If you’re staying in Apollo Bay and would love to experience the Great Ocean Walk but don’t want to commit to a long or challenging hike, this section is for you.
The stretch of the Great Ocean Walk between Apollo Bay, Marengo and Shelly Beach is widely considered one of the easiest and most accessible sections of the entire trail. With well-formed paths, gentle gradients, multiple access points and the flexibility to break the walk into shorter sections, it’s ideal for first-time walkers, families, or anyone wanting a relaxed coastal hike.
Along the way, you’ll walk beside the Southern Ocean, pass quiet beaches and coastal tea tree, discover a lesser-known piece of maritime history at the Marengo Beacon, and even have the option to extend your walk to Wildlife Wonders.
Why this is the easiest section of the Great Ocean Walk
This eastern end of the Great Ocean Walk is a favourite for beginners because it offers:
- Easy access directly from Apollo Bay
- Well-constructed, clearly signposted trails
- Flexible distances that suit short walks or longer day hikes
- Mostly gentle terrain compared to the rugged western sections
- Multiple entry and exit points for transport flexibility
This section also forms part of both the Whole Great Ocean Walk and Walk 91’s popular 3-Day Cape Walk, making it a perfect introduction for anyone considering a multi-day hike.
Walk options: choose how far you go
One of the great strengths of this section is that you don’t have to walk it all in one go. You can tailor the distance to suit your time, fitness and interests.
Option 1: Apollo Bay to Marengo (very easy – approx 3km)
This short and gentle walk follows the coastline out of Apollo Bay towards Marengo and is ideal for first-time walkers, families, or anyone wanting a relaxed coastal stroll.
From Apollo Bay, you can walk along the Great Ocean Road foreshore, staying close to the ocean itself. Once you pass the Apollo Bay Recreation Reserve (the football oval), many walkers choose to drop down onto the beach and continue along the sand toward Marengo, conditions and tides permitting.
As you approach Marengo Beach, the coastline opens up to views across Hayley’s Reef and the Marengo Reefs Marine Sanctuary. This protected marine area supports rich sea life and is also where Apollo Bay surf & kayak tours operate out to the offshore seal colony, offering a unique way to experience this coastline from the water.
This walk can easily be combined with a visit to the nearby Marengo Nature Conservation Reserve, a quiet and often overlooked coastal reserve just inland from the beach.
Option 2: Marengo to Shelly Beach (easy to moderate – approx 6km)
Starting near the Marengo Caravan Park, this section picks up the Great Ocean Walk heading west towards Cape Otway.
The trail follows a well-constructed, clearly signposted coastal path, crossing two beautiful beaches and winding through coastal tea tree via stone steps. The terrain is gently undulating rather than steep, making it achievable for most walkers with a moderate level of fitness.
Just past the caravan park, you’ll pass the Marengo Beacon, a striking red landmark and a great place to pause for photos and ocean views.
Option 3: Apollo Bay to Shelly Beach (approximately 9km)
For those wanting a longer but still manageable day walk, you can combine the two sections and walk from Apollo Bay all the way to Shelly Beach.
At around 9 kilometres, this is still considered one of the gentler sections of the entire Great Ocean Walk and is often recommended for walkers wanting a true “taste” of the trail without tackling its more remote western stages.
This section forms part of:
- Walk 91’s Whole Great Ocean Walk itineraries
- The 3-Day Cape Walk, or camping experience which offers an achievable multi-day experience before the terrain becomes more rugged further west
A historical highlight along the way: The Marengo Beacon
Just past the Marengo Caravan Park, the Great Ocean Walk passes one of Apollo Bay’s lesser-known but historically significant landmarks — the Marengo Beacon.
The original beacon was built in 1858 as an aid to navigation and lies around 300 metres south of Point Haly, close to the modern starting point of the Great Ocean Walk. A second “back beacon” once stood approximately 200 metres inland. When viewed from the sea, the two beacons formed a precise line-of-sight pointing towards Henty Reef, a dangerous submerged reef nearly three kilometres offshore.
The beacon system was installed shortly after two ships were wrecked in quick succession:
- the Annie, wrecked on 30 November 1857 after striking Hayley’s Reef
- the Grange, which struck the offshore Henty Reef during a gale in March 1858 before being blown ashore and wrecked
Local settlers quickly came to the aid of survivors, and authorities soon ordered the construction of four beacons as an urgent navigational warning. Timber for the beacons was believed to have been sourced locally, and construction was completed less than two months after the wreck of the Grange. The beacons were officially listed in the Government Gazette in May 1858.
With the introduction of modern electronic navigation markers, the Marengo Beacon was later considered redundant and removed in 2019–20. Strong community support followed, and the beacon was reinstated using some of the original timber, with a modified ball added on top to avoid confusion with historic navigation systems.
Today, the beacon stands as a reminder of Apollo Bay’s maritime past and is a highlight along this coastal walk. In winter, it’s also a wonderful place to look out for passing Southern Right Whales in the Southern Ocean.
Add-on walk: Marengo to Wildlife Wonders
If you’d like to extend your walk, one of the best optional add-ons is the Marengo to Wildlife Wonders walk.
Distance:
- 3.5 km one way (60–90 minutes)
- 7 km return via the same path
Start point:
Park at the Marengo Beach car park, just outside the Caravan Park, or arrange a drop-off there.
Route description:
Walk through the Caravan Park and pick up the Great Ocean Walk at the western end (look for the yellow GOW markers). Continue west along a well-constructed, signposted coastal path that hugs the coastline, crossing two stunning beaches and passing through coastal tea tree.
As the path climbs over Bald Hill, stop at the bench just beyond the top and take in sweeping coastal views — one of the best viewpoints on this section of the walk.
After descending Bald Hill, look for a small stream crossing the path. Just beyond it, you’ll see a gate with a green Wildlife Wonders sign on your right. Pass through the stile and follow the green arrow up the gully.
The track climbs alongside the predator-proof fence, passing a dam inside the enclosure before continuing uphill. The final 200 metres are steeper and gravelly, so take care with footing. The walk finishes at the Wildlife Wonders car park.
When you arrive, you’ll have earned a stop at Emu Café, and you could even join a tour of the grounds if you still have the energy!
Finishing at Shelly Beach – important tips
If you’re finishing your walk at Shelly Beach Car Park, be sure to organise your pick-up before you leave, as mobile phone reception is limited or unavailable at the car park.
As you approach Shelly Beach, watch carefully for the signage that leads down to Shelly Beach Cove itself. It’s an easy turn to miss, but well worth taking — the sheltered cove is a beautiful place to pause before continuing west along the trail.
Planning & safety tips
- There are a couple of decision points between Marengo and Shelly Beach, so carrying a Parks Victoria Great Ocean Walk map is recommended.
- Check tide times before setting out, especially if you plan to walk along beach sections.
- Take water and sun protection, as parts of the trail are exposed.
Walking this section with Walk 91
This eastern section of the Great Ocean Walk is a favourite starting point for many Walk 91 guests. It provides an easy and enjoyable introduction to the trail before heading into the more remote and rugged landscapes further west.
Whether you’re joining a 3-Day Cape Walk or walking the entire Great Ocean Walk, this section offers outstanding coastal scenery, local history and flexible walking options — all starting right from Apollo Bay.
FAQ: Easy section of the Great Ocean Walk
Yes. This section of the Great Ocean Walk is widely regarded as one of the easiest and most accessible parts of the trail. The path is well-formed and signposted, with gentle gradients compared to the more rugged western sections.
Most walkers allow between 2 and 4 hours to walk from Apollo Bay to Shelly Beach, depending on pace, tides and how often you stop along the way.
Absolutely. Many people choose to walk shorter sections such as Apollo Bay to Marengo, or Marengo to Shelly Beach, and arrange transport at either end.
Yes. While much of the trail is on formed paths, some beach sections are easier to walk at lower tide. It’s a good idea to check tide times before setting out.
Mobile reception is limited in parts, particularly near Shelly Beach. If you’re finishing there, organise your pick-up in advance.
There are public toilets in Apollo Bay and at Shelly Beach Car Park. Toilets at Marengo Caravan Park are generally private facilities for guests staying there.
Yes. Seals can often be seen offshore near Marengo and are sometimes spotted resting along the beach. During the winter months, Southern Right Whales may be seen from the coastline. Birdlife is common throughout the walk.
Yes. This route follows the official Great Ocean Walk and is included in multi-day itineraries such as the 3-Day Cape Walk and the full Great Ocean Walk.
No, there are no fees required to walk this section of the Great Ocean Walk as a day walk. However, it’s always a good idea to let someone know your plans before you set out, particularly if you’re walking alone or finishing at Shelly Beach.
If you intend to camp overnight, you do need to book campsites in advance with Parks Victoria, including Elliot Ridge Campground, which is the closest campsite to Shelly Beach.
CONTACT US to start planning your Great Ocean Walk Adventure!
T: +61 3 5237 1189 Or BOOK A CALL Email: 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.
