How to get to Princetown
275 km from Melbourne via the inland highway (3 hours), 305 km via the Great Ocean Road coast (5+ hours). The closest village to the Twelve Apostles.
The two routes from Melbourne
Princes Highway (inland fast route). M1 west out of Melbourne to Geelong, then Princes Highway through Colac and Camperdown, then south to Princetown. Total: 275 km / 3 hours direct. The default for travellers wanting to reach Princetown directly without driving the full Great Ocean Road.
Great Ocean Road coast (the scenic route). M1 to Geelong, then south through Torquay, Lorne, Apollo Bay, the Otway forest, and the Shipwreck Coast to Princetown. Total: 305 km / 5+ hours direct, more with stops. The trip-as-destination route.
Most travellers approach Princetown via the coast outbound and return via the highway. For travellers visiting Princetown specifically (Great Ocean Walk hikers finishing the trail, sunrise photographers), the highway is the practical choice.
Princetown distances
- Melbourne CBD → Princetown (highway): 275 km, 3h
- Melbourne CBD → Princetown (coast): 305 km, 5h direct
- Apollo Bay → Princetown: 100 km, 1h 30min
- Princetown → Twelve Apostles: 10 km, 10 min
- Princetown → Gibson Steps: 5 km, 5 min
- Princetown → Loch Ard Gorge: 18 km, 18 min
- Princetown → Port Campbell: 12 km, 12 min
- Princetown → Warrnambool: 75 km, 1h
In Princetown
Free parking throughout the village. The General Store has the largest car park; the recreation reserve has parking for visitors and campers; Macka's Farm Holiday Park has guest parking. Even at peak summer, finding a spot is rarely a problem.
EV charging is limited. Some accommodation properties offer slow AC charging. The closest fast DC charging is at Apollo Bay (90 minutes east) or Warrnambool (1 hour west). Princetown is not a charging stop — top up before arriving.
Getting to Princetown FAQs
- How do you get to Princetown from Melbourne?
- 275 km from Melbourne via the Princes Highway (3 hours direct, the inland route) or 305 km via the Great Ocean Road (5+ hours, the scenic route). The highway is faster; the coast is the trip itself. Most travellers approach Princetown via the coast outbound and the highway return.
- How long does it take to drive from Melbourne to Princetown?
- About 3 hours via the Princes Highway through Geelong, Colac, and Camperdown. About 5 hours via the Great Ocean Road coast route. Add stops for a realistic trip duration of 4-7 hours total.
- Can you take public transport to Princetown?
- Limited. V/Line operates a coach to Apollo Bay (4 hours from Melbourne) but onward services to Princetown are sparse. Most non-driver travellers use a tour from Melbourne or hire a car at Apollo Bay. Princetown is one of the harder Great Ocean Road towns to reach without a car.
- Where can you park in Princetown?
- Free parking throughout the village. The General Store has a large car park. The recreation reserve has dedicated camping/parking. Macka's Farm Holiday Park has guest parking. Even at peak summer, parking is rarely a problem in Princetown.
- Are there EV charging stations in Princetown?
- No fast charging. Some accommodation properties offer slow AC charging for guests. Closest fast DC chargers are at Apollo Bay (90 min east) or Warrnambool (1 hour west). EV travellers should top up before arriving — Princetown is not a charging stop.
- How long is the drive from Princetown to the Twelve Apostles?
- About 10 minutes / 10 km east via the Great Ocean Road. The closest village to the main Apostles lookout. Gibson Steps is even closer — 5 km / 5 minutes east of Princetown.
- Is Princetown caravan-friendly?
- Yes. Macka's Farm Holiday Park accommodates caravans with full facilities. The recreation reserve also accepts caravans for casual stops. The drive in (highway from Melbourne or coast road from Apollo Bay) is uncomplicated for caravans of any size.