• SELF-GUIDED
  • 8 DAYS
  • Moderate
PRICE FROM £ 1,640 per person
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT £ 380 per person

OVERVIEW

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, for good reason, traversing 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.

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 tidal assault, you'll see why this coastline is known as the Shipwreck Coast. There are ample opportunities to spot wildlife in their natural habitat, ranging from kangaroos, echidnas and koalas to black cockatoos, sea eagles and whales.

HIGHLIGHTS:

  • Step through giant Mountain Ash forest, beneath the tallest flowering plants in the world
  • Spotting a koala or three!
  • Cape Otway Lightstation
  • 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

AT A GLANCE

TRIP LENGTH
8 DAYS
WALK GRADE
Moderate
PRICE FROM
£ 1640 per person twin/double share
SINGLE OCCUPANCY
£ 380 per person

ITINERARY

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
  • Worry-free navigation with Stroll’s navigation app, travel book, maps & info pack
  • Insulated lunch bag and luggage tags

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.

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 with the Portside Motel or the Loch Ard Motel. Both properties are in the centre of the quaint town of Port Campbell.

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).

Alcohol or drinks with meals are not included (except tea/coffee and juice with breakfast).

 

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 walk starts in Apollo Bay on the Great Ocean Road and ends in Port Campbell.

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. From here its a short walk to your first accommodation. You can plan your journey and purchase tickets here. After breakfast on the last day of your trip we will transfer you to Camperdown Station for train connections back to Melbourne.

Arriving / Departing via Private Vehicle – Self Drive 

If you are driving you can park your car at your first accommodation in Apollo Bay. Please note prior to commencing your walk you will need to move your car from the carpark to the street – the street in front of your accommodation is safe and unmetered.  After breakfast on the last day of your trip we will transfer you back to your car in Apollo Bay.

** Important note: If you have opted to walk to Shelly Beach on Day 1 – you’ll need to start walking around 12pm to ensure you’re at the pick up point on time.

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

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 2024 - 15 Dec 2024
    AVAILABLE

    from £ 1640

    SINGLE OCCUPANCY
    £ 380

    SCHOOL HOLIDAY SURCHARGE APPLIES

  • 16 Dec 2024 - 31 Jan 2025
    AVAILABLE

    from £ 2125

    SINGLE OCCUPANCY
    £ 380
  • 1 Feb 2025 - 15 Dec 2025
    AVAILABLE

    from £ 1715

    SINGLE OCCUPANCY
    £ 405

    SCHOOL HOLIDAY SURCHARGE APPLIES

  • 16 Dec 2025 - 31 Jan 2026
    AVAILABLE

    from £ 2140

    SINGLE OCCUPANCY
    £ 405
  • 1 Feb 2026 - 15 Dec 2026
    AVAILABLE

    from £ 1720

    SINGLE OCCUPANCY
    £ 420

    SCHOOL HOLIDAY SURCHARGE APPLIES

REVIEWS

Customer Reviews

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

*

  1. Dougalbird

    21 October, 2018 at 8:46 AM

    An absolutely first class guided tour of a beautiful scenic walk from Sunday – Saturday along this amazing walk. Nature is represented on this walk in so many ways. Long empty beaches with estuaries to cross, surging waves to dab a toe in, clifftop heathlands, rainforests, forests and views from Apollo By to Port Campbell to leave you sighing…
    We saw lots of koalas, Eastern grey kangaroos, swamp wallabies, red necked wallabies, seabirds of all kinds, a shyechnida, a couple of snakes keeping out of our way and so much more. The two guides were extremely experienced, professional and informative. We heard of the history of the making of the Great Ocean Road, the shipwrecks, The Lighthouse at Cape Otway stories, and many more. Flora and fauna and the long history of the rock formations along the way. All questions were answered perfectly and we all learnt a tremendous about about southern Victoria. The guides helped enormously with any feet issues, gear ware and organised the best food for our lunches in the bush! I would 100% recommend Stroll for this walk, and any of their other walks(the walkers in the group had done several Stroll walks and all agreed they were the best, with lots of variety of destinations.)

sections

Overview

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, for good reason, traversing 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.

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 tidal assault, you'll see why this coastline is known as the Shipwreck Coast. There are ample opportunities to spot wildlife in their natural habitat, ranging from kangaroos, echidnas and koalas to black cockatoos, sea eagles and whales.

HIGHLIGHTS:

  • Step through giant Mountain Ash forest, beneath the tallest flowering plants in the world
  • Spotting a koala or three!
  • Cape Otway Lightstation
  • 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
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
  • Worry-free navigation with Stroll’s navigation app, travel book, maps & info pack
  • Insulated lunch bag and luggage tags
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.

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 with the Portside Motel or the Loch Ard Motel. Both properties are in the centre of the quaint town of Port Campbell.

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).

Alcohol or drinks with meals are not included (except tea/coffee and juice with breakfast).

 

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 walk starts in Apollo Bay on the Great Ocean Road and ends in Port Campbell.

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. From here its a short walk to your first accommodation. You can plan your journey and purchase tickets here. After breakfast on the last day of your trip we will transfer you to Camperdown Station for train connections back to Melbourne.

Arriving / Departing via Private Vehicle – Self Drive 

If you are driving you can park your car at your first accommodation in Apollo Bay. Please note prior to commencing your walk you will need to move your car from the carpark to the street – the street in front of your accommodation is safe and unmetered.  After breakfast on the last day of your trip we will transfer you back to your car in Apollo Bay.

** Important note: If you have opted to walk to Shelly Beach on Day 1 – you’ll need to start walking around 12pm to ensure you’re at the pick up point on time.

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

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
  • Date
    1 Feb 2024 - 15 Dec 2024
    AVAILIBILITY
    AVAILABLE
    PRICE
    from £ 1640
    SINGLE OCCUPANCY
    £ 380
    DETAILS

    SCHOOL HOLIDAY SURCHARGE APPLIES

  • Date
    16 Dec 2024 - 31 Jan 2025
    AVAILIBILITY
    AVAILABLE
    PRICE
    from £ 2125
    SINGLE OCCUPANCY
    £ 380
    DETAILS
  • Date
    1 Feb 2025 - 15 Dec 2025
    AVAILIBILITY
    AVAILABLE
    PRICE
    from £ 1715
    SINGLE OCCUPANCY
    £ 405
    DETAILS

    SCHOOL HOLIDAY SURCHARGE APPLIES

  • Date
    16 Dec 2025 - 31 Jan 2026
    AVAILIBILITY
    AVAILABLE
    PRICE
    from £ 2140
    SINGLE OCCUPANCY
    £ 405
    DETAILS
  • Date
    1 Feb 2026 - 15 Dec 2026
    AVAILIBILITY
    AVAILABLE
    PRICE
    from £ 1720
    SINGLE OCCUPANCY
    £ 420
    DETAILS

    SCHOOL HOLIDAY SURCHARGE APPLIES

REVIEWS

Customer Reviews

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

*

  1. Dougalbird

    21 October, 2018 at 8:46 AM

    An absolutely first class guided tour of a beautiful scenic walk from Sunday – Saturday along this amazing walk. Nature is represented on this walk in so many ways. Long empty beaches with estuaries to cross, surging waves to dab a toe in, clifftop heathlands, rainforests, forests and views from Apollo By to Port Campbell to leave you sighing…
    We saw lots of koalas, Eastern grey kangaroos, swamp wallabies, red necked wallabies, seabirds of all kinds, a shyechnida, a couple of snakes keeping out of our way and so much more. The two guides were extremely experienced, professional and informative. We heard of the history of the making of the Great Ocean Road, the shipwrecks, The Lighthouse at Cape Otway stories, and many more. Flora and fauna and the long history of the rock formations along the way. All questions were answered perfectly and we all learnt a tremendous about about southern Victoria. The guides helped enormously with any feet issues, gear ware and organised the best food for our lunches in the bush! I would 100% recommend Stroll for this walk, and any of their other walks(the walkers in the group had done several Stroll walks and all agreed they were the best, with lots of variety of destinations.)

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.
May 16, 2024

The Sound of Marlborough

Read More
March 8, 2024

What’s the right Camino de Santiago route for me?

Read More
February 16, 2024

Larapinta Loonies – A poem by Stroller Michael Gibbs about walking the Larapinta Trail

Read More
January 24, 2024

Nakasendo Way Trail – by Sam Ludbey

Read More
June 22, 2022

Getting Fit for Hiking

Read More
June 22, 2022

Royal National Park – Garie Beach to Figure Eight Pools return

Read More
May 12, 2022

10 REASONS WHY WALKING IN NATURE HAS BECOME MORE POPULAR

Read More
March 1, 2022

POLE POSITION

Read More
February 18, 2022

Five Wonderful Reasons to Walk in Australia

Read More
February 16, 2022

Everything you need to know about hiking socks

Read More