There is no vehicle access to the end of this hike at Ryan's Den Campsite, a hike-in campsite along the Great Ocean Walk. This description is intended for those completing multiple sections of the Great Ocean Walk.
The Johanna Beach to Ryan's Den section of the Great Ocean Walk, stages 8 and 9, takes you from Johanna Beach via Melanesia to Ryan's Den.
Stage 8: Johanna Beach to Melanesia (5 km, 2 hours, Moderate)
Starting from the Johanna car park, the track winds through coastal scrub before reaching a hilltop with stunning 180-degree ocean views - a perfect spot for a picnic and to admire the Johanna River carving its path through the farmland. Keep your eyes peeled for the resident kangaroos! The trail follows the Old Coach Road before turning onto the Melanesia Track, a gravel road leading directly to Melanesia Beach.
Stage 9: Melanesia to Ryan's Den (10 km, 3.5 hours, Hard)
Melanesia Beach is a hidden gem, rarely visited and offering a serene escape. Take some time to appreciate the old beach cottage, but remember it's private property so admire it from a distance. This stage is considered the most challenging of the entire Great Ocean Walk. The trail from Melanesia Beach to Ryan's Den features a series of ups and downs, resembling a rollercoaster ride, before reaching your final destination at Ryan’s Den.
Ryan's Den Campsite
Ryan's Den is a hike-in campsite on the Great Ocean Walk. There is no vehicle access so if you are doing this as a day hike, you will need to walk turn north onto Ryan's Den Track before reaching the campsite and walk approximately 1.5km out to the Great Ocean Road. This campsite has eight individual camp pads set into the surrounding bushland. Each camp pad has room for a 2-3 person tent. Registration fees apply at this campsites and hikers must book at least two weeks in advance.
There is no vehicle access to the end of this hike at Ryan's Den Campsite, a hike-in campsite along the Great Ocean Walk. This description is intended for those completing multiple sections of the Great Ocean Walk.
Johanna Beach is just off the Great Ocean Road near Glenaire. It's a three-hour drive from Melbourne via the direct inland route through Colac. Alternatively, it's a four-hour drive from Melbourne via the world famous and very scenic Great Ocean Road.
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Grade 4 (Hard) -
Challenging Walks for Experienced Walkers: Grade 4 on the
AWTGS signifies challenging walking tracks. Bushwalking experience is recommended for these tracks, which may be long, rough, and very steep. Directional signage may be limited, requiring a good sense of navigation. These walks are suited for experienced walkers who are comfortable with steeper inclines, rougher terrain, and potentially longer distances.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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
1 Review on “Johanna Beach to Ryan's Den Hike (15km)”
Stage 8 of the the Great Ocean Walk was a great section, with coastal views and kangaroo spotting at the Johanna River lookout being real highlights. Melanesia Beach was a secluded paradise – definitely worth the visit. Stage 9 lived up to its “hard” rating. The constant ups and downs after Melanesia Beach were a bit of a rollercoaster, but the sense of accomplishment reaching Ryan’s Den was unbeatable. The campsite looks amazing – perfect for a rest after a challenging but rewarding day. If you’re looking for a scenic and challenging hike with a secluded beach reward, this is a must-do! Just be prepared for those Stage 9 climbs! Although they really aren’t that bad.