30 years' experience providing walking holidays worldwide
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SELF-GUIDED
5 DAYS
Easyto
Moderate 
With its breathtaking coastal scenery, magnificent forests, abundant wildlife and sheer diversity of landscape, the Great Ocean Walk bears the mantle of being one of Australia's most iconic walks.
As you walk you will meander your way through giant mountain ash forest, the tallest flowering plants in the world, and along some of the most remarkable pristine beaches in Australia. Traverse the massive sea cliffs that have made this location famous. There's also ample opportunity to spot wildlife in their natural habitat, from kangaroos and echidnas to koalas and whales.
The breathtaking and deserted coastal landscapes, ancient Gondwana forests of Antarctic beech, shady wooded glades and heathland plateaus are the backdrop to a walk that will inspire, challenge and reward.
The walk starts at Cape Otway on the Great Ocean Walk tomorrow at 8:30 am. If you arrive by public transport in Apollo Bay, you will walk a very short distance to your accommodation. You will be met in Apollo Bay in the morning and transferred to your first walk. If you’re arriving by a private vehicle, you can park the car at your first night’s accommodation for the remainder of the trip (we will transfer you back to it at the end of your holiday). If you do arrive early, you can enjoy optional walks around Apollo Bay.
Walking: Optional walk around Apollo Bay
Accommodation: Apollo Bay in a hotel with ensuite rooms
We start our trek on the Great Ocean Road Highlights at the light station hiking via Station Beach and an optional short trek to Rainbow Falls where a spring cascades down to the rocky coastal platforms below. The track then leads you through some wind-sculpted sand dunes and along the cliff tops to the Aire River estuary and wetlands. Stunning coastal scenery awaits on the route to Castle Cove.
Accommodation: The Retreat or Chi Medicinal Farm in rooms with ensuites
Meals: Breakfast, walkers lunch and two-course dinner in guesthouse restaurant
Walking: Moderate / 15.5km / 5 -6 hrs / optional 2km walk available
Milanesia Beach is one of those secret beaches people can’t get to if they are just driving the Great Ocean Road. It’s one of those beautiful places that we are rewarded with if we take the time to walk. From the beach, the track continues along the cliff tops and you can see all the way back to Cape Otway Lighthouse. High sea cliffs, breathtaking views and coastal forests lead you to Moonlight Head. The reward for walking is not over, as walk from Moonlight Head to the magnificent views of the Gables via a lovely eucalypt forest.
Accommodation: Lodge in rooms with ensuites
Meals: Breakfast, walkers lunch and two-course dinner
Walking: Moderate to challenging / 18.2km / 6–7 hrs
The first highlight today is The Gables Lookout, perched on one of the highest sea cliffs in mainland Australia. This is a superb spot for whale watching between June and September. Continue through a grove of casuarinas to Wreck Beach where the remains of two shipwrecks can be inspected. Today’s walk finishes at the impressive Twelve Apostles, a group of limestone sea stacks that are constantly changing.
Accommodation: Motel in Port Campbell in rooms with ensuites
Meals: Breakfast and walkers lunch
Walking: Moderate to Challenging / 20.1km / 6 –7 hrs / optional extra 1km and 5km walks available
After breakfast from Port Campbell, you will be transferred to back to the Cape Otway (where you started and if you arrived by car) or to Camperdown for public transport connections.
Meals: Cooked breakfast at Waves Restaurant
All of the accommodations are more than comfortable, and all rooms have ensuites. Your first night will be spent in Apollo Bay. Apollo Bay is a lovely seaside town and offers many opportunities to take a stroll or even walk up to the top of Mariner’s Lookout.
Finish your experience off with a Lodge/ Retreat and then a small neat Motel in Port Campbell. All the properties are conveniently located near the track and have beautiful bush settings right on the edge of the national park. The Motel in Port Campbell is in the centre of the quaint town.
We sometimes have to swap accommodations around or out for others that are of equal standard. We will advise you when this occurs.
When we stay at remote retreats and guest houses, the meals are prepared by your expert hosts or a local caterer. The days start with breakfast and end with a 2-course meal. Each day you’ll be provided with a substantial walker lunch and the opportunity to enjoy it whilst taking in some of the most breathtaking views in the world. A walker’s lunch is varied and may include a high protein type salad, roll or a wrap, muesli bar, cake or muffin and a piece of fruit.
Alcohol or drinks with meals are not included (except tea/coffee and juice with breakfast).
On the last day one of Stroll’s local guides will take you on a tour of the Loch Ard Gorge on the last morning. You can look forward to a fascinating last morning of walking and exploring.
Your first night will be spent at a hotel in Apollo Bay. The property is centrally located, which allows exploration of the quaint shopping area and a plethora of restaurants. All the rooms have ensuites.
Your first night will be spent at a hotel in Apollo Bay. The property is centrally located, which allows exploration of the quaint shopping area and a plethora of restaurants. All the rooms have ensuites.
Your first night will be spent at a hotel in Apollo Bay. The property is centrally located, which allows exploration of the quaint shopping area and a plethora of restaurants. All the rooms have ensuites.
Both properties we use at Castle Cove have outstanding views of nature. They are also both located right near the track and very close to Castle Cove beach. On a calm day, it is possible to take a dip in the sea. They all have a sense of privacy that ensures that you can relax and chill with the knowledge that you’re remote. The rooms are all comfortable and have bathrooms.
Both properties we use at Castle Cove have outstanding views of nature. They are also both located right near the track and very close to Castle Cove beach. On a calm day, it is possible to take a dip in the sea. They all have a sense of privacy that ensures that you can relax and chill with the knowledge that you’re remote. The rooms are all comfortable and have bathrooms.
Both properties we use at Castle Cove have outstanding views of nature. They are also both located right near the track and very close to Castle Cove beach. On a calm day, it is possible to take a dip in the sea. They all have a sense of privacy that ensures that you can relax and chill with the knowledge that you’re remote. The rooms are all comfortable and have bathrooms.
Both properties we use at Castle Cove have outstanding views of nature. They are also both located right near the track and very close to Castle Cove beach. On a calm day, it is possible to take a dip in the sea. They all have a sense of privacy that ensures that you can relax and chill with the knowledge that you’re remote. The rooms are all comfortable and have bathrooms.
The motel in Port Campbell is centrally located and 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.
The motel in Port Campbell is centrally located and 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.
The motel in Port Campbell is centrally located and 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.
Each day we move your luggage ahead for you to the next accommodation. We’ve mapped a point-to-point walk to maximize the Great Ocean Road highlights, staying in different accommodation on the route. This means more variety, and less backtracking and time spent in a vehicle for more time to relax at the end of the day. You’ll walk an average of 15–16 km each day, with some optional side walks for those wanting to do some extra exploring.
The walking terrain is varied following cliff tops, wide forest tracks, beach traverses including Wreck Beach and some shaded forest canopy. It’s relatively easy going, flat stretches, with a couple of steady but challenging climbs. The walk is rated overall as easy to moderate.
For what to bring please refer to Gear Advice on our FAQ section.
The walk starts at Cape Otway and ends in Port Campbell.
Arriving / Departing via Private Vehicle – Self Drive
If you are driving you can park your car at your first accommodation for the duration of your trip. At the end of your walk we will transfer you back to your car.
Arriving / Departing via Public Transport
This is a combined train and coach service operated by PTV. You will first need to take a regional VLINE train from Melbourne to Geelong. In Geelong you will take a coach to Apollo Bay Visitors Information Centre the entire journey will take around 4hrs once in Apollo Bay you will be met by our transfer provider who will take you to your first accommodation. You can plan your journey and purchase tickets here. At the end of your walk on the last day of your trip we will transfer you to Camperdown Station for train connections back to Melbourne. Alternatively, if you would like to stay a post tour night you can do so either at Port Campbell or Apollo Bay. Please bear in mind transport connections are 2hrs 45 mins from Camperdown (near Port Campbell) or 3hrs 45 mins from Apollo Bay.
Important note: Please advise your arrival time to your destination consultant to arrange your transfer to your first accommodation.
If Flying into Melbourne Tullamarine / Geelong Avalon
If you are flying into Melbourne Airport, there is a direct coach service that will transfer you to Geelong Train Station. The trip from Melbourne Airport to Geelong takes around 1 hour will Gull Airport Service. You will need to make a booking directly with them.
If you are flying into Avalon Airport, Avalon Airport Shuttle meets every flight that arrives into Avalon. They will transfer you to Geelong Train Station which will take around 30 minutes. This journey needs to be pre-booked. Please check online for the most up to dates prices and times.
Private Transfer
Private transfers are subject to availability please ask you destination consultant at time of booking. Private transfers work best for groups of 4 or more.
Weather for a Great Ocean road trek: December through February is usually warm to hot with excellent swimming weather. Book well in advance for January due to the summer school holidays. March through May is usually cooler, with long sunny days, perfect for walking. The winter months (June to August) are cool and sometimes stormy, providing exhilarating walking along the beaches. In winter, the hills are covered with pink heath, Victoria’s floral emblem. September and November are usually cool to warm and this is when most of the colourful wildflowers appear.
See the Bureau of Meteorology’s information about average temperatures and rainfall at different times of the year.
Source; BOM
We require that you have adequate travel insurance against potential losses, damage or injury, including cancellation costs and loss of luggage.
For all trips that require international travel, you must have purchased travel insurance that also includes medical evacuation coverage.
We also charge a cancellation fee if you cancel your walking holiday after we have confirmed it to cover costs incurred from our suppliers and in the office. See the FAQ section for more information.
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.
If you have any questions about the Great Ocean Walk Highlights, 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
from $ 1220
SCHOOL HOLIDAYS SURCHARGE APPLIES
from $ 1535
from $ 1285
SCHOOL HOLIDAYS SURCHARGE APPLIES
from $ 1295
from $ 1530
SCHOOL HOLIDAYS SURCHARGE APPLIES
With its breathtaking coastal scenery, magnificent forests, abundant wildlife and sheer diversity of landscape, the Great Ocean Walk bears the mantle of being one of Australia's most iconic walks.
As you walk you will meander your way through giant mountain ash forest, the tallest flowering plants in the world, and along some of the most remarkable pristine beaches in Australia. Traverse the massive sea cliffs that have made this location famous. There's also ample opportunity to spot wildlife in their natural habitat, from kangaroos and echidnas to koalas and whales.
The breathtaking and deserted coastal landscapes, ancient Gondwana forests of Antarctic beech, shady wooded glades and heathland plateaus are the backdrop to a walk that will inspire, challenge and reward.
The walk starts at Cape Otway on the Great Ocean Walk tomorrow at 8:30 am. If you arrive by public transport in Apollo Bay, you will walk a very short distance to your accommodation. You will be met in Apollo Bay in the morning and transferred to your first walk. If you’re arriving by a private vehicle, you can park the car at your first night’s accommodation for the remainder of the trip (we will transfer you back to it at the end of your holiday). If you do arrive early, you can enjoy optional walks around Apollo Bay.
Walking: Optional walk around Apollo Bay
Accommodation: Apollo Bay in a hotel with ensuite rooms
We start our trek on the Great Ocean Road Highlights at the light station hiking via Station Beach and an optional short trek to Rainbow Falls where a spring cascades down to the rocky coastal platforms below. The track then leads you through some wind-sculpted sand dunes and along the cliff tops to the Aire River estuary and wetlands. Stunning coastal scenery awaits on the route to Castle Cove.
Accommodation: The Retreat or Chi Medicinal Farm in rooms with ensuites
Meals: Breakfast, walkers lunch and two-course dinner in guesthouse restaurant
Walking: Moderate / 15.5km / 5 -6 hrs / optional 2km walk available
Milanesia Beach is one of those secret beaches people can’t get to if they are just driving the Great Ocean Road. It’s one of those beautiful places that we are rewarded with if we take the time to walk. From the beach, the track continues along the cliff tops and you can see all the way back to Cape Otway Lighthouse. High sea cliffs, breathtaking views and coastal forests lead you to Moonlight Head. The reward for walking is not over, as walk from Moonlight Head to the magnificent views of the Gables via a lovely eucalypt forest.
Accommodation: Lodge in rooms with ensuites
Meals: Breakfast, walkers lunch and two-course dinner
Walking: Moderate to challenging / 18.2km / 6–7 hrs
The first highlight today is The Gables Lookout, perched on one of the highest sea cliffs in mainland Australia. This is a superb spot for whale watching between June and September. Continue through a grove of casuarinas to Wreck Beach where the remains of two shipwrecks can be inspected. Today’s walk finishes at the impressive Twelve Apostles, a group of limestone sea stacks that are constantly changing.
Accommodation: Motel in Port Campbell in rooms with ensuites
Meals: Breakfast and walkers lunch
Walking: Moderate to Challenging / 20.1km / 6 –7 hrs / optional extra 1km and 5km walks available
After breakfast from Port Campbell, you will be transferred to back to the Cape Otway (where you started and if you arrived by car) or to Camperdown for public transport connections.
Meals: Cooked breakfast at Waves Restaurant
All of the accommodations are more than comfortable, and all rooms have ensuites. Your first night will be spent in Apollo Bay. Apollo Bay is a lovely seaside town and offers many opportunities to take a stroll or even walk up to the top of Mariner’s Lookout.
Finish your experience off with a Lodge/ Retreat and then a small neat Motel in Port Campbell. All the properties are conveniently located near the track and have beautiful bush settings right on the edge of the national park. The Motel in Port Campbell is in the centre of the quaint town.
We sometimes have to swap accommodations around or out for others that are of equal standard. We will advise you when this occurs.
When we stay at remote retreats and guest houses, the meals are prepared by your expert hosts or a local caterer. The days start with breakfast and end with a 2-course meal. Each day you’ll be provided with a substantial walker lunch and the opportunity to enjoy it whilst taking in some of the most breathtaking views in the world. A walker’s lunch is varied and may include a high protein type salad, roll or a wrap, muesli bar, cake or muffin and a piece of fruit.
Alcohol or drinks with meals are not included (except tea/coffee and juice with breakfast).
On the last day one of Stroll’s local guides will take you on a tour of the Loch Ard Gorge on the last morning. You can look forward to a fascinating last morning of walking and exploring.
Your first night will be spent at a hotel in Apollo Bay. The property is centrally located, which allows exploration of the quaint shopping area and a plethora of restaurants. All the rooms have ensuites.
Your first night will be spent at a hotel in Apollo Bay. The property is centrally located, which allows exploration of the quaint shopping area and a plethora of restaurants. All the rooms have ensuites.
Your first night will be spent at a hotel in Apollo Bay. The property is centrally located, which allows exploration of the quaint shopping area and a plethora of restaurants. All the rooms have ensuites.
Both properties we use at Castle Cove have outstanding views of nature. They are also both located right near the track and very close to Castle Cove beach. On a calm day, it is possible to take a dip in the sea. They all have a sense of privacy that ensures that you can relax and chill with the knowledge that you’re remote. The rooms are all comfortable and have bathrooms.
Both properties we use at Castle Cove have outstanding views of nature. They are also both located right near the track and very close to Castle Cove beach. On a calm day, it is possible to take a dip in the sea. They all have a sense of privacy that ensures that you can relax and chill with the knowledge that you’re remote. The rooms are all comfortable and have bathrooms.
Both properties we use at Castle Cove have outstanding views of nature. They are also both located right near the track and very close to Castle Cove beach. On a calm day, it is possible to take a dip in the sea. They all have a sense of privacy that ensures that you can relax and chill with the knowledge that you’re remote. The rooms are all comfortable and have bathrooms.
Both properties we use at Castle Cove have outstanding views of nature. They are also both located right near the track and very close to Castle Cove beach. On a calm day, it is possible to take a dip in the sea. They all have a sense of privacy that ensures that you can relax and chill with the knowledge that you’re remote. The rooms are all comfortable and have bathrooms.
The motel in Port Campbell is centrally located and 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.
The motel in Port Campbell is centrally located and 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.
The motel in Port Campbell is centrally located and 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.
Each day we move your luggage ahead for you to the next accommodation. We’ve mapped a point-to-point walk to maximize the Great Ocean Road highlights, staying in different accommodation on the route. This means more variety, and less backtracking and time spent in a vehicle for more time to relax at the end of the day. You’ll walk an average of 15–16 km each day, with some optional side walks for those wanting to do some extra exploring.
The walking terrain is varied following cliff tops, wide forest tracks, beach traverses including Wreck Beach and some shaded forest canopy. It’s relatively easy going, flat stretches, with a couple of steady but challenging climbs. The walk is rated overall as easy to moderate.
For what to bring please refer to Gear Advice on our FAQ section.
The walk starts at Cape Otway and ends in Port Campbell.
Arriving / Departing via Private Vehicle – Self Drive
If you are driving you can park your car at your first accommodation for the duration of your trip. At the end of your walk we will transfer you back to your car.
Arriving / Departing via Public Transport
This is a combined train and coach service operated by PTV. You will first need to take a regional VLINE train from Melbourne to Geelong. In Geelong you will take a coach to Apollo Bay Visitors Information Centre the entire journey will take around 4hrs once in Apollo Bay you will be met by our transfer provider who will take you to your first accommodation. You can plan your journey and purchase tickets here. At the end of your walk on the last day of your trip we will transfer you to Camperdown Station for train connections back to Melbourne. Alternatively, if you would like to stay a post tour night you can do so either at Port Campbell or Apollo Bay. Please bear in mind transport connections are 2hrs 45 mins from Camperdown (near Port Campbell) or 3hrs 45 mins from Apollo Bay.
Important note: Please advise your arrival time to your destination consultant to arrange your transfer to your first accommodation.
If Flying into Melbourne Tullamarine / Geelong Avalon
If you are flying into Melbourne Airport, there is a direct coach service that will transfer you to Geelong Train Station. The trip from Melbourne Airport to Geelong takes around 1 hour will Gull Airport Service. You will need to make a booking directly with them.
If you are flying into Avalon Airport, Avalon Airport Shuttle meets every flight that arrives into Avalon. They will transfer you to Geelong Train Station which will take around 30 minutes. This journey needs to be pre-booked. Please check online for the most up to dates prices and times.
Private Transfer
Private transfers are subject to availability please ask you destination consultant at time of booking. Private transfers work best for groups of 4 or more.
Weather for a Great Ocean road trek: December through February is usually warm to hot with excellent swimming weather. Book well in advance for January due to the summer school holidays. March through May is usually cooler, with long sunny days, perfect for walking. The winter months (June to August) are cool and sometimes stormy, providing exhilarating walking along the beaches. In winter, the hills are covered with pink heath, Victoria’s floral emblem. September and November are usually cool to warm and this is when most of the colourful wildflowers appear.
See the Bureau of Meteorology’s information about average temperatures and rainfall at different times of the year.
Source; BOM
We require that you have adequate travel insurance against potential losses, damage or injury, including cancellation costs and loss of luggage.
For all trips that require international travel, you must have purchased travel insurance that also includes medical evacuation coverage.
We also charge a cancellation fee if you cancel your walking holiday after we have confirmed it to cover costs incurred from our suppliers and in the office. See the FAQ section for more information.
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.
If you have any questions about the Great Ocean Walk Highlights, 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
SCHOOL HOLIDAYS SURCHARGE APPLIES
SCHOOL HOLIDAYS SURCHARGE APPLIES
SCHOOL HOLIDAYS SURCHARGE APPLIES
The Great Ocean Walk is amazing. Having Stroll organise everything from start to finish without a hiccup makes it a pleasure. The accommodation and food could not be faulted.
Thank you
Fantastic, from beginning to end, and all the echidna and koalas on the way
We would like to say what a delightful group of people you have that looked after us. Apollo Bay Taxis were on time every time. They went above and beyond especially when Marions walking boots fell apart and had to be replaced. Thank you Vanessa, Colin and Sue.
Chi Farm (WOW). Magnificent fresh healthy food, and so much of it. I think we both had put on weight by the end of the walk. Thank you Jodie and Shane.
Cafe 153, Waves and Des at Portside Motel thank you all for making us so welcome.
It was obvious to us that they all highly value their relationship with Stroll, and this made the walk a thoroughly enjoyable experience for us.
Trish W
The Great Ocean Walk is amazing. Having Stroll organise everything from start to finish without a hiccup makes it a pleasure. The accommodation and food could not be faulted.
Thank you
Terri S
Fantastic, from beginning to end, and all the echidna and koalas on the way
Geoffrey G
We would like to say what a delightful group of people you have that looked after us. Apollo Bay Taxis were on time every time. They went above and beyond especially when Marions walking boots fell apart and had to be replaced. Thank you Vanessa, Colin and Sue.
Chi Farm (WOW). Magnificent fresh healthy food, and so much of it. I think we both had put on weight by the end of the walk. Thank you Jodie and Shane.
Cafe 153, Waves and Des at Portside Motel thank you all for making us so welcome.
It was obvious to us that they all highly value their relationship with Stroll, and this made the walk a thoroughly enjoyable experience for us.