Why the Great Ocean Walk is one of the worlds best hikes

The Great Ocean Walk is fast becoming one of Australia’s most sought-after multi-day hiking experiences — and for good reason. This spectacular 104km trail from Apollo Bay to the Twelve Apostles offers coastal cliffs, remote beaches, lush rainforest, shipwreck history, abundant wildlife, and some of the most varied terrain of any long-distance walk.

But unlike online travel reviews written by one-off visitors, this guide is created by Walk91 — the only locally owned operator based in Apollo Bay, with over 20 years of experience supporting walkers on the track. One of our founders, Mark Kininmonth, even helped build sections of the Great Ocean Walk as a Parks Victoria Ranger.

Here’s everything you need to know before you hike this world-class trail — from logistics and distances to safety, transport, and what makes each section special.

A person wearing sun-protective clothing and carrying hiking poles walks from Walk91 along a sandy beach with waves in the background, waving at the camera during the scenic Great Ocean Walk hike.

What Is the Great Ocean Walk?

The Great Ocean Walk is a 104km coastal trail stretching from the seaside town of Apollo Bay to the iconic Twelve Apostles. Opened in 2006 and managed by Parks Victoria, it was designed to offer a slower, more immersive experience than the Great Ocean Road drive.

Unlike the road (which only has ocean views in sections), the trail stays close to the coastline, weaving through:

Great Otway National Park
Port Campbell National Park
Rainforest gullies and eucalypt forests
Remote beaches and rugged cliff lines
Historic shipwreck sites

The result is one of the most diverse and breathtaking multi-day walks in Australia.

Person in a blue jacket and hat stands on a rocky cliff above the ocean during the Great Ocean Walk hike with Walk91, smiling with both arms raised, with waves and a cloudy sky in the background

Why Hikers Love It: Scenery, Wildlife & Solitude

The Great Ocean Walk offers remarkable diversity:

Cape Otway Lighthouse views
Johanna Beach — one of Australia’s most dramatic surf beaches
Milanesia Beach — a hidden, remote paradise
Wreck Beach — shipwreck anchors visible at low tide
Moonlight Head & The Gables Lookout
The Twelve Apostles — the perfect grand finale

Wildlife sightings are almost guaranteed: kangaroos, koalas, echidnas, wallabies, birdlife, dolphins, and sometimes whales (June–September).

View from the Cape Otway lighthouse balcony overlooking a rugged coastline with greenery and crashing waves. The sky is clear, and part of the ornate lighthouse structure is visible.

How Long Does the Great Ocean Walk Take?

The official design is 8 days, but walkers complete it in:

8 days – relaxed pace
6 days to 7 days – most common (our Complete Great Ocean Walk packages)
3 days – either the Mild Side (Apollo Bay to Castle Cove) or Wild Side (Aire River to the Twelve Apostles)
4–5 days – fit or experienced hikers
Fastest – ultra-fit trail runners have done it in 2 days

Most walkers prefer 6 days, which allows time to actually enjoy the scenery rather than rush through it.

Footprints in the sand lead along a deserted beach with ocean waves on the left and grassy hills on the right under a blue sky, evoking the scenic beauty of the Great Ocean Walk hike.

Do You Need a Permit or Booking?

✔ No permit to walk the track
❗ Yes – campsite booking required via Parks Victoria if camping
✔ If using Walk91 accommodation packages, we book everything for you
✔ For pack-free walking, we transfer bags & food between stops

There are seven hike-in campsites, spaced around 10–15km apart.

Cozy living room with large windows overlooking scenic outdoor view, perfect for relaxing and social.

Can You Stay in Accommodation Instead of Camping?

Absolutely — and this is where Walk91 is unique.

Because we are based locally (not in Melbourne), we provide:

Private drivers (not taxis)
Flexible pick-up & drop-off points
A real-time text tracking system
Emergency beacons and mobile phones
Locally sourced catering
Access to different types of accommodation
Options with no fixed contracts, meaning we choose the best accommodation for YOU, not us

Independent hikers often struggle with transport — the trailheads are not where the accommodation is. We solve this by handling all transfers. Or you can book a multi-day bus shuttle and your own accommodation if you wish.

Sliced watermelon, strawberries, blueberries, and halved yellow citrus fruit are arranged together with a sprig of mint on top—perfect for refreshing energy after a Great Ocean Walk hike with Walk91.

Food, Water & Supplies on the Great Ocean Walk

There are no shops on the walking trail.

Walk91 offers:

Catered Packages

Homemade slow-cooked dinners
Fresh salads
Breakfast supplies
Packed lunches
Delivered directly to your accommodation
Works with several dietary requests (except severe allergies)

Self-Catered Packages

We transport your food & drinks in our private trailer
We can provide water containers stored at campsites for camping packages

Water

No treated water on the trail. Camp tanks contain untreated rainwater (sometimes empty). Walk91 accommodation guests can refill safely every day.

Two people wearing hats and sunglasses stand beside a white Walk91 van with Great Ocean Walk hike signage, parked on a paved road near trees.

Transport & Logistics (The Tricky Part)

This is the #1 challenge for independent hikers.

There is:

No continuous shuttle service
Limited taxi availability
Very patchy phone reception
V-Line public transport only usually runs 3 times per day into Apollo Bay
No public transport at the Twelve Apostles returning daily to Apollo Bay, but there is a limited service on V-Line on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

This is exactly why Walk91 exists.

On our self-guided pack-free walking tours we provide:

Daily transfers
End-of-walk return service from the 12 Apostles
Private pickups
Flexible pick-up times (because everyone walks at a different pace)
A real-time text tracking system so you never wait long
Emergency support from locals who live close to access points

Two people with hiking gear stand on a coastal trail along the Great Ocean Walk hike with Walk91, with greenery in the foreground and the ocean and cloudy sky in the background.

Section-by-Section Overview of the Great Ocean Walk

Day 1 – Apollo Bay → Elliot Ridge → Blanket Bay

Forest gullies, wildlife, lush ferns
22km or 13.5km options

Day 2 – Blanket Bay → Cape Otway

Koalas everywhere, Parker Inlet crossing, Lighthouse views
10.5km

Day 3 – Cape Otway → Aire River → Castle Cove

Heritage river valley, rainforest, clifftops
11–17.5km

Day 4 – Castle Cove → Milanesia Gate

Remote beaches, farmland hills, epic surf
13km-16km

Day 5 – Milanesia →Ryans Den → The Gables

The hardest & most remote day
Steep climbs, rugged cliffs, ocean panoramas
12–18.5km

Day 6 – The Gables → Devils Kitchen → Twelve Apostles

Wild coastline, bush sections, massive views
13.5–19km

Reaching the Twelve Apostles on foot is one of the most rewarding finishes of any trail in Australia.

Why Start in Apollo Bay (Not the 12 Apostles)?

Some people ask if they should walk in reverse.

We strongly recommend starting in Apollo Bay:

The scenery builds in drama each day
You finish at the world-famous Twelve Apostles
Trail signage is designed east → west
Wind conditions are generally better walking west
Apollo Bay is the perfect pre-walk town
Ending at the Twelve Apostles gives you a choice of next steps. Walk91 can drive you back to Apollo Bay or Port Campbell, or arrange a transfer to Camperdown to catch the train from there – direct to Melbourne or further afield.

Nearly every walker says finishing at the Apostles is unforgettable.

Walk91 at the 12 Apostles viewing platform. Three walkers look out over the amazing limestone stacks.

Why Walk91 Is the Premium Local Choice

We don’t do “cookie-cutter” tours like Melbourne operators.

We offer:

✔ Genuine Local Knowledge

We live at the start of the walk. We know every tide, track change, & weather pattern.

✔ One-on-One Safety Briefing

Map, tides, decision points, emergency info, local wildlife alerts.

✔ Flexible Itineraries

Walk shorter or longer each day. If you get tired or injured, we can adjust.

✔ Private Local Drivers

No taxis. No waiting hours at trackheads.

✔ Emergency Support

We give every walker an EPIRB & Telstra phone.

✔ No Fixed Accommodation Contracts

We pick the best-fit accommodation for YOU, not for supplier deals.

✔ Pack-Free Walking

We move your luggage, food, and gear.

✔ Home-Cooked Meals

Delivered straight to your accommodation.

This is why Walk91 tours frequently rank at the top of Google and why we have hundreds of 5-star reviews.

“Fabulous GOW 6 – 12 Nov. Scenery stunning. Awesome organisation and communication by Walk91 – transport great, food delicious, accommodation lovely, staff very helpful. Thanks for a great trip!” Pam McDonald Nov 2025

Chopped red potatoes, sweet potatoes, lemon slices, garlic, purple cabbage, and rosemary sprigs are artfully arranged on a parchment-lined tray—enjoying local food on the Great Ocean Walk.

Is the Great Ocean Walk Difficult?

It’s a proper hike, but not technical.

Most walkers with a moderate level of fitness complete it comfortably.

Challenging parts:

Johanna to Milanesia
Milanesia to Ryans Den
River crossings after heavy rain
Steep staircases
Soft sand walking

If you choose Walk91, we tailor the walk to your ability.

Three Walk91 hikers walk along a sandy beach at Gibsons Steps with towering cliffs and ocean waves, leading to distant rock formations under a cloudy sky.

Best Time of Year to Walk

Spring (Sept–Nov) – wildflowers, mild weather
Autumn (Mar–May) – the most stable weather
Summer (Dec–Feb) – beautiful but hot and busy
Winter (Jun–Aug) – fewer walkers, possible storms, great for solitude

Great Ocean Walk FAQ

Q1: Is the Great Ocean Walk one of the best multi-day hikes in the world?

A1: Yes. Its combination of rugged coastline, rainforest, remote beaches, diverse wildlife, and world-class trail infrastructure makes it one of Australia’s top long-distance walking experiences.

Q2: How long does the Great Ocean Walk take?

A2: Most people complete the walk in 3–10 days depending on their fitness, itinerary, and whether they are hiking self-guided or with support services.

Q3: Do I need to camp on the Great Ocean Walk?

A3: No. Walk91 offers accommodation-based itineraries with shuttles, luggage transfers, safety support, and local drivers—so you can enjoy the walk pack-free without camping.

Q4: How hard is the Great Ocean Walk?

A4: The walk is considered moderate. Some sections include steep climbs—especially around Milanesia and Moonlight Head—but it is achievable for most walkers with a basic fitness level.

Q5: What is the best section of the Great Ocean Walk?

A5: Many hikers say the highlight is the Castle Cove to Twelve Apostles section for its dramatic cliffs, shipwreck history, wildlife encounters, and unforgettable coastal views.

Plan Your Great Ocean Walk With Walk91

Whether you want to camp, stay in cabins, or enjoy a fully catered pack-free walking holiday, we’ll design the perfect Great Ocean Walk itinerary for you.