The Complete Great Ocean Walk in 4 Days & Accommodation

0
  • Catered or Self-Catered
  • Standard or Upgraded Options
  • Apollo Bay to the 12 Apostles

from
AUD $2,045

Self-Guided Whole Great Ocean Walk in 4 Days

Have you read about Australia’s famous Great Ocean Road and decided you’d like to experience the magic of this coastal scenery with a Great Ocean Road walking tour? Well, you’re in the right place. Trek the entire 104 km of the Great Ocean Walk in 4 days with a little help from Walk 91, as we transfer your pack to your accommodation each night, allowing you to enjoy the walk pack free! Not having to carry all your luggage is a novelty that never gets old! We also source great accommodation for the end of each day, letting you catch your breath in comfort with no hassle.

It’s worth saying that it is a real challenge to do a 4-day self-guided tour of the entire Great Ocean Walk, so this tour is really only for the very fit people out there. (Some adventurers have even set themselves the challenge of running the whole trail!) If you’d love to do the walk at a more leisurely pace then you can opt for our 4 Day Walk covering fewer kilometers, or if time is not a problem our 6-day Great Ocean Walk Tour. If you’d like something unique, we can create a Custom Great Ocean Walk Tour just for you.

Completing the Great Ocean Walk in just four days is quite challenging. To make the experience easier, consider choosing Walk 91 — we will manage your accommodations and carry your heavy luggage. We also offer assistance along the way if you need it. You will admire pristine beaches, the tall trees of the Otways, magnificent cliff views, and the spectacular 12 Apostles. Read below for more details and highlights. And please get in touch if you need any more information.

Experience the Highlights of the Famous Great Ocean Road in 4 Days!

Price Includes

  • Private walk briefing(we discuss our safety contact TEXT system & the walk’s decision points)
  • 3 nights’ Accommodation
  • Return to Apollo Bay on Day 4
  • Daily transport
  • Bag transfer
  • Great Ocean Walk map
  • Walk notes and history notes
  • Use of a Personal Locator Beacon(PLB)
  • Use of a mobile phone & walking poles / sticks if needed.
  • 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)

Price Excludes

  • Snacks
  • Alcohol
  • Beverages (other than tea/coffee)
  • Guide(tracks are easy to navigate)

Why Choose This Walk?

  • Walk or run! Set yourself a big challenge!
  • Well marked tracks. No technical expertise needed!
  • Cozy accommodation & friendly hosts.
  • Locally prepared, healthy catered options.
  • Your safety and security are paramount

You’ll Complete 104KMS of The Great Ocean Walk in 4 Days

Day 1: Apollo Bay to Parker Hill – 27km* or 22km
Day 2: Parker Hill to Johanna Beach – 31km* or 22.5km
Day 3: Johanna Beach to The Gables – 26km* or 19.5km
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!

  • 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 safety reasons.
  • If these walking legs are 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!

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, a personal locator beacon (PLB) & 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.

Standard and Upgrade Accommodation Pricing

Catered
Upgraded options

Catered: From AU$2045 per person based on double occupancy.
Self catered: Please enquire for a price.

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.

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!

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.

Special dietary requests:

We can offer Vegetarian and Vegan options, and meals using Gluten Free ingredients. However please be aware that traces of gluten, dairy, nuts, and shellfish may be present in all foods due to possible cross-contamination. Consequently, we are unable to cater for guests with severe allergies like anaphylaxis or those with celiac disease. If you have any other dietary requests, kindly contact us before booking so we may confirm if your needs can be catered for.

Alternatively, please enquire for details of our self-catered walking options.

Great Ocean Walk Itinerary

Day 1 – Apollo Bay to Parker Hill

The start of the walk commences along the coastline offering sweeping views of the Cape Otway region and the Great Southern Ocean. Stop and relax at picturesque Shelly Beach, before heading onto the Elliot River Track. 

From here 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 European settlers once used this secluded beach to transport provisions to the Cape Otway Lighthouse, and pause to explore the remains of the old cottage nestled in the dunes which has fuelled local tales of hidden treasure!

After exploring Blanket Bay you will set off along boardwalks enjoying 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.

Distance: 27 kilometres

Parks Vics Grading: Medium

Approximate Duration: 27 kms – 7 hours | 22kms – 5 hours

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.


Standard Accommodation Option

This wonderful private ensuite accommodation is in a great location, close to the Great Otway National Park. After a long day’s walk, kick back and relax in the living room, or enjoy tea or coffee prepared in the well-equipped kitchen area.

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 offer a touch of luxury in accommodation close to the Great Ocean Walk.

 

Day 2 – Parker Hill to Johanna Beach

Today the vegetation slowly changes to dry coastal forests inhabited by echidnas and king parrots. 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.

(Please note; if opening hours allow, you may use our complimentary tickets to visit the Cape Otway Lighthouse, but this may not be possible due to the early start this walk usually requires).

Passing the Lightstation, you will have a chance to visit the old Lightstation cemetery. The tombstones reflect the hardships experienced by the early settlers and make for some sombre reading. 

The track then meanders towards the wild and wonderful Station Beach, littered with driftwood swept in by the impressively large surf. If you have the energy, and the swell and tide allow, you may take a small detour to Rainbow Falls, or simply use the high tide route to enjoy sweeping views of the Great Southern Ocean from the cliff tops. 

Taking in your wonderful surroundings, you’ll slowly follow the trail towards the heritage-listed Aire River (a great spot for a picnic). This stunning yet peaceful river is teaming with wildlife and is home to a multitude of birds, including swans, ducks, egrets, swamphens and the endangered hooded plover. Remember to also look out for koalas sleeping in the gum trees; they love this peaceful location!

After a welcome break at this picturesque spot, the Great Ocean Walk trail winds past coastal scrub and heathland, lined with wildflowers and grass trees. Eventually, you will arrive at Castle Cove beach. This long and magnificent stretch of sand has its own lookout platform. 

Leaving Castle Cove, be prepared for sand walking and navigating a river crossing as you drop down onto the magnificent Johanna Beach. This beach has been used in the past as an alternative for the high profile Rip Curl pro surfing competition when waves 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 pause at the lookout platforms for unbelievable views.

Distance: 31 or 22.5 kilometres

Parks Vics Grading: Medium

Approximate Duration: 31 kms – 8 hours | 22.5kms – 6 hours

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


Standard Accommodation Option

This wonderful private ensuite accommodation is in a great location, close to the Great Otway National Park. After a long day’s walk, kick back and relax in the living room, or enjoy tea or coffee prepared in the well-equipped kitchen area.

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 offer a touch of luxury in accommodation close to the Great Ocean Walk.

 

Day 3 – Johanna Beach to The Gables

After leaving Johanna Beach behind, you climb 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 on whether this panther truly exists, which we will happily chat about when you arrive if your interest is piqued!) After passing ‘3 ways’ and Milanesia gate, 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 already walked, 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 surprisingly 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: 26 or 19.5 kilometres

Parks Vics Grading: Medium / Hard

Approximate duration: 26 kms – 6.5 hours | 19.5kms – 5 hours

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


Standard Accommodation Option

Accommodation is the same as night two.

Upgrade Accommodation Option

Accommodation is the same as night two.

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 (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 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 photos from the official 12 Apostles viewing platform. This is a truely memorable walk and an experience you will never forget!

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 4, at approx 4.30PM.

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 kilometres

Parks Vics Grading: Medium

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

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

Accommodation: Please note that 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.

Map

A map showing the route of a bike ride.

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