Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Experience the untamed beauty of the Great Otway National Park on the 27km Cape Otway Blanket Bay hike. Starting at the historic Cape Otway Lightstation, this moderate Grade 3 circuit trail takes you through Victoria's lush rainforest and stunning coastal views. Don't miss out on mainland Australia's oldest lighthouse and the secluded beauty of Blanket Bay. Perfect for bushwalkers and outdoor enthusiasts exploring the southernmost point of the Great Ocean Road region.

Length:

27km

Duration:

8 hrs

Grade:

Style:

Circuit

Max elevation: 217m

Min elevation: 4m

Total Ascent: 927m

Start: Cape Otway Lightstation

End: Cape Otway Lightstation

Great Otway National Park

Victoria

Nearby town: Hordern Vale

From state capital: 229km

Latitude: -38.81642067

Longitude: 143.5532852

Overview

Map

Gallery

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6,977 views

Hike overview

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.

Tips

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, cafÃÆ© and public toilets.

Gallery

Walk map and GPX file
Cape Otway Blanket Bay Hike (27km)

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.

Get there with Google Maps

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

Access conditions

Public Transport
BBQ Facilities

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.

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
Cape Otway Blanket Bay Hike (27km)

7 Reviews on “Cape Otway Blanket Bay Hike (27km)”

Overall rating

Danielle Brown

Shannon Davey Sarah Igboeli Justine Davitt
Next years hike?!!

24/03/2022, 05:23

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1. Julia Vaughan
  
  Simone Amos
  
  24/03/2022, 05:23
  
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  1. Sarah van den Berg
    
    Yep, let’s do it!!
    
    24/03/2022, 05:23
    
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2. Alexandra Fitzsimon
  
  Soon, before September.
  
  24/03/2022, 05:23
  
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  1. Kirsti Angove
    
    Tim – should we add this one to our list too?
    
    24/03/2022, 05:23
    
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  2. Juniper J Jones
    
    Yassssss
    
    24/03/2022, 05:23
    
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3. Darren Edwards Trail Author
  
  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.
  
  24/03/2022, 05:23
  
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4. Emily O'Brien
  
  Thinking about doing a couple days hiking camping down toward way late October!
  
  24/03/2022, 05:23
  
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Shawn Whittle

Jason Whittle do u reckon I can handle this one?

24/03/2022, 05:23

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Julie Field

Hi is there a good sign posted track for this loop?

24/03/2022, 05:23

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Hike is Life Gear

Nice one! :p

24/03/2022, 05:23

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Gabby Heyes

Gee Brown this one too

24/03/2022, 05:23

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Amanda Hua

Alexandrawhen are you back?

24/03/2022, 05:23

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Alexandra Pell

Daniel Pell

24/03/2022, 05:23

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Erin Milne

Another one for our list Emily O’Brien

24/03/2022, 05:23

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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.

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

Hike overview

Tips

Gallery

Walk map and GPX file
Cape Otway Blanket Bay Hike (27km)