OVERVIEW
OVERVIEW
We’ve condensed the highlights of the Great Ocean Walk to take in all of the best walking on this iconic track. Breathtaking coastal scenery, magnificent forests, abundant wildlife and sheer diversity of landscape, this walk bears the mantle of being one of Australia’s most spectacular walks.
The highlights include stunning views as you progress along the track at Castle Cove and the Gables, then at the Wreck and Station Beaches. Prepare to be humbled by the sheer enormity of the limestone cliffs and the sea stacks. Imagine thunderous surf, pristine beach and getting right up close to two of the offshore sea stacks, Gog and Magog. The walk shows off the diversity of the region, traversing inland and coastal forest with an abundance of native fauna. The trek ends at the Twelve Apostles, but not before taking a walk down Gibson’s Steps, a stunning perspective of the Apostles which not too many walkers get to experience.
A pair of expert guides will lead the way, providing the flexibility to walk at a pace that suits you and with the opportunity to shorten the walking if preferred.
AT A GLANCE
TRIP LENGTH
4 DAYSWALK GRADE
Easyto
Moderate PRICE FROM
$ 1130
per person twin/double shareSINGLE OCCUPANCY
$ 165
per personITINERARY
DAY one
MELBOURNE TO BLANKET BAY WALK TO CAPE OTWAY LIGHTHOUSE
We will depart Melbourne at 7.15 -7.30 am to embark on the Great Ocean Walk travelling on the world-famous Great Ocean Road that starts near Bells Beach, stopping at Lorne on the way. The walk begins from Blanket Bay hiking to Parker Inlet along cliff tops and through coastal forest. If the time permits, we will walk to the lighthouse via Crayfish Bay. This lighthouse has been in operation continuously longer than any other lighthouse in Australia.
Accommodation: Cape Otway
Meals: Walkers lunch and two-course dinner
Walking: Moderate / 10 km / 5-6 hrs / shorter option available
DAY two
CAPE OTWAY LIGHTHOUSE TO CASTLE COVE VIA STATION BEACH
Today’s walk is from Cape Otway Lighthouse via Station Beach and Castle Cove to Johanna Beach. There will be an optional short return hike to pretty Rainbow Falls, where a spring cascades down to the rocky coastal platforms below. The track continues through the wind-sculpted sand dunes and along the cliff tops to the Aire River estuary and wetlands. We opt to start the afternoons walk from Castle Cove where the views back to the lighthouse are some of the best on the walk, trekking across more cliff tops all the way to Johanna voted as one of the best beaches in Australia.
Accommodation: Cape Otway
Meals: Cooked breakfast, walkers lunch and two-course dinner
Walking: Moderate to Challenging / 17.5 km / 5-6 hrs / shorter option available
DAY three
MILANESIA BEACH TO MOONLIGHT HEAD AND THE GABLES
We walk down to Milanesia Beach, one of those secret beaches not many people get to. From here, the track continues along the cliff tops, with views all the way back to Cape Otway Lighthouse.
Time permitting we continue to Moonlight Head and a visit to the Gables. The Gables Lookout is perched on one of the highest sea cliffs in mainland Australia. This is a superb spot for whale watching between June and September. The high sea cliffs, breathtaking views, coastal forests and native fauna all work in concert to make this one of the most worthwhile days of walking you’ll find anywhere in Australia.
Accommodation: Port Campbell
Meals: Cooked breakfast, walkers lunch and two-course dinner
Walking: Moderate / 17 km / 6-7 hrs / shorter option available
DAY four
GABLES TO THE 12 APOSTLES AND BACK TO MELBOURNE
Today we continue through a grove of casuarinas to Wreck Beach where the remains of two shipwrecks can be inspected. We pass Devils Kitchen on our way to Princetown and the wetlands of Gellibrand River. Our last walk finishes at the Twelve Apostles but not before a walk down Gibson’s steps and views of Gog and Magog, two of the 12 Apostles right up close. Afterwards, we drive back to Melbourne, stopping for dinner en route, arriving around 8:30 pm.
Meals: Cooked breakfast, walker lunch and a quick bite to eat in Colac on the way home
Walking: Easy / 16 km / 5.5 – 6 hrs
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- All inclusive pack free walking holiday
- 2 engaging, knowledgeable and experienced guides
- 3 nights comfortable accommodation
- Move along the track from accommodation to accommodation to limit time in a vehicle, creating more time to relax and enjoy the region
- Daily meals including cooked breakfasts, walkers lunches, two-course dinners and track snacks
- All transport from Melbourne, including luggage transport
- Tour of the lighthouse
- National park admission
- Comprehensive Stroll walking notes
ACCOMMODATION & DINING
Comfortable ensuite rooms for two nights in cabins at Cape Otway. The last night is spent at Port Campbell in a motel in private rooms with ensuites.
Healthy and delicious food will be provided for breakfast, lunch and dinner. A walkers lunch may include a high protein type salad, a roll or a wrap, a muesli bar, cake or muffin and a piece of fruit. Lunch will be enjoyed at beautiful locations on the track and each day is slightly different.
Alcohol and drinks are not included with meals (except tea/coffee and juice with breakfast).
NIGHTS 1 & 2
CAPE OTWAY
From Apollo Bay, it is on to Cape Otway where you will stay at Bimbi Park. Bimbi Park offers excellent cabins with ensuites in beautiful manna gum woodland setting. There is an abundance of native fauna in the Bimbi Park area. Wake up to Koalas in the trees above you. Owner and chef Frank takes great care in ensuring everyone has delicious and nutritious meals.
NIGHTS 1 & 2
CAPE OTWAY
From Apollo Bay, it is on to Cape Otway where you will stay at Bimbi Park. Bimbi Park offers excellent cabins with ensuites in beautiful manna gum woodland setting. There is an abundance of native fauna in the Bimbi Park area. Wake up to Koalas in the trees above you. Owner and chef Frank takes great care in ensuring everyone has delicious and nutritious meals.
NIGHTS 1 & 2
CAPE OTWAY
From Apollo Bay, it is on to Cape Otway where you will stay at Bimbi Park. Bimbi Park offers excellent cabins with ensuites in beautiful manna gum woodland setting. There is an abundance of native fauna in the Bimbi Park area. Wake up to Koalas in the trees above you. Owner and chef Frank takes great care in ensuring everyone has delicious and nutritious meals.
NIGHTS 1 & 2
CAPE OTWAY
From Apollo Bay, it is on to Cape Otway where you will stay at Bimbi Park. Bimbi Park offers excellent cabins with ensuites in beautiful manna gum woodland setting. There is an abundance of native fauna in the Bimbi Park area. Wake up to Koalas in the trees above you. Owner and chef Frank takes great care in ensuring everyone has delicious and nutritious meals.
NIGHT 3
PORT CAMPBELL
The motel in Port Campbell is centrally located and is very comfortable. All the rooms have ensuites and have the modern conveniences that you’d expect.
It is a short walk to the beach and the safest place to swim on the walk.
NIGHT 3
PORT CAMPBELL
The motel in Port Campbell is centrally located and is very comfortable. All the rooms have ensuites and have the modern conveniences that you’d expect.
It is a short walk to the beach and the safest place to swim on the walk.
NIGHT 3
PORT CAMPBELL
The motel in Port Campbell is centrally located and is very comfortable. All the rooms have ensuites and have the modern conveniences that you’d expect.
It is a short walk to the beach and the safest place to swim on the walk.
NIGHT 3
PORT CAMPBELL
The motel in Port Campbell is centrally located and is very comfortable. All the rooms have ensuites and have the modern conveniences that you’d expect.
It is a short walk to the beach and the safest place to swim on the walk.
GENERAL INFO
The trip starts and finishes in Melbourne. Most walks range from 17-20 km on well-formed and well-graded tracks with a few short beach sections. Whilst the walking is mainly easy to moderate, there are a few hills making it tiring in some places. However, Auswalk operates with multiple guides offering easier and harder walk options along the way.
There are many good hotels in central Melbourne to choose from that are in close proximity to our pick up location the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV), 180 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne. With an early departure of 7:30 am (we request you be there by 7.15 am) it would be beneficial to stay close to here. Hotels we can recommend are DoubleTree By Hilton Hotel Melbourne, 270 Flinders St Melbourne and Travelodge Hotel Melbourne Southbank, 9 Riverside Quay Southbank. We arrive back in Melbourne at around 8.30 pm on the last day dropping off at the Arts Centre Melbourne.
For what to bring please refer to Gear Advice on our FAQ section.
WEATHER
This trip is suitable at any time in the year, but we depart at the very best time being autumn and spring. See the Bureau of Meteorology’s information about temperatures and rainfall ahead of time to ensure proper clothing.
Source; BOM
INSURANCE
We strongly recommend the purchase of travel insurance for all of our trips. We absolutely require that you purchase a travel insurance policy for all travel overseas. We charge a cancellation fee if you cancel your walking holiday after we have confirmed it. It is also important in the event of an accident or loss of property. See FAQ’s for more information.
INFORMATION PACK
For nearly 30 years we have taken pride in providing seamlessly organised walking holidays, but we know, even with that in mind, that you’ll have many more questions. You will receive a very detailed information pack and itinerary approximately 6 weeks out from departure outlining all the fine detail and much more.
CONTACT
If you have any questions, feel free to ask one of our destination consultants or to speak with one of our guides. You can get in touch with us via our contact form or email us at info@Stroll.com
MAP
DEPARTURE DATES
AT A GLANCE
4 DAYS
Easyto
Moderate
$ 1130
per person twin/double share
$ 165
per person
TRIP LENGTH
4 DAYSWALK GRADE
Easyto
Moderate PRICE FROM
$ 1130
per person twin/double shareSINGLE OCCUPANCY
$ 165
per person
Overview
We’ve condensed the highlights of the Great Ocean Walk to take in all of the best walking on this iconic track. Breathtaking coastal scenery, magnificent forests, abundant wildlife and sheer diversity of landscape, this walk bears the mantle of being one of Australia’s most spectacular walks.
The highlights include stunning views as you progress along the track at Castle Cove and the Gables, then at the Wreck and Station Beaches. Prepare to be humbled by the sheer enormity of the limestone cliffs and the sea stacks. Imagine thunderous surf, pristine beach and getting right up close to two of the offshore sea stacks, Gog and Magog. The walk shows off the diversity of the region, traversing inland and coastal forest with an abundance of native fauna. The trek ends at the Twelve Apostles, but not before taking a walk down Gibson’s Steps, a stunning perspective of the Apostles which not too many walkers get to experience.
A pair of expert guides will lead the way, providing the flexibility to walk at a pace that suits you and with the opportunity to shorten the walking if preferred.
Itinerary
DAY one
MELBOURNE TO BLANKET BAY WALK TO CAPE OTWAY LIGHTHOUSE
We will depart Melbourne at 7.15 -7.30 am to embark on the Great Ocean Walk travelling on the world-famous Great Ocean Road that starts near Bells Beach, stopping at Lorne on the way. The walk begins from Blanket Bay hiking to Parker Inlet along cliff tops and through coastal forest. If the time permits, we will walk to the lighthouse via Crayfish Bay. This lighthouse has been in operation continuously longer than any other lighthouse in Australia.
Accommodation: Cape Otway
Meals: Walkers lunch and two-course dinner
Walking: Moderate / 10 km / 5-6 hrs / shorter option available
DAY two
CAPE OTWAY LIGHTHOUSE TO CASTLE COVE VIA STATION BEACH
Today’s walk is from Cape Otway Lighthouse via Station Beach and Castle Cove to Johanna Beach. There will be an optional short return hike to pretty Rainbow Falls, where a spring cascades down to the rocky coastal platforms below. The track continues through the wind-sculpted sand dunes and along the cliff tops to the Aire River estuary and wetlands. We opt to start the afternoons walk from Castle Cove where the views back to the lighthouse are some of the best on the walk, trekking across more cliff tops all the way to Johanna voted as one of the best beaches in Australia.
Accommodation: Cape Otway
Meals: Cooked breakfast, walkers lunch and two-course dinner
Walking: Moderate to Challenging / 17.5 km / 5-6 hrs / shorter option available
DAY three
MILANESIA BEACH TO MOONLIGHT HEAD AND THE GABLES
We walk down to Milanesia Beach, one of those secret beaches not many people get to. From here, the track continues along the cliff tops, with views all the way back to Cape Otway Lighthouse.
Time permitting we continue to Moonlight Head and a visit to the Gables. The Gables Lookout is perched on one of the highest sea cliffs in mainland Australia. This is a superb spot for whale watching between June and September. The high sea cliffs, breathtaking views, coastal forests and native fauna all work in concert to make this one of the most worthwhile days of walking you’ll find anywhere in Australia.
Accommodation: Port Campbell
Meals: Cooked breakfast, walkers lunch and two-course dinner
Walking: Moderate / 17 km / 6-7 hrs / shorter option available
DAY four
GABLES TO THE 12 APOSTLES AND BACK TO MELBOURNE
Today we continue through a grove of casuarinas to Wreck Beach where the remains of two shipwrecks can be inspected. We pass Devils Kitchen on our way to Princetown and the wetlands of Gellibrand River. Our last walk finishes at the Twelve Apostles but not before a walk down Gibson’s steps and views of Gog and Magog, two of the 12 Apostles right up close. Afterwards, we drive back to Melbourne, stopping for dinner en route, arriving around 8:30 pm.
Meals: Cooked breakfast, walker lunch and a quick bite to eat in Colac on the way home
Walking: Easy / 16 km / 5.5 – 6 hrs
What’s Included
- All inclusive pack free walking holiday
- 2 engaging, knowledgeable and experienced guides
- 3 nights comfortable accommodation
- Move along the track from accommodation to accommodation to limit time in a vehicle, creating more time to relax and enjoy the region
- Daily meals including cooked breakfasts, walkers lunches, two-course dinners and track snacks
- All transport from Melbourne, including luggage transport
- Tour of the lighthouse
- National park admission
- Comprehensive Stroll walking notes
Accommodation & Dining
Comfortable ensuite rooms for two nights in cabins at Cape Otway. The last night is spent at Port Campbell in a motel in private rooms with ensuites.
Healthy and delicious food will be provided for breakfast, lunch and dinner. A walkers lunch may include a high protein type salad, a roll or a wrap, a muesli bar, cake or muffin and a piece of fruit. Lunch will be enjoyed at beautiful locations on the track and each day is slightly different.
Alcohol and drinks are not included with meals (except tea/coffee and juice with breakfast).
NIGHTS 1 & 2
CAPE OTWAY
From Apollo Bay, it is on to Cape Otway where you will stay at Bimbi Park. Bimbi Park offers excellent cabins with ensuites in beautiful manna gum woodland setting. There is an abundance of native fauna in the Bimbi Park area. Wake up to Koalas in the trees above you. Owner and chef Frank takes great care in ensuring everyone has delicious and nutritious meals.
NIGHTS 1 & 2
CAPE OTWAY
From Apollo Bay, it is on to Cape Otway where you will stay at Bimbi Park. Bimbi Park offers excellent cabins with ensuites in beautiful manna gum woodland setting. There is an abundance of native fauna in the Bimbi Park area. Wake up to Koalas in the trees above you. Owner and chef Frank takes great care in ensuring everyone has delicious and nutritious meals.
NIGHTS 1 & 2
CAPE OTWAY
From Apollo Bay, it is on to Cape Otway where you will stay at Bimbi Park. Bimbi Park offers excellent cabins with ensuites in beautiful manna gum woodland setting. There is an abundance of native fauna in the Bimbi Park area. Wake up to Koalas in the trees above you. Owner and chef Frank takes great care in ensuring everyone has delicious and nutritious meals.
NIGHTS 1 & 2
CAPE OTWAY
From Apollo Bay, it is on to Cape Otway where you will stay at Bimbi Park. Bimbi Park offers excellent cabins with ensuites in beautiful manna gum woodland setting. There is an abundance of native fauna in the Bimbi Park area. Wake up to Koalas in the trees above you. Owner and chef Frank takes great care in ensuring everyone has delicious and nutritious meals.
NIGHT 3
PORT CAMPBELL
The motel in Port Campbell is centrally located and is very comfortable. All the rooms have ensuites and have the modern conveniences that you’d expect.
It is a short walk to the beach and the safest place to swim on the walk.
NIGHT 3
PORT CAMPBELL
The motel in Port Campbell is centrally located and is very comfortable. All the rooms have ensuites and have the modern conveniences that you’d expect.
It is a short walk to the beach and the safest place to swim on the walk.
NIGHT 3
PORT CAMPBELL
The motel in Port Campbell is centrally located and is very comfortable. All the rooms have ensuites and have the modern conveniences that you’d expect.
It is a short walk to the beach and the safest place to swim on the walk.
NIGHT 3
PORT CAMPBELL
The motel in Port Campbell is centrally located and is very comfortable. All the rooms have ensuites and have the modern conveniences that you’d expect.
It is a short walk to the beach and the safest place to swim on the walk.
General Info
The trip starts and finishes in Melbourne. Most walks range from 17-20 km on well-formed and well-graded tracks with a few short beach sections. Whilst the walking is mainly easy to moderate, there are a few hills making it tiring in some places. However, Auswalk operates with multiple guides offering easier and harder walk options along the way.
There are many good hotels in central Melbourne to choose from that are in close proximity to our pick up location the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV), 180 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne. With an early departure of 7:30 am (we request you be there by 7.15 am) it would be beneficial to stay close to here. Hotels we can recommend are DoubleTree By Hilton Hotel Melbourne, 270 Flinders St Melbourne and Travelodge Hotel Melbourne Southbank, 9 Riverside Quay Southbank. We arrive back in Melbourne at around 8.30 pm on the last day dropping off at the Arts Centre Melbourne.
For what to bring please refer to Gear Advice on our FAQ section.
WEATHER
This trip is suitable at any time in the year, but we depart at the very best time being autumn and spring. See the Bureau of Meteorology’s information about temperatures and rainfall ahead of time to ensure proper clothing.
Source; BOM
INSURANCE
We strongly recommend the purchase of travel insurance for all of our trips. We absolutely require that you purchase a travel insurance policy for all travel overseas. We charge a cancellation fee if you cancel your walking holiday after we have confirmed it. It is also important in the event of an accident or loss of property. See FAQ’s for more information.
INFORMATION PACK
For nearly 30 years we have taken pride in providing seamlessly organised walking holidays, but we know, even with that in mind, that you’ll have many more questions. You will receive a very detailed information pack and itinerary approximately 6 weeks out from departure outlining all the fine detail and much more.
CONTACT
If you have any questions, feel free to ask one of our destination consultants or to speak with one of our guides. You can get in touch with us via our contact form or email us at info@Stroll.com
Departure Dates
- DATESAVAILABILITYPRICESingle OccupancyDETAILS
- 5 Apr 2024AVAILABLEfrom $ 1245SINGLE OCCUPANCY$ 185
- 20 Sep 2024AVAILABLEfrom $ 1245SINGLE OCCUPANCY$ 175
- 18 Oct 2024AVAILABLEfrom $ 1245SINGLE OCCUPANCY$ 175
- 9 Nov 2024AVAILABLEfrom $ 1245SINGLE OCCUPANCY$ 175
ENQUIRE NOW
If you’re looking for further information on any of our walking holidays please fill out the enquiry form and we’ll be in touch.