from
AUD $2,889
Experience 104km of the most famous walk in Australia on Walk 91’s Great Ocean Walk 7-Day trip. This 7-day itinerary lets you experience all the beauty the Great Otway National Park and the Port Campbell National Park has to offer at a slow, relaxed pace.
Stay in comfortable accommodation in wonderful locations, with good food (or you can self cater if you wish) and meet our friendly, welcoming hosts. For many, the best part is that you will enjoy every day of this expedition pack-free, as we transport your luggage as you move along the track.
We have a 4-day, 5-day, and 6-day version of this complete Great Ocean Walk tour, but this 7-day itinerary is best if you like to take your time and walk shorter distances whilst enjoying the peace, tranquility, and spectacular scenery at your own pace.
For a tour duration that is catered completely for you, consider our Custom Great Ocean Walk Packages. At the end of your week-long journey, you will celebrate your achievement with the unforgettable scenery at the 12 Apostles. For more inspiration, take a look at our entire range of Great Ocean Walk Tours. If you have any questions whatsoever, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Price Excludes
Day 1: Shelly Beach to Apollo Bay – 8.5km
Day 2: Shelly Beach to Blanket Bay – 13.5km
Day 3: Blanket Bay to Cape Otway – 10.5km
Day 4: Cape Otway to Castle Cove – 17.5km* or 11km
Day 5: Castle Cove to Milanesia Gate – 16km* or 13km
Day 6: Milanesia Gate to The Gables – 18.5km* or 12km
Day 7: 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, 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$2,889 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.
Self catered: Please enquire for a price.
Solo walkers & Groups: : Just let us know your preferred sleeping arrangements and we will advise the best options available for you.
Meals included: 5 breakfasts, 6 pack lunches, 5 dinners
Accommodation: 6 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: 7.1
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!
Example of an alternative option:
Meals included: 5 breakfasts, 6 pack lunches, 5 dinners
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 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.
We transfer you to Shelly Beach at approx. 12 – 1PM 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.
Plus, by walking this section the afternoon you arrive in Apollo Bay, you are shortening your following days hike to 13.5kms. This is a great option if you like to walk slightly shorter distances (and if the first day of our 6 day walk at 22kms is a bit too long for you).
Distance: 8.5 kilometres
Parks Vics Grading: Easy / Medium
Approximate Duration: 2 to 3 hours
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.
Standard Accommodation Option
Accommodation for this first night is in a nice standard 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.
Upgrade Accommodation Options
We can offer a superior option of accommodation in Apollo Bay if requested.
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. 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.
Upgraded 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: Easy / Medium
Approximate Duration: 5 hours
Catered option: Self-serve continental breakfast, pack lunch and dinner.
Standard Accommodation Option
Accommodation as above.
Upgrade Accommodation Options
Accommodation 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. What a fun way to end Day 4 of your Great Ocean Walk!
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 as above.
Upgrade Accomodation Options
Accommodation 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 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 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 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.
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 as above.-
Upgrade Accommodation Options
Accommodation as above.
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 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!
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 7.30AM on Day 1, and you can expect to be back in Apollo Bay on your last day, Day 7, 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