Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Explore Stage 4 of the Great Ocean Walk, a moderate 10km trail from Elliot Ridge to Blanket Bay, taking 3-4 hours. Expect stunning vistas of Parker Inlet, drier coastal forests teeming with echidnas and king parrots, and breathtaking views from Cape Otway Lightstation overlooking Bass Strait. Don't forget to look for koalas in the abundant Manna Gum trees along the trail. Perfect for bushwalkers and outdoor enthusiasts who love diverse terrains and wildlife.

Length:

10km

Duration:

3-4 hrs

Grade:

Style:

One Way

Max elevation: 103m

Min elevation: 6m

Total Ascent: 397m

Start: Blanket Bay Campsite

End: Cape Otway

Great Otway National Park

Victoria

Nearby town: Marengo

From state capital: 232km

Latitude: -38.82758514692959

Longitude: 143.58267993274913

Overview

Map

Gallery

Weather

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Region

6,828 views

Hike overview

Stage 4 of the Great Ocean Walk continues from Elliot Ridge to Blanket Bay. This section is known for its scenic transformation. The initial part offers beautiful views of Parker Inlet, followed by a shift to drier coastal forests. Here, keep your eyes peeled for echidnas and the vibrant flash of king parrots.

The trail then leads you towards Cape Otway Lightstation, where breathtaking views of Bass Strait unfold from the clifftops. Be sure to look up as well, as Manna Gum trees, a favorite food source for koalas, are abundant in this area. This moderately easy hike takes approximately 3-4 hours to complete, with a distance of roughly 10 kilometers.

Blanket Bay Campground

Nestled on the eastern coast of Cape Otway, Blanket Bay Campground offers the perfect escape for you. This seaside haven allows campers and day-trippers to soak up the sun and explore the surrounding beauty. Build sandcastles on the beach or venture inland to spot koalas - Blanket Bay Campground caters to a variety of interests.

Be prepared for Blanket Bay Campground's popularity! Due to high demand, especially during school holidays, peak season (summer, Labour Day, and Easter), and year-round bookings are required to secure your spot. Don't wait until the last minute to make your reservation.

Blanket Bay Campground offers 22 unpowered campsites, all perfect for pitching your tent. Some sites can even accommodate camper trailers, campervans, or small recreational vehicles. However, keep in mind that caravans are not allowed.

Since Blanket Bay Campground is a basic campground, you'll need to come prepared. Be sure to pack your own water for drinking and cooking, and firewood if you plan on enjoying a campfire under the stars.

Gallery

Blanket Bay to Cape Otway Hike (10km)

Walk map and GPX file

Blanket Bay to Cape Otway Hike (10km)

Total distance: 9579 m
Max elevation: 103 m
Min elevation: 6 m
Total climbing: 397 m
Total descent: -330 m

Getting there

Getting to the trailhead: Great Otway National Park.

Blanket Bay campground is accessed off the Otway Lighthouse Road off the Great Ocean Road. The turn off into Otway Lighthouse Road is about 17km west from Marengo in Victoria. Once on Otway Lighouse Road, follow for about 9km and follow the signs onto Blanket Bay Road.

Get there with Google Maps

Closest towns to this walk: Apollo Bay, Beech Forest, Colac, Forrest, Lavers Hill, Lorne, Skenes Creek, Wye River

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 walks nearby

Looking for more walks in or near Great Otway National Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.

Track grade

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.

Explore safe

Plan ahead and hike safely! Carry enough water, pack layers for changing conditions, and bring safety gear like a torch, PLB, and reliable communication device. Check official sources for trail updates, closures, and access requirements, and review local weather and bushfire advice. Most importantly, share your plans with someone before you go. Being prepared makes for a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe.

Packing checklists

What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, and your adventure type. Not sure what to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists are a great starting point, covering day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them to customise your kit and always prioritise safety.

Let someone know

Before heading out, take a moment to fill out your trip intentions form. It’s a quick way to share your hike details with family or friends. If something goes wrong, they can notify emergency services, ensuring a faster response and peace of mind. Stay safe and enjoy your adventure

Reviews

Blanket Bay to Cape Otway Hike (10km)

6 Reviews on “Blanket Bay to Cape Otway Hike (10km)”

Overall rating

Darren Edwards Trail Author

This was a fantastic 10km hike with a nice mix of scenery. The views of Parker Inlet at the beginning were stunning, and the change to drier forests kept things interesting. The final stretch towards Cape Otway Lightstation was the highlight. The clifftop views of Bass Strait were incredible, and it was cool to see so many Manna Gum trees – perfect koala food. Overall, this was a moderately easy 3-4 hour hike that I would recommend to anyone looking for a scenic coastal walk with a chance to see some wildlife. Just be sure to book your campsite at Blanket Bay well in advance – it seems like a popular spot.

15/04/2024, 19:47

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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.

Curated by: Darren Edwards | Trail Hiking Australia

Last modified:

February 25, 2025

Hike at a Glance