When you picture the Great Ocean Road in Australia, you might think of iconic coastal drives and breathtaking views. While the drive is indeed spectacular, there’s an even more immersive way to experience this legendary coastline: the Great Ocean Walk. With both iconic options available, many visitors take the unique opportunity to merge the iconic Great Ocean Walk and the Great Ocean Road drive together, creating a unique ‘Great Ocean Road Walk’ adventure.
Read on to discover Walk91’s Great Ocean Road guide and our Great Ocean Road tour packages. Some itineraries below are suggestions of things you may like to see and do along the Great Ocean Road, as well as the Great Ocean Walk trail, especially if you have a car.
Other suggested itineraries may suit you better if you are using public transport. However you plan to get around, Walk91 can help you arrange your perfect itinerary! Even if you can’t find what you’re looking for on our website, please just get in touch! We offer guided and self-guided Great Ocean Walk tours from 3 to 10 days, so we can create a perfect itinerary to suit everyone’s fitness levels and time constraints.
What is the Difference Between the Great Ocean Walk and the Great Ocean Road in Australia?
Before we begin, we often get asked what the difference is between the Great Ocean Walk and the Great Ocean Road. Essentially, the Great Ocean Road is a coastal highway, while the Great Ocean Walk is a hiking trail that runs alongside a section of the coast within the Great Otway and Port Campbell National Parks.
Although the Great Ocean Road is a must-do for visitors to Victoria, the Great Ocean Walk offers one of the most outstanding outdoor adventures and quintessential Australia walking holidays, allowing you to step away from the busy road and delve deeper into the nature and shipwreck history of the Otway National Park.
So, in short, the Great Ocean Walk is a hiking trail designed to diverge from the bustling traffic of the road, taking you on foot into areas you cannot reach by car. It offers an immersive experience through forests, across rivers and streams, along beaches, and up clifftop trails, allowing you to explore the rugged beauty of the coastline.
When Were the Great Ocean Road and Great Ocean Walk Built?
The Great Ocean Road was conceived as an ‘international tourism and motoring icon’ and was built between 1919 and 1932 to create employment for soldiers returning from World War I, most of whom served in Gallipoli. The Great Ocean Road is therefore famous for being the longest war memorial in the world. All this means that, in 1919, we celebrated 100 years of the iconic Great Ocean Road!
The creation of the Great Ocean Road was instrumental in making the Great Ocean Walk possible by providing access to some (but not all) areas. However, the Great Ocean Walk was officially completed much later, in 2006. It was built with the help of Parks Victoria rangers, including Mark Kininmonth from Walk91. Mark, Walk91’s founder, has been organising walks now for 20 years, so you are in the right place for expert tips and advice! If you have any questions, please just ask — and read our story to find out more about us!
The Location of and Access to the Great Ocean Road and the Great Ocean Walk
The Great Ocean Road traces the southeastern coast of Australia from Torquay to Warrnambool, covering approximately 188 km.
The Great Ocean Walk spans 104 km, beginning in the Apollo Bay township and culminating at the majestic 12 Apostles. It is set mostly within Great Otway National Park, but it does end within the Port Campbell National Park. The trail has designated ‘step on’ and ‘step off’ points, which can make shorter sections accessible, often by vehicle.
Car Access Points on the Great Ocean Walk Trail
The accessible car access points on the Great Ocean Walk trail are:
- Apollo Bay
- Marengo Beach
- Shelly Beach car park
- Blanket Bay
- Parker Hill campsite
- Cape Otway Lighthouse car park
- Aire River campsites
- Castle Cove Lookout
- Johanna Beach at both lookouts
- Milanesia Gate
- Moonlight Head
- The Gables car park
- Wreck Beach car park
- Princetown, Glenample
- Gibsons Steps
- 12 Apostles car park.
For toilet stops, note that there are toilet facilities on the Apollo Bay Foreshore, Shelly Beach car park, Blanket Bay, Parker Hill campsite, Cape Otway Lighthouse car park, Aire River campsites, Johanna Beach at both lookouts, Princetown, and the 12 Apostles car park. These are marked on the official Great Ocean Walk Map.
Please note there are toilets in the Devil’s Kitchen campsite and the Ryan’s Den campsite, but you cannot drive into these campsites.
Ideas for Planning Your Great Ocean Road Itinerary for 3 Days
A Great Ocean Road itinerary for 3 days focuses on hiking sections of the iconic Great Ocean Walk whilst using a car for transport between trail sections and accommodation along or near the Great Ocean Road. Here are a few itinerary ideas for you to consider when planning your Great Ocean Road Walk tour:
Option 1: 3-Day, 2-Night Guided or Self-Guided Great Ocean Road Tour by Car
Day 1: Explore the Great Ocean Road and the Great Ocean Walk
- Drive from Melbourne CBD, Tullamarine, or Avalon Airport (Approx. 8 AM start recommended). Hire a car in Melbourne or Geelong (if you are flying into Avalon Airport).
- Visit the historic Split Point Lighthouse in Aireys Inlet.
- Pass through the iconic Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch. Stop and take a picture by the statue of the ANZACs who built the Great Ocean Road.
- Visit Teddy’s Lookout in Lorne.
- Stop for a coffee or lunch in Lorne along the main street.
- Take a quick look at Lorne’s amazing surf beach, or take time for a swim.
- Stop at Cape Patton Lookout for panoramic vistas.
- Visit Apollo Bay’s foreshore.
- Walk from Shelly Beach to Apollo Bay (approx 8 km) or Shelly Beach to Marengo (approx 6 km) on the Great Ocean Walk track. Both short walks offer ocean views and a descent through the Cape Otway rainforest, with opportunities to stop for a swim. Look out for seals as you pass the Marengo Marine Sanctuary. (You can even book an Australian Fur Seal kayak tour!)
- Enjoy a sunset tour on the Great Ocean Road at Wildlife Wonders. Here you will see lots of local wildlife and plants, and you will also be helping to raise funds for local conservation.
- Return to Apollo Bay for dinner (we recommend Casalingo) and stay in comfortable accommodation in Apollo Bay.
Day 2: Explore the Cape Otway National Park and the Great Ocean Walk
- Drive to the majestic Redwood Tall Trees and wander under the canopies.
- Visit Hopetoun Falls, a few minutes’ drive from the Redwood forest.
- Drive to Blanket Bay, explore the beach and look out for koalas.
- Walk from Blanket Bay to the Cape Otway Lighthouse (Approx 10 km) or walk from Parker Hill for a shorter walk of 4.5 km. See Eric the Red, if you are lucky!
- Walk around the Cape Otway Lighthouse. (Note that in winter, the Lighthouse is usually closed on Wednesdays and Thursdays).
- Return to Apollo Bay for dinner, or consider a Walk91 walking tour where you may stay at the Cape Otway Lighthouse and have us bring your evening meal and provisions to you!
Day 3: Explore the Port Campbell National Park and the Great Ocean Walk
- Drive to Gibson Steps in the Port Campbell National Park and view the huge limestone cliffs from the sand.
- Visit the 12 Apostles and admire the world-famous rock stacks.
- Drive on to visit the pretty seaside town of Port Campbell for fish and chips by the harbour, and book accommodation for the night in Port Campbell.
- Or drive back to Melbourne via the more direct route through the town of Colac.
Option 2: A 3-Day, 2-Night, Guided or Self-Guided Great Ocean Road Tour by Car
Day 1: Explore the Great Ocean Road and the Great Ocean Walk
- Drive from Melbourne CBD, Tullamarine, or Avalon Airport (approx. 8 AM start recommended). Hire a car in Melbourne or Geelong (if you are flying into Avalon Airport).
- Stop at the Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie and Ice cream shop.
- Pass through the iconic Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch. Remember to pop down onto the beautiful beach.
- Visit Lorne’s local beach shops and eateries.
- Stop at Kennett River to see if you can spot a koala!
- Enjoy the panoramic views of Cape Patton.
- Visit Marriners Lookout for wonderful views over Apollo Bay’s foreshore.
- Walk from Shelly Beach to Blanket Bay (approx 14 km) on the Great Ocean Walk track.
- Camp at Blanket Bay (Walk91 does have a camping itinerary if you would like to consider this).
- Or return to Apollo Bay for dinner (you could try fish and chips straight from Apollo Bay’s fishing port and harbour) and stay in comfortable accommodation in Apollo Bay or even camp in town (try the local Recreation Reserve).
Day 2: Explore the Cape Otway National Park and the Great Ocean Walk
- If you stayed the night in Apollo Bay, try breakfast at the Shelter. This is a fun way to see inside a local house in Apollo Bay! Or enjoy a scollop pie at the Apollo Bay bakery.
- Visit Maits Rest, a wonderful short walk in the rainforest. This is an accessible 800m circuit (30 mins) and a perfect example of cool-temperate rainforest. See tree ferns and ancient plants, remnants of a time when dinosaurs roamed the Otways.
- Or, if you camped at Blanket Bay, visit the Cape Otway Lighthouse and Lightstation tower.
- Stop at Aire River for a picnic (this is another Great spot to see a koala!)
- Or enjoy lunch at the Perch in Lavers Hill.
- Drive on to Wreck Beach to explore the shipwrecked anchors of the Fiji and the Marie Gabrielle. (Note- there are 366 steps down to the beach!)
- Walk from Princetown to the 12 Apostles, approximately 7 km. This is a medium walk, so not too hard. See amazing views of the 12 Apostles away from the crowds.
- Remember to stop at the Glenample photographing platform for a fantastic shot of the 12 Apostles in the distance. This is where the Great Ocean Walk originally ended 20 years ago when the trail was only 91 km long.
- Enjoy a scenic flight over the Twelve Apostles
- See the Fairy Penguins at the 12 Apostles (from the London Bridge Lookout) returning to their burrows after sunset. Note that their arrival times change with the seasons, but you should be able to see them as twilight sets in. (Maybe check with the Information Centre in Port Campbell for some local advice on sighting timings).
- Stay the night in Port Campbell.
Day 3: Explore the Port Campbell National Park and the Great Ocean Walk
- Breakfast in Port Campbell. Enjoy a short walk around this pretty seaside town!
- Drive to Triplet Falls and learn about the tall trees of the Otways. Sadly, most of these trees were felled during the gold rush to build railways and ships.
- On your way back to Melbourne, stop and see the Otway Fly. This is a great way to observe the forest from the treetops. Stop here for lunch if you wish.
Great Ocean Walk Itineraries for 3 Days (Staying in Accommodation Near the Great Ocean Road)
Walk91 offers several 3-day tour options, but below are our most popular 3-day walking itineraries. If you have any questions, please just get in touch. We can custom-make itineraries just for you, and these itineraries are also a great option for those without a car.
You can use public transport (V-Line) to arrive in Apollo Bay (which is cheaply priced) and we will take care of the rest of the trip’s car transfers for you. We can even pick you up from Melbourne CBD or Avalon Airport, but the V-Line service is more cost-effective. If you are travelling as a small group, you can share the transport costs for a private transfer.
Remember to also keep in mind, whilst reading the below 3-day Great Ocean Road Tour packages, that you can request shorter walking legs if they look too long for you. As Walk91 is based in Apollo Bay, we can even shorten your walking legs as you walk (where there are access points to pick you up), so you may stop if you get tired. We have noted where you can step off the trail below.
3-Day Hike the Cape (50 km or less)
This is a self-guided tour known as the ‘Mild Side’ walk, suitable for beginners and experienced walkers alike. It allows you time to discover the wildlife of the Cape (koalas, kangaroos, echidnas and more!).
Enjoy lovely coastal and rainforest views as well as pretty beach walks. You can explore the historic Cape Otway Lighthouse (and even stay there the night – just let us know if this is on your wish list!). Accommodation is included.
This tour passes by Shelly Beach and Blanket Bay on the first day. On day two, after you have left the Lighthouse, you can also walk down to Rainbow Falls near Station Beach if you wish.
This walk takes you through the beautiful valleys of the Aire River, ending at the wonderful lookout at Castle Cove.
◦Day 1: Approx. 22 km (8 hrs) Apollo Bay to Blanket Bay or 13.5 km (5 hrs). Shelly Beach carpark to Blanket Bay. Parks Vic Grading: Medium-Hard or Medium.
◦Day 2: Approx. 10.5 km (4 hrs). Blanket Bay to the Cape Otway Lighthouse. Walk91 includes complimentary Lighthouse tickets (if the Lighthouse is open. Opening times vary, however.) Parks Vic Grading: Medium-Easy.
◦Day 3: Approx. 17 km (6 hrs) Cape Otway Lighthouse to Castle Cove or 11 km (4 hrs) Cape Otway Lighthouse to Aire River. Parks Vic Grade: Medium.
The ‘Great Ocean Road Tour 3 Days’ includes 2 nights’ accommodation, locally homemade meals, friendly local drivers, daily transport, and bag transfers. What is great is that you don’t have to carry any luggage (so you can walk pack-free) and Walk91 prioritise your safety by monitoring your walking pace and providing an emergency beacon. Walk91 are locals and live in Apollo Bay, so we are always close by for support.
We also give a personal safety briefing to all our walkers before they hike our carefully thought-out Great Ocean Road Walk package, and even supply short videos of each day’s walking itinerary. The Walk91 team talk you through the Official Great Ocean Walk Map (which we provide) to remind you of what each day entails, the important notes to remember on the trails ‘decision points’, and we also provide and discuss the local tide charts with you.
For more info, just get in touch! Next, we will discuss the wilder and more remote end of the Great Ocean Walk, the 12 Apostles 3-day tour!
3-Day 12 Apostles Walk (62 km or less)
This self-guided tour covers the ‘Wild Side’ of the Great Ocean Walk. It covers approximately 62km and finishes at the iconic Twelve Apostles.
Wreck Beach is a real highlight of the Great Ocean Walk, where you can see shipwrecked anchors on the sand and learn more about the dangerous journeys Europeans undertook in trying to reach Australian shores. You will also see the 12 Apostles from the Glenample viewing platform, and if the tide allows, be able to walk down onto the awesome Gibson Steps Beach.
◦ Day 1: Approx. 22 km (8 hrs) Aire River to Milanesia Gate or 14 km (5 hrs) Aire River to Johanna Lookout. Includes Parks Vic Grade: Medium-Hard.
◦Day 2: Approx. 10.5 km (4 hrs) Milanesia Gate to The Gables or 15.5km to Moonlight Head. Includes Parks Vic Grade: Medium-Easy.
◦Day 3: Approx. 17 km (6 hrs) The Gables to The 12 Apostles or 11km (4 hrs) The Gables to Princetown. Stop here and Walk91 will drive you to see the 12 Apostles viewing platform. Includes Parks Vic Grade: Medium.
These hiking tours by Walk91 in Victoria, Australia, offer a truly safe and stress-free way to experience the natural beauty of the Great Ocean Road Walk in 3 Days. But if you have more time, Walk91 specialises in creating tailored tours for any duration, including 4-Day to 10-Day Great Ocean Road packages. Just get in touch for more details.
3-Day Camping Great Ocean Walking Tour Package
And lastly, for those interested in camping the Great Ocean Road and the Great Ocean Walk, there are plenty of options to choose from. There are many campsites with great amenities along the Great Ocean Road, and while there is no accommodation on the Great Ocean Walk itself, there are hike-in and drive-in campsites which we recommend you book in advance.
Walk91 can assist with just camping itineraries, or itineraries which include a mix of camping and accommodation. However, you can book these sites yourself by visiting the Parks Victoria website. Apollo Bay (at the start of the trail) has some camping options before you start hiking such as the Recreation Reserve and private caravan parks such as the Apollo Bay Holiday Park, Skenes Creek or Marengo Campgrounds.
The campsites on the Great Ocean Walk are as follows:
Eliot Ridge campsite (10km walk from Apollo Bay)
Blanket Bay campground (12km walk from Eliot Ridge)
Cape Otway Campground (11km walk from Blanket Bay)
Aire River Campground (10km walk from Cape Otway)
Johanna Beach (14km walk from Aire River)
Ryans Den Campground (14km walk from Johanna)
Devils Kitchen (13km walk from Ryans Den)
12 Apostles (16km walk from Devils Kitchen)
The drive-in campsites are: Blanket Bay (but the road in is very bumpy so be careful if you have a large van!), Aire River (you can choose from East or West campsites), Johanna Campsite (which is very close to the beach). The other sites require that you walk in with your gear.
Walk91 plan our camping trip itineraries so that you use the best campsites. Read our itinerary details here.
Once again, if you are short on time Walk91 offer a camping Great Ocean Road Tour 3 Days in duration from Apollo Bay to Johanna. We can transfer your gear and food in our lock-up trailer, also supplying drinking water and rubbish removal. A transfer back to Apollo Bay from the end of your walk is also included.
If you have a little more time, Walk91 can arrange a Great Ocean Road Tour Package where you camp for 3 nights and stay in accommodation for 2 nights, for a good meal and a cosy bed!
The Best Time to Drive and Hike the Great Ocean Road & What to Pack
You can usually head out on the Great Ocean Walk at any time of year. There’s no such thing as a bad walk, just bad preparation!
Spring (Sept-Nov): Slightly cooler, possibility of rain, but lovely for seeing spring flowers and wildlife
Summer (Dec-Feb): Can be warm in December, hot in January and February, with flies! (Bring a fly net just in case). Avoid peak summer if not used to heat, and remember if you are driving that the road can be very busy, especially over January. (Also note that February can have bushfire warnings in place).
Autumn (Mar-Apr): The weather cools down, so great if you enjoy sunshine but not extreme heat. Easter is popular, so book early!
Preparation is key. You don’t need lots of special or expensive equipment, but a good quality pair of walking shoes or boots is a must. They should be well worn in to avoid blisters! Waterproof boots are recommended.
Save space for layers, waterproofs, and sun protection. Layering is the best way to control your temperature whilst hiking. Bring a waterproof jacket and a sunhat.
Trekking poles can help on longer distances and hills. If unsure, you can borrow them from Walk91 if you book a Great Ocean Road Tour package with us.
If you do book a tour with us, Walk91 provides you with an EPIRB (safety beacon) as phone range drops out regularly. We also lend you a mobile phone if needed and walking poles/sticks. (Some walkers love using poles, but others don’t, so it’s your choice.) Gaiters are also optional, but some walkers like using them to protect their ankles from leeches and snakes (although in our experience, most hikers do not choose to wear them).
You’ll only need to carry a day pack if you are not camping. (If you choose a self-catered package, we can transfer your food and luggage to your accommodation).
If you are going it alone, remember there are no shops or drinking water on the trail, so carry everything, including water. It’s important to remember that there may not be sufficient water in the rain tanks, and the water is not treated (so it is marked undrinkable). Be prepared and bring your own water with you.
Supported vs. Unsupported Walking Tours Australia
There are lots of ways to experience this coastline, supported or unsupported. The benefits of taking Walk91’s boutique self-guided tours include:
•Local Knowledge: We put a lot of love and expertise into designing our tours, benefiting you with expert local knowledge. Our drivers love sharing stories and can inform you of trail updates, tide changes, or swell conditions.
•Hassle-free and Comfortable Accommodation: We sort out high-quality accommodation for you.
•Safety First: We prioritise your safety and lend you essential equipment like an EPIRB and a Telsra phone if required (which has the best coverage).
•Delicious Food: We can take care of your meals, providing breakfast, lunch, and dinner, or offer self-catered options.
•Luggage Transfer: The biggest advantage is that you never need to carry your bulky luggage along the trail. We transfer it to your next accommodation each day.
Ready for Your Great Ocean Road Drive and Trek?
Whether you’re interested in hiking tours on the Great Ocean Road Australia, or driving through this magnificent part of Victoria, or both, there is an exciting adventure awaiting you!
We are happy to discuss which option would suit you and your group best. Let us know what would make this walk perfect for you, and we will tailor-make an itinerary just for you!
You can explore all our self-guided Great Ocean Walking Tours here: https://walk91.com.au/self-guided-tours/
Remember, Walk91 provides real-time support for anyone on our Great Ocean Walk Tours. We’re here to make your walking holiday seamless and stress-free! If you have any questions at all, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
