Insider advice from Walk91 — Apollo Bay locals with 20 years of experience.
If you’ve already read our essential Great Ocean Walk tips, you’re well on your way to a safe and enjoyable hike. However, after walking this track for over two decades — and supporting thousands of walkers on our self-guided, pack-free walks — we’ve gathered even more insider knowledge that can make your adventure smoother, safer, and far more memorable.
Local Insight from Walk91
This guide is written by the Walk91 team, locals based in Apollo Bay who live and work on the Great Ocean Walk. We support walkers on this trail each walking season and share practical, first-hand knowledge to help you plan safely and confidently.
If you’re wondering how to prepare for the Great Ocean Walk, these practical tips from our local experts will guide you every step of the way.
1. Start Each Walking Day at the Right Time
Many hikers begin too early or too late. As a result, they miss ideal weather windows or end up rushing.
Generally:
- Start earlier on long or challenging days
- Start later on short days to enjoy sunrise or softer morning light
At your private Walk91 briefing, we talk through the best start time for each section, based on tides, weather, and your walking speed.
2. Beach Walking Feels Longer — Plan for the Extra Effort
Sections like Johanna Beach and Milanesia Beach are highlights of the Great Ocean Walk. However, soft sand can feel like twice the distance.
Because of this, take shorter steps, slow your pace, and use trekking poles if you have them. Planning your beach sections around lower tides also helps a lot.
3. Know Where the Best Toilets Are
Toilets exist along the track, but some are more comfortable than others. For convenience, these are often the best stops:
- Blanket Bay campground
- Cape Otway visitor area
- Aire River
- Devils Kitchen
These locations are reliable, clean, and well-spaced — especially helpful on longer days.
4. Wildlife is Amazing — Give It Space
The walk offers wonderful chances to see local wildlife, including koalas, echidnas, wallabies, kangaroos, and birdlife. In summer, you may also see snakes basking in sunny patches.
Snakes almost always move away if given space. Therefore, stay on the path, avoid stepping into long grass, and keep your distance from all animals.
5. Expect a Mental Dip Around Day 3 or Day 5
Even experienced hikers experience a “flat spot.”
This usually happens because:
- Your legs are adjusting
- You’re still finding your rhythm
- A long day follows another long day
Fortunately, it passes quickly. A break, snack, or ocean-view pause makes a big difference. The final days often feel surprisingly easier. The key is choosing a walk that is right for your fitness levels.
6. Don’t Miss These Hidden Photo Spots
Some of the walk’s best views aren’t marked on the map. For example:
- The anchor at Wreck Beach
- The dramatic Milanesia cliffs
- Johanna Beach & Castle Cove at Sunset
- Gables Lookout near Moonlight Head
- Blanket Bay (the old sailor’s hut)
- Rainbow Falls in the spring and autumn
Stopping at these locations turns a great hike into an unforgettable one.
7. Keep Sand Out of Your Boots (Your Feet Will Thank You!)
Even a small amount of sand can cause significant friction and blisters. Therefore:
- Shake out your boots at lunch
- Wear gaiters
- Choose tight-weave socks
- Avoid walking barefoot on sand (your feet swell afterwards)
These tiny strategies make the biggest comfort difference. And remember, good footwear can make or break your walking experience.
8. Use “Hiker Etiquette” for a Smooth Track Experience
Good trail manners make everyone’s day better. For instance:
- Uphill hikers usually have right of way
- Keep noise low in rainforest areas
- Step aside at narrow viewpoints
- Don’t block the track for long photo sessions
These simple habits help keep the walk peaceful for everyone.
9. Know What to Do If You Reach Your Pickup Point Early or Late
Walkers often worry about timing. However, if you’re with Walk91, we provide a flexible pickup plan. You’ll receive a local number you can call, and we adjust as needed.
Because we live here in Apollo Bay, we don’t leave hikers waiting or stranded.
10. Save the Twelve Apostles Visitor Centre for the End
It’s tempting to visit the Twelve Apostles before you begin, but we suggest waiting. Ending your journey with your first dramatic view of the Apostles creates a powerful and emotional finish. Many walkers say it’s their favourite moment of the entire experience.
Great Ocean Walk FAQs
Q: Can I add a rest day into my Great Ocean Walk itinerary?
A: Yes. Walk91 can include rest days anywhere along your itinerary. Many walkers enjoy a break in Apollo Bay or at peaceful accommodation near the track so they can recharge, explore, or split longer walking days into a more relaxed rhythm. Tip: It’s best to take a rest day when you’re not changing accommodations, so you don’t need to check out early and wait until the next check-in time.
A: Not usually. The trail is designed to flow east to west, and most hikers follow this direction. Because of this, you rarely pass people walking toward you and often feel like you have long sections of coastline to yourself. The walk is generally quiet and spacious.
A: If you’re walking with Walk91, you’re never on your own. We can collect you from any safe access point along the track and adjust your itinerary if needed. You’ll have a local phone number to contact us, and we’ll guide you to the nearest pull-out point. As locals, we never leave walkers in difficulty.
A: Yes. Many walkers choose a slower pace, add a rest day, or split tougher sections over two days. Walk91 customises itineraries to suit your fitness level, comfort preferences, and walking style.
A: No. The Great Ocean Walk is much quieter than many other multi-day tracks. Its one-direction design naturally spreads walkers out, and coastal sections often feel beautifully remote.
A: Walking poles are optional. Some walkers like the extra stability they provide on soft sand, steeper sections, or muddy tracks. Others prefer hiking without them. If you’re walking with Walk91, you don’t need to buy poles—you’re welcome to borrow a pair and try them out on the days you choose.
A: Gaiters are also optional. Some walkers use them to keep mud and sand off their boots or for extra confidence around snakes. However, in more than 20 years, none of our walkers have had a snakebite, so gaiters are not essential. Most hikers find them uncomfortable, but if you’d like to try them, Walk91 has a small range of sizes available to borrow.
Ready for More Local Great Ocean Walk Advice?
If you’d like help planning your walk with accommodation, shuttles, maps, luggage transfers, food, and safety all organised, we’d love to help. Walk91 is based in Apollo Bay, and after 20 years on the track, we know every detail that makes this adventure special.
If you’d like help planning a pack-free, stress-free hike, just get in touch — we’d love to support you on your adventure! Or BOOK IN A CALL and we will call you back when convenient for you.
📞 03 5237 1189
🌐 walk91.com.au
📩 info@walk91.com.au
About the Author
Walk91 is a locally owned Great Ocean Walk operator based in Apollo Bay, Victoria. Our team lives and works on the Great Ocean Road and provides self-guided Great Ocean Walk support throughout the walking season, drawing on first-hand knowledge of trail conditions, logistics, and safety planning.
