Self-Guided Great Ocean Walk 7 Day Trip
Experience 104km of most famous walk in Australia on Walk 91’s Great Ocean Walk 7-day Trip. This 7-day itinerary lets you experience all the beauty the Great Otway National Park and the Port Campbell National Park have to offer at a slow, relaxed pace. Stay in comfortable accommodation, in wonderful locations, with good food (or you can self cater if you wish) and meet our friendly, welcoming hosts. For many, the best part is that you will enjoy every day of this expedition pack-free, as we transport your luggage as you move along the track. We have a 4-day, 5-day, and 6-day version of this complete Great Ocean Walk tour, but this 7-day itinerary is best if you like to take your time and walk shorter distances whilst enjoying the peace, tranquillity, and spectacular scenery at your own pace. For a tour duration that is catered completely for you, consider our Custom Great Ocean Walk Packages. At the end of your week-long journey, you will celebrate your achievement with the unforgettable scenery at the 12 Apostles. For more inspiration, take a look at our entire range of Great Ocean Walk Tours. If you have any questions whatsoever, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Standard and Upgraded Accommodation Pricing
YOU'LL WALK 104KMS OF THE GREAT OCEAN WALK IN 7 DAYS
Day 1: Apollo Bay to Shelly Beach – 8.5km
Day 2: Shelly Beach to Blanket Bay – 13.5km
Day 3: Blanket Bay to Cape Otway – 10.5km
Day 4: Cape Otway to Castle Cove – 17.5km* or 11km
Day 5: Castle Cove to Milanesia Gate – 16km* or 13km
Day 6: Milanesia Gate to The Gables – 18.5km* or 12km
Day 7: The Gables to Twelve Apostles – 19.5km* or 13.5km
* If you are unsure if these walking distances are too long for you, no worries – we are here to help! We will happily chat to you about which distances will suit you best before you walk, or we can even change the meeting points once you start walking if you are finding the walk too challenging. We are here to help find the perfect walk for you!
Before Your Adventure Begins
Walk91 look forward to welcoming you on arrival with your own personal walk briefing. We will hand you a map, tide chart, walk notes, emergency position-indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) & phone, if needed. You will start your journey with our Walk91 team feeling relaxed, confident & safe in the knowledge that we are never far away and you can call us at any time!
Day 1 - Apollo Bay to Shelly Beach
We transfer you to Shelly Beach at 2pm and you walk back into your accommodation in Apollo Bay. This is a nice easy to medium trek to start off your Great Ocean Walk and sets the standard for the rest of your fabulous journey. The walk follows the magnificent coastline with sweeping views of the Great Otway National Park and the Cape Otway region.
Day 2 - Shelly Beach to Blanket Bay
The track meanders into the rainforest of the Great Otway National Park. Hike past tree ferns and tall eucalypts found in the wet gullies, through tall forests and along old forestry tracks. Spot black wallabies who inhabit this area, before winding down the trail onto beautiful Blanket Bay.
Day 3 - Blanket Bay to Cape Otway
As you set off today you will enjoy wonderful views over Parker Inlet. The vegetation changes to dry coastal forests inhabited by echidnas and king parrots. Following the track to Victoria’s oldest lighthouse, enjoy the breathtaking views of the Bass Strait from the cliff tops. Remember to look up into the manna gums, as they are home to the local koalas.
Today you visit the Cape Otway Lighthouse where you can walk up the 18 metre, 150 year old lightstation and learn a little of the lives of the hard-working, isolated and incredibly resourceful lighthouse keepers. Visit the telegraph station built in 1859 and the World War ll radar station.
Day 4 - Cape Otway to Castle Cove
Setting off today you will pass the old lightstation cemetery. The tombstones reflect the hardships experienced by the early settlers here. The track then meanders on towards the wild and wonderful Station Beach, which is littered with driftwood. Take a small detour to Rainbow Falls, or carry on walking to enjoy sweeping views from the cliff tops. You’ll walk along the Aire Heritage River and over its bridge, towards Castle Cove. This magnificent beach has its own lookout station; a great way to end your days walk!
Day 5 - Castle Cove to Milanesia Gate
This section of the walk features rocky escarpments and coastal views. You will pass heath land, wild flowers and grass trees. Be prepared for some beach walking as you drop down onto Johanna Beach. Look out for birds such as the majestic wedge-tailed eagles and white bellied sea eagles. Then you climb upwards alongside a picturesque farmland valley before heading towards Milanesia.
Day 6 - Milanesia to The Gables
The trail descends onto the rugged shoreline of Milanesia Beach. As the track rises back to the cliff tops you are presented with outstanding views from the coastal forests, high on the sea cliffs. Walk on through the blue gums, ending amongst the heath at the breathtaking Gables Lookout.
Day 7 - The Gables to the Twelve Apostles
Your last day will start with a walk through the Sheoak trees, dropping down onto historical Wreck Beach with its old anchors rising out of the sand. Hike on towards the Gellibrand estuary and as the track climbs up to the last section of the walk you will see the iconic 12 Apostles in the distance. At the end of your walk you can celebrate with a photo from the official 12 Apostles viewing platform. We will collect you at approx 3pm and transfer you back to Apollo Bay (arriving at approx 4:30pm).
GOOD TO KNOW
- You may extend your walk to include a night’s stay in Port Campbell. Please ask us for a quote. More details are available on the FAQ page.
- We can lend you walking poles if you would like them.
- We can lend you a mobile phone if you are visiting from overseas.
- Transfers to and from your start and finish points are included where required.
- Detailed transportation options to and from Apollo Bay are available on the FAQ page.
- We are happy to cater for any special dietary needs (please see ‘question 15’ for what we can offer).
- It’s important to be prepared for your walk. See our FAQ page for some tips!
- If this particular walk is too long or too short for you, please refer to our other multi-day walking options or call us for a chat on (+61 3 5237 1189). We can shorten your walk wherever possible.