Hike at a Glance
Max elevation: 173m
Min elevation: 42m
Total Ascent: 651m
Essential information
There is no vehicle access to the start of this hike at Ryan's Den Campsite or the end of this hike at Devil's Kitchen Campsite. These are both hike-in campsites along the Great Ocean Walk. This description is intended for those completing multiple sections of the Great Ocean Walk.
Hike overview
The hike traverses stage 10 of the Great Ocean Walk, from Ryan's Den to Devil's Kitchen.
A moderate level of fitness is recommended for this final stage, as some sections can be challenging. The track winds through coastal scrub, eventually reaching the evocatively named Moonlight Head. From there, the trail dips down before joining a newer section that leads to Gables Lookout. This dramatic viewpoint boasts some of the highest cliffs in Australia, making it a prime location for whale watching, particularly Southern Right Whales migrating to Warrnambool during winter.
Your next stop is Wreck Beach. During low tide, take a detour down a few hundred steps to explore the beach and search for the anchors of shipwrecks that litter the seabed. From there, continue on to Devil's Kitchen. Be sure to check the tide beforehand, though, as you might need to take the designated high-tide route if the water level is high.
Ryan's Den Hike-in Campsite
Camp in the remote Otway hinterland amongst tall eucalypt trees and marvel at the spectacular Ocean views to Cape Otway and Submarine Rock to the West as you enjoy a well-earned break on your Walking adventure. Be sure to book your Great Ocean Walk campsites well in advance to avoid disappointment.
Devil's Kitchen Hike-in Campsite
The final Camp along the 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 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.
Walk map and GPX file
Max elevation: 173 m
Min elevation: 42 m
Total climbing: 651 m
Total descent: -638 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 Ryan’s Den Campsite or the end of this hike at Devil’s Kitchen Campsite. These are both hike-in campsites 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.






11 Reviews on “Ryan's Den to Devil's Kitchen Hike (13km)”
13km of stunning coastal scenery with a good workout – definitely a grade 4.
The trail threw some challenges our way, but the ever-changing views kept me motivated. Moonlight Head was a highlight – incredible cliffs and apparently a great spot for whale watching in winter (next time!).
Loved the detour down to Wreck Beach at low tide. The shipwreck anchors were an eerie sight. Be warned though, those steps back up are no joke!
Finally reaching Devil’s Kitchen was a great feeling. The campsite looks perfect for a relaxing night with epic ocean views. Highly recommend this hike for anyone with a moderate fitness level looking for stunning coastal scenery!