Great Ocean Walk Guided Tours

2PM Transfer to Shelly Beach. 2.15PM You walk back into Apollo Bay and your accommodation at approx 5.30PM.

We transfer you to Shelly Beach and you walk with your guide 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.

(Please note that the reason we walk back into town from Shelly Beach is because there is no phone reception at Shelly car park). 

[Or stop walking at Blanket Bay at 13.5KM. Note – waiting times incurred. We will need to collect the guide and other walkers at Parker Hill first before we return to Apollo Bay.]

8AM Bus transfer from Apollo Bay. ETA: Shelly Beach 8.15AM
3.30PM Bus transfer from Parker Hill Campground. ETA Apollo Bay 4PM.

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. 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.

You will now 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.

[Or stop walking at the Lighthouse at 5KM. Note – waiting times incurred. We will need to collect the guide and other walkers at Aire River first before we return to Apollo Bay.]

8AM Bus transfer from Apollo Bay. ETA: Parker Hill Campground 8.40AM
4PM Bus transfer from Aire River Shelter, western side of the bridge. ETA: Apollo Bay 4.45PM

On today’s walk you will notice 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.

After exiting the Lighthouse you will pass the old lightstation cemetery. The tombstones reflect the hardships experienced by the early settlers and make for somber reading. The track then meanders on towards the wild and wonderful Station Beach, which is littered with driftwood. If you have the energy, and the swell and tide allows, you may take a small detour to Rainbow Falls, or simply carry on walking to enjoy sweeping views from the cliff tops. You’ll slowly make your way towards walking along the heritage listed Aire River. This stunning river is so peaceful it is teaming with wildlife, but sadly it has a dark history. Tragically this spot was the location of a massacre of the Traditional Owners of the land, the Gadubanud, following a conflict at Blanket Bay with the new settlers.

[Or stop walking at Johanna at 15KM. Note – waiting times incurred. We will need to collect the guide and other walkers at Milanesia Gate first before we return to Apollo Bay.]

7.30AM Bus transfer from Apollo Bay. ETA: Aire River 8AM
4PM Bus transfer from Milanesia Gate. ETA: Apollo Bay 5PM

Start your day by walking over the Aire River bridge, towards Castle Cove beach. This magnificent beach has its own lookout platform. Stop and marvel at the prowess of local surfers and watch the wild waves rolling in!

Moving on, 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 after a great day’s walk!

[Or stop walking at Moonlight at 12KM. Note – waiting times incurred. We will need to collect the guide and other walkers at The Gables first before we return to Apollo Bay.]

7AM Bus transfer from Apollo Bay. ETA: Milanesia Gate 8AM.
4PM Bus transfer from ‘The Gables’ Beach. ETA: Apollo Bay 5PM

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.

[Or stop walking at Princetown at 13.5KM. Note – waiting times incurred. You will still have enough time to see the 12 Apostles. We will need to collect the guide and other walkers at The 12 Apostles first before we return to Apollo Bay.]

7AM Bus transfer from Apollo Bay. ETA: ‘The Gables’ 8AM       
3.30PM Bus transfer from 12 Apostles. ETA: Apollo Bay 5PM.

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!

Please note you will not be back in Apollo Bay in time to catch the early afternoon vline bus out of Apollo Bay, so please book an additional night’s accommodation in Apollo Bay if you have not travelled here by car/private vehicle.