Since 2005, when the Great Ocean Walk officially opened, Walk91 has proudly helped thousands of walkers explore this breathtaking 100km coastal trail in southwest Victoria. Founded by locals who helped build and promote the trail, Walk91 offers unmatched insight and personal service – because this trail is our backyard. We offer numerous Self-Guided Great Ocean Walk Tours, allowing visitors to discover this exceptional journey for themselves.
One of the most common questions we’re asked is: “What’s the difference between the Mild Side and the Wild Side of the Great Ocean Walk?” In this guide, we’ll explain the difference, highlight what to expect on each section, and help you decide which half is best for your adventure. And if you have any questions for us, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team.
What is the Mild Side of the Great Ocean Walk?
A gentler, more accessible experience from Apollo Bay to Castle Cove (approx. 50km)
When Parks Victoria designed the Great Ocean Walk, they referred to the eastern half of the trail – from Apollo Bay to Castle Cove – as the “Mild Side.” This section features shorter walking distances, fewer steep climbs, and multiple “step on and off” access points that make it easier for support vehicles to pick you up or shorten your walk.
The Mild Side of the Walk is approximately 50kms and takes in beautiful Blanket Bay, Parker Hill, the historical Cape Otway Lighthouse, Rainbow Falls, the Aire Heritage River, and finally the magnificent Castle Cove beach and lookout platform. If you are interested in this section of track, have a look at our 3 Day Hike the Cape Walk for more information, and please feel free to contact us if you have any questions.
Highlights of the Mild Side of the Great Ocean Walk: Apollo Bay to Castle Cove
Apollo Bay Trailhead: Snap a photo before you set off from the iconic starting point (next to the Apollo Bay Information Centre on the foreshore). Walk past Apollo Bay’s fishing harbour and the recreation reserve and past Marengo Reserve.
Marengo to Shelly Beach: Enjoy gentle beach walks past Haleys Reef, the Marine National Park and into lush rainforest tracks and coastal forests.
Blanket Bay: A peaceful bay with calm waters – perfect for a refreshing dip (with caution) on a calm day. Tall Moutnain Ash trees line the track into the bay, a unique section of the trail.
Parker Inlet: The resting place of Eric the Red, wedged into the sand (TIP: only visible when the sand shifts)
Crayfish Bay: Another nice place for a swim on a calm day or even a snorkel – check conditions are safe first!
Cape Otway Lighthouse: Discover local history and panoramic views from one of Australia’s oldest light stations.
Cape Otway Lighthouse Cemetery: Just past the lighthouse (outside the precinct) walk past the graves of the early settlers and shipwreck victims.
Rainbow Falls: Optional detour from Station Beach to see this unique cliffside waterfall. Read our Rainbow Falls guide to learn more.
Aire River: Explore this heritage-listed river and its wonderful birdlife
Johanna Beach: Enjoy a long walk on this magnifcent stretch of beach. TIP: Check tides and swell first.
(Remember: Walk91 can help plan your walk and advise on when rivers and streams are save to cross.)
Castle Cove: Stop and enjoy spectacular sunsets from Castle Cove Lookout.
What is the Wild Side of the Great Ocean Walk?
The Wild Side of the Great Ocean Walk – Castle Cove to the 12 Apostles
The wild side of the Great Ocean Walk is exactly what it is — wild! This section of the walk is a lot more remote, with fewer car access points and “step on and step off” options. However, this end of the walk is really beautiful, and sometimes you feel as though you are the only person on the whole track as you can walk for hours without seeing anyone! Not only that, you can end your walk at the iconic 12 Apostles, which is also a real highlight when choosing this 58km 3-Day 12 Apostles Walk.
The Wild Side of the walk is generally considered to start at Castle Cove. But, if you want to make this day’s section a little longer, you can start at the Aire River (if you have not got time to walk the whole track). The Great Ocean Walk ends at the 12 Apostles viewing platforms and kiosk.
On the last half of the Great Ocean Walk, you get the chance to walk along the remote Milanesia Beach, see the famous gables Lookout, walk past Wreck Beach with all its shipwreck history, and on to see the huge cliffs at the bottom of Gibsons Steps. This is a great choice if you’re looking for a challenge and are quite fit.
Wild Side Great Ocean Walk Distances and Itinerary Flexibility
The full walk from Apollo Bay to Blanket Bay is approximately 22km — a long but beautiful day. If you’re not ready to cover that distance in one go, Walk91 offers flexible itineraries, such as our Great Ocean Walk 6-Day Trip and 7-Day Complete Great Ocean Walk.
You can also split the day walking Apollo Bay to Shelly Beach (8km) on Day 1, then 14km to Blanket Bay on Day 2.
‘Step on and off’ access points on the Great Ocean Walk
Step on and off points mean that these sections can be accessed by vehicles, where Walk 91 can pick you up and shuttle you to your evening’s accommodation.
The access points between Apollo Bay and Castle Cove are as follows:
- Shelly Beach
- Blanket Bay
- Parker Hill
- Cape Otway Lighthouse
- Aire River
- Castle Cove
The access points between Castle Cove and the 12 Apostles are:
- Johanna Beach
- Milanesia Gate
- Moonlight Head
- The Gables
- Wreck Beach car park
- Princetown
- Gibsons Steps
- 12 Apostles
Is the Great Ocean Walk Hard?
Taking into consideration all of the above, we would suggest that the main difficulties walkers seem to have with the Great Ocean Walk trail is:
Walking on sand: You can choose the high tide routes on most sections (but not all), which take you off the beaches and reduces beach walking.
Steps down onto Wreck Beach (optional): There are lots of steps towards the end of the walk, but if you choose the Mild Side Walk, you will find this a lot easier.
Long distances: Talk to us at Walk91, and we can custom-make a walk itinerary for you based on how far you feel you can comfortably walk.
River crossing & tides: You need to check these before you leave, but remember, if you book a walk with us at Walk91, we will brief you before you start walking and explain how the decision points work, and where to consider the tides and the swell.
The best thing to do regarding managing all of the above is not only planning but training before you arrive. This will make your trip much more enjoyable and help you avoid injury once you start walking. But, if you do get here and find that once you get going you can’t walk quite as far as you have planned, we can shorten the distances where possible for you. (Remember however that you need to reach a step on and off point so we can come and pick you up.)
Great Ocean Walk Gradings
If you are planning your own walk, the Great Ocean Walk Map has more info on the trail gradings which you may find useful, or you can read more about the Great Ocean Walk gradings here.
Which Great Ocean Walk Should I Choose? The Wild Side or the Mild Side?
If you are short on time and you just can’t decide which end of walk to do, don’t fret. You can either opt to walk our 3-Day Hike the Cape, our 4 Day Wild Side Walk, or the 3-Day 12 Apostles Walk.
So, you can always come and walk the first three days (and get a good idea of your fitness level and how you coped with the distances), and then come back later and do the last 3 days. We love welcoming back our walkers a second time!
And remember, you don’t have to be an experienced walker. There are no rock scrambles or scary cliff edge walking tracks. The tracks are well marked and most follow sandy paths or boardwalks so that they are easy to navigate.
Book Your Great Ocean Walk with Us
We hope this has helped you understand the difference between sections of the trail. If you have any questions please feel free to contact us. We will be happy to discuss with you which option would suit you and your group best.
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: [email protected]
🌐 Website: www.walk91.com.au
