Trail summary
Safety advice
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.
Map and GPX file
Max elevation: 113 m
Min elevation: 3 m
Total climbing: 419 m
Total descent: -456 m
Getting there
Closest towns to this walk: Apollo Bay, Lorne, Forrest, Beech Forest, Skenes Creek
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’ve got some great shots from this hike, I’d love to see them! Please upload your .jpg files here to help inspire other hikers and show off the beauty of the trail.
A quick note: Uploading your photos doesn’t mean you lose ownership. You’ll be credited for any photos you share, and you can request to have them removed at any time.
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
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.
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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.
Similar trails nearby
Looking for things to do in Great Otway National Park or nearby? Try these similar hikes or bushwalks.
Let someone know
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
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!