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.
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.
Grade 3 (Moderate) - Walks for Most Fitness Levels: Grade 3 on the
AWTGS represents moderate walking tracks. These are ideal for walkers with some fitness who are comfortable with some hills and uneven terrain. While suitable for most ages, some bushwalking experience is recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Tracks may have short, steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps. The total distance of a Grade 3 walk can be up to 20 kilometers.
Total distance: 9924 m
Max elevation: 146 m
Min elevation: 1 m
Total climbing: 418 m
Total descent: -274 m
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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.
If you have any photos from this hike and are happy to share them, please upload your .jpg files here.
Please note: Uploading photos does not transfer ownership of copyright away from you. If requested, you will be credited for any photos you provide and can ask they be deleted at any time.
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.
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Great Otway National Park
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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.
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.
What you carry in your pack will depend on the weather, terrain, time of year, type of adventure, and personal preferences. Having trouble deciding what gear’s right for you? 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.Â
Trail changed? New features discovered? Has the route changed? Trail permanently closed? Help fellow hikers by suggesting edits! Click above to update route descriptions, GPX file, trail features (like boardwalks), or access conditions (like parking availability). Help me keep the trails info fresh!
1 Review on “Apollo Bay to Elliot Ridge Hike (10km)”
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!