Trail summary

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Quick overview: Embark on the challenging yet stunning Great Ocean Walk, a 100km trail in Victoria, Australia. Starting from the picturesque town of Apollo Bay and ending near the iconic Twelve Apostles, this Grade 4 hike offers mesmerising coastal scenes and diverse wildlife encounters. Traverse through lush rainforests of the Great Otway National Park, rugged cliffs and pristine beaches, with the possibility of spotting koalas and whales along the journey. Plan your trek, pack wisely, and prepare for an unforgettable adventure!

Length: 100km

Duration: 8 days

Grade 4 (Hard)

Style: One Way

Start: Apollo Bay Visitors Centre

End: Twelve Apostles

Location: Great Otway National Park

State: Victoria

Nearby town: Apollo Bay

From state capital: 200km

Latitude: -38.75490530661885

Longitude: 143.6694493889809

Hike Overview

Map and GPX file

Directions

Photos

Similar Trails

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Reviews

Hike overview

The Great Ocean Road is famous for its scenic drives, but for adventurous souls, the real magic lies in exploring its breathtaking coastline on foot. Enter the The Great Ocean Walk, also known as the GOW, a challenging and rewarding trek that promises stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife encounters, and a true connection with the power of the ocean.

Starting 200 kilometers southwest of Melbourne, the Great Ocean Walk stretches roughly 100 kilometers from the charming town of Apollo Bay to Glenample Homestead near the iconic Twelve Apostles. This awe-inspiring journey takes you through the heart of the Great Otway National Park, where lush rainforests meet rugged cliffs and pristine beaches.

The Great Ocean Walk isn't just about the destination; it's about the incredible journey along the way. Hike past hidden coves and dramatic rock formations, encounter koalas basking in eucalyptus trees, spot whales breaching offshore during the winter months, and listen to the symphony of birdlife echoing through the valleys.

The Great Ocean Road hike offers varying levels of difficulty, catering to both seasoned hikers and adventurous beginners. The initial section from Apollo Bay to Cape Otway is relatively gentle, but the terrain becomes more challenging as you venture towards Ryans Den and the rugged coastline. Remember, some sections can be impassable at high tide, so plan your trek accordingly.

Whether you choose to complete the entire Great Ocean Walk in eight days or opt for shorter sections, planning is key. Register with Parks Victoria, book your campsite at designated intervals, and pack essential gear for unpredictable weather conditions. You can find detailed FAQs and a comprehensive guide at the Apollo Bay Visitor Information Centre.

For those seeking a comfortable adventure, numerous accommodation options lie near the Great Ocean Walk. Check out www.visitgreatoceanroad.org.au for details. Or, for a truly immersive experience, pitch your tent at one of the designated campsites and wake up to the sound of crashing waves.

The Great Ocean Road hike (The GOW) awaits, promising an unforgettable experience that will leave you breathless and invigorated. Lace up your boots, pack your sense of adventure, and embark on this iconic coastal journey.

Walking Distances

Apollo Bay to Elliot Ridge (10km)
Length: 10km | Duration: 4 hrs | Grade: 3 (Moderate)

Elliot Ridge to Blanket Bay (12km)
Length: 12km | Duration: 4 hrs | Grade: 3 (Moderate)

Blanket Bay to Cape Otway (10km)
Length: 10km | Duration: 3-4 hrs | Grade: 3 (Moderate)

Cape Otway to Aire River (10km)
Length: 10km | Duration: 3-4 hrs | Grade: 3 (Moderate)

Aire River to Johanna Beach (13km)
Length: 13km | Duration: 5 hrs | Grade: 3 (Moderate)

Johanna Beach to Ryan's Den (15km)
Length: 15km | Duration: 5 hrs | Grade: 4 (Hard)

Ryan's Den to Devil's Kitchen (13km)
Length: 13km | Duration: 5 hrs | Grade: 4 (Hard)

Devil's Kitchen to 12 Apostles (16km)
Length: 16km | Duration: 5 hrs | Grade: 3 (Moderate)

* Distances have been rounded up or down to nearest half kilometre.
^ Note that these times reflect a walking pace of around approximately 3 km per hour.

Hiker camp bookings

There are hike-in campsites at seven locations along the walk including Elliott Ridge, Blanket Bay, Cape Otway, Aire River, Johanna Beach, Ryans Den and Devils Kitchen. Each of the seven campgrounds has 8 campsites suitable for up to 3 people (1 x tent) per site. Book hiker camps.

Schools, licensed tour operators and community groups

Small group camping areas are available at four of the seven campgrounds including Elliott Ridge, Blanket Bay, Cape Otway, Aire River. Each of the four locations has 6 campsites, suitable for up to 3 people (1 x tent) per site. Book small group camping.

Weather Condition Caution

You must be absolutely sure of tide, wave swell and river levels following high rainfall events on the walk. Visit the Bureau of Meteorology at www.bom.gov.au/marine/ to check severe weather event predictions. Beach, coastal walking and un-bridged river crossings should ONLY be attempted during low-tide, calm-sea and low water-level conditions. You may need to wait or turn back. www.bom.gov.au/marine/

References

The Great Ocean Walk website
Map of the Great Ocean Walk
Tourism Victoria

Trail features

Concrete Path
Timber Boardwalk
Gravel Path
Sandy Trail
Rough Trail
Urban
Beach & Coastal
Lighthouse
Waterfalls
Rock Scrambling
River Crossings
Scenic Viewpoints
Untreated Water
Overnight Campsites

Map and GPX file

The Great Ocean Walk (100km)

The Great Ocean Walk

Total distance: 97706 m
Max elevation: 278 m
Min elevation: 1 m
Total climbing: 3507 m
Total descent: -3452 m

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Getting there

The Great Ocean Walk (100km)

Apollo Bay, the start of the Great Ocean Walk, is three hours' drive from Melbourne along the Great Ocean Road. If you have one vehicle it's recommended that you park at the Twelve Apostles Carpark and get shuttled back to Apollo Bay to start your walk. If you don't have a vehicle, you can go with a Licensed Tour Operator or use one of the shuttle services.

Here's a couple of recommendations: Walk 91: (03) 5237 1189 or Ride With Us: 0438 407 777. Alternatively, use public transport. The V/Line bus stops at the Twelve Apostles Carpark, Princetown and Apollo Bay.

Get directions

Access conditions

2WD Access
4WD Access
Public Transport
Bitumen Road

Photo gallery

Main image by Guille Pozzi

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.

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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Looking for things to do in Great Otway National Park or nearby? Try these similar hikes or bushwalks.

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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.

Reviews

The Great Ocean Walk (100km)

3 Reviews on “The Great Ocean Walk (100km)”

Overall rating

Marthese Zahra

Zara Fitzgerald Jessica Yuan

24/03/2022, 05:16

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Darren Edwards Trail Author

Thank you for letting me know. I have updated the page and have added a link to your website. Please let me know if any additional info needs updating. I love your site by the way. very clean, fresh and informative. Cheers, Darren

16/02/2022, 11:57

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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

Weather

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.

Trail summary