A Complete, Updated Safety Guide by Walk91
Snakes are a natural part of the Great Ocean Walk environment, particularly during the warmer months. While it’s understandable that people feel concerned, snakes generally avoid human contact and will move away if given the chance. With a little awareness and preparation, walking safely and confidently on the trail is very achievable.
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.
To help you feel informed and prepared, we’ve created an updated safety guide and a short educational video filmed locally in Apollo Bay, sharing practical advice based on real conditions walkers encounter on the Great Ocean Walk.
🎥 Watch: Snakes on the Great Ocean Walk — Safety Tips for Hikers
Stay until the end — the video links you to more Great Ocean Walk safety and wildlife content on our YouTube channel.
Do Snakes Affect Your Walk? Not Usually. Here’s Why.
Most Australian snakes want nothing to do with people. They prefer to slip away quietly long before you even see them.
You can walk safely by following a few simple habits:
- Watch where you place hands and feet, especially near rocks or logs
- Avoid walking barefoot
- Keep to the marked track
- Step loudly enough that snakes feel the vibrations
- Carry stones in your pocket (see Brad’s tips above!)
- Stay calm if you encounter one and back off!
If you do see a snake, remain still or take a few steps back slowly. Give the snake time to leave on its own — they almost always do.
What to Do If You’re Bitten (Rare, But Important to Know)
Snake bites on the Great Ocean Walk are extremely rare, but correct first aid is essential.
The Pressure Immobilisation Technique (PIT):
- Do NOT wash the bite (venom on the skin helps hospitals identify the species)
- Apply a firm pressure bandage over the bite, then wrap the entire limb
- Immobilise the limb using a splint
- Keep the person still and calm
- Call 000 immediately or activate your Walk91 EPIRB
Do NOT:
✘ Cut the bite
✘ Try to suck out venom
✘ Remove the bandage
This method can slow venom movement for many hours.
Our Experience: 20 Years Walking the Track with Zero Snake Bite Incidents
Across two decades of helping hikers explore the Great Ocean Walk, Walk91 has never had a walker bitten by a snake.
On warm days, you may see one sunning itself on the path. If so, admire it from a comfortable distance — it will move on. During your personal walk briefing in Apollo Bay, we’ll talk you through everything you need to know.
Snake Species in the Otway National Park
Sightings of snakes in the Otways are relatively rare, with only a few species living in the region. Among them, the White-lipped Snake poses little to no threat to humans. By contrast, the Lowland Copperhead and the Tiger Snake can be dangerous if disturbed.
🐍 Tiger Snake: Appearance and Behaviour
Tiger Snakes can reach lengths of up to 1.5 metres. Although many display yellow banding, some appear almost solid dark brown. Their behaviour shifts with temperature: during hot conditions they become more active at night, whereas cooler but sunny days may encourage them to bask on tracks or logs.
🐍 Lowland Copperhead: Appearance and Behaviour
Unlike tiger snakes, Lowland Copperheads tend to be less defensive, even though their venom is potent. Some individuals have reddish-orange bellies, which can cause confusion with the non-native Red-Bellied Black Snake. Their adaptability highlights the ecological diversity of the Otways.
🐍 White-lipped Snake & Little Whip Snake (Non-threatening Species)
White-lipped Snakes are small—around 50 cm—and easily recognised by the pale stripe running from nose to neck. Little Whip Snakes reach a similar length but have smooth, glossy brown scales and a slightly darker head. Although these species are rarely encountered, they contribute to the rich biodiversity of the region.
The Mating Rituals of Snakes
Snakes engage in a unique ‘mating game’ that begins when the female releases pheromones signalling readiness. Males follow this scent trail to locate her and initiate courtship.
During courtship, the male bumps his chin on the female’s head and moves along her body. When she lifts her tail, mating begins, and the male aligns his cloaca with hers. Snakes possess two reproductive organs, called hemipenes, and may use either during mating. The process can take less than an hour or extend over a full day.
Reproduction Strategies in Snakes
Snake species reproduce in several different ways. Some lay eggs, while others give birth to live young. Certain species even retain eggs internally until hatching, effectively combining both methods. Depending on the species, a female may produce a handful of offspring or over a hundred in a single season. These diverse strategies reveal the remarkable adaptability of Australia’s reptile populations.
Great Ocean Walk Snake Safety FQAs:
Are snakes common on the Great Ocean Walk?
A1
Yes — snakes are part of the natural environment along the Great Ocean Walk, especially in warmer months (October–April). The most commonly seen snakes include tiger snakes, lowland copperheads, and eastern brown snakes. They usually avoid humans and will move away if given space.
What should I do if I see a snake on the trail?
A2
Stay still, step back slowly, and give the snake time to move away. Do not attempt to touch, frighten, photograph closely, or move the snake. Snakes only strike when they feel threatened, and most encounters resolve safely when hikers keep a respectful distance.
What should I carry in case of a snake bite on the Great Ocean Walk?
A3
Always carry a pressure bandage, basic first-aid kit, and a mobile phone (Telstra recommended). Walk91 hikers also receive a free EPIRB emergency beacon, allowing emergency services to locate you quickly if assistance is needed.
How do I treat a snake bite before help arrives?
A4
Follow the Australian Pressure Immobilisation Technique (PIT):
Do not wash the bite (venom on the skin helps identification).
Apply a firm pressure bandage over the bite and up the limb.
Keep the limb immobilised with a splint.
Keep the person calm and still.
Call 000 or activate your EPIRB immediately.
Do not cut, suck, or attempt to remove venom.
This technique can delay symptoms for many hours.
How can I reduce the chance of seeing snakes on the Great Ocean Walk?
A5
You can minimise encounters by:
Staying on the marked trail
Wearing hiking boots and gaiters
Avoiding walking through long grass
Watching where you place hands/feet when climbing rocks or stepping over logs
Walking during cooler parts of the day
Making light footfall noise so snakes know you are coming
Snakes are more active on warm, sunny days.
Are snakes aggressive on the Great Ocean Walk?
A6
No. Australian snakes are typically shy. Most bites occur when people accidentally step on snakes or try to move them. Giving snakes space is the best way to stay safe.
Are snakes present near campsites on the Great Ocean Walk?
A7
They can be. Campsites such as Blanket Bay, Aire River, Johanna Beach and Devil’s Kitchen are surrounded by natural bushland where snakes live naturally. Always zip your tent, wear shoes when walking around camp, and use a torch at night.
How does Walk91 help keep hikers safe from snakes?
A8
Walk91 provides:
A detailed safety briefing on arrival
A Great Ocean Walk Map with known snake-prone environments
A Telstra phone if required for emergency coverage
A Personal Emergency Beacon (EPIRB)
Advice on footwear, gaiters, and staying alert
A supportive text tracking system so the team knows your approximate pace and location each day
This is one reason Walk91 is known as the premium safety-focused Great Ocean Walk operator.
Where can I learn more about snakes on the Great Ocean Walk?
A9
Walk91 created an educational video with clear, calm advice for hikers.
You can watch it here:
YouTube: Snakes on the Great Ocean Walk – Safety Tips
👉 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uw1ikOAX4Wo
Is it safe to walk during peak snake season?
A10
Yes — thousands of hikers safely complete the trail each year. With proper awareness, respectful behaviour, and following Walk91’s safety guidelines, walking during snake season is completely manageable. You may even want to consider wearing gaiters to protect your legs if you are very concerned. Walk91 have some available for their walkers.
Walk with us, be supported and learn more local tips as you walk
We hope this blog has been informative. Please browse our Tours of the Great Ocean Walk before you go. If you have any questions, please contact us.
If the Great Ocean Walk is on your list (or just landed at the top of it), contact Walk91 today.
📍 Locally Based. Highly Experienced. Walk with Confidence.
👉 Get in touch:
📞 Phone: 03 5237 1189
📩 Email: info@walk91.com.au
🌐 Website: www.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.
