Getting there and away

Here's some basic information about getting to the main Victorian schoolies hotspots. If you're driving to a schoolies destination, we recommend that you use Visit Victoria's Route Planner (external link) to map out your trip.

Getting to the Bass Coast (Phillip Island) area

By car

Take the Monash Freeway (M1) to the Cranbourne exit where you will turn into the South Gippsland Highway (M420). Follow this route to the Bass Highway (A420), which will take you into the Bass Coast Shire. When travelling to the Bass Coast, avoid peak travel times and always carry plenty of water and snacks.

By bus

Contact V/Line (external link) on 13 22 32 for details on their services and timetables.

By ferry

A passenger ferry runs from Stony Point on the Mornington Peninsula to Cowes. The V/Line train from Melbourne connects with the ferry service, which operates daily. The Stony Point Ferry is operated by Inter Island Ferries (external link) phone (03) 95855730

How to get to the Surf Coast (Torquay and Lorne) area

By car

From Melbourne , Geelong is a 55-minute drive via the West Gate and Princes freeways. Once in Geelong , take the Surf Coast Highway to Torquay, and continue on to other coastal areas along the Great Ocean Road . A network of highways also link regional centres to Geelong and various other points along the Great Ocean Road . The western gateway to the region is at Nelson, near the South Australian border.

By bus

Return bus services operate along the Great Ocean Road between Geelong and Apollo Bay every day. V/Line (external link) provides a weekly service between Apollo Bay and Warrnambool, which operates on Fridays. Buses linked to the intercity train service from Melbourne via Geelong also run between the coastal city of Warrnambool , via Port Fairy and Portland , to the South Australian city of Mount Gambier.

For passengers flying into or out of Geelong 's Avalon Airport , the Avalon Airport Shuttle (external link) provides services to Geelong , the Bellarine Peninsula and Great Ocean Road . Gull (external link) provides a daily Geelong service, which runs from the Melbourne Airport .

By rail

Take one of the regular train services to Geelong from Southern Cross railway station (takes about 55 minutes). Train services also connect with the Shipwreck Coast city of Warrnambool via Geelong . Buses provide a further link with the coastal village of Port Fairy and the city of Portland .

How to get to the Mornington Peninsula (Rye, Sorrento and Portsea) area

By car

From Melbourne, take the Nepean Highway and follow the signs to Frankston. From there follow the signs to your schoolies destinations, e.g. Rye, Sorrento or Portsea. Check out Visit Victoria's Route Planner (external link) for specific route details.

By bus

Take a Met train to Frankston station (external link) and from there, catch the 788 bus (external link), which stops at Dromana, Rosebud, Sorrento and Portsea.

By ferry

The Sorrento-Queenscliff ferry (external link) provides easy access to and from the Surf Coast area.

Long drives

Some of you will be covering long distances to get to your schoolies destination. Get your car serviced beforehand or checked out to ensure it's up for a long drive. Take a map with you so you know exactly where you're going.

Unlike other road hazards, fatigue is not a crime, but it can be fatal. Make sure you get plenty of rest before your start your trip, take a break at least every two hours and share the driving if possible. Fatigue is a killer and the only remedy is sleep. Take a 15-minute power nap if you find yourself sleepy and drifting off.

Speed is another killer. Sadly, young Victorians are almost four times more likely to be involved in a fatal or serious injury crash than more experienced drivers. Drive at a safe speed and don't ignore the road rules or take unnecessary risks showing off to your friends - chances are they won't be impressed with your foolish behaviour.

Related links

Backpack Victoria - The Great Ocean Road
Information and links to transport, accommodation and attractions in the Surf Coast area.

Backpack Victoria - Mornington Peninsula
Information and links to transport, accommodation and attractions in the Mornington Peninsula area.

Backpack Victoria - Phillip Island area
Information and links to transport, accommodation and attractions in the Phillip Island area.

Visit Victoria - Route Planner
Plan your route to your Victorian schoolies destination using Visit Victoria's interactive Route Planner.

V/Line
Train and bus timetables, fares and routes for travel within Victoria and interstate.

TAC - Long trip checklist
An excellent checklist of tips and hints to consider before travelling long distances.