Apollo Bay to Elliot Ridge is a 10km, grade 3 hike located in Great Otway National Park, Victoria. The hike should take around 4 hours to complete.

Length: 10km

Duration: 4 hrs

Grade: 3

Style: One Way

Start: Apollo Bay Visitor Information Centre

End: Elliot Ridge

Location: Great Otway National Park

Closest town: Apollo Bay

Victoria

From state capital: 200km

Longitude: 143.6694493889809

Latitude: -38.75490530661885

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Warning

There is no vehicle access to the end of this hike at Elliot Ridge Campsite, a hike-in campsite along the Great Ocean Walk. This description is intended for those completing multiple sections of the Great Ocean Walk.

Hike overview

The Great Ocean Walk stretches from Apollo Bay to the Twelve Apostles, but you can hike specific stages. This hike details the first two stages, which take you from Apollo Bay to Elliot Ridge.

The hike commences at the Apollo Bay Visitor Information Centre and follows a track through town. You can also walk along the beach until you reach the river. From there, you'll be on a gravel track next to the road or the beach again. Keep an eye out for fur seals near Marengo.

The second section starts at Marengo Caravan Park. Here, you can choose between walking on the rocks or taking the inland trail through the park and along the beach. After the foreshore, the terrain gets more rural with some ups and downs over hills. You'll even encounter a fence with a ladder to climb over. After Three Creeks Beach, you'll enter forests and eventually reach a fork in the trail. Head left for Shelly Beach, or right for the car park. From the car park, you can walk down to the Elliot River mouth and then climb up to the Elliot Ridge campsite.

Elliot Ridge Hike-in Campsite

Elliot Ridge is one of the picturesque camping areas on the Great Ocean Walk. It is only accessible by walking. There are a couple of small waterfalls and the river itself where it meets the ocean nearby. There are 8 campsites, tank water, a drop toilet and a communal shelter.

Route and GPX file

Total distance: 9924 m
Max elevation: 146 m
Min elevation: 1 m
Total climbing: 418 m
Total descent: -274 m

Download file: Apollo-Bay-to-Elliot-Ridge.gpx

Trail location

Getting there

Apollo Bay, the start of the Great Ocean Walk, is three hours' drive from Melbourne along the Great Ocean Road. If you are completing the entire Great Ocean Walk and only have one vehicle it's recommended that you park at the Twelve Apostles Carpark and get shuttled back to Apollo Bay to start your walk. If you don't have a vehicle, you can go with a Licensed Tour Operator or use one of the shuttle services.

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Gallery

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About the region

The Great Otway National Park stretches from Torquay, along the world-famous Great Ocean Road and up through the Otways hinterland. Discover windswept coastlines and breathtaking waterfalls in tall mountain forests, walk the iconic Great Ocean Walk, immerse yourself in the Otway Lightstation's history, or surf some of the best breaks in Australia. Enjoy the great outdoors and explore the wonders of the Great Otway National Park.

The Great Otway National Park is in southern Victoria, Australia. It covers rugged coastland, beaches and the mountains of the Otway Ranges. Waterfalls dot the park, including the 3 cascades of Triplet Falls. Boardwalks lead through temperate rainforest at Maits Rest. The 1848 Cape Otway Lightstation perches on cliffs overlooking Bass Strait. Great Ocean Walk leads through the park to the Twelve Apostles rock formations.

Similar trails nearby

Hike Categories: 006-10km Grade 3 (Moderate) Great Otway National Park Half Day One Way Victoria

Explore Safe

While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.

Let someone know

Adventure with peace of mind: Fill out your trip intentions form. Before you hit the trail, fill out an online form to privately send important details about your hike to your family or friends. If you don’t return on time, they can easily alert emergency services, preventing worry and ensuring a swift response. Hike with peace of mind and enjoy your outdoor adventure to the fullest. Be smart, be safe: Register your plans here.

Gear to consider

My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.

Reviews

1 Review on “Apollo Bay to Elliot Ridge Hike (10km)”

Overall rating

Darren Edwards Trail Author

A scenic 10km hike, perfect for a day on the trail. The start through Apollo Bay was easy, with the option of a beach walk which was nice. After Marengo, the trail offered a choice between the rocks and an inland track – I went with the rocks for the ocean views. The final section through the forests was a great way to end the day. Reaching Elliot Ridge campsite felt rewarding. Overall, this was a lovely grade 3 trail – a good mix of coastal walking and forest immersion. Great way to kick off the Great Ocean Walk!

15/04/2024, 19:50

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Acknowledgement of Country

Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.

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