Experience one of Australia’s most iconic coastal hikes on foot. The Great Ocean Walk follows 100+ km of spectacular coastline from Apollo Bay to the Twelve Apostles, weaving through rainforest, clifftops and wild beaches. This guide covers when to go, what to expect, route highlights, safety, packing, and the best Great Ocean Walk tours.
Quick start: Prefer to plan now? Explore our Self-Guided Great Ocean Walk Tours.
Great Ocean Walk overview & route
How long it takes (+ difficulty)
Key sections (east → west)
Must-see highlights
Best time to hike (season by season)
Planning & packing essentials
Where to stay (camping vs accommodation)
Safety tips & trail etiquette
Ways to walk (independent vs tour)
FAQs & next steps
Distance: ~104 km (65 miles)
Direction: Apollo Bay → Twelve Apostles
Parks: Great Otway NP + Port Campbell NP
Vibe vs driving: Unlike the Great Ocean Road by car, the walk gets you onto beaches, clifftops and fern gullies away from traffic and crowds.
Most walkers take 6–7 days. Sections are well marked by Parks Victoria with regular access/exit points. Daily distances commonly fall between 10–16 km, with a moderate overall grade (mix of beach sand, firm trails, gravel and boardwalk).
Want an itinerary built to your pace? See our 7-Day Complete Walk or tailor a Custom Great Ocean Walk.
Apollo Bay → Elliot Ridge (~10 km) – coastal scrub to first hike-in camp
Elliot Ridge → Blanket Bay (~12 km) – tall eucalypts to secluded bay
Blanket Bay → Cape Otway (~11 km) – lighthouse precinct & history
Cape Otway → Aire River (~10 km) – manna gums (spot koalas) to estuary
Aire River → Johanna Beach (~14 km) – inland bush + big beach finish
Johanna Beach → Ryan’s Den (~14 km) – remote “Wild Side”, clifftops
Ryan’s Den → Devil’s Kitchen (~13 km) – rugged, spectacular coastline
Devil’s Kitchen → Twelve Apostles (~16 km) – heath, dunes, grand finale
Short on time? The western 3 Day 12 Apostles Walk is dramatic but tougher (Milanesia → The Gables).
For gentler terrain and more exits, focus on the eastern Cape Otway sections, you might like to consider our 3-Day Hike the Cape.
Cape Otway Lightstation – Australia’s oldest mainland lighthouse, sweeping views (+ nearby Aboriginal cultural site).
Johanna Beach – vast, wild surf beach; sunset magic (and kangaroos!).
Milanesia Beach & The Gables – secluded cove + one of Australia’s highest sea-cliff lookouts; whale-watch in season.
Wreck Beach (low tide) – shipwreck anchors (Marie Gabrielle & Fiji) embedded in reef and sand; check tide charts.
Twelve Apostles – arrive on foot for a unique perspective; consider Gibson Steps if conditions suit.
Summer (Dec–Feb): Long days, warm water; start early, carry extra water; snakes more active.
Autumn (Mar–May): Mild, stable, fewer crowds — a favourite.
Winter (Jun–Aug): Quiet, dramatic seas; cold/wet; great for whale watching.
Spring (Sep–Nov): Wildflowers, birdlife; mild temps; expect showers.
Sweet spots: Mar–Apr and Oct–Nov for moderate weather + lighter crowds. Always check weather & tides daily.
Footwear: Broken-in hikers; consider light sandals for evenings.
Layers: Year-round rain jacket + warm layer; hat/sunnies; optional gaiters.
Sun & hydration: High-SPF sunscreen; 2–3 L water pp/day; electrolytes.
Food: High-energy snacks; no shops on trail; pack out all rubbish.
First aid: Blister care, meds, insect repellent, pain relief.
Navigation & comms: Map/notes; patchy reception (Telstra best); power bank; PLB recommended for solo/off-season.
Useful extras: Headlamp, whistle, zip bags/dry bags, small towel, camera.
Our Self-Guided Tours include luggage transfers, daily notes, private briefing, safety beacon and support.
Hike-in Camps (book ahead): Elliot Ridge, Blanket Bay, Cape Otway, Aire River, Johanna, Ryan’s Den, Devil’s Kitchen (basic facilities; some vehicle access at Johanna/Devil’s Kitchen).
Drive-in Campgrounds: Johanna, Aire River, Blanket Bay — ideal for sectional hikes.
Lodges/B&Bs/Farmstays: Base in Apollo Bay, Cape Otway, Princetown, Port Campbell; shuttle to trailheads; mix comfort with day-pack walking.
Base-camp in Apollo Bay: Do sectional day hikes via shuttle; great with non-walking companions.
Accommodation can be limited in peak times — plan early. We can match you to stays based on your sleeping arrangements and preferences.
Stay on marked tracks; follow orange beach exit markers.
Tides: Plan for Station, Johanna & Wreck Beach at low/mid tide; avoid Wreck Beach/Rainbow Beach at high tide.
Wildlife: Snakes in warm months — give space; carry a pressure bandage; call 000 (or 112) or activate PLB if needed.
Weather: Rapid changes; pack rain layer/dry bags; avoid exposed ridges in storms/high winds.
Care for Country: Pack out all rubbish; no feeding wildlife; camp only in booked sites; no fires at hike-in camps.
Independent, Self-Supported: You book camps/lodging, transport, food; carry full kit (15–20 kg if camping).
Self-Guided Tour Package (most popular): We organise accommodation, luggage transfers, shuttles, maps, private briefing + on-call local support so you walk with a day pack. Choose from 3–10 days, fully flexible.
Guided Group (on request): Fixed schedule with a guide, interpretation, and logistics — available for private groups.
Half-Walks / Sectional: Choose east or west halves in 3–4 days.
“Bus Stop” Day Hikes: Base in Apollo Bay; complete sections using shuttles.
Custom/Private: Add rest days, side trips, art/photography time, split pick-ups for different paces, extend to Port Campbell, or even include a 12 Apostles heli-flight.
How hard is the Great Ocean Walk?
Moderate overall; daily 10–16 km; some beach and steeper clifftop sections.
Do I need to book camps?
Yes. Hike-in camps must be booked in advance with Parks Victoria.
Can I walk pack-free?
Yes — our self-guided packages include luggage transfers and support.
What wildlife might I see?
Koalas, wallabies, kangaroos, echidnas, birdlife — and whales in winter.
Design a walk that fits your time, comfort and pace — then let us handle the logistics.
Start with our most popular options (which we alter if need be to make perfect for you):
Whether you’re dreaming of hiking the full 104 kilometres or exploring just a few breathtaking sections, the Great Ocean Walk offers an unforgettable way to connect with nature and yourself. With over 20 years of local experience, Walk91 is here to make planning easy — so you can simply relax, walk at your own pace, and enjoy Australia’s most spectacular coastal trail.
If you need more detailed information on any aspect of the walk, remember we have an entire library of resources in our Great Ocean Walk Blog archive – from specific tips and wildlife guides to personal stories from past walkers. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
We love sharing our expertise, ensuring visitors have the best experience possible on this magnificent and unforgettable Great Ocean Walk.