15 Useful Tips and Tricks for Hiking the Great Ocean Walk – Your comprehensive guide

The Great Ocean Walk on the Great Ocean Road, Victoria is one of Australia’s most iconic walks. If you intend to hike the Great Ocean Walk and bear witness to the area’s breathtaking coastal scenery, magnificent forests, abundant wildlife and diversity of landscape then you will need to do some research. We have written a comprehensive guide to assist in planning and literally ‘walking the walk’.

Contents

1. Overview
2. Basic facts about the Great Ocean Walk
3. Plan your Walk
4. Highlights
5. Walking the Great Ocean Walk by Sections
6. How to get There and Away
7. Safety precautions and Phone Signal
8. Wildlife
9. Pack Appropriately
10. Clothing and Footwear
11. Study the Area
12. Preliminary Traning
13. Consider Transport and Accommodation
14. You could choose a Guided or Self-Guided tour
15. Choosing the right professional Service Provider

(1) Overview

With a 104 km Great Ocean Walk track that meanders its way through Manna Gums with koalas only meters away, traverses massive sea cliffs of limestone and sandstone, passes through a giant Mountain Ash forest and beneath the tallest flowering plants in the world, you will be amazed by the South-Eastern coast’s natural beauty.

Whether you choose to walk independently or on a guided or self-guided tour, the highlight of the walk will be the walk itself. The Twelve Apostles, and the stunning views as you progress along the track at Castle Cove and the Gables, as well as at Wreck and Johanna beaches, are a bonus.  The walk can be broken up into pieces and done as a multi-day hike or individual sections on a day-by-day basis. What’s more, there are plenty of options for people who want to walk less and go slow over 8 days end to end, or for those who want to walk end to end over 5 days.

(2) Basic facts about the Great Ocean Walk

Distance: 104 km

Time to complete: 5 to 7 days

Start: Apollo Bay

End: 12 Apostles

Direction: This walk is always walked from east to west from Apollo Bay to the 12 Apostles.

Walking Options: End to End/Full distance, shorter multi-day hikes and day walks.

 

(3) Plan Your Walk and When

We can help you design a walk that will achieve your objective or you can plan it yourself. We have provided a layout of how we would deliver the walk in the next section below so you can begin the process.  However, our professional team is familiar with the walk and can help you plan a route that will be a pleasant and enjoyable experience and perhaps more suited to your needs. We understand that a walk or hike can be a struggle and we strive to keep the capabilities of our guests front of mind when planning your ultimate experience. Whether you are commemorating a milestone in life, want to get that little bit closer to nature or wish to enjoy your holidays out in glorious nature, we will help you make the most of your walk.

The best time to walk is Autumn followed by Spring. In autumn the weather is fabulous and it is often very stable. Huge swells rock in from the Antartcic creating a magnificent backdrop to the walk.

(4) Highlights of the Great Ocean Walk

The biggest highlight of this walk is the walk itself! You will find yourself walking in silence and away from the crowds almost until you reach the 12 Apostles and all the people. Many of the highlights below can only be reached by foot which make them all that more special. Others you can drive right up to.

Other highlights include Milanesia and Wreck Beaches, the Gables Lookout, the Apollo Bay Lighthouse, Parkers Inlet, Johanna Beach, Castle Cove and Gibson Steps. If you have time Loch Ard Gorge which is a little further on is well worth a visit.   The Twelve Apostles are also worth a mention!

 

(5) Walking the Great Ocean Walk by sections

The sections on this walk can be walked in numerous ways, however, we have divided the walk into what we have found best over the 30 years we have been in business. Our recommendations come directly from our guides and staff who have walked the Great Ocean Walk cumulatively more than 1000 times. The walking times are based on walking about 4 km an hour with rests.

Section One: Apollo Bay Visitor Centre to Blanket Bay

Distance: 23.4 km

Estimated walking time: 6 to 7 hrs

Grade: Moderate

Overview: From Apollo Bay walk via the coast to Marengo and via stunning beaches to Shelley Beach. You can split this day into two, walk the 8 km to Shelley Beach and the remainder of the walk the following day. From Shelley Beach, we walk down to the coast and then through an outstanding mountain ash eucalypt forest to Blanket Bay.

Section Two: Blanket Bay to Cape Otway Lighthouse

Distance: 10.3 km

Estimated walking time: 3 hrs

Grade: Easy

Overview: From Blanket Bay walk via the coast to Parker Inlet via stunning coast. The lighthouse is a fitting end to today’s walk and walking this way allows time for you to explore the lighthouse precinct thoroughly.

Section Three: Cape Otway Lighthouse to Castle Cove

Distance: 15.5 km

Estimated walking time: 5.5 to 6.5 hrs

Grade: Moderate

Overview: From the Apollo Bay Lighthouse walk via the coast once again via Station Beach and Aire Valley Estuary. At Castle Cove, there are amazing elevated views over the Cove and the wild Great Southern Ocean.

Section Four: Castle Cove to Milanesia Gate

Distance: 15.2 km

Estimated walking time: 5 to 5.5 hrs

Grade: Moderate

Overview: From Castle Cove, the walk meanders around the coast and along an escarpment with gorgeous views as you walk. A highlight is the walk along Johanna Beach.

Section Five: Milanesia Gate to the Gables

Distance: 23.4 km

Estimated walking time: 6 to 7 hrs

Grade: Moderate

Overview: There is a bit of elevation in today’s walk, but this day is not to be missed and is often touted as the best day of the walk. Milanesia Beach is impossible to get to other than by foot and is absolutely stunning as are the lookouts as you walk. The last portion of today has you walk through a beautiful forest section to the Gables, which is probably the best lookout on the walk other than at the 12 Apostles.

Section Six: The Gables to the Twelve Apostles

Distance: 20.1 km

Estimated walking time: 6.5 to 7.5 hrs

Grade: Moderate

Overview: Today’s walk is sensational. From the Gables, your walk is mostly coastal and includes Wreck Beach. From Princetown Inlet walk through the dunes to Gibsons Steps. Visit the beach and see Gog and Magog, two of the sandstone Apostles right up close. Arrive at the Twelve Apostles and explore the lookouts and the end of the walk.

 

(6) How to get there and away

The Great Ocean Walk starts in Apollo Bay and ends in Port Campbell. Both locations are on the Great Ocean Road.

Arriving / Departing via Public Transport 

This is a combined train and coach service operated by PTV. You will first need to take a regional VLINE train from Melbourne to Geelong. In Geelong, you will take a coach to Apollo Bay Visitors Information Centre the entire journey will take around 4 hours. You can plan your journey and purchase tickets here. On our self-guided walks on the last day of your trip we will transfer you to Camperdown Station for train connections. Guided trips start and finish in Melbourne.

Arriving / Departing via Private Vehicle – Self-Drive 

If you are driving you can park your car at your first accommodation in Apollo Bay. Please note prior to commencing your walk you will need to move your car from the car park to the street – the street in front of your accommodation is safe and unmetered.  After breakfast on the last day of your trip, we will transfer you back to your car in Apollo Bay.

If Flying into Melbourne Tullamarine / Geelong Avalon 

If you are flying into Melbourne Airport, there is a direct coach service that will transfer you to Geelong Train Station. The trip from Melbourne Airport to Geelong takes around 1 hour with Gull Airport Service. You will need to make a booking directly with them.

If you are flying into Avalon Airport, Avalon Airport Shuttle meets every flight that arrives at Avalon. They will transfer you to Geelong Train Station which will take around 30 minutes. This journey needs to be pre-booked. Please check online for the most up-to-date prices and times.

Private Transfer 

Auswalk can organise private transfers but they are subject to availability. Please ask your destination consultant at the time of booking. Private transfers work best for groups of 4 or more.

 

(7) Safety Precautions and solutions, phone signal and staying connected

From a safety aspect, it is important during the walk to remember to have your mobile phone or another device that has appropriate satellite reception on you at all times. Mobile reception is not available on the whole track, but it is possible to find reception by walking to an area on the track that has reception. If you are concerned then a safety device like a PLB (EPIRB) is something that as a tour operator we always carry, which you might want to consider. There are other devices like InReach by Garmin that can be used to keep in contact that work outside mobile coverage. It is worth saying that out of all of the walk catalogue, this would rank low on the risk profile as it is not as isolated as say a destination like the Larapinta. It is also not as risky due to water availability. However, on hot days we recommend take 3 litres of water.

Ensure your phone is fully charged and carry a backup power pack. Store the phone numbers of your fellow walkers, and if applicable, our guides, and our office number.

 

(8) Wildlife

You will encounter wildlife, Koalas more than likely on section 1 and on the lighthouse road on the way into the Lighthouse. Kangaroos and Wallabies also frequent the park. Snakes are your biggest concern on the walk, but with over 30 years of operating, we have yet to have a snake encounter that has resulted in anything serious. Anywhere!

(9) Pack Appropriately

Before you leave for your trip, remember to pack appropriately. Try not to overpack as you will only need to use essential items. On our trips we take care of dining and accommodation, so you will only need to bring a water bottle and other clothing items depending on the climate. We will provide a detailed packing list and predict the temperatures for your walk so that you can pack adequately. Remember, if you are going it alone overpacking can make your bag heavy so remember to bring a comfortable backpack that is ideal for walking and hiking. All non-essential items for the walk will be transported separately to the end of your route each day on our walks so bring what you want (within reason).

(10) Specific Clothing and Footwear for the Great Ocean Walk

It is important to come prepared for the walk and have adequate and appropriate clothing and footwear for this walk. The weather can vary dramatically, from abysmally cold and rainy in winter to stinking hot in February. The best time to walk is autumn followed by spring when the weather is milder.  Good walking boots or shoes are imperative at all times. Hats will vary from broad-brimmed in sunny conditions to beanies in cold conditions. A good quality rain jacket is also a must.

Visit a professional walking or hiking store and invest in quality footwear and clothing. From our experience, these two things can make a significant difference for your experience during the walk. If you need help choosing appropriate clothing and footwear, feel free to contact us and we can help assess your needs and point you in the right direction.

(11) Study the Area

Before you commence your walk, study the detailed maps and informative guides that are available. Auswalk will supply all of this at least 6 weeks before the commencement date of you walk. Ensure that you study these materials well in advance of the walk. Especially for self-guided tours, it is recommended you hold a meeting, prior to the walk, with your fellow walkers so that you are all familiar with the route, terrain, emergency points, and other details.

(12) Preliminary Training

During the walk, you will be required to undertake physical exertion. The Great Ocean Walk has a difficulty rating of ‘moderate’ to ‘challenging’. This means that there will be short steep hills and rough bumpy trails. A moderately active lifestyle and some walking experience is recommended. You should train comfortably for a couple of months before the walk so that you remain fit and healthy.  Remember to rest up immediately before the walk.

(13) Consider Transport and Accommodation

At Auswalk, we provide a walking experience that includes more than just a walk. We take care of everything from personally selected accommodation and delicious meals, to luggage transfers and local transport, allowing you to spend more time to experience the best of each location. You need only carry a light day pack with you, as your luggage will be moved ahead to your next stay. In this case, the walks progress along a linear route, finishing up each day at boutique accommodation. After every walk, you will meet friendly hosts and be immersed in aspects of each community, such as local food and wine.

(14) You could choose a Guided or Self-Guided Tour

We offer both guided and self-guided walking tours. Whether you choose the Great Ocean 8-day walk or the Great Ocean highlights hike, we will provide you with detailed maps and information guides to help keep you on track throughout your adventure. For those who wish to be guided through the Great Ocean’s natural beauty, various professional guides will help you along the way.

 

(15) Choosing the right Professional Service Provider

At Auswalk, our guides are all trained professionals who are equipped with strong leadership skills, local knowledge and experience in safely leading groups. Not only that, but they are also fun people who make the experience even more enjoyable. A guide’s role is to organise the logistics of the holiday and provide information about the areas you are visiting. They work to ensure that each person’s expectations are met and that everyone has a stress-free walking holiday.

All of our walks have been designed to offer the best experience that we can. We want to make sure that you will enjoy your walk and will have wonderful memories for life.

Our website contains detailed summaries of all our walks. We provide an overview of what to expect for each walk, including a detailed itinerary and walk grading summary, the inclusions, dining and accommodation specifics and other important tips.

To enjoy any of our walking or hiking experiences, surf through our website to learn about all the walks and hikes we offer. To book a walk or hike package, book now online or call us on (03) 9597 9767.