5 DAY COMPLETE WALK, SELF-GUIDED
If you are fitter and faster than the average walker then this option is you. You’ll walk the complete 104km track in five days. Walk91 will transport your heavy packs so you only need to carry a small day pack.
Standard and Premium Accommodation Pricing
YOU'LL WALK 104KMS OF THE GREAT OCEAN WALK IN 5 DAYS
Day 1: Apollo Bay to Parker Hill – 26.5km
Day 2: Parker Hill to Castle Cove – 24km
Day 3: Castle Cove to Milanesia Gate – 16km
Day 4: Milanesia Gate to The Gables – 18km
Day 5: The Gables to Twelve Apostles – 19.5km
Before Your Adventure Begins
Walk91 will provide a short, personalised briefing the day before you start your walk. We’ll give you a map, tide chart, walk notes and emergency position-indicating radio beacon (EPIRB). Plus, we’ll answer any questions you have and explain your itinerary and other important information. Remember that we are never far away and you can call us any time!
Day 1 - Apollo Bay to Parker Hill
This morning you’ll collect your freshly packed lunch as you head out of Apollo Bay. The start of the walk commences with a stretch along the coastline offering sweeping views of the Cape Otway region. The track then meanders into the rainforest where you’ll hike past tree ferns and tall eucalypts. After Blanket Bay the vegetation changes to dry coastal forests inhabited by echidnas and king parrots. Walking back towards the ocean you’ll enjoy views over Parker Inlet.
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Standard Accommodation Option
Show MoreThis 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. Admire the grazing horses, lazily wandering in the property’s rolling green paddocks. The cabin is very comfortable with a lounge/dining room area, full en-suite and kitchenette. There is a small shop on the premises selling basic food items. Internet and laundry facilities are available for a small fee.
Self-catered: We transfer your food with your luggage to your accommodation.
Catered: Dinner, continental breakfast and pack lunch for day 2 is included.
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Premium Accommodation Option
Show MoreThis Conservation Centre is a magnificent post and beam, mud brick structure, set within kangaroo meadows. Integrating beautifully with nature and adjoining the Great Otway National Park, the multi award-winning centre offers superb dining and exquisite surroundings in the beautiful setting of the Otways. The centre is certified as an advanced eco-tourism destination and also has a library and nature studies room. The comfortable accommodation which is solar powered has en-suite bedrooms.
Feel free to ask the knowledgeable staff about the flora and fauna and the rehabilitation of local and injured wildlife. If desired, they will take you on a tour of the grounds in the golden light of the evening. The centre’s founders, Lizzie and Shayne, are qualified scientists dedicated to the conservation of biodiversity and ecological systems, recognised by the Banksia Foundation, the UN and the Australian Prime Minister.
Meals: Dinner, continental breakfast and a pack lunch for day 2 are included.
Day 2 - Parker Hill to Castle Cove
Following the track to Victoria’s oldest lighthouse, enjoy the views of the Bass Strait from the cliff tops. You’ll visit the Cape Otway Lightstation. Walk up the 18 metre, 150 year old lightstation for views of the coastline. Learn a little of the lives of the hard-working lighthouse keepers. Visit the telegraph station built in 1859, the World War ll radar station and the Indigenous Cultural Centre.
Setting off today you will pass the old lightstation cemetery. The tombstones reflect the hardships experienced by the early settlers here. The track then meanders on towards the wild and wonderful Station Beach, which is littered with driftwood. Take a small detour to Rainbow Falls, or carry on walking to enjoy sweeping views from the cliff tops. You’ll walk along the Aire Heritage River and over its bridge, towards Castle Cove. This magnificent beach has its own lookout station; a great way to end your days walk!
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Standard Accommodation Option
Show MoreThis 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 kitchen facilities and a fridge available for your use.
Self-catered: We transfer your food with your luggage to your accommodation.
Catered: Dinner, continental breakfast and pack lunch for day 3 are included.
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Premium Accommodation Option
Show MoreThis guest house, a converted historical farmhouse, is in a wonderful location with great views from the stunning veranda. The homestead dates originally from the 1890s, and overlooks the lakes of a river wildlife reserve and the Great Otway National Park.
The owner, who is a wonderful chef, enjoys cooking with her own vegetables, herbs and fruits picked from the garden each evening for dinner. Enjoy a candlelit dinner by the log fire in winter, and in summer, dining is on the veranda overlooking the reserve.
Meals: Dinner, continental breakfast and pack lunch for day 3 are included.
Day 3 - Castle Cove to Milanesia Gate
This section of the walk features rocky escarpments and coastal views. You will pass heath land, wild flowers and grass trees. Be prepared for some beach walking as you drop down onto Johanna Beach. Look out for birds such as the majestic wedge-tailed eagles and white bellied sea eagles. Then you climb upwards alongside a picturesque farmland valley before heading towards Milanesia.
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Standard Accommodation Option
Show MoreThis wonderful accommodation is in a great location close to the Great Otway National Park and offers sweeping views of the bush and the surrounding countryside. Relax in the evening with private views of the valley looking west towards glorious sunsets. Kangaroos graze close to the property in the late afternoons. Your comfortable accommodation is en suite with a living room area and a well-equipped kitchen with tea and coffee making facilities. The accommodation hosts are happy to share their knowledge and love of this magical place with you.
Self-catered: We transfer your food with your luggage to your accommodation.
Catered: Dinner, continental breakfast and pack lunch for day 4 is included.
Day 4 - Milanesia to The Gables
The trail descends onto the rugged shoreline of Milanesia Beach. As the track rises back to the cliff tops you are presented with outstanding views from the coastal forests, high on the sea cliffs. Walk on through the blue gums, ending amongst the heath at the breathtaking Gables Lookout.
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Premium Accommodation Option
Show MoreThis cabin accommodation sits in the heart of the Otway Ranges, surrounded by views of the bush and wide open paddocks. Kangaroos often appear in the evenings at sunset and the area is teeming with birdlife. There is a comfortable seating area where you can unwind and enjoy your evening, as well as a private spa for relaxing those tired muscles! Your friendly hosts will make sure your stay is a memorable one.
Meals: Dinner, continental breakfast and pack lunch for day 5 are included.
Day 5 - The Gables to the 12 Apostles
Your last day will start with a walk through the Sheoak trees, dropping down onto historical Wreck Beach with its old anchors rising out of the sand. 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. At the end of your walk you can celebrate with a photo from the official 12 Apostles viewing platform. We will collect you at 4pm and transfer you back to Apollo Bay (arriving at approx 5:30pm).
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.
- We are happy to cater for any special dietary needs (please let us know when you book).
- It’s important to prepare for your walk. See the FAQ page for some tips!
