Great Ocean Walk - 8 Day Self Guided

AT A GLANCE

TRIP LENGTH

8 DAYS

WALK GRADE

oderate

PRICE FROM

$ 1790 per person twin/double share

SINGLE OCCUPANCY

$ 560 per person

This is the way to hike the Great Ocean Walk, taking the time to truly enjoy the region. This is our most iconic coastal walk, and for good reason. It traverses one of Australia’s most dramatic coastlines from Apollo Bay to the Twelve Apostles through the Great Otway National Park. The 104 km walk meanders its way through Manna gums with koalas only a few feet from the track to traversing massive sea cliffs, cliffs that have made this location famous. You’ll walk through giant Mountain Ash forest, beneath the tallest flowering plants in the world and along some of the most remarkable pristine beaches in Australia.

There are plenty of days when the ocean’s azure sparkle looks spectacularly inviting, but when you witness the awesome power of the Southern Ocean’s eternal tidal assault, you’ll see why this coastline is known as the Shipwreck Coast. There are also ample opportunities to spot wildlife in their natural habitat, ranging from kangaroos, wallabies, echidnas and koalas to black cockatoos, sea eagles, wedge-tailed eagles, dolphins and whales.

Highlights:

Walk the Great Ocean walk 104kms from end to end in style
12 Twelve Apostles, Gibsons Steps, Blanket Bay, Cape Otway Lighthouse, Wreck Beach, Apollo Bay and a lot more
Stunning views as you progress along the track at Castle Cove and at the Gables
Traverse some of the most remote and remarkable terrain you’re likely to ever navigate
Pristine nature and deafening surf make Johanna Beach one of the ultimate beach walks

Itinerary

DAY one

ARRIVE APOLLO BAY

The walk starts in Apollo Bay, on the Great Ocean Road any time after 2 pm. There is the option this afternoon to walk 8kms (2hrs) to Shelly Beach to shorten Day 2. There is also an optional walk to Mariners Lookout which we provide detailed notes on, for panoramic views over the ocean and Apollo Bay village. The other option is to explore the quaint village of Apollo Bay or sit or walk on the gorgeous beach adjacent to the town.

Accommodation: Motel in Apollo Bay in rooms with ensuites
Walking: Easy / 8 or 8.6 km / 2.5 hrs

DAY two

APOLLO BAY TO BLANKET BAY

Today’s walk can be shortened if you wish by walking the 8kms to Shelly Beach on Day 1 making today’s walk 15.4kms. It is here that we leave the tourists behind as you begin the Great Ocean Walk along the coast away from Apollo Bay. The track hugs the coast at first before heading inland through tall eucalypt forest and patches of rainforest. Toward the end of the day, we walk through Mountain Ash forest the tallest flowering plant in the world. Wildlife here is abundant and this is an excellent day to spot black wallabies and koalas along the trail. The walking finishes at delightful Blanket Bay – an ideal place for a swim.

Accommodation: Cape Otway Lightstation and Bimbi Park in rooms with ensuites
Meals: Breakfast, walkers lunch and two-course dinner
Walking: Moderate / 15.4 – 23.4 km / 6–7 hrs

DAY three

BLANKET BAY TO CAPE OTWAY LIGHTSTATION

From Blanket Bay, the track contours through coastal forests and along the clifftops to Parker Inlet – a picture-postcard setting. 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. The afternoon is free to explore the lighthouse, museum and displays.

Accommodation: Cape Otway Lightstation and Bimbi Park in rooms with ensuites
Meals: Breakfast, walkers lunch and two-course dinner
Walking: Easy / 10.3 km / 3 Hrs / optional 1 hr walk

DAY four

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 continues through the wind-sculpted sand dunes and along the clifftops to the Aire River estuary and wetlands. The stunning coastal scenery on the route to Castle Cove is just one more of the highlights today.

Accommodation: Chi Farm or the Retreat in rooms with ensuites
Meals: Breakfast, walkers lunch and two-course dinner
Walking: Moderate / 15.5 km / 5.5 -6.5 hrs / optional 2km walk

DAY five

CASTLE COVE TO MILANESIA GATE

Today’s section of the Great Ocean Walk 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 and the massive surf.

Accommodation: Chi Farm or the Retreat in rooms with ensuites
Meals: Breakfast, walkers lunch and two-course dinner
Walking: Easy to Moderate / 15.2 km / 5 hrs

DAY six

MILANESIA GATE TO THE GABLES

Milanesia Beach is one of those secret beaches not many people get to, as it’s kilometres off from any real access point other than by foot – and what a special place it is. From here the track continues along the clifftops 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. But it is at the Gables that you get the panoramic views up and down the coast, a great way to end the day.

Accommodation: Southern Anchorage in rooms with ensuites
Meals: Breakfast, walkers lunch and two-course dinner
Walking: Moderate / 15 km / 6-7 hrs

DAY seven

THE GABLES TO 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. The Great Ocean Walk finishes at the impressive Twelve Apostles, a group of limestone sea stacks that are constantly changing. At the end of the walk, celebrate your achievement without having to worry about travelling back to Melbourne this evening.

Accommodation: Port Campbell in Motel in rooms with ensuites
Meals: Breakfast and walkers lunch
Walking: Moderate / 20.1 km / 6.5 -7.5 hrs

DAY eight

BACK TO APOLLO BAY OR CAMPERDOWN (ONWARDS TO MELBOURNE)

After breakfast, you will be transported back to Apollo Bay (if you arrived by car) or to Camperdown for public transport connections.

Meals: Breakfast

What’s Included

8 day pack free walking holiday
Great Ocean walk end to end & return transfer to Apollo Bay
7 nights accommodation with ensuites
Breakfasts, substantial Walkers lunches and two-course dinners
Bag transfers with our Stroll driver and local partner network on the ground
National Park admission
Stroll comprehensive walking notes

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 historic Cape Otway Lightstation. The exclusive use of the Lightstation’s environs after it closes is a special highlight of your walk. If we can’t get you into the light station, we have you stay next door at Bimbi Park which is located in a bush setting and gives rise to the opportunity for further exploration of the area.

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

Finish your experience off with Southern Anchorage and then the Portside Motel. Both properties are conveniently located, Southern Anchorage on a beautiful bush setting on the edge of the national park and Portside Motel in the centre of the quaint town of Port Campbell.

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 walkers lunch and the opportunity to enjoy it whilst taking in some of the most breathtaking views in the world. A walkers 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).

NIGHT 1

APOLLO BAY

The motel on the first night is the best of its type in Apollo Bay. It is almost opposite the start of the Great Ocean Walk Trailhead and within easy walking distance to central Apollo Bay and all the restaurants.

NIGHT 1

APOLLO BAY

The motel on the first night is the best of its type in Apollo Bay. It is almost opposite the start of the Great Ocean Walk Trailhead and within easy walking distance to central Apollo Bay and all the restaurants.

NIGHT 1

APOLLO BAY

The motel on the first night is the best of its type in Apollo Bay. It is almost opposite the start of the Great Ocean Walk Trailhead and within easy walking distance to central Apollo Bay and all the restaurants.

NIGHTS 2 & 3

CAPE OTWAY

You will either stay at the historic Cape Otway Lightstation or Bimbi Park. Both properties offer something a little extra, with an opportunity to further explore with exclusive use of the Lightstation’s environs. The location of Bimbi is also excellent and gives you the opportunity to explore the national park further. The accommodations are more than comfortable, and all rooms have ensuites.

NIGHTS 2 & 3

CAPE OTWAY

You will either stay at the historic Cape Otway Lightstation or Bimbi Park. Both properties offer something a little extra, with an opportunity to further explore with exclusive use of the Lightstation’s environs. The location of Bimbi is also excellent and gives you the opportunity to explore the national park further. The accommodations are more than comfortable, and all rooms have ensuites.

NIGHTS 2 & 3

CAPE OTWAY

You will either stay at the historic Cape Otway Lightstation or Bimbi Park. Both properties offer something a little extra, with an opportunity to further explore with exclusive use of the Lightstation’s environs. The location of Bimbi is also excellent and gives you the opportunity to explore the national park further. The accommodations are more than comfortable, and all rooms have ensuites.

NIGHTS 2 & 3

CAPE OTWAY

You will either stay at the historic Cape Otway Lightstation or Bimbi Park. Both properties offer something a little extra, with an opportunity to further explore with exclusive use of the Lightstation’s environs. The location of Bimbi is also excellent and gives you the opportunity to explore the national park further. The accommodations are more than comfortable, and all rooms have ensuites.

NIGHTS 2 & 3

CAPE OTWAY

You will either stay at the historic Cape Otway Lightstation or Bimbi Park. Both properties offer something a little extra, with an opportunity to further explore with exclusive use of the Lightstation’s environs. The location of Bimbi is also excellent and gives you the opportunity to explore the national park further. The accommodations are more than comfortable, and all rooms have ensuites.

NIGHTS 4, 5 & 6

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 4, 5 & 6

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 4, 5 & 6

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 4, 5 & 6

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 4, 5 & 6

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.

NIGHT 7

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 come to expect of a comfortable motel.

The beach is within stone’s throw so if you want to take a swim this is the safest place on the coast since Apollo Bay. There are many restaurants in town to choose to eat from.

NIGHT 7

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 come to expect of a comfortable motel.

The beach is within stone’s throw so if you want to take a swim this is the safest place on the coast since Apollo Bay. There are many restaurants in town to choose to eat from.

NIGHT 7

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 come to expect of a comfortable motel.

The beach is within stone’s throw so if you want to take a swim this is the safest place on the coast since Apollo Bay. There are many restaurants in town to choose to eat from.

NIGHT 7

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 come to expect of a comfortable motel.

The beach is within stone’s throw so if you want to take a swim this is the safest place on the coast since Apollo Bay. There are many restaurants in town to choose to eat from.

General Info

Travel down on the Great Ocean Road to the start of the walk. You don’t have to arrive early in the morning on your first day. We include accommodation for you in Apollo Bay the night prior to your walk so that you can start the walking feeling refreshed after a great breakfast and a picnic lunch in your day pack, ready to go. There is plenty of time to explore Mariners Hill or walk to Shelly Beach to shorten Day 2. You will need to organise this before departure so we can have you picked up.

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 accommodation 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 15–16 km 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, a shaded forest canopy. It’s mostly relatively easy-going, flat stretches, some steady, challenging climbs and long downhill descents. The walk is moderate to challenging with some longer days. This is a great opportunity for fit walkers to challenge themselves.

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

HOW TO GET THERE AND AWAY

The trip starts in Apollo Bay on the Great Ocean Road. There are various ways to get the start, you can use public transport (a train to Geelong and a connecting bus to Apollo Bay). You don’t have to arrive early in the morning on your first day. We include accommodation for you in Apollo Bay the night prior to your walk so that you can start the walking feeling refreshed after a great breakfast and a picnic lunch in your day pack, ready to go.

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

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 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.

climate graph for the Great Ocean Walk

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, feel free to ask one of our destination consultants. 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 2023 - 15 Dec 2023
AVAILABLE
^from $ 1790
SINGLE OCCUPANCY
$ 560
BOOK NOW
16 Dec 2023 - 31 Jan 2024
AVAILABLE
^from $ 1870
SINGLE OCCUPANCY
$ 620
BOOK NOW
1 Feb 2024 - 15 Dec 2024
AVAILABLE
^from $ 1845
SINGLE OCCUPANCY
$ 600
BOOK NOW

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The Great Ocean Walk

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