GENERAL INFO
Travel down on the Great Ocean Road to the start of the walk in Apollo Bay. You will have to arrive early in the morning (by 9:00 am) on your first day. This walk is for people that would like to challenge themselves or who are limited on time (or both).
We move your luggage for you each time you change accommodations. 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 your 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 the various 2 accommodation locations that best services the route. Due to the regions diversity and the remoteness of area, along with the limited accommodation and access roads (taken by vehicles) to drop-off and/or collect, this means less backtracking, and you will pick up where you left off from the day earlier. All necessary morning and afternoon transfers (transportation) from/to accommodation and at each Start/Finish of the walk (which, the most spent would be around 30km at 30/35mins travel) are included. You’ll walk an average of 21kms each day, with some optional sidewalks for those wanting to extend themselves.
The walking terrain is varied following clifftops, wide forest tracks, rough trails, beach traverses (including Wreck Beach) and sections shaded by the forest canopy. It’s mostly relatively easy-going, flat stretches, some steady, challenging climbs and long downhill descents. The walk is moderate to challenging with some longer days. This is 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 walk starts in Apollo Bay on the Great Ocean Road and ends in Port Campbell.
As you have a 23.5km walk on day 1 we recommend starting your walk at 9am to comfortably be at the pick up point on time.
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 you must arrange to have a pre tour night in Apollo Bay to ensure you start on time as the earliest train leaves Melbourne at 9.00am, alternatively please see our 6 Day Great Ocean Walk Unplug itinerary here. If you are catching public transport- it 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 and 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;Â 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.
5 DAYS
Challenging 
Suzanne P
We were so glad we arranged this walking holiday with AUSWALK as the attention to detail in the planning, communication, walking note booklets, booking summary and the app were excellent. All we really had to do was walk and enjoy ourselves. It was everything we’d hoped it would be and we look forward to planning more such walks.
Kristy C
I have just spent the best week walking the Great Ocean Walk with Auswalk. The scenery was everchanging & spectacular. The walk itself was challenging in parts but for the most pretty easy going. We fluked fantastic weather for the time of year which made for a pleasant walking experience. There was so much food I don’t think I lost any weight despite walking every day. The food & accommodation was excellent – you did not need to spend any money on the trip, apart from drinks, as everything was provided. We are already looking at where our next Auswalk trip might be. Thank you Auswalk for a fantastic week.
Trish W
The Great Ocean Walk is amazing. Having Auswalk organise everything from start to finish without a hiccup makes it a pleasure. The accommodation and food could not be faulted.
Thank you
Terri S
Fantastic, from beginning to end, and all the echidna and koalas on the way
Geoffrey G
We would like to say what a delightful group of people you have that looked after us. Apollo Bay Taxis were on time every time. They went above and beyond especially when Marions walking boots fell apart and had to be replaced. Thank you Vanessa, Colin and Sue.
Chi Farm (WOW). Magnificent fresh healthy food, and so much of it. I think we both had put on weight by the end of the walk. Thank you Jodie and Shane.
Cafe 153, Waves and Des at Portside Motel thank you all for making us so welcome.
It was obvious to us that they all highly value their relationship with Auswalk, and this made the walk a thoroughly enjoyable experience for us.
Louise H
Auswalks are a great company to deal with – really friendly and have excellent walks across Australia. I highly recommend them.
Susie E
This was a fantastic trip that my husband and I will always remember. Everything was lovely – the food, the accommodation and of course the scenery. Kimbra was a fantastic lady who cheerfully transferred us around. We would highly recommend the 3 Capes self guided walk to anyone!
Daniel A
Great walk. accommodation was great. meals were excellent. really liked the flexibility that was provided. Tasha and Anne did a great job. although Anne needs to work harder on minimizing the rain days!