Avalon Airport Car Hire: Gateway to Geelong and the Great Ocean Road
Quick summary: Avalon Airport, Melbourne’s second airport, sits between the city and Geelong and mainly handles domestic flights. Car hire companies operate from the terminal building, and Geelong is around 20 minutes’ drive away. That makes Avalon a convenient pickup for the Great Ocean Road, which starts at Torquay south of Geelong. Melbourne’s CBD is around 40 to 50 minutes away.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Location | Between Melbourne and Geelong |
| Flights | Mainly domestic |
| Car hire | In the terminal building |
| To Geelong | Around 20 minutes |
| To the Great Ocean Road | Via Geelong to Torquay |
| Tours | Great Ocean Road tours |
Compare car hire at Avalon Airport
Why fly into Avalon for the Great Ocean Road?
It’s on the right side of Melbourne, so you skip city traffic and head straight for the coast.
Should you book early?
Yes. Demand is high in holiday periods, and earlier bookings offer more choice.
How do you return the car?
Approach via the Princes Freeway, follow signs to Avalon and then to car rental returns. Refuel before you arrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
In the terminal building.
Around 20 minutes.
Yes, it avoids Melbourne traffic.
Around 40 to 50 minutes.