Trail summary
Hike overview
The Mount Defiance - Jamieson Creek walk is a 22 km circuit trail near Lorne, Victoria, that utilises 4WD tracks of varying condition, width, use (seasonly closed to vehicles), a well formed unsealed road and the Great Ocean Road.
Starting at the Cumberland River Camping Ground carpark on the Great Ocean Road, the walk circumnavigates the Jamieson Creek Catchment. The 4WD Cumberland Track commences behind the Camping ground office and after an initial steep climb is a steady climb along the ridge line for 9 km to Curtis Track. The Cumberland River catchment is on the right side.
The track narrows on progress up the ridge line. Nice views of Castle Rock across the Cumberland River valley early on in the hike. The tracks becomes muddy near Curtis Track. Turn left into Curtis Track. Curtis Track was very muddy with big ponds of water. Turn left from Curtis Track into Wye Road which is a well formed unsealed road. Forest scenery is beautiful in this area.
Continue down Wye Road and turn left into the sign posted 4WD Jamieson Track. Spectacular views of the Great Ocean Road as you progress down Jamieson Track to the Jamieson Camping ground. Continue to the Great Ocean Road and either walk the last 4km section along the Great Ocean Road and enjoy the coastal views or if the tide is suitable along the beach (lots of rock scrambling). The other option would be to arrange a car shuffle to avoid this last section.
A challenging walk due to distance, muddy sections and some steep climbs but well worth it for the magnificent scenery, both forest and coast.
Tips
- Navigation is easy as you basically keep turning left.
- No river or creek crossings.
- Upper end of Cumberland Track and Curtis Track muddy during the wetter times of the year.
Map and GPX file
Max elevation: 478 m
Min elevation: 6 m
Total climbing: 1044 m
Total descent: -1044 m
Getting there
Closest towns to this walk: Apollo Bay, Lorne, Colac, Forrest, Beech Forest
From Melbourne by car
Follow the Princes Highway (M1) from Melbourne to Geelong, then take the Great Ocean Road (B100) through Torquay to Lorne. Or follow the Princes Highway (M1) from Melbourne to Geelong to Winchelsea (A1). Then take C151 via Deans Marsh to Lorne. The Cumberland River Holiday Park is located 7.8km past the Lorne Visitors Information Centre, west of Lorne, along the Great Ocean Road.
Public Transport to Lorne
V-line train/coach services depart daily from Melbourne to Geelong and along the Great Ocean Road to Lorne and Apollo Bay. V-line coach services connect along the Great Ocean Road from Apollo Bay to Port Campbell and Warrnambool on Friday all year (extra service during December -January). V-line enquiries – phone 136196. The Cumberland River Holiday Park is located 7.8km past the Lorne Visitors Information Centre, west of Lorne, along the Great Ocean Road.
Access conditions
- 2WD Access
- Public Transport
- Bitumen Road
- Large Car Park
- Accessible Parking
- Picnic Table
- Camping Area
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. 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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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.