Venture through the Great Otway National Park to Cape Otway, the southernmost point of the Great Ocean Road region. Witness some of Victoria's most remote and beautiful rainforest, coastal scenery and mainland Australia's oldest lighthouse. The Cape Otway Blanket Bay hike commences at the Cape Otway Lightstation where towering cliffs frame pristine sandy beachs and visits the isolated and incredibly beautiful Blanket Bay.
The facilities and attractions in the Cape Otway Lighthouse precinct include the historic lighthouse and beacon, Telegraph Station, the Head Lighthouse Keeper's House, a whale interpretive area, an Indigenous cultural display, café and public toilets.
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Total distance: 27270 m
Max elevation: 217 m
Min elevation: 4 m
Total climbing: 927 m
Total descent: -921 m
Getting there
Getting to the trailhead: Great Otway National Park.
Cape Otway is just over 200 km from Melbourne. From Melbourne take the Princes Highway to Geelong, then the Great Ocean Road through Lorne and Apollo Bay. 16 km west of Apollo Bay turn left onto Lighthouse Road. The Lightstation is 13 km from the Great Ocean Road turnoff.
Closest towns to this walk: Apollo Bay, Beech Forest, Colac, Forrest, Lavers Hill, Lorne, Skenes Creek, Wye River
About the region
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. 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.
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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
Suggest an edit
Spotted a change on this trail? Maybe there are new features, the route has shifted, or the trail is permanently closed. Whatever the update, I’d love your input. Your feedback helps fellow hikers stay informed and ensures that our trail info stays fresh and reliable.
7 Reviews on “Cape Otway Blanket Bay Hike (27km)”
Shannon Davey Sarah Igboeli Justine Davitt
Next years hike?!!
Simone Amos
Yep, let’s do it!!
Soon, before September.
Tim – should we add this one to our list too?
Yassssss
There are a lot of tracks interacting on this loop, they are well marked but you need to know which ones you should follow. If you print a map of the route or download the GPX file for your GPS this will really help.
Thinking about doing a couple days hiking camping down toward way late October!
Jason Whittle do u reckon I can handle this one?
Hi is there a good sign posted track for this loop?
Nice one! :p
Gee Brown this one too
Alexandrawhen are you back?
Daniel Pell
Another one for our list Emily O’Brien