Self-Guided Whole Great Ocean Walk in 4 Days
Complete the entire 104km Great Ocean Walk in just 4 days on this challenging self-guided itinerary, designed for very fit walkers. This is the most demanding way to walk the full trail — and the most rewarding for those up to the challenge.
Walking pack-free makes this ambitious journey achievable. Walk91 manages accommodation, luggage transfers and logistics so you can focus on the walk itself.
What’s included on this walk:
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Pack-free walking with daily luggage transfers
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Catering provided – locally sourced, home-cooked meals carefully transported between accommodations
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Comfortable accommodation and full local support
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The complete Great Ocean Walk experience, finishing at the iconic Twelve Apostles
Completing the full Great Ocean Walk in four days is a physical challenge. If you’d prefer a more relaxed pace, consider our 4-Day Wild Side Walk (covering fewer kilometres) or our 6-Day Great Ocean Walk Tour. We can also create a custom Great Ocean Walk itinerary tailored to your goals.
Read on below for the full itinerary and daily distances.
And remember — groups of four or more walkers usually qualify for a discounted rate, so please get in touch to discuss options.
Experience the Highlights of the Famous Great Ocean Road in 4 Days!
Map
Tour Details
Price Includes
Price Excludes
Why Choose This Great Ocean Road Walking Tour
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!
Before Your 4-Day Self-Guided Tour of the Great Ocean Walk 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: From AU$2395 per person based on double occupancy.
For groups of 4 or more walkers we typically offer a discounted rate, so please get in touch for more details.
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.
Dietary Notes
We can accommodate the following dietary preferences on our catered Great Ocean Walk tours:
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Meals made using gluten-free ingredients
⚠️ Important allergy information
Due to the way food is prepared and transported, trace amounts of gluten, dairy, nuts and shellfish may be present due to possible cross-contamination.
For safety reasons, we cannot cater for coeliac disease, anaphylaxis, or severe food allergies.
If you have other dietary requirements, please contact us before booking so we can honestly confirm whether your needs can be accommodated.
Alternatively, self-catered walking packages are available. These include:
- Accommodation with appropriate kitchen facilities
- Transport of your food supplies with your luggage between accommodations
For more information, please refer to our FAQs, read our blog
Food on the Great Ocean Walk – grown, cooked and carried with care,
or get in touch with us directly.
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.
