Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Experience 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:

Style:

One Way

Max elevation: 278m

Min elevation: 1m

Total Ascent: 3507m

Start: Apollo Bay Visitors Centre

End: Twelve Apostles

Great Otway National Park

Victoria

Nearby town: Apollo Bay

From state capital: 200km

Latitude: -38.75490530661885

Longitude: 143.6694493889809

Overview

Map

Gallery

Weather

Similar

Region

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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

Gallery

Main image by Guille Pozzi

Walk 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

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.

Get there with Google Maps

Closest towns to this walk: Apollo Bay, Beech Forest, Colac, Forrest, Lavers Hill, Lorne, Skenes Creek, Wye River

Access conditions

2WD Access
4WD Access
Public Transport
Bitumen Road

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

Reviews
The Great Ocean Walk (100km)

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

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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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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.

Curated by: Darren Edwards | Trail Hiking Australia

Last modified:

February 25, 2025

Hike at a Glance