Great Ocean Road. Credit: Ash Hughes Photography

This Victorian scenic route has been named 4th in Australia for pet-friendly road trips

Not only is it one of our country's most desired destinations for human tourists, the pets love it too.

For many Australians, pets aren’t just companions—they’re family. And when it comes to hitting the open road, leaving them behind isn’t an option. For adventurous duos of humans and hounds, Victoria’s Great Ocean Road offers the perfect backdrop, recently earning the title of Australia’s fourth most pet-friendly road trip.

ROLLiN’ delved into 22 of the nation’s most iconic road trips, scoring each across eight crucial factors, from pet amenities and safety to comfort and overall experience. Their analysis reveals which journeys deliver the ultimate escape for travellers—and their four-legged friends.

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Stretching from Torquay to Allansford, the Great Ocean Road weaves a dramatic coastal tapestry of roaring surf, windswept cliffs, and quaint seaside towns. Scoring 68.8 out of 100, it shines particularly in Experience & Shareability, boasting 146 scenic points of interest and pet-friendly trails for every 100 kilometres. Pet owners will find 66 parks and beaches every 100 km, including the sandy stretches of Guvvos Beach and Sandy Gully Beach. Add more than 14 pet-friendly accommodations per 100 km, and you’ve got a road trip that balances adventure and comfort effortlessly.

Breaking down the numbers:

• Experience & Shareability: 77.3 (2nd place). From the jagged cliffs at Bird Rock Lookout to heritage landmarks tucked along the coast, every turn offers a postcard-worthy view.
• Pet Amenities: 71.1 (4th place). Dining, rest stops, and stays like Seamist Cottage in Apollo Bay cater to pets with as much care as their owners.
• Pet Safety: 64.3 (7th place). Clinics are abundant—more than two per 100 km—but with nearly 100 snake sightings per 100 km, vigilance is key.
• Comfort & Environment: 85.7. While respectable, other top trips surpass 90, showing there’s room to improve on smooth driving and roadside facilities.

Great Ocean Road comes in after Cape to Cape Western Australian, Grand Pacific Drive in New South Wales, and Legendary Pacific Coast, running between New South Wales and Queensland.

Whether you’re seeking windswept cliffs, tranquil beaches, or a cosy night’s stay where your pet is as welcome as you are, the Great Ocean Road offers a journey that’s as enriching for humans as it is for their furry companions.

You can read the full study here, and explore the Great Ocean Road here.