Spend 6 wonderful days exploring the 104km Great Ocean Walk. This epic trail starts in the picturesque township of Apollo Bay, ending at the magnificent 12 Apostles. This is a Great Ocean Walk 6-Day itinerary where you can hike at your own pace, staying in comfortable accommodation (organised by Walk 91), and walk without being weighed down by your large pack (we transfer this to your accommodation as you progress along the track).
This is a great way to experience the Great Ocean Walk trail — perfect for people who prefer walking and are looking for a Great Ocean Road walking itinerary as opposed to a road trip.
Walk91 plans every detail for you; so you can just concentrate on walking at a relaxed pace without having to worry about logistics and the stress involved with planning a multi-day walk.
This Complete 6 Day Great Ocean Walk not only offers spectacular views at every turn — from bushland to rainforest and rolling hills to pristine sandy beaches — it also offers the chance to spot incredible wildlife along the coast of Victoria, within the Great Otway and Port Campbell National Parks.
Keep reading to find out all the details and highlights. And if you’d prefer a shorter trip, you may like to check out our 3-day Hike the Cape Tour (the “Mild Side”) or our 12 Apostles Great Ocean Walk 3 Day Tour (the “Wild Side”).
For the complete list of what we can offer take a look at our entire range of Great Ocean Walk Tours. Or, if you’re searching for a trip you can’t see on our site, check out our Custom Great Ocean Walk Tour Packages as we can create a completely personalised experience for you.
Price Includes
Price Excludes
Day 1: Apollo Bay to Blanket Bay – 22km * or 13.5km
Day 2: Blanket Bay to Cape Otway – 10.5km
Day 3: Cape Otway to Castle Cove – 17.5km* or 11km
Day 4: Castle Cove to Milanesia Gate – 16km * or 13km
Day 5: Milanesia Gate to The Gables – 18.5km * or 12km
Day 6: 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!
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.
Catered: From AU$2,689 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: 5 breakfasts, 6 pack lunches, 5 dinners
Accommodation: 5 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: 6.1
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, 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: 5 breakfasts, 6 pack lunches, 5 dinners
Accommodation: Private cabin/ lodge (queen or twin beds available) with two bedrooms or four bedrooms.The 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 what your preferred sleeping arrangements would be.
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.
Welcome to the start of your Great Ocean Walk journey in the beautiful township of Apollo Bay. Mark the occasion by taking a photo at the Great Ocean Walk trailhead (next to the Information Centre) before collecting your yummy pack lunch from the Apollo Bay Bakery and heading out of Apollo Bay.
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!
Distance: 22 or 13.5 kilometres
Parks Vics Grading: Easy / Medium
Approximate Duration: 22 kms – 8 hours | 13.5kms – 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 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. Relax in a comfortable cabin, 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.
Upgrade Accommodation Options
You may prefer to stay in upgraded cabins or even at the historical Cape Otway Lighthouse. We are happy to discuss these superior options with you and provide a custom-made personal proposal. Please get in touch for more details.
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: 10.5 kilometres
Parks Vics Grading: Medium / Easy
Approximate Duration: 5 hours
Catered option: Self-serve continental breakfast, pack lunch and dinner.
Standard Accommodation Option
Accommodation is the same as above.
Upgrade Accommodation Option
Accommodation is the same as above.
Setting off today you will pass the old Lightstation cemetery. The tombstones reflect the hardships experienced by the early settlers and make for sombre reading indeed.
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 make your way 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, you will walk over the bridge and follow the well-marked tracks towards Castle Cove beach. 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: 17.5 or 11 kilometres
Parks Vics Grading: Medium
Approximate Duration: 17.5 kms – 6.5 hours | 11kms – 4 hours
Catered option: Self-serve continental breakfast, pack lunch and dinner.
Standard Accommodation Option
Accommodation is the same as above.
Upgrade Accommodation Option
Accommodation is the same as above.
Leaving 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.
After leaving Johanna Beach behind, you climb alongside picturesque farmland and winding valleys before heading towards Milanesia. As you climb, look out for kangaroos grazing in the sun and you may even spot the Otway Panther! (There is an ongoing debate in Apollo Bay as to whether this panther truly exists, which we will happily chat to you about when you arrive if your interest is piqued!) After passing ‘3 ways’ , (you may stop walking here if you wish) head on down to Milanesia Gate where we will pick you up and whizz you off to your comfortable accommodation.
Distance: 16 or 13 kilometres
Parks Vics Grading: Medium
Approximate Duration: 16 kms – 6 hours | 13kms – 5 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.
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: 18.5 or 12 kilometres
Parks Vics Grading: Medium / Hard
Approximate Duration: 18.5 kms – 7 hours | 12kms – 4 hours
Catered option: Self serve continental breakfast, pack lunch and dinner.
Standard Accommodation Option
Accommodation is the same as night four.
Upgrade Accomodation Options
Accommodation is the same as night four.
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 ‘Fiji’ 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 truly 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 6, 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 13.5 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: 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.
