6 Day Great Ocean Walk | Self-Guided Walk with Accommodation

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

from AUD
$3,198

The Entire Great Ocean Walk in 6 Days

The 6-Day Great Ocean Walk is one of the most balanced and achievable ways to experience the full 104km of this iconic coastal trail. Walking from Apollo Bay to the Twelve Apostles, this itinerary allows you to complete the full walk at a comfortable, steady pace—without feeling rushed.

With Walk91 managing accommodation, luggage transfers and logistics, you can enjoy the walk from start to finish—through coastal cliffs, remote beaches and pristine forest sections across the Great Otway and Port Campbell National Parks.

What’s included on this walk:

  • Pack-free walking with daily luggage transfers

  • Catering provided– locally sourced, home-cooked meals 

  • Comfortable accommodation and full local support

  • The complete Great Ocean Walk experience, finishing at the iconic Twelve Apostles

For something faster or slower, explore our full range of  Great Ocean Walk tours, or let us create a custom Great Ocean Walk itinerary tailored to you.

 

Walk pack-free with local support – finishing at the magnificent 12 Apostles

Map

A map showing the route of a bike ride.

Tour Details

6-Day Self-Guided Supported Hiking Tour Includes

  • Private walk briefing(including safety contact system and key decision points)
  • 5 nights’ accommodation
  • Return transfer to Apollo Bay on Day 6
  • Daily transport to & from track
  • Bag transfers; walk pack-free
  • Great Ocean Walk map
  • Walk notes and local insights
  • Personal Locator Beacon (PLB)(PLB)
  • Use of a mobile phone & walking poles if required
  • A complimentary Cape Otway Lighthouse ticket to use as you walk past the Lighthouse (subject to opening hours)

Price Excludes

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

Why Choose This 6-Day Great Ocean Walk?

  • Complete the entire walk from Apollo Bay to the 12 Apostles
  • Walk at an average pace, with time to explore the Cape Otway Lighthouse
  • Comfortable accommodation & friendly hosts.
  • Well marked tracks. No technical expertise needed!
  • Locally prepared, healthy catered options.
  • Local support throughout - your safety is our priority

You’ll Complete 104KMS of The Great Ocean Walk in a 6-Day Trip

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, 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. 

  • 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 add a rest day if required
  • Detailed transportation options to and from Apollo Bay are available on the FAQ page.
  • This walk can be made into a 7 day walk if you would like to split the first 22km day into 2 days instead (8km and then 14km).

Before Your Great Ocean Walk 6-Day Trip 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 how our support system works, ensuring you can walk at your own pace with minimal waiting for transfers.

As a locally based team, we’re always nearby – so you can relax and enjoy your walk knowing support is never far away.

Standard and Upgrade Accommodation Pricing

Catered
Upgraded options

Catered: From AU$3,198 per person based on double occupancy. Every walk is different — prices vary depending on your dates, sleeping arrangements and how you’d like to customise your trip to suit you. We’ll send a personalised quote as a starting point, and once you let us know what you’d like changed, we’ll refine it until your holiday is exactly right.

Groups of 4 or more: Discounts may apply. Please get in touch for details. We can tailor accommodation and sleeping arrangements to suit your group.

Self catered: Please enquire for a price.

Solo walkers: Solo walking does involve higher costs, but we’re happy to discuss options with you.

Peak periods: Pricing may vary during Christmas, Easter, public holidays and Victorian school holidays. Please enquire for availability.
We do not operate on Christmas Day.

Enhance your walk with upgraded accommodation, from private lodges to unique stays in beautiful locations along the track.

Let us know your preferences and we’ll tailor an option to suit you.

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.

Your Great Ocean Walk Itinerary for 6 Days

Day 1 – Apollo Bay to Blanket Bay

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.

Day 2 – 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: 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.

Day 3 – Cape Otway to Castle Cove

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.

Day 4 – Castle Cove to Milanesia Gate

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.

Day 5 – Milanesia to The Gables

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.

Day 6 – The Gables to the Twelve 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 ‘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.

Trail Talk

Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Eleanor M profile picture
Eleanor M
16 days ago
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solo self-guided walk with Walk91 A big thank you to the Walk91 team for facilitating my fantastic experience walking the Great Ocean Walk! For a woman doing this walk solo, it was reassuring to have someone drop me at the trail head in the mornings, text to check in along the way, and to pick me up at the end of each day. Mark runs a highly co-ordinated set-up and was able to accommodate my requests to swap walking and rest days or to shorten some sections without any trouble. Mark, Rod, Brad, and Peter know every inch of the walk, and by the end of my trip they felt like old friends. The local knowledge that they shared during pick-ups/drop offs – e.g., the best places to spot koalas, help identifying birds, tips on where to eat, history of the area – enriched the whole experience. The places that Walk91 chose for me to stay were all top notch, with By Moonlight a stand-out (including a chance to see the bower constructed by the resident satin bower bird). The luxurious and abundant home-made food was a delight to look forward to after each day’s walk - the Moroccan veg stew and the peach cake with cream were especially memorable! I highly recommend Walk91 to anyone thinking of doing the Great Ocean Walk.
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F Mac profile picture
F Mac
19 days ago
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+4
Highly recommend Walk91 to anyone planning to walk the Great Ocean Walk. Beautiful accommodation. Excellent communication. Knowledgable, friendly drivers.
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christina macdonald profile picture
christina macdonald
20 days ago
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+3
My sister and I completed the Great Ocean Walking Track with Walk91 and enjoyed every minute of the 6 days. The track is beautifully maintained and our driver was there waiting to collect us at the end of each day. The accomodation was excellent and had us revived and ready for the next day. We have no hesitation in recommending Walk91.
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Carolyn Wilson profile picture
Carolyn Wilson
24 days ago
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To Mark, Brad and team Thank you for an amazing experience over the last 5.5 days. We all enjoyed the walk and your support and coordination over the time was fantastic. The accommodation was spot on and the food exceeded our expectations. Brad was always on time to pick us up in the mornings and at the end of the days walking. His happy nature, local knowledge and sense of humour was much appreciated. It was a great way to experience the Great Ocean Road and the Otways From the Mallee Girls, South Australia
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Kathryn Richards profile picture
Kathryn Richards
143 days ago
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Walking the GOW was one of the most amazing and rewarding experiences I have ever had. Having the support of the Walk91 team made it even more special. They think of everything. I would highly recommend Walk91 for your adventure.
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Henry King profile picture
Henry King
152 days ago
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Fantastic experience on 7 day walk. Extremely well organised with great meals and very comfortable accommodation. A big thank you to Suzie our driver. The walks are varied, with great views and lots of wildlife. The pickup process was flexible and worked seamlessly. The paths in mid April were very quiet and well marked. Highly recommended the Walk91 team and experience.
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Nomad29722226996 profile picture
Nomad29722226996
153 days ago
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Très professionnel Expérience géniale que ces 3 jours de randonnées sur le Great Ocean Walk, de Apollo Bay à Castle Cover, avec Walk91 ! Seule, j'ai adoré faire ces 55 km dans des paysages fantastiques et une météo de rêve. Et bravo à l'équipe de Walk91! des prestations très professionnelles, très sympathiques et efficaces. Excellent suivi avec sms, de bons conseils, logement extra et des repas délicieux pour tous les goûts. Inoubliable.
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Barb Gysel profile picture
Barb Gysel
164 days ago
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In March, my husband and I did a 3 night 4 day hike along the Great Ocean Walk with Walk 91 from Apollo Bay to 12 Apostles. We were thoroughly impressed with the way our hike was organized and customized. Mark, the company owner, and Susie, our driver, were friendly, easily available and communicative. Each day we discussed the terrain, other aspects of the hike as well as our desired length and where we would be picked up for transport back to our accommodation. The hikes took us through various environments and of course, we had many beautiful coastal views. The food provided for the second two nights was fabulous. We would definitely recommend this hike with Walk 91 as a unique experience in Australia. We will have wonderful memories to enjoy.
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Sadlerhan profile picture
Sadlerhan
176 days ago
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A challenging walk supported by a great local team We enjoyed a fabulous six-day self-guided walk supported by these guys and, as they promised, all we had to do was eat, walk and sleep! We were briefed promptly on arrival at Apollo Bay and were given very clear instructions and helpful guidance every day of the walk. The food was great and we were always picked up promptly and taken back to some great accommodation. We did the whole walk and it is challenging, but the team share your sense of achievement when you finish. loved it.
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Sharon F profile picture
Sharon F
176 days ago
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An Epic Great Ocean Road Adventure with the Best Crew! I recently completed a 3 day, 63.5 kilometre hike along the Great Ocean Road in March with three awesome friends, and it was an absolutely unforgettable experience. It was the perfect blend of a physical challenge and a relaxing getaway. The scenery is simply stunning—we transitioned from wild, rugged cliffs, beach sections to deep forests, with plenty of wildlife sightings along the way. While the days tested our grit and endurance, the rewards were well worth it. What truly set this trip apart was the exceptional support of the Walk 91 crew, especially Susie. The team were incredibly flexible and professional, and the organisation was seamless. Returning to the comfort of the farmhouse each evening turned demanding trekking days into a relaxing and inspiring achievement. If you’re looking for a mix of camaraderie, nature, and superb hospitality, this is it!
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