6 Day Complete Walk 104 kms, Self-Guided
Spend 6 wonderful days exploring the 104km Great Ocean Walk trail from Apollo Bay, to the magnificent 12 Apostles. Walk pack-free, hiking at your own pace, staying in comfortable accommodation. This walk not only offers spectacular views at every turn; from bushland to rainforest and rolling hills to pristine sandy beaches, but also the chance to spot incredible wildlife.
Day 1: Apollo Bay to Blanket Bay – 22km
Day 2: Blanket Bay to Cape Otway – 11km
Day 3: Cape Otway to Castle Cove – 17.5km
Day 4: Castle Cove to Milanesia Gate – 16km
Day 5: Milanesia Gate to The Gables – 18km
Day 6: The Gables to Twelve Apostles – 19.5km
Walk91 look forward to welcoming you on arrival with your own personal walk briefing. We will hand you a map, tide chart, walk notes, emergency position-indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) & phone, if needed. You will start your journey with our Walk91 team feeling relaxed, confident & safe in the knowledge that we are never far away and you can call us at any time!
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 of the Great Otway National Park. Hike past tree ferns and tall eucalypts found in the wet gullies, through tall forests and along old forestry tracks. Spot black wallabies who inhabit this area, before winding down the trail onto beautiful Blanket Bay.
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Standard Accommodation OptionShow More
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. 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 are included.
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This 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 pack lunch for day 2 are included.
As you set off today you will enjoy wonderful views over Parker Inlet. The vegetation changes to dry coastal forests inhabited by echidnas and king parrots. Following the track to Victoria’s oldest lighthouse, enjoy the breathtaking views of the Bass Strait from the cliff tops. Remember to look up into the manna gums, as they are home to the local koalas.
Today you visit the Cape Otway Lighthouse where you can walk up the 18 metre, 150 year old lightstation, and learn a little of the lives of the hard-working, isolated and incredibly resourceful lighthouse keepers. 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 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 OptionShow More
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 cozy 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, a microwave and a fridge available for your use.
Self-catered: We transfer you back to the accommodation of the previous evening as there are no cooking facilities.
Catered: Dinner, continental breakfast and pack lunch for day 4 are included.
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This 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 4 are included.
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 Accommodations OptionShow More
This 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 a pack lunch for day 5 is included.
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 OptionShow More
This wonderful lodge offers private luxury accommodation close to the Great Ocean Walk.
Enjoy stunning ocean views from the master bedroom of your lodge, wake up to the sight of kangaroos feeding just outside your bedroom 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, the signature sky windows offer a spectacular vision of the Milky Way; the celestial beauty is pristine as there is no ambient city light at the lodge.
The lodge is private to you or your group and has four bedrooms, the Master with an en-suite and three others that share a bathroom.
Each of these rooms has a king-sized bed that can be split into two king singles.
The owners ensure your wonderful evening meal is cooked to perfection and waiting for you in a slow cooker in your private kitchen. All you have to do is plate up and enjoy a beautiful home-cooked gourmet meal.Meals: Dinner, continental breakfast and pack lunch for day 6 are included.
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).
- 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!
- If this particular walk is too long or too short for you, please refer to our other multi-day walking options or call us for a chat on (+61 3 5237 1189)
