Great Ocean Walk 7 Day Unplug

SELF-GUIDED

Group-guided

Self-guided

OVERVIEW

This is your opportunity to walk the walk and unplug on Australia’s most iconic coastal walk over 7 days at a more leisurely pace. Walk the whole linear track from Apollo Bay to the 12 Apostles along the coast through the Great Otway National Park via mountain ash forest, over gorgeous deserted beaches. Finishing at the grandest sea cliffs of all the 12 Apostles. There is an amazing degree of diversity on this walk, diversity of landscape and fauna and flora. The walk snakes along the coast with the massive swells of the southern ocean on your left and the stunning Otway mountains on your right for much of the way. The koalas, the roos and the abundant birdlife that make this place their home all add to the joy of walking the Great Ocean Walk.

Highlights:

Private transfers along the track with our Auswalk van and driver
Traverse inaccessible pristine beaches and witness the awesome power of the Southern Ocean
Ample opportunities to spot wildlife in their natural habitat: kangaroos, wallabies, echidnas, koalas, black cockatoos, sea eagles, wedge-tailed eagles and even whales and dolphins
Walk the: Twelve Apostles, Castle Cove, Shelly Beach, the Gables and Wreck Beach and more
Enjoy a hot shower each night, 2-course dinners, substantial breakfasts and a good night’s sleep in a comfortable bed

WALK OVERVIEW

TYPE OF WALK

SELF GUIDED

TRIP LENGTH

7 DAYS

WALK GRADE

Moderate to Challenging

PRICE FROM

$ 2595

per person twin/double share

SINGLE OCCUPANCY

$ 695

per person

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Departure Dates

Book now

ITINERARY

Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7

DAY 1
APOLLO BAY TO SHELLY BEACH

The walk starts in Apollo Bay, on the Great Ocean Road in the morning. Leave the tourists behind as you meander along the coast. The track follows the coast before heading inland through the forest; be surprised if you don’t spot at least a couple of koalas around Shelly beach. This is also a great place to spot echidnas, wallabies, seabirds, dolphins and in season whales.

Walking: Easy to moderate / 7.9 km / 3 -3.5 hrs

Meals: Walkers lunch and 2-course dinner

Accommodation: Cape Otway Lighthouse in ensuite rooms

DAY 2
SHELLY BEACH TO BLANKET BAY

From Shelly Beach campground, you make your down to the beach once again across a delightful stream and then way up through magnificent Mountain Ash forest. The Mountain Ash is the tallest flowering plant in the world and one of the tallest trees on the planet. The walk down to the delightful Blanket Bay is one of the nicest parts of the whole 105 km track, as is Blanket Bay. This is the most ideal place for a swim on the track as it is safely protected from the ocean swells. It also was the port to which supplies were delivered for the Cape Otway lighthouse before the road was put in.

Walking: Moderate / 15 km / 4-5 hrs / plus optional 1 hr walk

Meals: Substantial breakfast, walkers lunch and 2-course dinner

Accommodation: Cape Otway Lighthouse in ensuite rooms

DAY 3
BLANKET BAY TO CAPE OTWAY LIGHTHOUSE

From Blanket Bay the track contours through coastal forests and along the cliff tops to Parker Inlet – a picture-postcard setting and definitely one of our favourite places. The track continues through Manna gum forests that are home to large numbers of koalas, eventually emerging at Cape Otway Lightstation. There is a brilliant section that hugs the coast along an elevated track that allows you to take in the ocean views the entire way. The optional side-trip to Crayfish Bay with an opportunity to take a dip if you’re up for it is one of the real highlights of today’s walk. There’s also more time today to make the most of the exploration of the lighthouse and its surroundings.

Walking: Moderate to challenging / 10 km / 2.5- 3.5 hrs / plus optional 1 hr walk

Meals: Substantial breakfast, walkers lunch and 2-course dinner

Accommodation: Cape Otway Lighthouse in ensuite rooms

DAY 4
CAPE OTWAY LIGHTHOUSE TO CASTLE COVE

On to Station Beach and an optional short trek to pretty Rainbow Falls where a spring cascades down to the rocky coastal platforms below. The track then continues through wind-sculpted sand dunes and along the cliff tops to the Aire River estuary and wetlands. Stunning coastal scenery awaits you on the route to Castle Cove.

Walking: Moderate / 15.5 km / 5 hrs / plus 2 km (50 mins) optional walk

Meals: Substantial breakfast, walkers lunch and 2-course dinner

Accommodation: A Retreat at Castle Cove in ensuite rooms

DAY 5
CASTLE COVE TO MILANESIA GATE

Today’s section has some of the most spectacular coastal views of the entire track. It’s also a great day for wildflowers with colourful heathlands and numerous grass trees. In the winter months, there are native orchids and masses of pink heath – Victoria’s floral emblem. Another highlight is the long, white, sandy expanse of Johanna Beach.

Walking: Moderate / 15.2 km / 5 hrs

Meals: Cooked breakfast, walkers lunch and 2-course dinner

Accommodation: A Retreat at Castle Cove in ensuite rooms

DAY 6
MILANESIA GATE TO GABLES

Milanesia Beach is one of those secret beaches, not many people get to and one of the most special places on the walk. It is only accessible on foot. From here the track continues along the cliff tops, and you can see all the way back to Cape Otway lighthouse. The walk is characterised by high sea cliffs, breathtaking views and coastal forests which lead you to Moonlight Head. The last highlight today is the Gables Lookout, perched on one of the highest sea cliffs in mainland Australia. This is a superb spot for whale watching between June and September.

Walking: Moderate to challenging / 15 km / 5 – 6 hrs

Meals: Cooked breakfast, walkers lunch and 2-course dinner

Accommodation: Lodge in ensuite rooms

DAY 7
GABLES TO 12 APOSTLES

From the Gables, it is another walk through a grove of casuarinas to Wreck Beach, where you can inspect the remains of two shipwrecks. Next, follow the track through Princetown and finish at the impressive 12 Apostles, a group of limestone sea stacks that are constantly changing. We will collect you at 4 pm to take you back to Apollo Bay, arriving at approximately 5.30 pm.

Walking: Moderate / 20.1 km / 6-7 hrs

Meals: Cooked breakfast and walkers lunch

WHAT’S INCLUDED

Pack-free walking
25+ years experience
Customised
Eco Travel

Pack free walking at your own pace, with who you want, when you want
Private vehicle transfers in the company of our friendly knowledgeable Auswalk driver who knows the area intimately, plus all luggage transfers
6 nights’ accommodation in rooms with ensuites
Breakfasts daily, two-course dinners and substantial walkers lunches
National Park fees
Enjoy worry-free navigation with Auswalk’s comprehensive track notes, maps, map case, insulated lunch bag & info pack
24/7 support with our local partner network on the ground
Enjoy Auswalks nearly 30 years of experience in organising these types of holidays

ACCOMMODATION & DINING

OVERVIEW

From Apollo Bay, it is on to Cape Otway where you will stay at the historic Cape Otway Lightstation. The exclusive use at night of the Lightstation’s environs is a special highlight of your walk. The accommodation is more than comfortable and all rooms have ensuites.

The Great Ocean Walk Retreat or Chi farm is the next stop where you’re in for a showcase of regional produce for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Our last night’s accommodation is at the remote Moonlight Head is a delightful lodge located amongst the trees overlooking the valley with glimpses of the sea.

When we stay at remote retreats and guest houses the meals are prepared by your expert hosts or a local caterer. The days start with a substantial breakfast and end with a 2-course meal. Each day you’ll be provided with a substantial walkers lunch and the opportunity to enjoy it whilst taking in some of the most breathtaking views in the world. A walkers lunch is varied and may include a high protein type salad, roll or a wrap, muesli bar, cake or muffin and a piece of fruit.

Alcohol or drinks with meals are not included (except tea/coffee and juice with breakfast).

DAY 1, 2 & 3

From Apollo Bay it is on to Cape Otway where you will stay at the historic Cape Otway Lightstation. This property offers something a little extra, including an opportunity to learn all about the history of the region before and after European settlement. The exclusive use of the Lightstation’s environs is also something that adds to the experience. The accommodation is more than comfortable and all rooms have ensuites.
DAY 4 & 5

CASTLE COVE

Both properties we use at Castle Cove have outstanding views over nature. They are also both located right near the track and very close to Castle Cove beach. On a calm day, it is possible to take a dip in the sea here but not on days when the swell is working as it is dangerous. The properties have sense of privacy that ensures that you can relax and chill with the knowledge that you’re remote. The rooms are all comfortable and have bathrooms.
DAY 6

MOONLIGHT HEAD

The lodge is located a short walk from the Great Ocean Walk track. The property has an amazing outlook over the valley and glimpses of the coast. The meals will be cooked for you tonight as are the breakfasts.

Some of the rooms have a spa. All the rooms have ensuites

GENERAL INFO

Travel down on the Great Ocean Road to the start of the walk. You will have to arrive by 12:00 midday on your first day to commence the walking. This walk is for people that are wanting to condense the number of nights on the walk and/or are looking for a bit of a challenge.

Each day we move your luggage ahead for you to the next accommodation. All you need to carry is a daypack with what you need for the day. We provide comprehensive walk notes for you. It’s easy to find the way on this track but with our notes, you’ll also receive lots of information to help you better appreciate the flora, fauna, history and geology you’re experiencing along the route.

We’ve mapped a point-to-point walk to maximize the highlights, staying in different accommodations on the route. This means more variety, less backtracking and time spent in a vehicle and more time to relax at the end of the day. You’ll walk an average of 15 km each day, with some optional side walks for those wanting to extend themselves.

The walking terrain is varied following clifftops, wide forest tracks, rough trails, beach traverses, including Wreck Beach and tracks shaded by the forest canopy. It’s mostly easy-going, flat stretches, with some steady, challenging climbs and long downhill descents. The walk is moderate to challenging with some longer days, these provide a great opportunity for fit walkers to challenge themselves.

For what to bring please refer to Gear Advice on our FAQ section.

HOW TO GET THERE

The trip starts in Apollo Bay on the Great Ocean Road. You will have to arrive in the morning (by midday at the latest) on your first day. There are various ways to get the start, however, if you are going to use public transport (a train to Geelong and a connecting bus to Apollo Bay) then you will need to arrive the day before. This walk is for people that are either in a rush, perhaps live in Melbourne or want to challenge themselves (or all three).

WEATHER

December through February is usually warm to hot with excellent swimming weather. Book well in advance for January due to the summer school holidays as the Great Ocean Road walk gets very busy. March through May is usually cooler, with long sunny days, perfect for walking. The winter months (June to August) are cool and sometimes stormy, providing exhilarating walking along the beaches. In winter, the hills are covered with pink heath, Victoria’s floral emblem. September to November are usually cool to warm and this is when most of the colourful wildflowers appear.

See the Bureau of Meteorology’s information about average temperatures and rainfall at different times of the year.

climate graph for the Great Ocean Walk

Source; BOM

INSURANCE

We strongly recommend the purchase of travel insurance for all of our trips. We absolutely require that you purchase a travel insurance policy for all travel overseas. We charge a cancellation fee if you cancel your walking holiday after we have confirmed it. It is also important in the event of an accident or loss of property. See FAQ’s for more information.

INFORMATION PACK

For nearly 30 years we have taken pride in providing seamlessly organised walking holidays, but we know, even with that in mind, that you’ll have many more questions. You will receive a very detailed information pack and itinerary approximately 6 weeks out from departure outlining all the fine detail and much more.

CONTACT

If you have any questions, feel free to ask one of our destination consultants or to speak with one of our guides. You can get in touch with us via our contact form, email us at info@auswalk.com.au, or call us on +61 3 9597 9767.

MAP

DEPARTURE DATES

DATES

AVAILABILITY

PRICE

Single Occupancy

DETAILS
Diamond Valley Private Group

AVAILABLE

^from
$2455

SINGLE OCCUPANCY
$90

18th March 2022 7 days

BOOK NOW
1 Feb 2021 - 15 Dec 2021

AVAILABLE

^from
$2595

SINGLE OCCUPANCY
$695

BOOK NOW
16 Dec 2021 - 31 Jan 2022

AVAILABLE

^from
$2695

SINGLE OCCUPANCY
$735

BOOK NOW
1 Feb 2022 - 15 Dec 2022

AVAILABLE

^from
$2695

SINGLE OCCUPANCY
$695

BOOK NOW
16 Dec 2022 - 31 Jan 2023

AVAILABLE

^from
$2795

SINGLE OCCUPANCY
$735

BOOK NOW

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Overview