Great Ocean Walk 7 Day Unplug

DISTANCE - ABOVE AVERAGE

Distance training is a major consideration in your overall training program. As you progress, incorporate longer walks into your training plan.

Schedule one or two long walks each week, gradually increasing the distance until you can comfortably cover 17-25 km in a single day. Also include walks on consecutive days to help your body adapt to the demands of walking for multiple days in a row. Take every opportunity you can to walk. If you have a fitness watch or phone, you should try to reach >15,000 steps every day.

Ensure you can comfortably walk the average distance per day displayed in the graph, at least one month before you undertake your hike.

ELEVATION - ABOVE AVERAGE

Elevation training is a major consideration in your overall training program. You must include walks with serious hill climbs.

If you do not have access to hills, it is essential to replicate the elevation level you will be undertaking in any way possible such as on a treadmill or stair climber. Walking up and down stairs at work, at a local oval with a grandstand, or up and down small hills is incredibly useful. Also, prioritising resistance weight training will help you develop overall muscle strength.  Elevation is often where walkers encounter problems, opposed to distance, as it uses an entirely different set of muscles to everyday flat walking.

If high altitude is a factor, incorporate sessions at a higher altitude to acclimatise your body to reduced oxygen levels if you are able to. Ensure you can comfortably walk the average elevation per day displayed in the graph, at least one month before you undertake your hike.

TERRAIN

MOUNTAINOUS / UNDULATING TERRAIN

As terrain associated with mountain climbs is often somewhat uneven and rocky, balancing and core exercises are vital.

Try to also include some form of elevation in more than 50% of your walking and prioritise resistance training, whilst incorporating stairs anytime you can. Walking up mountains or hills, up and down stairs at work, or up and down at a local oval with a grandstand is incredibly useful. Elevation is often where walkers encounter problems not distance, as it uses an entirely different set of muscles to everyday flat walking. Concentrate on doing lots of squats and lunges to build your glute muscles.

UNEVEN TERRAIN

Preparation for hiking on uneven terrain demands a blend of physical and mental readiness.

Begin with balance-enhancing exercises, such as one-legged stands and stability ball workouts, laying a groundwork for stability and coordination. Strengthening the lower body is especially important, achieved through the incorporation of squats, lunges, and step-ups. Gradually increase the complexity of the terrain on which you walk, moving from gravel paths to rocky trails. Cultivate mindfulness during your practice, directing focused attention to both your immediate surroundings and precise foot placement.

The importance of suitable footwear cannot be overstated; prioritise options that offer robust support and reliable grip to navigate varying terrains with confidence. Build endurance through consistent hikes, progressively increasing distance and difficulty.

HOW TO GET THERE AND AWAY

The walk starts in Apollo Bay on the Great Ocean Road and ends in Port Campbell. As you are walking on day 1 we recommend starting your walk at 12pm to comfortably be at the pick up point on time. Fast walkers can explore Apollo or start slightly later if necessary.

Arriving / Departing via Private Vehicle – Self Drive 

This is the recommended way to travel for this trip. If you are driving you can park your car in a quiet street in Apollo bay near the Visitor Information Centre. At the end of your walk on the last day of your trip we will transfer you back to your car in Apollo Bay.

Important note: Please advise your arrival time to your destination consultant to arrange for your luggage to be collected from the Visitor Information Centre.

Arriving / Departing via Public Transport 

If catching public transport we recommend having a pre tour night in Apollo Bay to ensure you start on time. 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 4hrs. You can plan your journey and purchase tickets here. At the end of your walk on the last day of your trip we will transfer you to Camperdown Station for train connections back to Melbourne. Alternatively, if you would like to stay a post tour night you can do so either at Port Campbell or Apollo Bay. Please bear in mind transport connections are 2hrs 45 mins from Camperdown (near Port Campbell) or 3hrs 45 mins from 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 will 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 into 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 dates prices and times.

Private Transfer 

Private transfers are subject to availability please ask you destination consultant at time of booking. Private transfers work best for groups of 4 or more.

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.

Source; BOM

INSURANCE

We require that you have adequate travel insurance against potential losses, damage or injury, including cancellation costs and loss of luggage.

For all trips that require international travel, you must have purchased travel insurance that also includes medical evacuation coverage.

We also charge a cancellation fee if you cancel your walking holiday after we have confirmed it to cover costs incurred from our suppliers and in the office.  See the FAQ section 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.