If you want to mix things up a bit on your Great Ocean Walk, camping in the Great Ocean Otway National Park and staying in accommodation, this 6 Day hike from Apollo Bay to the 12 Apostles is the walk for you!
You may start walking any day you choose, and as we transfer your gear in an enclosed lockable trailer, you can hike at your own pace and access your gear at the campsites at your leisure. We use the best three campsites on the walk, but as the last two campsites on the trail have no car access for us to drop off your gear, we transfer you and your luggage to lovely accommodation close by, so you can enjoy some home comforts.
If camping isn’t for you, why not try this popular 6 Day Great Ocean Walk instead. However, if you want to sleep under the stars for three nights, but for the last 2 days of your walk, end the day with a shower, lovely food, and a chance to meet some friendly locals, this walk is perfect!
We have added more details below, but if you have any questions please feel free to contact us.
Price Includes
Price Excludes
Walk91 look forward to welcoming you on arrival with your own personal walk briefing. We will hand you a map, tide chart, walk notes, EPIRB (emergency position-indicating radio beacon) & 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.
Day 1: Apollo Bay to Blanket Bay – 22km (Camping)
Day 2: Blanket Bay to Aire River – 21km (Camping)
Day 3: Aire River to Johanna – 14km (Camping)
Day 4: Johanna to Ryan’s Den GOR – 15km (Accommodation)
Day 5: Ryan’s Den GOR to Wreck Beach – 14km (Accommodation)
Day 6: Wreck Beach to Twelve Apostles – 18km
AU$1,998 per person based on double occupancy
Self catered: Please enquire for a price.
For more than 6 walkers we need to provide 2 trailers to fit in your gear, so please enquire for a price & availability.
Meals: 2 evening meals, 2 breakfasts, 2 pack lunches
Accommodation: 2 nights. Queen or twin share available with private bathroom. One room per 2 people.
Rating: comparable to 3.5 to 4 star
Note: These prices do not include Christmas, Easter, Public holidays and January. Please enquire for a price & availability for these times. Please note we do not operate on Christmas Day.
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
This morning you’ll leave your camping gear and food provisions for 3 days in our enclosed lockable trailer. We will provide town water in large containers as there is no drinking water on the track.
The start of the walk commences along the coastline offering sweeping views of the Cape Otway region to Shelly Beach cove.
After 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! In the afternoon we will drop your trailer to the campsite for you to set up your gear. We will book the campsite (2 people per site).
Please note there is an approx 50-100m walk from the trailer to the campsite.
Distance: 22 kilometres
Parks Vics Grading: Easy / Medium
Approximate Duration: 8 hours
Catering: Not included whilst camping
You pack up your gear and leave it in the trailer.
Today 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.
On arrival at Victoria’s oldest Lightstation, if opening hours permit, you may use our complimentary tickets to walk up the 18 metre, 150 year old 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.
Back on the Great Ocean Walk trail, 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 follow the trail towards the heritage-listed Aire River. 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!
When you reach Aire River you can access your gear from our trailer.
Please note there is an approx 100m walk from the trailer to the campsite.
Distance: 21 kilometres
Parks Vics Grading: Medium
Approximate Duration: 8 hours
Catering: Not included whilst camping
You pack up your gear and leave it in the trailer.
Setting off today you will walk along the Aire Heritage River and over its bridge, towards Castle Cove. 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. 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.
When you reach Johanna Beach you can access your gear from our trailer.
Please note there is an approx 600m walk from the trailer to the campsite.
Distance: 14 kilometres
Parks Vics Grading: Medium
Approximate Duration: 6 hours
Catering: Not included whilst camping
You pack up your gear and leave it in the trailer. After leaving Johanna Beach behind you will follow the path upwards 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 as to whether this panther truly exists, which we will happily chat to you about when you arrive if your interest is piqued!) 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. Make your way along the Ryans Den access track to the Great Ocean Road where we will whizz you off to your cosy accommodation for a nice hot shower!
Your gear will be at your accommodation. You have the choice of self-catering or having meals provided at the accommodation.
Distance: 15 kilometres
Parks Vics Grading: Medium
Approximate Duration: 5 hours
Catered option: 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
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.
Today we will drop you back to the Great Ocean Road/ Ryans Den access track where you head towards Ryans Den campsite. Take the time to look back at how far you have walked so far on your Great Ocean Walk adventure, and if you like, take a short 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 pathways 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, visiting the breathtaking Gables Lookout. Stop to admire some of the highest cliff views in mainland Australia before ending your walk at Wreck Beach.
Distance: 14 kilometres
Parks Vics Grading: Medium / Hard
Approximate Duration: 5 hours
Catered option: Self serve continental breakfast, pack lunch and dinner.
Standard Accommodation Option
Accommodation is the same as night 4.
Upgrade Accommodation Options
Accommodation is the same as night 4.
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 truly memorable walk and an experience you will never forget!
Please Note:
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: 18 kilometres
Parks Vics Grading: Medium
Approximate Duration: 7 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.
