We thoroughly enjoyed our experience and the work that Walk 91 did to plan and arrange this adventure for us. There were absolutely no worries for us as everything was arranged. The safety talk before we started was helpful, particularly the tide charts and the discussion on the decision points along the route. We also made good use of the walking poles.
Why Choose This Walk?
Experience the walk at a slow & steady pace!
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
- Great Ocean Walk Overview
- Great Ocean Walk Itinerary
- Good To Know
Standard and Upgrade Accommodation Pricing
Standard and Upgrade Accommodation Pricing
From AU$4,595 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: 9 breakfasts, 9 pack lunches, 8 dinners
Accommodation: 9 nights. Queen room with private bathroom. Please contact us for twin share options.
Rating: Comparable to 3.5 star
Tour code: 10
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.
Please enquire for a price.
To offer a self-catered walk, we would need to offer slightly different accommodation options which include kitchen facilities. Please enquire for a price.
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: 9 nights. Queen room with private bathroom. 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, (for example, a stay at the Cape Otway Lighthouse) we can custom make a walk especially for you. Please contact us for a chat, 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.
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: 9 breakfasts, 9 pack lunches, 8 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.
Included:
- Private walk briefing (we discuss our safety contact TEXT system & the walk’s decision points)
- 9 nights’ accommodation
- Return to Apollo Bay on Day 10
- Daily transport
- Bag transfers
- Great Ocean Walk map
- Walk notes & 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 WALK 100KMS OF THE GREAT OCEAN WALK IN 10 DAYS
Day 1: Apollo Bay to Shelly Beach – 8.5km
Day 2: Shelly Beach to Blanket Bay – 13.5km
Day 3: Blanket Bay to Cape Otway – 13 to 15km
Day 4: Cape Otway to Aire River – 11km
Day 5: Aire River to Castle Cove – 6.5km
Day 6: Castle Cove to Johanna – 8km
Day 7: Milanesia Gate to Moonlight – 12km
Day 8: Moonlight to Wreck– 7.5km
Day 9: Wreck to Princetown – 12.5km
Day 10: Princetown to the Twelve Apostles – 6km
*Please note that all km’s are approximate. We have added a couple of KMS to day 3 as you walk into your accommodation at your own pace, but you may also wish to stroll around the Cape Otway Lighthouse too (if open when you pass by).
**We have also omitted the dirt road / management section and hill section between Johanna and Milanesia Gate so that you may save your energy for the absolute best bits of this spectacular Great Ocean Walk! But if you would like us to add this 8km section of the trail back into your itinerary to make this an 11 Day Walk, please let us know.
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 add rest days. Or, we can just remove the walking days you would prefer to miss out if you think this walk looks 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 – Apollo Bay to Shelly Beach
We transfer you to Shelly Beach at 2pm and you walk back into your accommodation in Apollo Bay. This is a nice easy to medium trek to start off your Great Ocean Walk and sets the standard for the rest of your fabulous journey. The walk follows the magnificent coastline with sweeping views of the Great Otway National Park and the Cape Otway region.
The reason we ask you to walk back into town from Shelly Beach is because there is no phone reception at Shelly car park, so this option works much better as there are no ‘shuttle’ waiting times involved at the end of your walk. You just walk back into your accommodation at your own pace.
Distance: 8.5 kilometres
Parks Vics Grading: Easy / Medium
Approximate Duration: 2 to 3 hours
Standard Accommodation Option
Accommodation for this first night is in a nice motel in Apollo Bay, close to shops and restaurants and a short walk from the V-line bus stop if you are arriving by public transport.
Meals: No evening meal is included in Apollo Bay. There are several restaurants & pubs in town for you to buy dinner and there are two supermarkets. Walk91 will provide you with a ‘locals favourite’ food guide.
Upgrade Accommodation Options
Same as above.
Day 2 – Shelly Beach to Blanket Bay
As you leave Shelly Beach and head onto the Elliot 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 eucalyptus 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: 13.5 kilometres
Parks Vics Grading: Medium
Approximate Duration: 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. 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.
Catered option: Breakfast, 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 Accomodation 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.
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. Please let us know what would suit you best and we will prepare a personal proposal for you.
Catered option: Breakfast, 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.
Day 3 – 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: 13 kilometres plus approx 1.5km around Lighthouse (optional)
Parks Vics Grading: Easy / Medium
Approximate duration: 5 hours
Standard Accommodation Option
Accommodation is the same as night two.
Catered option: Self-serve continental breakfast, pack lunch and dinner.
Upgrade Accomodation Options
Accommodation is the same as night two.
Catered option: Self-serve continental breakfast, pack lunch and dinner.
Day 4 – Cape Otway to Aire River
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.
Distance: 11 kilometres
Parks Vics Grading: Easy / Medium
Approximate duration: 4.5 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 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.
Self-catered: We transfer you back to the accommodation of the previous evening as there are no cooking facilities.
Catered: Catered option: Self serve continental breakfast, pack lunch and dinner
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: Self serve continental breakfast, pack lunch and dinner
Day 5 – Aire River to Castle Cove
Today you will walk on over the Aire River bridge towards Castle Cove beach. As the path rises upwards make sure you stop and admire the view back over the estuary and up along the beautiful sweeping Aire Valley. Pause at Sentinel Rock and Eagle Nest Rock and admire the sweeping views of the Great Southern Ocean. Slowly your walk will take you down to Castle Cove. 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.
Distance: 6.5 kilometres
Parks Vics Grading: Easy / Medium
Approximate duration: 3 hours
Standard Accommodation Option
Accommodation same as night 4.
Self-catered: We transfer you back to the accommodation of the previous evening as there are no cooking facilities.
Upgrade Accomodation Options
Accommodation same as night 4.
Catered option: Self serve continental breakfast, pack lunch and dinner
Day 6 – Castle Cove to Johanna
As you start your walk from 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.
Distance: 7.5 kilometres
Parks Vics Grading: Easy / Medium
Approximate Duration: 3.5 hours
Standard Accommodation Option
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.
Catered option: Self serve continental breakfast, pack lunch and dinner
Upgrade Accomodation 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: Self serve continental breakfast, pack lunch and dinner
Gallery
Day 7 – Milanesia Gate to Moonlight
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.
Distance: 12 kilometres
Parks Vics Grading: Easy / Medium
Approximate Duration: 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 8 – Moonlight to Wreck
From wild and wonderful Moonlight Head, the track winds along boardwalks and pathways 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, visiting the breathtaking Gables Lookout. Stop to admire some of the highest cliff views in mainland Australia before ending your walk at Wreck Beach.
Distance: 8 kilometres
Parks Vics Grading: Easy / Medium
Approximate Duration: 3.5 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 9 – Wreck to Princetown
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 (tide permitting). 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 rest near the waters edge.
Distance: 12.5 kilometres
Parks Vics Grading: Easy / Medium
Approximate Duration: 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 10 – Princetown to the Twelve Apostles
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 photos from the official 12 Apostles viewing platform. This is a truly memorable walk and an experience you will never forget!
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 12PM on Day 1, and you can expect to be back in Apollo Bay on your last day at approx 3PM – 4:30PM depending on the start time of your last day which we can discuss with you.
Alternatively, for an additional cost, we can arrange transport to Port Campbell if you would prefer. Please refer to our FAQs for more details.
Distance: 6 kilometres
Parks Vics Grading: Easy / Medium
Approximate Duration: 2.5 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.
Please note that this particular walk is for fit and fast walkers only, and if it is clear that you will not be able to be at the end point each day by approx 5 pm, we will ask you to shorten your days walk for your safety.
If this particular walk is too long 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
We were really impressed with how well organised everything was and how smoothly things came together. And it was a great comfort to know that if anything went wrong or we’d just had enough, we could call for help or an earlier pick up. We loved it and feel a real sense of achievement that we did it.
