At a Glance
Take up the challenge to complete one of Australia's great journeys - The Great Ocean Walk. The seven day end to end trip traverses the entire world-class coastal trail. With 104 kilometres of walking, this is a distance that will challenge, but you will have unique opportunity to accomplish one of the Australia's greatest walks with the comfort of carrying just a day pack as you marvel at the amazing views.
Your adventure begins with a pick up from Melbourne CBD before a transfer on the scenic Great Ocean Road to Apollo Bay, where your great walk begins. Over the next 7 days weave through stunning national parks, deserted beaches, rugged coastal scenery, windswept cliff tops and river estuaries, where nature unfolds around every corner. Keep your eyes peeled and experience ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- 6 x breakfasts, 6 x lunches, 6 x dinners
- All transport: private coach transport to and from Melbourne and from the track each day
- 6 nights accommodation in comfortable hotels on a twin share basis
- Expert leadership from experienced hiking guides
- Emergency support: guides carry satellite phones and a full first aid kit
Itinerary
Approx. 9km, 3 hours walking (Easy Grade) Depart Melbourne CBD at 8am. The central pickup location is Southern Cross Station. Travel on the Great Ocean Road to Apollo Bay, the start of the spectacular Great Ocean Walk. Enjoy a fresh picnic lunch along the way as you mingle with your fellow walking companions. The trail winds out through the town to the beach-side suburb of Marengo, home to a colony of Australian Fur Seals who hang out on rocks in the bay. Your walking trail is relatively easy with a mix of short sections of beach walking and hills. As you begin walking on the first afternoon, please wear your hiking clothes and shoes on the bus and have your day pack ready to go. After our walk's completion, we'll be met by our bus at Shelly Beach carpark to our accommodation in Apollo Bay. You'll stay at the charming Apollo Bay Motel conveniently located 50 metres from the Great Ocean Road and Apollo Bay beach forehore. Take a lovely stroll along the beach or a refreshing dip by the pool. |
Approx. 19km, 6 hours walking (Moderate Grade) The first section of today’s walk leads away from the coast and into the towering forests of Mountain Ash that characterise this part of the Great Otway National Park. At up to 65m high these are some of the biggest trees in Australia and walking through the heart of the giant forest is a wonderful experience, though there are some hills to be negotiated. The trail rejoins the coast at Blanket Bay, an isolated stretch of coast that was one of the original ports for unloading supplies for the Cape Otway Lightstation. Blanket Bay is one of the few safe swimming locations along the walk and it is here you will enjoy a relaxing lunch. The track then meanders along the cliff tops and through coastal forests to the quiet haven of Parker Inlet. Keep your eyes peeled for black wallaby, echidna, black cockatoo, rosella and other wildlife along the way before ending today's walking adventure at the top of Parker Hill. You'll stay at the unique coastal and boutique property, Johanna Seaside Cottages. Nestled along the famous Great Ocean Road, unwind by the cosy fireplace, or relax in the heated indoor pool. A perfect retreat after a day of hiking. There are multiple properties (multi bedroom houses) at Johanna Seaside Cottages. The properties will be booked in accordance with group size and group mix. Please note it would be shared bathrooms at each house. No ensuite rooms. |
Approx. 23km, 7 hours walking (Moderate Grade) At Parker Inlet you can walk along the water’s edge following rock shelves and beaches around Point Franklin or take the inland route. A worthwhile side trip is the short walk to idyllic Crayfish Bay, another safe swimming location. Enjoy a delightful breakfast before another adventure out on the Great Ocean Walk. Your trail this morning journeys through manna gums towards Cape Otway. You'll meet the coast again and traverse the impressive turquoise waters of Crayfish Bay. From Cape Otway, wind your way through impressive wind scultped landscapes of sand dunes, coastal scrubland and sweeping calcified cliffs. At the Aire River Lookout there are great views down to the estuary where the Aire River meets the Southern Ocean and Glenaire Beach. From Aire River, journey inland and climb the next headland before meeting the coastal track once again. Marvel at magnificent views of the rugged coastline before ending the day at Castle Cove lookout. Spend time admiring the surrounding towering cliffs of high archaeological significance. |
Approx. 17 km, 6-7 hours walking (Moderate to Hard Grade) Located on a spectacular bend of the Great Ocean Road at Glenaire, you'll walk along towerting cliff tops, traversing heathlands and forests with breathtaking views of the coast peeking along the way. Marvel at the wonderful array of grass trees and, in spring, colourful wildlflowers in bloom. Keep your eyes peeled for the Peregrine Falcons found along this section. Eventually you will emerge onto the broad expanse of Johanna Beach and cross Johanna river. This beautiful beach is one of the best in Australia with superb views and enormous crashing surf. The trail continues through rolling hills inland, where Eastern Grey Kangaroos are seen wondering around towards Milanesia Track. |
Approx. 16km, 8 hours walking (Hard Grade) The walk from Milanesia Gate to Ryan’s Den is the wildest and most challenging section of the entire track. The highlight today is the isolated, rugged and hidden, Milanesia Beach. A secret beach receiving few visitors and is all the more special for it. Continue your journey weaving in and out of farmland and isolated beach and sea cliffs, as you meander up and down to Ryan's Den. Marvel at breathtaking views all the way back to Cape Otway, and west to Cape Volley. From Ryan's Den, follow the trail through coastal forests over Cape Volney towards Moonlight Head. Venture on a steep climb up to Moonlight Head before a downhill hike into a valley which takes you to the spectacular Gables Lookout. Spend time soaking in the impressive views with the lookout perched on one of the highest sea cliffs in mainland Australia, where you end you captivating walk today. |
Approx. 18km, 7 hours walking (Moderate Grade) Today, continue your walk from The Gables through a grove of casuarina trees to the pristine Wreck Beach. Here, at low tide, you can see the anchors of two of the many shipwrecks that lie submerged along this coast. Due to safety reasons, we will however take the high tide route to Devils Kitchen. From Devils Kitchen the trail embraces and meanders along the wild coastal cliffs, nicely protected by beautiful coastal heath, all the way to Princetown. Marvel at a birdlife paradise at wetlands around Princetown, where we will cross the Gellibrand River on a trestle bridge to embark on one of our last sections to the 12 Apostles. Enjoy a nice and pleasant walk through coastal scrub and escarpment will begin to unveil breathtaking views of the looming Apostles. Today's walk ends just before Gibson steps. |
Approx. 2km, 1 hour walking (Easy Grade) Savour a delicious breakfast before your final walk completing the end of the Great Ocean Walk!
Enjoy a lovely short walk from just before the Gibson steps to the Twelve Apostles Visitor Centre, marking the end of the Great Ocean Walk. Spend time exploring the boardwalks and viewing platforms for your final intake of breathtaking views before the rush of the morning crowds arrive. You'll also have the option of a 15 minutes helicopter flight to experience the 12 Apostles from a different perspective and admire is grand phenomenon from up above. We journey to the impressive Loch Ard Gorge for morning tea before heading back to Melbourne. Along the way, we'll stop for some take-away lunch (at own expense) arriving back in the city by late afternoon, approximately between 430-530pm. Please note if your flight is on this day, you should be able to make flights departing around 8pm. |
Dates & Prices
Please contact us for group bookings or private departures.
More Info
- The departure point is Melbourne
- Major commercial flights provide convenient access to Melbourne
Day1: Approximately 9 km
Day 2: Approximately 19 km
Day 3: Approximately 23 km
Day 4: Approximately 17 km
Day 5: Approximately 16 km
Day 6: Approximately 18 km
Day 7: Approximately 2 km
Total:Approximately 104 km
Victoria enjoys a temperate climate and reliable rainfall with four distinct seasons. Here is a guide to the hottest and coolest.
Summer: the average maximum temperature in south-west Victoria across January and February is 25 degrees Celsius, but can on occasion reach mid to high 30s. Sunscreen is required at all times, even on cloudy days, the UV factor can be deceptive. Wind can also burn, even when the temperature appears mild. Overnight temperatures vary from 8 to 15 degrees Celsius.
Winter: June to August is the coldest time in Victoria, with average maximum temperatures of between 8 and 13 degrees Celsius.
Spring and Autumn can be anywhere in between! Expect mild days, with ocean breezes and winds. Late afternoons cool down, and evenings will require a fleece or long sleeves.
As with all coastal walking, the weather can be unpredictable at all times of the year. Being cooler makes the walking no less enjoyable. Even the wildest days lend themselves to walking this rugged coastline, giving the opportunity to appreciate how a stretch became known as the "Shipwreck Coast". Access to a weatherproof jacket is essential, and we recommend walkers bring thermal clothing along, just in case!
(Data sourced from Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology, Units = °C)
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.
Payment Detail
All pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.
A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 60 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 60 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.
Single Supplement
All accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.
General Cancellation Policies
- Outside of 60 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee
- Within 60 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited
- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption
- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurance
Please Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.
Liability
The participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.
Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.
Child Policy
Please consult travel consultant on age limit.
Changes to Itineraries
Local conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.
Changes in Prices
While we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Cancellation by The Tour Operator
The walks take place in very special wilderness settings. The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a walk with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the walk has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any walk up to 60 days prior to departure if a minimum of 4 walkers are unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the walk or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.
Force Majeure
'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.
Evacuations
In rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.
For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.
Travel Insurance
In view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.