Spectacular Four-Day Great Ocean Walk Adventure

Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Great Ocean Walk while based in the beautiful foothills of Apollo Bay. This self-guided, fully supported 76.5km trek from Parker Hill to the iconic 12 Apostles offers the perfect balance of rugged wilderness and coastal comfort. 🥾

Why This Walk is Unmissable

• Walk with Local Experts: Gain deep insights into the hidden gems of the Great Ocean Road from seasoned local guides with nearly two decades of experience.
• Safety and Local Support: Walk with absolute confidence. Receive daily updates on trail conditions, tides, and secure walk recommendations, with local assistance always nearby. 🛡️
• Comprehensive Resources: Navigate effortlessly with the official Great Ocean Walk Map and detailed historical notes, enriched by insights from founder Mark Kininmonth, an ex-Parks Victoria ranger who helped build the track.
• Lighten Your Load: Enjoy the freedom of exploring backpack-free, carrying only a small day pack with your daily essentials. 🎒
• Accommodation and Dining Freedom: Base yourself in Apollo Bay. Choose accommodation that matches your budget, and savour the town’s culinary delights, from local cafes to the beloved local bakery.
• Cape Otway Lighthouse Bonus: Enjoy complimentary entry tickets to explore the oldest surviving mainland Australian Lightstation. 🌅
• Community and Conservation: Your walk supports the local community, including local sports clubs, Wildlife Wonders conservation, and the Indigenous Literacy Foundation.

Your Premium Inclusions

• Experience for 2 to 10 guests in a spacious van or minibus.
• 8 convenient transfers and shuttles from the Apollo Bay Information Centre.
• Comprehensive walk briefing covering decision points, text points, and tide conditions.
• Detailed walking and historical notes (provided as a convenient PDF).
• Digital smartphone notebook featuring rich video and audio highlights.
• Official Great Ocean Walk Map.
• Complimentary use of a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) and walking poles.
• Complimentary Cape Otway Lighthouse entry tickets.

Daily Itinerary

Day 1: Parker Hill Campground to Aire River Bridge (16km)

Your journey begins with an 8:00 AM transfer from Apollo Bay. Walk through dry coastal forests inhabited by echidnas, king parrots, and koalas resting in the manna gums. Marvel at Bass Strait views over Crayfish Bay and catch your first glimpse of Cape Otway Lighthouse. Explore the historic lightstation with your complimentary tickets, then wander past the historic cemetery to the wild, driftwood-strewn Station Beach. Follow the heritage-listed Aire River, a peaceful waterway with a deep history tied to the traditional owners, the Gadubanud.

Day 2: Aire River to Milanesia Gate (22.5km)

Depart Apollo Bay at 7:30 AM. Cross the Aire River bridge towards Castle Cove’s spectacular lookout. Traverse the wild sands of Johanna Beach, keeping an eye out for wedge-tailed eagles and white-bellied sea eagles. Climb past picturesque farmland and winding valleys towards Milanesia, watching for grazing kangaroos before arriving at Milanesia Gate for your 4:00 PM return transfer.

Day 3: Milanesia Gate to The Gables (18.5km)

An early 7:00 AM transfer brings you to the rugged shoreline of Milanesia Beach. Climb back to the clifftops for outstanding coastal forest views. Pass the unique ‘Lost Apostle’ rock formation and wind through fern-lined tracks from Moonlight Head, spotting wallabies and kangaroos before finishing at the breathtaking Gables Lookout.

Day 4: The Gables to the 12 Apostles (19.5km)

Discover shipwreck history as you walk through Sheoak trees and down to Wreck Beach (tide permitting) to see the historic anchors of the ‘Fiji’ and ‘Marie Gabrielle’. Hike towards the Gellibrand estuary as the iconic 12 Apostles appear in the distance, growing more majestic with every step. Descend Gibson Steps for sea-level views before celebrating your incredible achievement at the official 12 Apostles viewing platform. Return transfer departs at 3:30 PM, arriving in Apollo Bay by 5:00 PM.

Important Pre-Booking Information

• Accommodation: Please book an additional night’s accommodation in Apollo Bay for Friday night, as you will not return in time for the afternoon V/Line bus.
• Single Walkers: This service requires a minimum of 2 people to run. Single bookings will be held as pending until a second walker joins.
• Fitness and Preparation: This tour is ideal for those comfortable walking approximately 3km per hour over extended distances with a light day pack. Please ensure you train accordingly.
• Gear and Clothing: Essential gear includes comfortable, worn-in walking boots, waterproof rain jacket, sun protection, a 2-3 litre refillable water bottle, and a packed lunch.
• Communication: A Telstra mobile phone is highly recommended for the best reception along the trail.
• Safety: Ensure you have valid travel insurance and up-to-date ambulance cover.
• Children: Minimum age is 10 years. Children under 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Standard adult fares apply.