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.
Getting there
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.
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.
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.
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Adventure with Confidence: Register Your Trip Plans
Before you hit the trail, take a moment to fill out our trip intentions form. It’s a simple way to share important details about your hike with family or friends. If things don’t go as planned and you’re not back on time, they can easily notify emergency services, helping to ensure a quick response and reducing worry. Enjoy your outdoor adventure knowing that you’ve taken a smart step for your safety.
Gear to consider
What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, time of year, the type of adventure, and your personal preferences. Unsure what gear to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists offer a great starting point, covering essentials for day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them as a guide to customise your kit to suit your needs, always prioritising safety above all else.
Explore safe
Plan ahead and hike safely! Always carry enough water and pack clothing layers to adapt to changing conditions. Bring essential safety gear, including a torch, a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), and a reliable communication device. Check official government sources for trail updates, temporary closures, and access requirements. Before heading out, review local weather and bushfire advice, including warnings and planned burns. Most importantly, let someone know your plans before you go. Being prepared ensures a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe
3 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