Self-guided
OVERVIEW
OVERVIEW
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, then traverse massive sea cliffs, that have made this location famous. There’s also ample opportunity to spot wildlife in their natural habitat, from kangaroos to wallabies, echidnas and koalas, to black cockatoos, sea eagles, wedge-tailed eagles, dolphins and whales.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- The Twelve Apostles and time to explore Lochard Gorge
- Stunning views as you progress along the track at Castle Cove the Gables and at Wreck Beach
- Pristine nature and deafening surf at Johanna Beach, one of the ultimate beach walks.
- Breathtaking and deserted coastal landscapes, ancient Gondwana forests of Antarctic beech, shady wooded glades and heathland plateaus
- Excellent accommodation and meals
AT A GLANCE
TRIP LENGTH
5 DAYS
WALK GRADE
Easyto
Moderate PRICE FROM
£ 1415
per person twin/double shareSINGLE OCCUPANCY
£ 385
per personITINERARY
DAY one
START AT CAPE OTWAY
The walk starts at Cape Otway on the Great Ocean Road, any time after 1 pm. If you’re arriving by public transport to Apollo Bay you will be met in Apollo Bay and transferred to your first night’s accommodation. If you’re arriving by a private vehicle you are able to 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).
Accommodation: Cape Otway Lightstation or Bimbi Park in rooms with ensuites
Meals: Two-course dinner
Walking: Optional walk to Crayfish Bay
DAY two
CAPE OTWAY LIGHTSTATION TO CASTLE COVE
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
DAY three
MILANESIA BEACH TO THE GABLES
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
DAY four
THE GABLES TO THE 12 APOSTLES
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
DAY five
LOCH ARD GORGE TOUR AND PRIVATE TRANSFER BACK TO CAPE OTWAY OR CAMPERDOWN
After breakfast from Port Campbell, you will be transferred to Loch Ard Gorge for a D.I.Y. walk of the surrounding area. This is one of the highlights of the 12 Apostle precinct which many people overlook. You will have time to explore the area and its many tracks before being transferred either 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
Walking: Easy / 3km / 1.5 hrs
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- Five-day pack free walking holiday
- The highlights of the Great Ocean Walk
- Four nights’ accommodation with ensuites
- Breakfasts, substantial walkers lunches and two-course dinners
- Luggage transport and vehicle transfers
- We shift you along the track from accommodation to accommodation to limit time in a vehicle, creating much more time to relax and enjoy the region
- National Park admission
- Enjoy worry-free navigation with Stroll’s comprehensive track notes
ACCOMMODATION & DINING
All of the accommodations are more than comfortable and all rooms have ensuites. Your first night will be spent at the historic Cape Otway Lightstation or Bimbi Park. The exclusive use of the Lightstation’s environs in the evening and morning are a special part of this walk. If staying at Bimbi you will be in a very comfortable cabin in an Australian Bushland setting close to native wildlife such as kangaroos and koalas.
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.
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 dinner. Each day you’ll be provided with a substantial walkers 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.
NIGHT 1
CAPE OTWAY
Your first night will be spent at either the Cape Otway Lightstation or Bimbi Park. Both properties are in great locations which allows further exploration of the area. All the rooms have ensuites.
NIGHT 1
CAPE OTWAY
Your first night will be spent at either the Cape Otway Lightstation or Bimbi Park. Both properties are in great locations which allows further exploration of the area. All the rooms have ensuites.
NIGHT 1
CAPE OTWAY
Your first night will be spent at either the Cape Otway Lightstation or Bimbi Park. Both properties are in great locations which allows further exploration of the area. All the rooms have ensuites.
NIGHT 1
CAPE OTWAY
Your first night will be spent at either the Cape Otway Lightstation or Bimbi Park. Both properties are in great locations which allows further exploration of the area. All the rooms have ensuites.
NIGHT 2 & 3
CASTLE COVE
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.
NIGHT 2 & 3
CASTLE COVE
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.
NIGHT 2 & 3
CASTLE COVE
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.
NIGHT 2 & 3
CASTLE COVE
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.
NIGHT 4
PORT CAMPBELL
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.
NIGHT 4
PORT CAMPBELL
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.
NIGHT 4
PORT CAMPBELL
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.
GENERAL INFO
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.
HOW TO GET THERE AND AWAY
You will be picked up from Apollo Bay (about 3 hours SW of Melbourne), if you arrive by public transport, then transferred to your first night’s accommodation at Cape Otway Lightstation. There are daily train/coach services from Melbourne. If you’re arriving by private vehicle then you will able to drive the Great Ocean Road and park the vehicle at Cape Otway Lighthouse for the duration of your holiday. The holiday finishes with a transfer back to your car or to Camperdown for public transport connections back to Melbourne. More detail regarding transfers is available, so please contact us.
WEATHER
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
INSURANCE
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.
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 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
MAP
DEPARTURE DATES
- DATESAVAILABILITYPRICESingle OccupancyDetails
- 1 Feb 2023 - 15 Dec 2023AVAILABLEfrom
£ 1415
SINGLE OCCUPANCY£ 385SCHOOL HOLIDAYS SURCHARGE APPLIES
- 16 Dec 2023 - 31 Jan 2024AVAILABLEfrom
£ 1470
SINGLE OCCUPANCY£ 430 - 1 Feb 2024 - 15 Dec 2024AVAILABLEfrom
£ 1450
SINGLE OCCUPANCY£ 405SCHOOL HOLIDAYS SURCHARGE APPLIES
REVIEWS
Customer Reviews
AT A GLANCE
5 DAYS
Easyto
Moderate
£ 1415
per person twin/double share
£ 385
per person
TRIP LENGTH
5 DAYS
WALK GRADE
Easyto
Moderate PRICE FROM
£ 1415
per person twin/double shareSINGLE OCCUPANCY
£ 385
per person
Overview
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, then traverse massive sea cliffs, that have made this location famous. There’s also ample opportunity to spot wildlife in their natural habitat, from kangaroos to wallabies, echidnas and koalas, to black cockatoos, sea eagles, wedge-tailed eagles, dolphins and whales.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- The Twelve Apostles and time to explore Lochard Gorge
- Stunning views as you progress along the track at Castle Cove the Gables and at Wreck Beach
- Pristine nature and deafening surf at Johanna Beach, one of the ultimate beach walks.
- Breathtaking and deserted coastal landscapes, ancient Gondwana forests of Antarctic beech, shady wooded glades and heathland plateaus
- Excellent accommodation and meals
Itinerary
DAY one
START AT CAPE OTWAY
The walk starts at Cape Otway on the Great Ocean Road, any time after 1 pm. If you’re arriving by public transport to Apollo Bay you will be met in Apollo Bay and transferred to your first night’s accommodation. If you’re arriving by a private vehicle you are able to 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).
Accommodation: Cape Otway Lightstation or Bimbi Park in rooms with ensuites
Meals: Two-course dinner
Walking: Optional walk to Crayfish Bay
DAY two
CAPE OTWAY LIGHTSTATION TO CASTLE COVE
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
DAY three
MILANESIA BEACH TO THE GABLES
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
DAY four
THE GABLES TO THE 12 APOSTLES
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
DAY five
LOCH ARD GORGE TOUR AND PRIVATE TRANSFER BACK TO CAPE OTWAY OR CAMPERDOWN
After breakfast from Port Campbell, you will be transferred to Loch Ard Gorge for a D.I.Y. walk of the surrounding area. This is one of the highlights of the 12 Apostle precinct which many people overlook. You will have time to explore the area and its many tracks before being transferred either 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
Walking: Easy / 3km / 1.5 hrs
What’s Included
- Five-day pack free walking holiday
- The highlights of the Great Ocean Walk
- Four nights’ accommodation with ensuites
- Breakfasts, substantial walkers lunches and two-course dinners
- Luggage transport and vehicle transfers
- We shift you along the track from accommodation to accommodation to limit time in a vehicle, creating much more time to relax and enjoy the region
- National Park admission
- Enjoy worry-free navigation with Stroll’s comprehensive track notes
Accommodation & Dining
All of the accommodations are more than comfortable and all rooms have ensuites. Your first night will be spent at the historic Cape Otway Lightstation or Bimbi Park. The exclusive use of the Lightstation’s environs in the evening and morning are a special part of this walk. If staying at Bimbi you will be in a very comfortable cabin in an Australian Bushland setting close to native wildlife such as kangaroos and koalas.
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.
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 dinner. Each day you’ll be provided with a substantial walkers 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.
NIGHT 1
CAPE OTWAY
Your first night will be spent at either the Cape Otway Lightstation or Bimbi Park. Both properties are in great locations which allows further exploration of the area. All the rooms have ensuites.
NIGHT 1
CAPE OTWAY
Your first night will be spent at either the Cape Otway Lightstation or Bimbi Park. Both properties are in great locations which allows further exploration of the area. All the rooms have ensuites.
NIGHT 1
CAPE OTWAY
Your first night will be spent at either the Cape Otway Lightstation or Bimbi Park. Both properties are in great locations which allows further exploration of the area. All the rooms have ensuites.
NIGHT 1
CAPE OTWAY
Your first night will be spent at either the Cape Otway Lightstation or Bimbi Park. Both properties are in great locations which allows further exploration of the area. All the rooms have ensuites.
NIGHT 2 & 3
CASTLE COVE
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.
NIGHT 2 & 3
CASTLE COVE
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.
NIGHT 2 & 3
CASTLE COVE
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.
NIGHT 2 & 3
CASTLE COVE
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.
NIGHT 4
PORT CAMPBELL
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.
NIGHT 4
PORT CAMPBELL
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.
NIGHT 4
PORT CAMPBELL
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.
General Info
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.
HOW TO GET THERE AND AWAY
You will be picked up from Apollo Bay (about 3 hours SW of Melbourne), if you arrive by public transport, then transferred to your first night’s accommodation at Cape Otway Lightstation. There are daily train/coach services from Melbourne. If you’re arriving by private vehicle then you will able to drive the Great Ocean Road and park the vehicle at Cape Otway Lighthouse for the duration of your holiday. The holiday finishes with a transfer back to your car or to Camperdown for public transport connections back to Melbourne. More detail regarding transfers is available, so please contact us.
WEATHER
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
INSURANCE
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.
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 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
REVIEWS
Customer Reviews
Leave a Reply
There are no review, be the first to write review.
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.
There are no review, be the first to write review.