Great Ocean Walk 4 Day Wild Hike

Catered or Self-Catered

Standard or Upgraded Options

Cape Otway to the Twelve Apostles

Walk 71.5kms of the ‘Wild Side’ of the track on this 4 Day Great Ocean Walk Tour. Explore the tougher stretch of this incredible walking trail without having to carry your pack (we transport it to each accommodation) and without having to find and book accommodation (we do this for you).

This is the perfect choice if you don’t have time to complete the whole Great Ocean Walk as you will still see most of it while staying in comfortable accommodation at the end of each day’s trek. Planning a Great Ocean Road trip over 4 days? Try this Great Ocean WALK instead!

This is a 4-day Great Ocean Walk itinerary with loads to offer, but you’re looking for the complete experience, check out our 6-day Great Ocean Walk or if you are super fit challenge yourself to doing the whole walk in 4 Days! Browse our entire range of pre-designed Great Ocean Walk tours and check out our Custom Great Ocean Walk tours if you’d prefer a personalised experience made just for you.

Read the details below to find out all of the features and what you can expect each day on this 4-day tour. Explore the shipwreck coast, stopping to take in the sights along the way, and end your adventure at the spectacular 12 Apostles! If you have any follow-up questions before booking, please get in touch.

Great Ocean Walk 4 Day Wild Hike

Catered or Self-Catered

Standard or Upgraded Options

Cape Otway to the Twelve Apostles

Explore the Shipwreck Coast on this 71.5kms, 4-day ‘Wild Side’ walking tour. You walk pack-free whilst we transport your gear to your accommodation. This is a perfect choice if you are short on time, but if you are extremely fit and looking for a challenge, try our 104km 4 Day Whole tour! However, our 6-day Great Ocean Walk or a Custom Great Ocean Walk tour might just suit you better if you have time and love walking at a leisurely pace.

Why Choose This Walk?

End your walk at the iconic 12 Apostles.

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 AU$2,165 per person based on double occupancy.
We can ‘mix & match’ accommodation options, creating a walk which will suit you perfectly, so please just get in touch.

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

Meals included: 3 breakfasts, 4 pack lunches, 3 dinners
Accommodation: 3 nights. Queen cabin with private bathroom and kitchenette. Please contact us for twin share options.
Rating: Comparable to 3.5 to 4 star
Tour code: 4.1

Peak Prices: 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 AU$1,865 per person based on double occupancy.
We can ‘mix & match’ accommodation options, creating a walk which will suit you perfectly, so please just get in touch.

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

Meals included: None

Accommodation: 3 nights. Queen cabin with private bathroom and kitchenette. Please contact us for twin share options.
Rating: Comparable to 3.5 to 4 star
Tour code: 4.1
Groups: Please contact us if you have more than 6 walkers and we will happily discuss accommodation options that are better suited to larger groups.

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 in 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 accommodation available.

Example of an alternative option:

Meals included: 3 breakfasts, 4 pack lunches, 3 dinners (or enquire for a self catered option).

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)
  • 3 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 71.5KMS OF THE GREAT OCEAN WALK ITINERARY IN 4 DAYS

Day 1: Cape Otway to Castle Cove – 17.5km * or 11km
Day 2: Castle Cove to Milanesia Gate – 16km* or 13km
Day 3: Milanesia Gate to The Gables – 18.5km* or 12km
Day 4: The Gables to Twelve Apostles – 19.5km* or 13.5km

* 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 help 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 – Cape Otway to Castle Cove

Start your walking adventure from the front of the historical Cape Otway Lighthouse. 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 tower and learn about the lives of the hard-working, isolated and incredibly resourceful lighthouse keepers. You may also like to visit the telegraph station built in 1859 and the World War ll radar station.

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 walk along 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 Day 1 of your Great Ocean Walk!

Distance: 17.5 or 11 kilometres

Parks Vics Grading: Medium

Approximate Duration: 17.5 kms – 6.5 hours | 11kms – 4 hours

Standard Accommodation Option

This is a great location to stay on the Great Ocean Walk, being positioned just a short distance from the track and beach. You walk into your cosy accommodation in the afternoon, and out again the following morning. If you still have the energy, after a relaxing dinner, walk back down to the beach to enjoy a wonderful evening sunset! Each room has a private bathroom and if you are self-catering there are tea and coffee facilities, microwave and a fridge available for your use.

Catered option: A packed lunch & dinner is included.Self-catered: We transfer your food with your luggage to alternative accommodation where there are kitchen facilities.
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 all offer a touch of luxury in accommodation close to the Great Ocean Walk.

Enjoy stunning ocean views, waking up to the sight of kangaroos feeding just outside your window, and appreciate the abundance of native birdlife, from bold laughing Kookaburras and Petit Blue Wrens to Sulphur Crested Cockatoos and cheeky Magpies. On a clear night enjoy amazing views of the Milky Way; the celestial beauty is pristine as there is no ambient city light here.

The cottages/ lodges photographed are private to you or your group and offer options for different sleeping arrangements. For example, two bedrooms with one bathroom, or four bedrooms, two bathrooms, queen beds or split kings. Let us know what would suit you best and we will prepare a personal proposal for you.

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 – Castle Cove to Milanesia Gate

Leaving Castle Cove, be prepared for walking on sand as you drop down onto the wild and wonderful Johanna Beach. This beach has been used as an alternative in the past for professional surfing competitions when surf conditions at the famous Bells Beach in Torquay were not big enough. Needless to say – don’t try and go for a swim here! Look out for majestic wedge-tailed eagles and white bellied sea eagles and remember to stop at the lookout platforms for unbelievable views.

After leaving Johanna Beach behind you, you climb upwards alongside picturesque farmland and winding valleys before heading towards Milanesia. As you climb upwards, look out for kangaroos grazing in the sun and you may even spot the Otway Panther! (There is an ongoing debate in Apollo Bay as to whether this panther truly exists, which we will happily chat to you about when you arrive if your interest is piqued!) After passing ‘3 ways’ , (you may stop walking here if you wish) head on down to Milanesia Gate where we will pick you up and whizz you off to your comfortable accommodation.

Distance: 16 or 13 kilometres

Parks Vics Grading: Medium

Approximate Duration: 16 kms – 6 hours | 13kms – 5 hours

Standard Accommodation Option

Accommodation as above.

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

Upgrade Accomodation Options

Accommodation as above.

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


Day 3 – Milanesia to The Gables

The trail starts by descending onto the rugged shoreline of Milanesia Beach. Stop and marvel at the stunning rock formations and think of Charles Joseph La Trobe who was ordered by his superintendent in 1846 to find a route from here to Cape Otway through this rugged landscape!

As the track rises back to the cliff tops you are presented with outstanding views from the coastal forests, high on the sea cliffs. Take the time to look back at how far you have walked so far, and rest at Ryans Den campground. But, before you leave, be sure to check out some of the campsite locations for some amazing views.

Walking on you will pass the ‘Lost Apostle’ – a rather phallic rock formation standing suprisingly all alone. From Moonlight Head the track winds along boardwalks and tracks lined with fern trees. As this is quite a sheltered area, you will likely see more wildlife here than before with wallabies, kangaroos and echidnas rustling in the bushes. Walk on through the blue gums, ending amongst the heath at the breathtaking Gables Lookout.

Distance: 18.5 or 12 kilometres

Parks Vics Grading: Medium / Hard

Approximate duration: 18.5 kms – 7 hours | 12kms – 4 hours


Standard Accommodation Option

Accommodation as above.

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

Upgrade Accomodation Options

Accommodation as above.

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


Day 4 – The Gables to the 12 Apostles

You will now be transported back in time to discover the shipwreck history of this unforgiving and rugged section of coast. Your last day will start with a walk through the Sheoak trees, dropping down onto Wreck Beach. Marvel at the old anchors rising out of the sand from the lost shipwrecks of the ‘Figi’ and the ‘Marie Gabrielle’ and stop and think of the many lives lost at sea. Hike on towards the Gellibrand estuary and as the track climbs up to the last section of the walk you will see the iconic 12 Apostles in the distance. This is an exciting and memorable part of your walk as you slowly watch the 12 Apostles grow larger and more impressive as the end of your walk approaches. The vegetation starts to change into scrub, wedged deeply in the rocky limestone, and if the tide permits you can walk down ‘Gibsons Steps’ to enjoy amazing sea-level views of the 12 Apostles. At the end of your walk you will enjoy celebrating your great achievement, taking memorable photos from the official 12 Apostles viewing platform

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 8.30AM on Day 1, and you can expect to be back in Apollo Bay on your last day (Day 4) at approx 4.30PM, depending on your walking pace.

Alternatively, we can arrange additional transport to transfer you to Port Campbell. Please refer to our FAQ for more details.

Distance: 19.5 or 13.5 kilometres

Parks Vics Grading: Medium

Approximate duration: 19.5 kms – 7.5 hours | 13.5kms – 5 hours

Good To Know

You may extend your walk to include a night’s stay in Port Campbell. Please ask us for a quote. More details are available on the FAQ page.

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.

This 4 Day walk from Cape Otway is perfect for walkers short on time, but if you are really fit and would like to experience the whole trail in 4 days please call us for a chat.

If this particular walk is too short for you, please refer to our other multi-day walking options such as our 6 day or 7 day walk, or call us for a chat on +61 3 5237 1189 or BOOK A CALL. We will happily take the time to find the perfect walk for you!

Trail Talk


Take A Look At Our Other Great Ocean Walks