Hike at a Glance
Max elevation: 113m
Min elevation: 3m
Total Ascent: 419m
Essential information
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.
Walk map and GPX file
Max elevation: 113 m
Min elevation: 3 m
Total climbing: 419 m
Total descent: -456 m
GPX files, maps and content are copyright Trail Hiking Australia. Not to be copied, redistributed or uploaded to other platforms including AllTrails.
Explore safely
Planning this hike? Most incidents develop before you even start. Safe outcomes depend on how navigation, hydration, environment, load and judgement work together. Small oversights can compound quickly in Australian conditions. See how it happens in the Hiking Safety Systems Foundations. Then use the Hiking Safety Systems, planning calculators, and make sure a trusted contact has your trip plan before heading out.
Leave a trip plan
Before you go, complete a trip intentions form and share it with a trusted contact. Agree on a Late-Back Time and ask them to call 000 (Police) if you have not checked in. A clear trip plan is one of the simplest and most effective safety steps you can take.
Planning checklists
Download the hiking preparation and safety checklists before leaving home to help you think through your plans. They help ensure important considerations are not overlooked and support safer decision-making on the trail.
Getting there
Getting to the trailhead: Great Otway National Park.
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.
Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here.
Accommodation nearby
Find accommodation close to the trailhead including hotels, cabins, and campgrounds. Use the interactive map to explore available options in nearby towns.
Nearby towns: 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.
Gallery
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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.






4 Reviews 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!