Hike at a Glance
Max elevation: 278m
Min elevation: 1m
Total Ascent: 3507m
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
- Urban
- Beach & Coastal
- Lighthouse
- Waterfalls
- Scenic Viewpoints
- Rock Scrambling
- River Crossings
- Untreated Water
- Overnight Campsites
Content use
Please don’t copy GPX files or content from this site to AllTrails or other platforms. Each trail has been personally mapped, documented, and refined to support Australia’s bushwalking and hiking community. While some details come from land managers, every listing reflects significant personal effort. This is a free, community-driven initiative—your respect helps keep it that way.
Walk map and GPX file
The Great Ocean Walk
Max elevation: 278 m
Min elevation: 1 m
Total climbing: 3507 m
Total descent: -3452 m
Getting there
Getting to the trailhead: Great Otway National Park.
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.
Closest towns to this walk: 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.
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.
Explore safe
Plan ahead and hike safely! Carry enough water, pack layers for changing conditions, and bring safety gear like a torch, PLB, and reliable communication device. Check official sources for trail updates, closures, and access requirements, and review local weather and bushfire advice. Most importantly, share your plans with someone before you go. Being prepared makes for a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe.
Packing checklists
What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, and your adventure type. Not sure what to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists are a great starting point, covering day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them to customise your kit and always prioritise safety.
Let someone know
Before heading out, take a moment to fill out your trip intentions form. It’s a quick way to share your hike details with family or friends. If something goes wrong, they can notify emergency services, ensuring a faster response and peace of mind. Stay safe and enjoy your adventure
Suggest an edit
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.
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.
6 Reviews on “The Great Ocean Walk (100km)”
Zara Fitzgerald Jessica Yuan
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