A successful Great Ocean Walk is a well-planned walk!
Preparing well and referring to a packing list is one of the most important parts of enjoying a safe and memorable Great Ocean Walk. Whether you’re planning to tackle the 104km trail on your own or you’d prefer the comfort and support of one of Walk91’s Self-Guided Great Ocean Walk Tours, having the right gear and knowledge will make every step more enjoyable.
Based in Apollo Bay, Walk91 has supported thousands of walkers exploring this spectacular coastline. To help you feel confident and ready for your adventure, we’ve put together this clear, practical guide covering what to pack, how to prepare, and the essentials every Great Ocean Walk hiker should know.
Great Ocean Walk Packing List: What Should You Bring?
Your packing list will change depending on whether you’re camping or staying in accommodation along the trail. When you book a self-guided package with Walk91, you’ll receive essential safety equipment — including an EPIRB, Great Ocean Walk maps, detailed track notes, walking poles and an emergency phone — all waiting for you at your private walk briefing.
If you’re camping, you’ll need to bring and carry all of your own gear.
Below is the essential Great Ocean Walk gear list to help you stay comfortable, safe and well-prepared.
Please contact us if you have any questions 🙂
1. Clothing for the Great Ocean Walk
Victoria’s coastline is famous for serving up four seasons in one day, so layering is your friend.
Essential Clothing Items
- Lightweight, weatherproof jacket
Choose something warm, breathable, and compact. In winter, a hip-length rain jacket helps protect against wind and sideways rain. - Waterproof overpants
Particularly useful in wetter months and can be paired with gaiters. - Quick-dry hiking trousers
Zip-off pants convert to shorts and are ideal when the weather changes quickly. - Warm fleece or jumper
Outdoor brands dry fast and offer excellent warmth-to-weight performance. - Long-sleeve shirt with a collar
Perfect for UV protection, wind protection, and layering. - Swimming costume/bathers
If you’d like a refreshing dip in designated safe swimming areas, ask Walk91 at your briefing.
2. Personal Items & Sun Protection
The Great Ocean Walk can be hot, windy, and exposed in sections. Pack:
- Wide-brimmed hat (compatible with a fly net—trust us, you’ll appreciate it in summer!)
- Sunglasses
- Prescription glasses (no replacement options on the trail or in Apollo Bay)
- Lightweight gaiters
Optional, but helpful for muddy sections and extra protection from insects.
3. Footwear: Look After Your Feet
Your footwear will make or break your walk.
Best Shoes for the Great Ocean Walk
- Well-worn-in hiking boots
The number one essential for comfort and stability. - Spare lightweight shoes
Runners can be a relief on beach sections in summer. - Do NOT bring sandals
Sand can get extremely hot and cause burns, and they offer little protection. - Comfortable accommodation shoes
Ideal for giving your feet a break while boots dry out at night.
Socks
- Bring several pairs of quality hiking socks, plus a spare pair in your daypack.
Bonus: A Small Hand Towel
Perfect for:
- Drying feet after river crossings
- Brushing off sand
- Keeping footwear dry and comfortable
(Your accommodation will supply bath towels, but please bring your own lightweight walking towel.)
4. Medical & Safety Essentials
Even seasoned hikers carry a basic personal kit. Include:
- Blister kit (second-skin patches, tape, antiseptic)
- Insect repellent
- Bite cream
- Any personal medications
Note: Apollo Bay has just one chemist, often closed on weekends.
Walk91 guests receive:
- Emergency beacon
- Local safety information
- Tide-dependent guidance
- Track notes and text-in points
So you are never walking unsupported.
5. Planning Your Great Ocean Walk Experience
If walking self-guided with Walk91
All logistics — transfers, notes, safety equipment and daily support — are covered so you only need to pack your clothing and personal items.
If walking independently
You’ll need to:
- Arrange campsite bookings
- Organise food drops
- Navigate tide times
- Carry all gear
- Understand river crossings and weather conditions
If this sounds overwhelming, our Self-Guided Great Ocean Walk Tours offer comfort, flexibility and expert support while still giving you total independence on the trail. Or simply consider our shuttle bus only option.
Final Tips for Preparing
- Bring travel insurance
- Ensure ambulance cover (Aussie residents)
- Always check tide charts
- Read Parks Victoria safety signs
- Keep your daily pack light
- Enjoy the journey — you’re walking one of Australia’s most spectacular long-distance trails!
Ready to Plan Your Walk?
If you’d like help organising your ideal itinerary, explore our Bestselling Great Ocean Walk Tours, or get in touch for personalised advice from our Apollo Bay team.
FAQ: Great Ocean Walk Preparation & Packing
Well-fitted, worn-in hiking boots. Foot pain ruins more walks than bad weather or long distances.
Yes. Coastal weather changes quickly, and rain jackets and overpants keep you warm, dry and safe.
Poles are great for balance, steep descents, and reducing knee strain. Walk91 provides poles for self-guided walkers.
Yes, but only in designated safe areas. Ask Walk91 during your walk briefing and always follow Parks Victoria signage.
They’re optional. Some walkers like them for mud or insects, but the track is well maintained and most people walk without them.
Apollo Bay has limited retail options. Walk91 provides key safety items for self-guided guests, and some gear can be hired.
Not unless you are camping independently.
Walk91 provides luggage transfers, food drops, and accommodation-based itineraries so you can walk pack-free.
Parks Victoria’s official Great Ocean Walk map set is recommended. Walk91 provides maps and detailed daily notes for all packages.
Yes — a small personal kit with blister care and medication is essential.
Layer your clothing, look after your feet, take regular breaks, and keep your daypack light.
Planning Your Great Ocean Walk with Walk91
Walk91 has been supporting walkers on the Great Ocean Walk for over 20 years. One of our founders, Mark, even helped build the track with Parks Victoria. We’re proud to be the only truly local tour company based in Apollo Bay, right at the trailhead.
Whether you’re walking solo, with friends, or as a couple, we help with:
- Tide and weather planning
- Accommodation and luggage transfers
- Flexible itineraries based on your ability and interests
- Ongoing local support while you’re out on the track
👉 Browse our Great Ocean Walk tours
📞 Or contact us anytime — we’re happy to chat! +61 5237 1189
Email: info@walk91.com.au
Need More Info?
We hope this information has answered some of your questions and made you even more excited to explore this wonderful part of the Great Ocean Walk. For up-to-date trail conditions, weather warnings or official safety advice, please refer to the Parks Victoria website.
