Great Ocean Walk 3 Day Hiking The Cape Tour

Catered or Self-Catered

Standard or Upgraded Options

Apollo Bay to Castle Cove

Interested in a Great Ocean Road 3-day tour? This 3-day itinerary along the Great Ocean Walk is known as the ‘Mild Side’ of Victoria’s iconic walking route. This 50km ‘Hike the Cape Walk’ is great for beginners and experienced walkers alike, and it’s the counterpart to the slightly more challenging 12 Apostles Great Ocean Walk 3-Day Tour. Push both of these tours together and you have our complete Great Ocean Walk 6-day Trip.

But back to this Apollo Bay Hike the Cape Walk: you will walk pack-free, whilst enjoying the historical Cape Otway Lighthouse, well-marked tracks & amazing views. Check out all the details below for this 3 day itinerary on the Great Ocean Road, and please contact us if you have any questions whatsoever, or check out our Custom Great Ocean Walk Tour Packages if you’d like us to create a completely personalised experience for you. Otherwise, consider our range of pre-designed Great Ocean Walk Tours!

Great Ocean Walk 3 Day Hiking The Cape Tour

Catered or Self-Catered

Standard or Upgraded Options

Apollo Bay to Castle Cove

This 50km, 3-day, ‘Hike the Cape’ Walk, known as the ‘Mild Side’ of Victoria’s iconic walking route, is great for beginners and experienced walkers alike. Walking pack-free along well-marked tracks, this walk is the counterpart to the more challenging 12 Apostles Great Ocean Walk 3 Day Tour. Push both of these tours together and you can complete our Great Ocean Walk 6 day Trip. Or consider a pre-designed Great Ocean Walk Tour!

Why Choose This 3-day Great Ocean Walk?

Discover the wildlife of the Cape!

Well marked tracks. No technical expertise required.

Cozy accommodation & friendly hosts.

Locally prepared, healthy catered options.

Click The Tabs To Find Out More Information

Standard and Upgrade Accommodation Pricing

Standard and Upgrade Accommodation Pricing

From $1098 per person based on double occupancy

Groups: Please get in touch and let us know your preferred sleeping arrangements and we will advise the best options available for you.

Solo walkers & Groups: Just let us know your preferred sleeping arrangements and we will advise the best options available for you.

Meals included: 2 breakfasts, 3 pack lunches, 2 dinners
Accommodation: 2 nights. Queen cabin with private bathroom and kitchenette. Please contact us for twin share options.
Rating: Comparable to 3.5 star
Tour code: 3.1

Note: These prices do not include Christmas, Easter, Public holidays and Victorian School holidays. Please enquire for a price & availability for these times. Please note we do not operate on Christmas Day

From $898 per person based on double occupancy

Groups: Please get in touch and let us know your preferred sleeping arrangements and we will advise the best options available for you.

Meals included: None
Accommodation: 2 nights. Queen cabin with private bathroom and kitchenette. Please contact us for twin share options.
Rating: Comparable to 3.5 star
Tour code: 3.1

Note: These prices do not include Christmas, Easter, Public holidays and Victorian School holidays. Please enquire for a price & availability for these times. Please note we do not operate on Christmas Day

Tell us what your perfect walk looks like!

Our standard option offers comfortable accommodation in great locations. But if you are looking for accommodation of a slightly higher standard, or just something a little bit different to what we have advertised we can custom make a walk especially for you. Please contact us for a chat, book a call or email us if you would prefer, and we will provide you with some options which we hope will suit you perfectly!

We have included a mixture of photographs in the upgrade sections on this page to give you an idea of the different accommodations available. And if you would like to experience accommodation at the Cape Otway Lighthouse, please let us know.

Example of an alternative option:

Meals included: 2 breakfasts, 3 pack lunches, 2 dinners (or self-catered).
Accommodation: Private cabin/ lodge (queen or twin beds available). Two bedrooms or four bedrooms. Price differs depending on how many bedrooms/bathrooms you require. We will happily have a chat with you to discuss which option will suit you best.
Rating: Comparable to 4 star
Groups: Always welcome. We can fit 11 passengers in our vehicles, but we have several buses so please let us know how many walkers are interested in joining you and your preferred sleeping arrangements.

Included:

  • Private walk briefing (we discuss our safety contact TEXT system & the walk’s decision points)
  • 2 nights’ Accommodation
  • Return to Apollo Bay on Day 3
  • Daily transport
  • Bag transfer
  • Great Ocean Walk map
  • Walk notes and history notes
  • A complimentary Cape Otway Lighthouse ticket to use as you walk past the Lighthouse (please note that we cannot guarantee opening hours as they are changeable)
  • Use of an Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB)
  • Use of a mobile phone & walking poles / sticks if needed.

Not included:

  • Snacks
  • Alcohol

You’ll Complete 50KMS of The Great Ocean Walk in 3 Days

Day 1: Apollo Bay to Blanket Bay – 22km* or 13.5km
Day 2:
Blanket Bay to Cape Otway – 10.5km
Day 3: Cape Otway to Castle Cove – 17.5km* or 11km

* If you are unsure if these walking distances are too long for you, no worries – we are here to help! We will happily chat to you about which distances will suit you best before you walk, or we can even change the meeting points once you start walking if you are finding the walk too challenging. We are here to find the perfect walk for you!

Before Your Adventure Begins

Walk91 look forward to welcoming you on arrival with your own personal walk briefing. We will hand you a map, tide chart, walk notes, EPIRB (emergency position-indicating radio beacon) & a phone or poles, if needed.

We will also explain in detail the Great Ocean Walk decision points as well as our daily ‘texting’ system. Our goal is to keep your waiting times for car transfers at a minimum, no matter how slow or fast you choose to walk.

As locals, with a team on the ground to support you, you will start your exciting journey with Walk91 feeling relaxed, confident & safe in the knowledge that we are never far away if you need us.

Day 1 – Apollo Bay Hike to Blanket Bay

Welcome to the start of your Great Ocean Walk journey in the beautiful township of Apollo Bay. Mark the occasion by taking a photo at the Great Ocean Walk trailhead (next to the Information Centre) before collecting your yummy pack lunch from the Apollo Bay Bakery and heading out of Apollo Bay. The start of the walk commences along the coastline offering sweeping views of the Cape Otway region to Shelly Beach cove.

After you leave Shelly Beach and head onto the Elliott River Track, the trail meanders into the cool rainforest of the Great Otway National Park. You will enjoy watching the vegetation change as you pass lush tree ferns and tall eucalypts found in the wet gullies. Think back to the hoards of loggers who set up camp here in the 1800s as you walk through tall forests and along old forestry tracks. Spot black wallabies and kangaroos (and occasionally deer!) who enjoy the seclusion of this now quiet and deserted area. It is wonderful to see the clear blue sea visible between the trees as you reach the top of the Telegraph Track, before slowly winding down the trail onto beautiful Blanket Bay.

Discover how this beautiful secluded beach was once used by settlers to transport provisions to the Cape Otway Lighthouse, and explore the remains of the old cottage nestled in the dunes which has fuelled local tales of hidden treasure!

Distance: 22 or 13.5 kilometres

Parks Vics Grading: Medium / Hard

Approximate Duration: 22 kms – 8 hours | 13.5kms – 5 hours

Standard Accommodation Option

This accommodation is located in the Otway National Park. It is set within a magnificent forest of tall manna gums, housing koalas and a multitude of birds. The cabin is very comfortable with a lounge/dining room area, full en-suite and kitchenette. Internet and laundry facilities are available for a small fee. There is a shop on the premises selling basic food items.

Catered option: A packed lunch & dinner is included.
Self-catered: We transfer your food with your luggage to your accommodation
Alcohol: Not included for the duration of your walk. Please purchase in advance and leave it with your luggage. We will transfer it to the accommodation for you. There are no shops on the walking trail.

Upgrade Accommodation Options

Depending on the number of walkers in your party you may stay in lodges or cabins most suited to your needs, and we are happy to discuss these options and prices with you in detail. These options are superior to our standard options and are close to the Great Ocean Walk trail.

The cottages/ lodges photographed are private to you or your group and offer options for different sleeping arrangements. Please let us know what would suit you best and we will prepare a personal proposal for you.

The food is wonderful, made from fresh produce by a local chef.

Catered option: A packed lunch & dinner is included.
Alcohol: Not included for the duration of your walk. Please purchase in advance and leave it with your luggage. We will transfer it to the accommodation for you. There are no shops on the walking trail.


Day 2 – Blanket Bay to Cape Otway

As you set off today along boardwalks you will enjoy wonderful views as you gently wind up to Point Lewis Lookout. The trail moves on past several creek foot bridges before slowly descending to Parker River. You might have to remove your shoes as there is no footbridge here, but this gives you a chance to stop and marvel at the wild ocean beating the rocks just outside the inlet. If you are very lucky, you might even see the remains of the ‘Eric the Red’ shipwreck rising tantalisingly out of the sand.

Walking on, the vegetation slowly changes to dry coastal forests inhabited by echidnas and king parrots. Remember to look up, as this is a popular spot for local koalas to rest in the manna gums. Enjoy fabulous views of the Bass Strait as you walk above Crayfish Bay, and enjoy your first glimpse of the Cape Otway Lighthouse from the sweeping staircase at Point Franklin.

Today, if opening hours allow, you may use our complimentary tickets to visit the Cape Otway Lighthouse where you may walk up the 18 metre, 150 year old lightstation tower and learn about the lives of the hard-working, isolated and incredibly resourceful lighthouse keepers. If you still have the energy, you may also like to visit the telegraph station built in 1859 and the World War ll radar station.

Distance: 10.5 kilometres

Parks Vics Grading: Medium / Easy

Approximate Duration: 4 hours

Note: There is a short walk into your accommodation and you will also be walking around the Lighthouse precinct at your leisure.

Standard Accommodation Option

Accommodation is the same as night one.

Catered option: Self-serve continental breakfast, pack lunch and dinner.

 

Upgrade Accommodation Option

Accommodation is the same as night one.

Catered option: Self-serve continental breakfast, pack lunch and dinner.


Day 3 – Cape Otway to Castle Cove

Setting off today you will pass the old lightstation cemetery. The tombstones reflect the hardships experienced by the early settlers and make for somber reading. The track then meanders on towards the wild and wonderful Station Beach, which is littered with driftwood. If you have the energy, and the swell and tide allows, you may take a small detour to Rainbow Falls, or simply carry on walking to enjoy sweeping views from the cliff tops. You’ll slowly make your way towards the heritage listed Aire River (a great spot for a picnic). This stunning river is so peaceful it is teaming with wildlife, but sadly it has a dark history. Tragically this spot was the location of a massacre of the Traditional Owners of the land, the Gadubanud, following a conflict at Blanket Bay with the new settlers.

After a welcome break at this picturesque spot, you will walk on over the bridge towards Castle Cove beach.This magnificent long sandy beach has its own lookout platform and is a great vantage point to stop and watch locals braving the large surf of the wild Southern Ocean. What a fun way to end your Great Ocean Walk! But don’t fret! Remember you can come back and finish the walk at a later date by experiencing our 12 Apostles Walk.

Catered option: Please note that a self-serve breakfast and pack lunch is included on your last day. (No evening meal is included).

Accommodation: No further accommodation is included. However, please let us know if you would like us to book accommodation for you in Apollo Bay (for an additional cost) the evening before your walk commences, or for the evening your walk concludes.

This walk commences at approx 7.30AM on Day 1, and you can expect to be back in Apollo Bay on your last day (Day 3) at approx 4.30PM.

 

Distance: 17.5 or 11 kilometres

Parks Vics Grading: Medium

Approximate duration: 17.5 kms – 6 hours | 11kms – 4 hours


Good To Know

We can lend you walking poles if you would like them.

We can lend you a mobile phone if you are visiting from overseas.

Transfers to and from your start and finish points are included where required.

Detailed transportation options to and from Apollo Bay are available on the FAQ page.

Click here if you have any special dietary needs.

If you need advice on how to get to Apollo Bay using public transport, please see our FAQ or ask us for our advice!

If this walk is still too long for you, please email, call us for a chat on (+61 3 5237 1189) or BOOK A CALL and let us know how many kms you would feel more comfortable walking. We will happily take the time to find the perfect walk for you and come up with an alternative!

Trail Talk


Take A Look At Our Other Great Ocean Walks