What is the ultimate Great Ocean Walk itinerary? The answer is simple: it’s the one that suits you. Whether you’re seeking a challenge, scenic views, or a slower-paced holiday, the Great Ocean Walk offers flexibility, variety, and natural beauty in spades.
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.
Walk91 has been creating boutique Self-Guided Great Ocean Walk Tours for over 20 years. In fact, our co-founder, Mark Kinimonth, worked with Parks Victoria helping to build the track. Since the early 2000s, we’ve specialised in crafting tailored experiences along the 104km route. This guide is here to help you figure out the ideal walk for your needs. Keep reading for our expert insights, and feel free to contact us with any questions about our tours.
Which Great Ocean Walk Should I Choose?
If you want to complete the full 104 kilometre route, we offer a range of Great Ocean Walk itineraries ranging from 4 to 10 days. Each is suited to hikers of different fitness levels and hiking styles, and gives you a choice of time frames.
4-Day Whole Great Ocean Walk: Our Most Challenging Option
This 4-Day Complete Great Ocean Walk itinerary is designed for very fit hikers ready to walk long distances daily and covers the whole of the Great Ocean Walk, from Apollo Bay to the 12 Apostles. You’ll cover up to 30km a day. It’s not for the faint-hearted, but it’s an epic adventure for the right person!
4-Day Wild Great Ocean Walk: For Shorter Walking Legs
If you only have 4 days vacation and don’t want to walk the whole 104kms, just choose shorter walking legs! This Great Ocean Walk 4-Day Itinerary travels from Cape Otway to the 12 Apostles and covers a shorter distance of approximately 71.5kms (so it covers approximately 70% of the walk). Hikers of a good fitness level can manage this walk well, and the distances are manageable at approximately 16km to 19km per day.
5-Day Whole Great Ocean Walk: Fast but Doable
This 5 Day Complete Great Ocean Walk averages around 20km a day, with the longest day at 22.5km. It’s a solid challenge requiring a good level of fitness for faster walkers, but it is generally manageable with determination and a bit of training in advance!
6-Day Great Ocean Walk: The Most Popular Experience
Why is the most popular itinerary? Because you can complete the whole walk in under a week, and the distances are comfortable for most walkers’ abilities. For this 6-Day Complete Great Ocean Walk, you’ll walk a maximum of 22km on day one, with the shortest on day two of approximately 10.5km. This is ideal if you want to push yourself a bit harder on day one, but want shorter days planned after that. Walkers tend to start off strong out of the starting gate, but start slowing up a bit as the days roll on!
And remember, with all of our walks at Walk91, each day’s walking kilometres can be shortened as listed, even on the day while you are walking!
7-Day Great Ocean Walk: Hike at a Relaxed Pace
Covering about 14.8km per day, the 7-day option allows for plenty of photo stops, scenic detours, and time to enjoy your accommodation. These walking kms are similar to the 6 Day Walk above, but the first day of 22kms is split up into two, i.e., approximately 8kms and 14kms, making it a 7 Day Walk.
Why is the 7 Day Complete Great Ocean Walk a good option? Firstly, it makes the kilometres more manageable. Secondly, you can start walking around midday from Apollo Bay, so you even have time to travel here from Melbourne in the morning if you wish.
10-Day Great Ocean Walk: Hike at a Slower Pace
If you are not in a rush, want to experience the whole trail, and do not like walking long distances, this 10-Day Great Ocean Road Walk is perfect. The shortest walking distances are 8.5km, going up to 13km or 15km (you can choose how far you want to walk and let us know on the day). We have even had walkers choose this walk so that they can stop, paint, and take photos!
How to Choose the Best Great Ocean Walk Duration for You
Think about two main factors:
Your available time – Got a week? Go leisurely. Limited on time? Challenge yourself with a shorter, but tougher itinerary, or just select shorter sections of the track.
Your physical fitness – Less fit? Opt for multiple days but with shorter daily distances. If you are really fit you can even run the whole track in three days as a training exercise! Contact us for details on a 3 Day Great Ocean Trail Run!
For even more details on prepping for your trek, read our guide to How to Plan the Great Ocean Walk.
Key Highlights Along the Great Ocean Walk
Cape Otway Lightstation
One of Australia’s oldest surviving lighthouses, the Cape Otway Lighstation is perched where the Southern Ocean meets the Bass Strait. It’s rich in history and full of breathtaking coastal views. You have the opportunity to climb the Lighthouse Tower and visit the World War II Radar Station. There are also lovely exhibition buildings which show how difficult life was living in Cape Otway in the early 1900s. There is even a small dinosaur exhibit, as several dinosaur remains have been found in the area.
OUR TIP: Check opening times, especially if you are planning to hike to the Lighthouse, look around and then continue walking on the Great Ocean Walk trail. Opening times vary in winter months (June/July to September) and remember to note that the Lighthouse tower may have different opening times to the Lighthouse grounds. Walk91 includes complimentary tickets if you walk the trail with our support, or you may buy tickets in the office next to the Lighthouse gate.
Wreck Beach (Low Tide Only)
What is so special about Wreck Beach? Only accessible at low tide via 366 cliff steps, Wreck Beach is home to the anchors of the Marie Gabrielle and the Fiji. We have taken some of our very best photos here — it’s so secluded and beautiful!
It’s dramatic, remote, and memorable — but you must check the tides before heading down onto the beach. You must also check the reports on the ocean swell. The tide may be low, but if the ocean swell is larger than usual, the beach may still be best avoided for your safety.
At Walk91 we brief our walkers in detail, so we will check the tides and swell for you and advise on the day if we do not recommend walking this beach section. If we do not recommend walking this section on the day, don’t worry, you can still hike along the Great Ocean Walk trail, but via the high-tide route.
For even more tips, check out our Guide to Staying Safe Along the Great Ocean Walk.
The Twelve Apostles
The most iconic part of the trail, the Twelve Apostles marks the dramatic end of your walk. These towering limestone stacks are one of Australia’s most photographed landmarks — and for good reason. Once joined to the coastline, you can appreciate how rugged and dangerous this coastline was for European settlers trying to reach Australia via ship.
Close by, Loch Ard Gorge marks one of the most famous shipwreck locations in Australia. Try and pop in and walk around the Loch Ard Gorge trail and visit the lookouts if you have time! And make sure to read our guide to the Must-stop Places on the Great Ocean Walk for more of our suggestions!
Off-the-Track Detours Worth Exploring on the Great Ocean Walk
Even though the main route is spectacular, if you have a bit more time or you’re on a longer itinerary, consider these scenic extras:
Port Campbell
If you have time, we recommend a stay in Port Campbell, especially if you have a car. Walk91 can transfer you to Port Campbell at the end of your walk with us, where you can watch the sunset over the pretty little harbour. There are also nice short walks around the town and along the clifftops. From here you are also a short drive away from the Bay of Islands, another famous highlight of the Great Ocean Road.
The Redwoods
The Redwoods are perfect for a short detour if you have time. These amazing trees are in the heart of the Otways, but not on the Great Ocean Walk itself. While you are here, also remember you are only a few minute’s drive from Hopetoun Falls, which is a lovely stop-off location for a short waterfall walk.
Walk91 can include detours, rest days, or specific accommodation, by request. Just ask when you’re planning your walk.
Ready to Plan Your Perfect Great Ocean Walk?
We believe the Great Ocean Walk experience starts from the moment you begin dreaming about it. Our team is here to answer any questions, tailor your experience, and help you create unforgettable memories along Victoria’s most stunning coastline.
If you’d like help deciding which itinerary is best for you, or you want a custom Great Ocean Walk tour package, the expert team at Walk91 is here. We’re locals. We’ve walked the track, and we specialise in planning only on the Great Ocean Walk.
We don’t offer walks all over the country, just the beautiful trails on our doorstep! We’re here to help you walk it your way and make sure you have a safe, but unforgettable, amazing time!
Contact us with any questions or queries you may have. Our team will happily tailor your walk.
👉 Explore Walk91 Great Ocean Walk Tours
👉 Contact our local team for personalised advice
Or consider camping or shorter 3 Day Walks:
- 3 Day to 10 Day self-guided walks
- 3-day Mild Side or Wild Side tours
- 6-day Complete Great Ocean Walk
- Custom itineraries
- Camping assistance packages
- Group and corporate walks
👉 Get in touch
📞 03 5237 1189
🌐 walk91.com.au
📩 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.
FAQs on how to plan your ultimate Great Ocean Walk itinerary
Walk91 offers itineraries ranging from short 3-day highlight walks to relaxed 10-day full-trail journeys. If you prefer shorter days with more time for rests and views, choose a 7–10 day itinerary. Stronger or more experienced hikers often enjoy the 4–6 day options, which include longer daily distances.
The 7-day and 8-day itineraries are the most popular because they balance daily distances, scenery and walking difficulty. These options give you time to enjoy beaches, rainforests and lighthouse sections without rushing.
The shortest Walk91 itineraries are 3-day highlights walks, perfect for walkers who want to experience the best cliff, forest and beach sections without completing the full 104 km track.
Beginners often choose the 10-day or 8-day itineraries, which feature shorter walking days, more time to rest and easier pacing. These options are ideal if you want a comfortable introduction to multi-day hiking.
Yes, experienced hikers sometimes choose 5-day or 6-day itineraries. These cover longer distances each day and suit walkers who enjoy full-day hiking and faster pacing.
Yes — all Walk91 itineraries include daily luggage transfers, so you walk with only a light daypack regardless of which itinerary you choose.
Some sections — such as Parker Inlet and Station Beach — require low tide for safe passage. Walk91 provides tide charts and guidance during your briefing and helps you choose an itinerary that fits safe timing.
Autumn and spring are the most popular for comfortable temperatures and stable conditions. Summer offers long daylight hours, while winter provides dramatic landscapes and fewer walkers.
Yes — Walk91 can adjust walking distances, add rest days, plan shorter stages or design an itinerary around your fitness, interests, accommodation preferences and travel schedule.
Walk91’s local team helps you choose the perfect itinerary based on your fitness level, experience, timeframe, preferred pace and interests. Their personalised support ensures you choose the ideal walk.
