Trail Fast Facts
Devil's Kitchen to 12 Apostles is a 16km, grade 3 hike in Great Otway National Park, Victoria. This hike typically takes 5 hours to complete.
Warning
There is no vehicle access to the start of this hike at Devil's Kitchen Campsite, a hike-in campsite along the Great Ocean Walk. This description is intended for those completing multiple sections of the Great Ocean Walk.
Hike Overview
For those completing The Great Ocean Walk, this is the grand finale! Stage 11 of the Great Ocean Walk takes you from Devil's Kitchen to the awe-inspiring 12 Apostles.
The trail hugs the coastline, offering scenic views as you approach Princetown. Keep an eye out for the diverse birdlife at the river mouth - it's definitely worth a closer look! After crossing the Gellibrand River on a trestle bridge, look for a new track section on your left. This section marks the home stretch into Port Campbell National Park, where you'll soon be greeted by the world-famous 12 Apostles.
The Great Ocean Walk viewing platform is just a short distance away, offering the perfect spot to capture a selfie with the majestic rock formations in the background. The trail has been extended past Gibson's Steps, with an underpass leading you to the other side of the road for the final few hundred meters. Your journey ends at the Twelve Apostles visitor center, complete with toilets and a cafe - a well-deserved reward after your incredible hike. This final leg is approximately 16 kilometers and takes roughly 5 hours to complete, with a difficulty rating of easy to moderate.
Devils Kitchen Hike-in Campsite
The final Camp along the Great Ocean Walk is nestled amongst coastal woodland with stunning views out to sea to the wild Southern Ocean. Keep an eye out for Whales in winter as you reflect on your achievements. Be sure to book your Great Ocean Walk campsites well in advance to avoid disappointment.
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.
Map and GPX file
Max elevation: 113 m
Min elevation: 3 m
Total climbing: 419 m
Total descent: -456 m
Trail Location (trailhead)
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Getting there
There is no vehicle access to the start of this hike at Devil's Kitchen Campsite, a hike-in campsite along the Great Ocean Walk. This description is intended for those completing multiple sections of the Great Ocean Walk.
Photo gallery
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.
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.
Explore Safe
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.
Let someone know
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.
Gear to consider
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
Suggest an edit
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!
Weather
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.
1 Review on “Devil's Kitchen to 12 Apostles Hike (16km)”
The clifftop views along the coastline were incredible, especially with the chance to spot some birds by the river mouth. The new track section felt a bit like a victory lap, leading into Port Campbell National Park and the grand finale.
The viewing platform offered the perfect spot for a photo with the 12 Apostles – such a majestic sight! The trail extension made the last stretch a breeze, and the visitor center with restrooms and cafe was a welcome sight after 5 hours on the trail.
Overall, this leg was a fantastic mix of scenic beauty and a moderate challenge – definitely recommend it for anyone doing the Great Ocean Walk!