Great Ocean Walk | 6 Day Unplug and Explore

Great Ocean Walk 6 Day Unplug

SELF-GUIDED

SELF-GUIDED
6 DAYS
Challenging

PRICE FROM $ 1,405 per person

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT $ 280 per person

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Group-guided

Self-guided

OVERVIEW

This is your chance to walk the walk and unplug on Australia’s most iconic coastal walk. We’ve pieced together the best of the Great Ocean Walk track, following the coast through the Great Otway National Park via mountain ash forest, over pristine beaches and over what’s said to be the grandest sea cliffs in Australia.

This brilliant diversity of landscape works together with the astonishing fauna and flora to make this walk very special. The energy and power of the massive swells are an amazing backdrop to the walk as are the koalas, roos and abundant birdlife that make this place their home. Walking into the 12 Apostles makes for a dramatic end to this amazing walk.

HIGHLIGHTS:

Traverse inaccessible pristine beaches and witness the awesome power of the Southern Ocean
Ample opportunities to spot wildlife in their natural habitat: from kangaroos and koalas to whales and wedge-tailed eagles
Step through giant Mountain Ash forest, beneath the tallest flowering plants in the world
Mesmerising cliff top walk to Parker Inlet
Stunning views as you progress along the track at Castle Cove and at The Gables
The pristine nature and deafening surf of Johanna Beach
The imposing Twelve Apostles

ITINERARY

DAY one

APOLLO BAY TO SHELLY BEACH

The walk starts in Apollo Bay, on the Great Ocean Road in the morning. Leave the tourists behind as you meander along the coast. The track follows the coast before heading inland through the forest; be surprised if you don’t spot at least a couple of koalas around Shelly beach. This is also a great place to spot echidnas, wallabies, seabirds, dolphins and in season whales.

Walking: Easy to moderate / 7.9 km / 3 -3.5 hrs

Meals: Walkers lunch and 2-course dinner

Accommodation: Bimbi Park in Eco Villas in rooms with ensuites

DAY two

SHELLY BEACH TO CAPE OTWAY LIGHTSTATION

From Shelly Beach, you make your way up through magnificent Mountain Ash forest and then down to the delightful Blanket Bay, an ideal place for a swim. From Blanket Bay the track contours through coastal forests and along the cliff tops to Parker Inlet – a picture-postcard setting and definitely one of our favourite places! An optional side-trip to Crayfish Bay is also a highlight.

The track continues through Manna gum forests that are home to large numbers of koalas, eventually emerging at Cape Otway Lightstation.

Walking: Moderate to challenging / 25.8 km / 6-8 hrs / plus optional 1 hr walk
This day can be split into two parts, 15kms and 10kms, if you wish which adds another nights’ accommodation to the trip, making it a 7-day trip. See Great Ocean Walk 7 day Unplug trip.

Meals: Substantial breakfast, walkers lunch and 2-course dinner

Accommodation: Bimbi Park in Eco Villas in rooms with ensuites

Great-Ocean-Walk-Self-Guided hiker walking through forest near Blanket Bay

DAY three

CAPE OTWAY LIGHTSTATION TO CASTLE COVE

On to Station Beach and an optional short trek to pretty Rainbow Falls where a spring cascades down to the rocky coastal platforms below. The track then continues through wind-sculpted sand dunes and along the cliff tops to the Aire River estuary and wetlands. Stunning coastal scenery awaits you on the route to Castle Cove.

Walking: Moderate / 15.5 km / 5 – 6 hrs / plus 2 km (50 mins) optional walk

Meals: Substantial breakfast, walkers lunch and 2-course dinner

Accommodation: A Retreat at Castle Cove in ensuite rooms

DAY four

CASTLE COVE TO MILANESIA GATE

Today’s section has some of the most spectacular coastal views of the entire track. It’s also a great day for wildflowers with colourful heathlands and numerous grass trees. In the winter months, there are native orchids and masses of pink heath – Victoria’s floral emblem. Another highlight is the long, white, sandy expanse of Johanna Beach.

Walking: Moderate / 15.2 km / 5 hrs

Meals: Cooked breakfast, walkers lunch and 2-course dinner

Accommodation: A Retreat at Castle Cove in ensuite rooms

DAY five

MILANESIA GATE TO THE GABLES

Milanesia Beach is one of those secret beaches, not many people get to and one of the most special places on the walk. It is only accessible on foot. From here the track continues along the cliff tops, and you can see all the way back to Cape Otway lighthouse. The walk is characterised by high sea cliffs, breathtaking views and coastal forests which lead you to Moonlight Head. The last 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.

Walking: Moderate to challenging / 15 km / 5 – 6 hrs

Meals: Cooked breakfast, walkers lunch and 2-course dinner

Accommodation: A Retreat at Castle Cove in ensuite rooms

DAY six

THE GABLES TO 12 APOSTLES

From the Gables, it is another walk through a grove of casuarinas to Wreck Beach, where you can inspect the remains of two shipwrecks. Next, follow the track through Princetown and finish at the impressive 12 Apostles, a group of limestone sea stacks that are constantly changing. We will collect you at 4 pm to take you back to either Apollo Bay or Camperdown, depending on how you got to Apollo Bay.

Walking: Moderate / 20.1 km / 6-7 hrs

Meals: Cooked breakfast and walkers lunch

WHAT’S INCLUDED

Pack free walking at your own pace, with who you want, when you want
Private vehicle transfers in the company of our friendly knowledgeable Stroll driver who knows the area intimately, plus all luggage transfers
5 nights’ accommodation in rooms with ensuites
Breakfasts daily, two-course dinners and substantial walkers lunches
National Park fees
Worry-free navigation with Stroll’s navigation app, travel book, maps & info pack
Insulated lunch bag and luggage tags
24/7 support with our local partner network on the ground
Enjoy Stroll’s nearly 30 years of experience in organising these types of holidays

ACCOMMODATION & DINING

All of the accommodations are more than comfortable, and all rooms have ensuites. Your first night will be spent at a comfortable property in Apollo Bay. Then it’s on to Cape Otway where you will stay at the Eco Villas which in a bush setting is quite removed from the main part of Bimbi Park. Bimbi Park is located borders the park and gives rise to the opportunity for further exploration of the area and for close encounters with koalas and kangaroos.

The Great Ocean Walk Retreat or Chi Farm is the next stop where you’re in for a showcase of regional produce for breakfast, lunch and dinner. 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).

NIGHTS 1 & 2

CAPE OTWAY

You will stay in the remote Eco Villas at Bimbi Park. This property offers something a little extra, with Frank’s fabulous cooking and a stay in the Eco Villas well away from the main complex in a beautiful bush setting. The location of Bimbi is excellent and allows you to explore the national park further. The rooms are spacious and very comfortable, and of course, all the rooms have ensuites.

NIGHTS 1 & 2

CAPE OTWAY

NIGHTS 1 & 2

CAPE OTWAY

NIGHTS 1 & 2

CAPE OTWAY

NIGHTS 3, 4 & 5

CASTLE COVE

Both properties we use at Castle Cove have outstanding views over 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 here but not on days when the swell is working as it is dangerous. Both properties have 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.

NIGHTS 3, 4 & 5

CASTLE COVE

NIGHTS 3, 4 & 5

CASTLE COVE

NIGHTS 3, 4 & 5

CASTLE COVE

NIGHTS 3, 4 & 5

CASTLE COVE

GENERAL INFO

Travel down on the Great Ocean Road to the start of the walk. You will have to arrive by 12:00 midday on your first day to commence the walking. This walk is for people that are wanting to condense the number of nights on the walk and/or are looking for a bit of a challenge.

Each day we move your luggage ahead for you to the next accommodation. All you need to carry is a daypack with what you need for the day. We provide comprehensive walk notes for you. It’s easy to find the way on this track but with our notes you’ll also receive lots of information to help you better appreciate the flora, fauna, history and geology you’re experiencing along the route.

We’ve mapped a point-to-point walk to maximize the highlights, staying in different accommodations on the route. This means more variety, less backtracking and time spent in a vehicle and more time to relax at the end of the day. You’ll walk an average of 18kms each day, with some optional side walks for those wanting to extend themselves.

The walking terrain is varied following clifftops, wide forest tracks, rough trails, beach traverses, including Wreck Beach and tracks shaded by the forest canopy. It’s mostly easy-going, flat stretches, with some steady, challenging climbs and long downhill descents. The walk is moderate to challenging with some longer days, these provide a great opportunity for fit walkers to challenge themselves.

For what to bring please refer to Gear Advice on our FAQ section.

WEATHER

December through February is usually warm to hot with excellent swimming weather. Book well in advance for January due to the summer school holidays as the Great Ocean Road walk gets very busy. 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 to 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.

climate graph for the Great Ocean Walk

Source; BOM

HOW TO GET THERE AND AWAY

The walk starts in Apollo Bay on the Great Ocean Road and ends in Port Campbell. As you are walking on day 1 we recommend starting your walk at 12pm to comfortably be at the pick up point on time. Fast walkers can explore Apollo or start slightly later if necessary.

Arriving / Departing via Private Vehicle – Self Drive

This is the recommended way to travel for this trip. If you are driving you can park your car in a quiet street in Apollo bay near the Visitor Information Centre. At the end of your walk on the last day of your trip we will transfer you back to your car in Apollo Bay.

Important note: Please advise your arrival time to your destination consultant to arrange for your luggage to be collected from the Visitor Information Centre.

Arriving / Departing via Public Transport

If catching public transport we recommend having a pre tour night in Apollo Bay to ensure you start on time. 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. 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.

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.

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, 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

DATES

AVAILABILITY

PRICE

Single Occupancy

Details
1 Feb 2024 - 15 Dec 2024

AVAILABLE

^from $ 1405

SINGLE OCCUPANCY
$ 280

SCHOOL HOLIDAYS SURCHARGE APPLIES

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16 Dec 2024 - 31 Jan 2025

AVAILABLE

^from $ 1730

SINGLE OCCUPANCY
$ 280

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1 Feb 2025 - 15 Dec 2025

AVAILABLE

^from $ 1480

SINGLE OCCUPANCY
$ 290

SCHOOL HOLIDAYS SURCHARGE APPLIES

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16 Dec 2025 - 31 Jan 2026

AVAILABLE

^from $ 1800

SINGLE OCCUPANCY
$ 290

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1 Feb 2026 - 15 Dec 2026

AVAILABLE

^from $ 1535

SINGLE OCCUPANCY
$ 300

SCHOOL HOLIDAYS SURCHARGE APPLIES

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REVIEWS

Customer Reviews