Complete Great Ocean Road trip cost breakdown for 2026. Fuel costs, cheapest servo stops, where to eat, coffee, overnight stays, and total budget for 2-day and 3-day itineraries.
How Much Does a Great Ocean Road Trip Actually Cost?
The Great Ocean Road is Australia's most iconic coastal drive — 243 km of cliff-hugging tarmac from Torquay to Allansford, past Bells Beach, through rainforest, and ending at the 12 Apostles. Most visitors drive from Melbourne, making it a 520–600 km round trip depending on how far west you go.
Here's what the full trip costs per person in April 2026:
| Expense | Budget | Mid-Range | Comfort | |---------|--------|-----------|---------| | Fuel (return, sedan) | $45–$55 | $45–$55 | $55–$80 (SUV) | | Accommodation (per night) | $30–$50 (hostel/caravan park) | $110–$160 (motel/B&B) | $200–$350 (boutique hotel) | | Food & Coffee (per day) | $40–$60 | $80–$120 | $150–$250 | | Attractions | $0–$20 | $20–$60 | $60–$150 | | **Total (2 nights)** | **$185–$290** | **$390–$610** | **$720–$1,160** |
The fuel is the cheapest part. It's the accommodation and food in tourist towns like Lorne and Port Campbell that'll hit your wallet. Let's break it all down.
The Route: Melbourne to the 12 Apostles and Back
Most people start in Melbourne, drive to Torquay (where the Great Ocean Road officially begins), follow the coast west to the 12 Apostles, then either return the same way or loop back via the inland A1 freeway through Colac — which is faster and cheaper on fuel.
### Key Distances
| Leg | Distance | Drive Time | |-----|----------|------------| | Melbourne CBD → Geelong | 75 km | 55 min | | Geelong → Torquay | 22 km | 20 min | | Torquay → Lorne | 45 km | 50 min | | Lorne → Apollo Bay | 45 km | 50 min | | Apollo Bay → 12 Apostles | 110 km | 1 hr 30 min | | 12 Apostles → Port Campbell | 12 km | 10 min | | **Melbourne → 12 Apostles (coastal)** | **260 km** | **3 hr 45 min** | | **Return via inland (A1)** | **255 km** | **3 hr** | | **Total round trip** | **515–570 km** | **6–7 hrs driving** |
:::tip Take the Loop Drive the coast westbound (Melbourne → Torquay → Apollo Bay → 12 Apostles) and return inland via Colac and the Princes Freeway. The inland return is 45 minutes faster, uses less fuel (freeway vs winding coast), and you won't be driving into the afternoon sun. Plus, you'll already have seen the views. :::
Fuel Costs: Every Leg, Every Price
Victoria's fuel prices in April 2026 sit around $1.90–$2.10/L for ULP in metro Melbourne (post-excise cut), but coastal tourist towns charge a premium. Here's the leg-by-leg breakdown using VIC Government Fair Fuel data.
### Leg 1: Melbourne to Geelong (75 km)
The M1 Princes Freeway — flat, fast, and fuel-efficient.
- **Best fuel price (ULP):** $1.89/L (Costco Epping, western suburbs servos) - **Sedan (7.0 L/100km):** 5.3 L — **$10.01** - **SUV (9.5 L/100km):** 7.1 L — **$13.42** - **Tip:** Fill up before you leave Melbourne. Costco members save 10–15c/L. Metro independents are consistently cheapest.
### Leg 2: Geelong to Torquay (22 km)
Short hop to the start of the Great Ocean Road. Torquay has two servos with reasonable pricing.
- **Best fuel price (ULP):** $1.95/L (Geelong), $2.02/L (Torquay) - **Sedan:** 1.5 L — **$2.93** - **SUV:** 2.1 L — **$4.10** - **Tip:** If you didn't fill up in Melbourne, Geelong is your last chance for cheap fuel. The Shell and United servos on the Surf Coast Highway are your best bet.
### Leg 3: Torquay to Lorne (45 km)
The most photographed stretch — sweeping curves past Bells Beach, Anglesea, and Aireys Inlet. Beautiful but winding, so consumption goes up 10–15%.
- **Best fuel price (ULP):** $2.15/L (Lorne) — **tourist premium** - **Sedan (7.5 L/100km adjusted for curves):** 3.4 L — **$7.31** - **SUV (10.0 L/100km):** 4.5 L — **$9.68**
:::warning Lorne Fuel Tax Lorne's servos charge 15–25c/L more than Geelong. A single Ampol station services the whole town. If you have half a tank or more, skip it and fill up in Apollo Bay or Colac instead. :::
### Leg 4: Lorne to Apollo Bay (45 km)
Rainforest section through the Otway Ranges. Steep climbs and descents increase consumption.
- **Best fuel price (ULP):** $2.10/L (Apollo Bay) - **Sedan (8.0 L/100km adjusted for hills):** 3.6 L — **$7.56** - **SUV (10.5 L/100km):** 4.7 L — **$9.87** - **Apollo Bay has two servos** — Ampol and an independent. Prices are high but more competitive than Lorne.
### Leg 5: Apollo Bay to 12 Apostles (110 km)
Inland through Otway rainforest then back to the coast. The longest stretch without a town. Lavers Hill has one servo (expensive, last resort only).
- **Best fuel price (ULP):** $2.20/L (Lavers Hill — avoid if possible) - **Sedan (7.5 L/100km):** 8.3 L — **$17.43** (at Apollo Bay price) - **SUV (10.0 L/100km):** 11.0 L — **$23.10** - **Tip:** Fill up in Apollo Bay before this leg. The 12 Apostles visitor centre has no fuel.
### Leg 6: 12 Apostles to Port Campbell (12 km)
A short drive to the nearest town. Port Campbell has one servo.
- **Fuel price (ULP):** $2.18/L - **Sedan:** 0.8 L — **$1.75** - **SUV:** 1.1 L — **$2.40**
### Leg 7: Return via Inland (Port Campbell → Colac → Geelong → Melbourne, 255 km)
The smart return route. Colac has competitive fuel and the freeway back to Melbourne is flat and fast.
- **Best fuel price (ULP):** $1.98/L (Colac), $1.95/L (Geelong) - **Sedan (7.0 L/100km on freeway):** 17.9 L — **$35.46** (fill in Colac) - **SUV (9.5 L/100km):** 24.2 L — **$47.92**
### Total Fuel Cost Summary
| Vehicle | Coastal Out | Inland Return | **Round Trip** | |---------|------------|---------------|----------------| | Sedan (7.0 L/100km) | $45.99 | $35.46 | **$47–$55** | | SUV (9.5 L/100km) | $62.57 | $47.92 | **$63–$75** | | Diesel 4WD (11.0 L/100km) | $78.40 | $60.20 | **$80–$95** |
:::tip The Cheapest Fuel Strategy Fill up in **Melbourne** (cheapest). Top up in **Colac** on the return if needed. Avoid Lorne, Lavers Hill, and Port Campbell servos unless you have to. This saves $8–$15 over the round trip compared to filling up in tourist towns. :::
Day 1: Melbourne to Apollo Bay — Morning Drive, Lunch by the Sea
Leave Melbourne by 8 AM to beat traffic on the M1. You'll reach Torquay by 9:30 AM.
### 9:30 AM — Coffee in Torquay
**The Salty Dog** on the main strip does excellent flat whites and has ocean views from the back deck. A coffee and toastie will set you back about $14–$18. Alternatively, grab a takeaway from **Commonground Espresso** ($5.50 for a large latte) and walk along Torquay's front beach for 20 minutes before hitting the road.
| Item | Cost | |------|------| | Large flat white | $5.50–$6.00 | | Toastie / muffin | $8–$12 | | **Morning tea total** | **$14–$18 per person** |
### 10:15 AM — Bells Beach Lookout (Free)
Five minutes past Torquay. Pull into the car park and walk to the viewing platform. This is where they hold the Rip Curl Pro every Easter. No cost, 15 minutes.
### 10:45 AM — Anglesea to Aireys Inlet
Drive the winding coastal stretch. Stop at **Split Point Lighthouse** in Aireys Inlet for photos (free, 10 minutes). The lighthouse is the one from the TV show *Round the Twist*.
### 11:30 AM — Lorne: Walk and Browse
Lorne is a gorgeous town but everything costs 30–40% more than Melbourne. Park on the main street (free 2-hour parking) and walk the foreshore.
**Coffee stop:** **The Bottle of Milk** does a legendary Cold Shower breakfast burger ($22) and strong espresso ($5.50). If you're just after a caffeine hit, **Lorne Larder** has the best beans in town.
| Item | Cost | |------|------| | Coffee | $5.50–$6.50 | | Brunch / burger | $18–$28 | | **Lorne stop total** | **$24–$35 per person** |
:::tip Skip Lorne for Lunch Lorne is beautiful but overpriced for food. A fish and chips that costs $16 in Geelong is $24 here. If you can hold out 45 minutes, Apollo Bay has better value seafood. :::
### 1:00 PM — Lunch in Apollo Bay
Apollo Bay is the food highlight of the trip. Three standout options:
**Apollo Bay Fishermen's Co-op** — Perched on the wharf, metres from the fishing boats. Fresh-off-the-boat fish and chips, crayfish, and oysters. A fish and chips basket runs $18–$22. A dozen oysters are $24–$30. This is the real deal.
**Apollo Bay Bakery** — Famous for their scallop pie ($8.50). Grab one with a coffee for under $15. They also do gluten-free pies and vegan pasties.
**Noodledoof Brewing** — If you want a craft beer with lunch. Burgers and loaded fries ($18–$26) with house-brewed ales ($10–$14 per pint).
| Lunch Option | Cost Per Person | |--------------|----------------| | Fish & chips at the Co-op | $18–$22 | | Scallop pie + coffee at the Bakery | $14–$16 | | Burger + beer at Noodledoof | $28–$40 | | **Average lunch spend** | **$18–$30 per person** |
### 2:30 PM — Otway Fly Treetop Walk (Optional)
A 25-minute detour off the main road. Walk 30 metres above the rainforest canopy on elevated steel walkways. Stunning on a clear day.
| Item | Cost | |------|------| | Adult entry | $32.50 | | Child (4–15) | $19.50 | | Family (2+2) | $95 |
### 4:00 PM — Check in at Apollo Bay
Apollo Bay is the best overnight stop for Day 1. Close enough to the 12 Apostles for a sunset drive, but with actual restaurant options for dinner.
**Accommodation options:**
| Type | Where | Cost Per Night | |------|-------|---------------| | Backpackers / hostel | YHA Apollo Bay | $35–$50 per person | | Caravan park cabin | BIG4 Apollo Bay | $90–$140 (sleeps 2–4) | | Motel | Apollo Bay Waterfront Motor Inn | $120–$180 | | Boutique B&B | Captain's at the Bay | $180–$280 | | Hotel | RACV Cape Otway Resort | $250–$400 |
### 7:00 PM — Dinner in Apollo Bay
**Graze Apollo Bay** is the best sit-down restaurant in town — locally sourced seafood and Victorian wines. Mains $32–$45, shared plates $18–$26. A two-course dinner with a glass of wine runs about $65–$85 per person.
For something cheaper, **Great Ocean Road Brewhouse** does pub meals for $22–$30 with local craft beers ($10–$12).
| Dinner Option | Cost Per Person | |---------------|----------------| | Pub meal + drink | $32–$42 | | Restaurant 2-course + wine | $65–$85 | | Fish & chips takeaway | $18–$24 | | **Average dinner spend** | **$35–$65 per person** |
Day 2: Apollo Bay to the 12 Apostles — The Main Event
Leave Apollo Bay by 8:30 AM after breakfast. The 12 Apostles are 110 km west.
### 8:00 AM — Breakfast in Apollo Bay
Most cafés open at 7:30 AM. **Sandy Feet Café** does a solid big breakfast ($24) and good coffee. The Apollo Bay Bakery opens early if you just want a pie and a flat white ($14).
| Item | Cost | |------|------| | Big breakfast + coffee | $28–$34 | | Bakery pie + coffee | $14–$16 | | **Breakfast total** | **$14–$34 per person** |
### 9:30 AM — Cape Otway Lightstation (Optional Detour)
15 km off the main road. Australia's oldest surviving lighthouse (1848) with koala-spotting guaranteed along the access road. The eucalyptus trees are full of them.
| Item | Cost | |------|------| | Adult entry | $22.50 | | Child (4–17) | $9.50 | | Family (2+3) | $56 |
### 11:00 AM — The 12 Apostles
The main event. These limestone stacks were carved by Southern Ocean waves over 20 million years. There are actually eight remaining (not twelve — erosion claimed the others). Free entry. The visitor centre has toilets and a small café ($6 coffee, $8–$12 sandwiches) but no fuel.
Spend 45 minutes to an hour here. Walk both the upper and lower viewing platforms. Early morning or late afternoon gives the best light for photos.
| Item | Cost | |------|------| | Entry | Free | | Helicopter ride (optional, 15 min) | $165–$195 per person | | Coffee + snack at visitor centre | $12–$18 |
:::tip Sunset at the 12 Apostles If you're staying nearby, come back at sunset. The golden hour light on the limestone stacks is extraordinary — this is the shot you see on every postcard. Sunset in April is around 6:15 PM. :::
### 11:45 AM — Loch Ard Gorge (2 km from the 12 Apostles)
Don't miss this. Named after the shipwreck of the *Loch Ard* in 1878 (only two survivors — both 18 years old). Walk down the steep stairs to the beach. Free entry, 30 minutes.
### 12:30 PM — London Arch & The Grotto
Two more free coastal formations a few minutes' drive west. London Bridge famously collapsed in 1990, stranding two tourists on the seaward side (rescued by helicopter). The Grotto is a cave-like rock pool — gorgeous at low tide.
### 1:30 PM — Lunch in Port Campbell
Port Campbell is a tiny fishing village with limited options but real character.
**Frying Nemo** — Best fish and chips on the whole road. Battered flake and chips for $16–$20. Cash and card. Casual, order at the counter.
**12 Rocks Beach Bar & Café** — Slightly more upmarket. Burgers, salads, and seafood platters ($22–$35) with ocean views.
**Port Campbell Hotel** — Classic country pub. Parma and a pot for $28.
| Lunch Option | Cost Per Person | |--------------|----------------| | Fish & chips at Frying Nemo | $16–$20 | | Café lunch at 12 Rocks | $22–$35 | | Pub meal + beer at the Hotel | $28–$35 | | **Average lunch spend** | **$20–$32 per person** |
Day 2 (Continued): Return to Melbourne via Inland
After lunch, head back. The inland return via Colac is faster and cheaper.
### 2:30 PM — Port Campbell to Colac (100 km, 1 hr 15 min)
Head north from Port Campbell to the Princes Highway. The road is straight and flat through dairy country. Fill up in **Colac** — it's 15–20c/L cheaper than any coastal town.
**Colac fuel:** ~$1.98/L ULP at the BP or Shell on Murray Street.
### 3:45 PM — Coffee Stop in Colac
**Red Rock Regional Café** does a decent flat white ($5.00) and cake ($7–$9) if you need a break before the final stretch. Quick 15-minute stop.
| Item | Cost | |------|------| | Coffee + cake | $12–$15 per person |
### 4:00 PM — Colac to Melbourne (155 km, 1 hr 45 min)
Princes Freeway all the way. Cruise control, 110 km/h, back in Melbourne by 5:45 PM. Easy.
### Total Day 2 Spend
| Expense | Budget | Mid-Range | |---------|--------|-----------| | Breakfast | $14 | $30 | | Cape Otway Lightstation | $0 | $22.50 | | 12 Apostles helicopter | $0 | $165 | | Lunch | $18 | $30 | | Coffee stop (Colac) | $5 | $14 | | Fuel (if topping up in Colac) | $15–$20 | $15–$20 | | **Day 2 total** | **$52–$57** | **$277–$282** |
The 3-Day Itinerary (Recommended for Tourists)
If you have three days, the trip transforms from a driving marathon into a relaxed holiday. Add an overnight in Port Campbell and spend Day 2 exploring the Otways.
### 3-Day Itinerary Overview
**Day 1: Melbourne → Lorne → Apollo Bay** (190 km, 2.5 hrs driving) Morning coffee in Torquay, Bells Beach, lunch in Lorne, Otway Fly in the afternoon, dinner and overnight in Apollo Bay.
**Day 2: Apollo Bay → 12 Apostles → Port Campbell** (130 km, 2 hrs driving) Breakfast in Apollo Bay, Cape Otway Lightstation, 12 Apostles at midday, Loch Ard Gorge, London Arch, lunch and overnight in Port Campbell. Sunset at the 12 Apostles.
**Day 3: Port Campbell → Warrnambool → Melbourne** (300 km, 3.5 hrs driving) Breakfast in Port Campbell, drive to Warrnambool's Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve (free, see koalas and emus), lunch in Warrnambool, inland return via A1.
### Extra Costs for Night 2 (Port Campbell)
Port Campbell is small and accommodation is pricier than Apollo Bay due to limited supply.
| Type | Where | Cost Per Night | |------|-------|---------------| | Caravan park cabin | Port Campbell Holiday Park | $100–$160 | | Motel | Port Campbell Motor Inn | $140–$200 | | Boutique | Daysy Hill Country Cottages | $200–$320 | | Airbnb | Various | $120–$250 |
:::tip Book Ahead in Peak Season Port Campbell has fewer than 200 accommodation beds. During school holidays, Easter, and summer (December–January), everything books out weeks in advance. Book 4–6 weeks ahead for mid-range options. Apollo Bay has more availability but still fills up on weekends. :::
Complete Trip Budget: What You'll Actually Spend
Here's the full cost breakdown for two people over a 2-day and 3-day Great Ocean Road trip:
### 2-Day Trip (1 Night in Apollo Bay)
| Expense | Budget (per person) | Mid-Range (per person) | Comfort (per person) | |---------|-------------------|----------------------|--------------------| | Fuel (share of sedan return) | $25 | $25 | $38 (SUV) | | Accommodation (1 night, split) | $35 (hostel) | $75 (motel) | $150 (boutique) | | Day 1 coffee + lunch | $32 | $48 | $65 | | Day 1 dinner | $22 | $55 | $85 | | Day 2 breakfast | $14 | $30 | $34 | | Day 2 lunch | $18 | $28 | $35 | | Day 2 coffee stop | $5 | $14 | $14 | | Attractions | $0 | $33 | $198 | | **Total per person** | **$151** | **$308** | **$619** |
### 3-Day Trip (2 Nights: Apollo Bay + Port Campbell)
| Expense | Budget (per person) | Mid-Range (per person) | Comfort (per person) | |---------|-------------------|----------------------|--------------------| | Fuel (share of sedan return) | $28 | $28 | $42 (SUV) | | Accommodation (2 nights, split) | $70 | $155 | $310 | | Food & coffee (3 days) | $130 | $250 | $400 | | Attractions | $0 | $55 | $250 | | **Total per person** | **$228** | **$488** | **$1,002** |
:::tip Solo Travellers Pay More These budgets assume two people sharing accommodation and fuel. Solo? Accommodation and fuel costs double for you. Consider a hostel (Apollo Bay YHA is excellent) or find a travel buddy on Gumtree or Hostelworld. :::
Where to Find the Cheapest Fuel on the Great Ocean Road
Based on April 2026 VIC Government Fair Fuel data, here's the price map:
### Fill Up Here
1. **Melbourne western suburbs** — $1.89–$1.95/L (Costco, Metro, United) 2. **Geelong** — $1.95–$2.00/L (good range of servos on Surf Coast Highway) 3. **Colac** — $1.98–$2.05/L (inland, competitive, essential for the return leg) 4. **Warrnambool** — $2.00–$2.05/L (if doing the 3-day trip) 5. **Torquay** — $2.02–$2.08/L (reasonable, two servos)
### Avoid Filling Up Here
1. **Lorne** — $2.15–$2.25/L (single Ampol station, captive market) 2. **Lavers Hill** — $2.20–$2.30/L (one servo, middle of nowhere, emergency only) 3. **Port Campbell** — $2.15–$2.20/L (one servo, limited competition) 4. **Apollo Bay** — $2.08–$2.15/L (slightly better than Lorne, but still 10–15c/L above Geelong)
### The Golden Rule
A sedan with a 50 L tank filled in Melbourne has a range of roughly 700 km. The entire Great Ocean Road return trip is 520–570 km. **If you fill up in Melbourne, you can do the entire trip without buying coastal fuel.** Top up in Colac on the return if your range is tight.
For an SUV at 9.5 L/100km with a 60 L tank (630 km range), you'll likely need one top-up. Make it Colac or Geelong on the way back — never Lorne.
Fuel-Saving Tips for the Great Ocean Road
The Great Ocean Road's tight curves and steep hills make fuel economy worse than highway driving. Here's how to minimise the damage:
1. **Don't fight the curves** — Braking hard into corners and accelerating out is the worst thing for fuel economy. Maintain a steady 60–70 km/h through the bends. You'll use 15–20% less fuel than someone doing 80 and braking.
2. **Use engine braking downhill** — The Otway descent into Apollo Bay is steep. Drop a gear and let the engine slow you. Constant brake-riding wastes the kinetic energy you paid for in fuel going up.
3. **Windows up on the coastal stretch** — Wind resistance matters at 80+ km/h. Use the aircon instead — it's cheaper than the drag from open windows at speed.
4. **Avoid peak traffic** — The Torquay to Lorne section gets gridlocked on summer weekends and public holidays. Stop-start traffic can double your fuel consumption. Leave Melbourne before 8 AM or after 10 AM to avoid the worst.
5. **Return inland** — The A1 freeway via Colac uses 15–20% less fuel than retracing the coastal road. Flat terrain, steady speed, no steep climbs.
What to Pack (That Saves You Money)
Smart packing cuts costs on the Great Ocean Road:
**Bring from Melbourne:** - A packed morning tea and water bottles (saves $15–$20 per person in overpriced coastal cafés) - Snacks for the car — muesli bars, fruit, nuts (the 12 Apostles visitor centre charges $4.50 for a muesli bar) - A reusable coffee cup — most cafés give a 50c discount - Sunscreen and insect repellent (the Otway Ranges have aggressive mozzies) - A warm layer — even in summer, the 12 Apostles can be 8°C cooler than Melbourne with a brutal wind chill
**Don't bother packing:** - A full picnic setup — you'll want to eat at Apollo Bay's seafood spots, they're half the experience - Firewood for camping — you can buy it at caravan parks for $10–$15 a bag - Surfing gear unless you actually surf — Bells Beach is for watching unless you're experienced, and board hire is available in Torquay ($30–$50 for 2 hours)
Plan Your Trip with FuelCalc
Every fuel figure in this guide was calculated using [FuelCalc's trip cost calculator](/). You can customise the vehicle type, fuel consumption, fuel price, and number of passengers to get your exact cost.
FuelCalc pulls live fuel prices from the Victorian Government's Fair Fuel API — so you can see what every servo along the Great Ocean Road is charging before you leave Melbourne.
**Quick setup:** 1. Set origin to Melbourne and destination to Port Campbell (or Warrnambool for the 3-day trip) 2. Select your vehicle or enter L/100km manually 3. Set fuel type and toggle 'Return trip' 4. Add passengers to see per-person cost split
The map shows the driving route, and the results update live as you change inputs. For the Great Ocean Road specifically, add 10–15% to the fuel estimate to account for the winding coastal sections that increase consumption above the flat-road rating.
Tags: road trips, great ocean road, victoria, 12 apostles, fuel costs, travel guide