Great Ocean Walk Hike: A quick guide to walking the walk

One of Victoria’s greatest walking tracks is the Great Ocean Walk. As it wraps around the coastline of the Southern Ocean, it gives those walking along it the rare opportunity to immerse themselves in this monumental location’s landscape, wildlife, and history. From sweeping ocean views to hidden rainforests, there is something for everyone. From our perspective, as a group or company, we have walked this walk more than 400 times, cumulatively, over 5000 walkers have completed the 105 km walk with us, so we have the experience to make comments.

For local and international visitors planning to travel along the Great Ocean Walk, many things are worth knowing before you set off. We have compiled a guide that will give you an insight into the location, what you can expect throughout your journey, and all the details necessary for a successful and enjoyable hike.

The walk begins in Apollo Bay, a town in southwestern Victoria. Apollo Bay is a stop on the Great Ocean Road that winds along the coast, passing through the Great Otway National Park. Behind Apollo Bay are the mountains of Otway Ranges, partly forested and cleared for grazing and dairying. When you reach Apollo Bay, keep your eyes peeled for the Apollo Bay Visitor Centre, as this will serve as the starting point for your journey.

When you arrive at the Visitors Centre, you can purchase a guide and map of the walk, which will be your travel companion to ensure you stay on course and don’t miss any spectacular views. The 104-kilometre walk passes through the Great Otway National Park and across to the Port Campbell National Park, concluding in the town of Port Campbell. The official Great Ocean Walk map is essential for navigating the trail and ensuring safety during your hike.

Arrange your transportation from the end of your walk, Port Campbell, back to Apollo Bay (or where you have chosen to park your car). Shuttle services and public transport are available; we suggest organising your preferred transportation option before setting off.

PLANNING YOUR TRIP

When to Go

The best time to hike the Great Ocean Walk is spring and summer (September to April). During this period, the weather is mild and sunny, with average temperatures ranging from 15-25°C, making it ideal for hiking and outdoor activities. The minimal rainfall and comfortable temperatures ensure you can fully enjoy the breathtaking scenery and diverse landscapes along the trail. However, it’s important to note that this is the peak tourist season, so you might encounter more crowds and higher prices for accommodations.

If you prefer a more relaxed and peaceful experience, consider visiting during the autumn and winter months (May to August). Although the weather can be cooler and rainier, the scenery remains stunning, and you’ll have the trail almost to yourself. This off-peak season offers a unique opportunity to experience the Great Ocean Walk in a more tranquil setting, allowing you to connect deeply with nature.

How to Get There

The Great Ocean Walk starts in Apollo Bay, a charming coastal town located about 200 kilometres southwest of Melbourne. To get to Apollo Bay, you can take a shuttle bus from Melbourne, which takes around three hours. Alternatively, you can drive from Melbourne, which takes approximately 2.5 hours via the scenic Great Ocean Road, offering stunning coastal views along the way.

If you’re planning to hike the entire trail, you can park your car at the Twelve Apostles Visitor Centre car park or the Princetown Recreation Reserve, both of which offer secure parking for hikers. From there, you can take a shuttle bus or taxi to the starting point in Apollo Bay. This ensures that your vehicle is safely parked while you embark on your adventure along the Great Ocean Walk. Additionally, the trail is perfect for a self guided walk, allowing you to explore at your own pace and enjoy the unique landscapes and attractions.

Transport and Parking

Transport and parking options are plentiful for those embarking on the Great Ocean Walk. Starting in the charming coastal town of Apollo Bay, which is about a three-hour drive from Melbourne, you have several choices to get there. Shuttle buses from Melbourne, including services from V/Line, offer convenient stops at key locations such as the Twelve Apostles Carpark, Princetown, and Apollo Bay.

For those who prefer to drive, parking is available at the Twelve Apostles Visitor Centre car park or the Princetown Recreation Reserve. However, it’s often more practical to leave your vehicle at the end of the walk and arrange alternative transport back to the start. This can be done through private shuttle providers or taxis, which can organize pickups and drop-offs from the start and finish of the trail. Booking these services in advance is crucial to ensure availability and a hassle-free experience.

Cape Otway lighthouse

OVERVIEW OF THE WALK

The Great Ocean Walk is often travelled across eight days, allowing travellers to slow down and appreciate the sounds and sights at a gentle pace. There are also daily and multi-day trip options for covering the entire distance in a shorter timeframe.

Camping and lodge accommodations are available for those covering the distance over several days. Seven camping sites have been designed to be reached at the end of a daily hike, approximately ten to sixteen kilometres apart. To secure a camping spot or lodge, check availability ahead of time and book your accommodation.

The majestic locations available as you traverse the Great Ocean Walk can be separated into eight sections:

• Section One: Apollo Bay to Elliot Ridge
• Section Two: Elliot Ridge to Blanket Bay
• Section Three: Blanket Bay to Cape Otway
• Section Four: Cape Otway to Aire River
• Section Five: Aire River to Johanna Beach
• Section Six: Johanna Beach to Ryan’s Den
• Section Seven: Ryan’s Den to Devils Kitchen
• Section Eight: Devils Kitchen to Twelve Apostles

Station Beach is a notable point of interest along the trail, known for its picturesque sandy shores and crashing surf.

The Great Ocean Walk’s sections are classified as a ‘Grade 3’ hike. This classification was given because it is ‘suitable for most ages and fitness levels, ’ though some experience in bushwalking is recommended. Throughout the walk, some steep staircases and gradients are presented—challenging terrain and areas that require a distance to be covered along the beach. Hikers should remain vigilant of the path, as it can be wet and slippery in different areas or due to changing weather conditions.

If you are walking this track independently, be mindful that carrying your hiking pack may impact how challenging you find each section. The trail is marked along the way, but the map you collected when you began will also help keep you on the right path.

Beach walking is necessary in sections like Johanna Beach and Milanesia Beach, so plan according to tide times and weather conditions to avoid hazards.

The Great Ocean Walk’s sections are classified as a ‘Grade 3’ hike. This classification was given as it is ‘suitable for most ages and fitness levels’ though some experience in bushwalking is recommended. Some steep staircases and gradients are presented throughout the walk—challenging terrain and areas that require a distance to be covered along the beach. Hikers should remain vigilant of the path as it can be wet and slippery in different areas or due to changing weather conditions.

If you are walking this track independently, be mindful that carrying your hiking pack may impact how challenging you find each section. The trail is marked along the way, but the map you collected when you began will also help keep you on the right path.

Milanesia Beach cottage – Georgie, one of our guides, Grandparents’ old beach house on the track 

WALKING ON A GREAT OCEAN WALK ON A GUIDED HIKE

One of the best ways to ensure a smooth and engaging experience on the Great Ocean Walk is by completing the trail with a licenced tour guide or through great ocean walk tours. When partnering with a tour company, of which there are over twenty locally, you have access to several services depending on your expected duration and personal needs. From transportation, guided tours, camping and safety equipment hire, supplying food, and more.

For those who prefer to hike independently, a self-guided walk offers detailed information and planning tips, making it suitable for both experienced hikers and beginners. Engaging with a licenced tour operator means that a professional will complete all the planning and preparation, allowing you to relax and enjoy every moment of your journey.

WALKING ON GREAT OCEAN WALK TOURS

One of the best ways to ensure a smooth and engaging experience on the Great Ocean Walk is by completing the trail with a licenced tour guide or through great ocean walk tours. When partnering with a tour company, of which there are over twenty locally, you have access to several services depending on your expected duration and personal needs. From transportation, guided tours, camping and safety equipment hire, supplying food, and more.

For those who prefer to hike independently, a self-guided walk offers detailed information and planning tips, making it suitable for both experienced hikers and beginners. Engaging with a licenced tour operator means that a professional will complete all the planning and preparation, allowing you to relax and enjoy every moment of your journey.

ACCOMMODATION AND CAMPING

Great Ocean Walk Campsites

The Great Ocean Walk features seven hike-in campsites, strategically spaced at relatively even intervals along the trail. These campsites offer basic facilities, including rainwater tanks, drop toilets, and picnic tables. It’s essential to book these campsites in advance through Parks Victoria, especially during peak season, to secure your spot.

Each campsite has eight tent sites, with a maximum of three people allowed per site. The first four campgrounds on the trail also have a small group camping area, catering to school excursions or walking groups. While the campsites are basic, they provide stunning views of the surrounding landscape, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Great Otway National Park.

If camping isn’t your preference, there are plenty of alternative accommodation options available in nearby towns and villages, including Apollo Bay, Lorne, and Port Campbell. These range from budget-friendly hostels to luxury lodges, offering a variety of amenities and services to suit your needs. Remember to always follow the guidelines and regulations set by Parks Victoria, and be respectful of the environment and other hikers on the trail.

SAFETY ON THE GREAT OCEAN WALK TRAIL

If you are walking the Great Ocean Road Walk or the Great Ocean Walk Trail, whether in a group or independently, we recommend that you take some safety precautions:

• There is limited phone reception along the walk, so ensure you mark the last location with a reception to walk back to if you need to make an emergency call. We also advise being familiar with the emergency contact numbers 000 and 112.
• Consider bringing a personal locator beacon or satellite radio to keep those waiting for you updated on your location or for emergencies.
• It is essential to pack a First Aid kit or, where possible, travel with someone who is First Aid certified.
• Be vigilant of snakes, especially in the warmer months. Keep your distance and make a wide berth if you come across one. Precautions include keeping your tent and belongings off the ground and secure, checking the area before sitting down, wearing hiking boots, gators, and pants, and more. See the Great Ocean Walk website for more details on ways you can keep safe along the trail.
• Bushfires are a serious risk, and the Great Ocean Walk is a high-risk area, especially during the summer. We recommend checking the fire rating for the days you intend to be walking and being familiar with bushfire safety, which you can read more about through the Visit Victoria website.
• Many beaches along the trail experience rogue waves and tide changes. Wreck Beach, in particular, is a high-risk area. Keep a minimum ten-metre distance from the water. We also recommend checking the tide timetable. Only travel down to the beach if it is low tide and safe, and remain aware of quickly changing conditions.

GREAT OCEAN WALK TOURS: GUIDED OR SELF GUIDED?

Opting for a guided Great Ocean Walk tour can enhance the experience, as licensed tour operators offer essential services, from food and water supplies to detailed area knowledge. Self-guided tours are also popular, providing freedom to explore at your own pace. Both options have merits, depending on your preferred level of independence and comfort.

You will need expert guidance and organisation for a truly memorable experience on the Great Ocean Walk. With Auswalk, you can enjoy guided, self-guided and tailored walks across Australia. As your qualified travel companion, you can leave everything to us – from accommodation to food. It’s about getting you to the destination and the journey that leads to it.  The Great Ocean Walk offers diverse habitats, stunning coastal views, and unique experiences away from the more crowded Great Ocean Road, making it a premier long-distance hiking trail in Victoria, Australia.

WHY CHOOSE AUSWALK FOR YOUR GREEAT OCEAN WALK ADVENTURE?

For a truly memorable experience, Auswalk offers tailored walking holidays that cater to every preference, from guided group walks to self-guided treks with full support. With Auswalk, you can trust every detail will be taken care of, allowing you to focus entirely on the journey and not just the destination. For more information about the Great Ocean Walk and the walks we offer, please visit our Destination Guide or contact us on 1300 777 878 or info@auswalk.com.au.