6 Day Complete Walk 104 kms, Self-Guided, 3 Nights Camping, 2 Nights Accommodation
If you want to mix things up a bit on your Great Ocean Walk, camping and staying in accommodation, this 6 Day hike from Apollo Bay to the 12 Apostles is the walk for you! You may start walking any day you choose, and as we transfer your gear in an enclosed lockable trailer, you can hike at your own pace and access your gear at the campsites at your leisure. We use the best three campsites on the walk, but as the last two campsites on the trail have no car access for us to drop off your gear, we transfer you and your luggage to lovely accommodation close by so you can enjoy some home comforts. If camping isn’t for you, why not try this popular 6 Day Walk instead, but if you want to sleep under the stars for three nights, ending the day with a shower, lovely food and a chance to meet some friendly locals, this walk is perfect! We have added more details below, but if you have any questions please feel free to contact us.
Standard Accommodation Pricing
YOU'LL WALK 104KM OF THE GREAT OCEAN WALK IN 6 DAYS
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 and give you details on how to access your private lockable, enclosed trailer (with full water containers included). 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 Blanket Bay
This morning you’ll leave your camping gear (available for hire at an additional cost) and food provisions for 3 days in our enclosed lockable trailer. We will provide town water in large containers as there is no drinking water on the track.
The start of the walk commences along the coastline offering sweeping views of the Cape Otway region. The track then 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. In the afternoon we will drop your trailer to the campsite for you to set up your gear. We will book the campsite (2 people per site).
Please note there is an approx 50m walk from the trailer to the campsite.
Day 2 - Blanket Bay to Aire River
You pack up your gear and leave it in the trailer.
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 and after leaving the Lighthouse 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.
When you reach Aire River you can access your gear from our trailer.
Please note there is an approx 100m walk from the trailer to the campsite.
Day 3 - Aire River to Johanna Beach
You pack up your gear and leave it in the trailer.
Setting off today you will walk along the Aire Heritage River and over its bridge, towards Castle Cove. This magnificent beach has its own lookout station. Walking on, 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.
When you reach Johanna Beach you can access your gear from our trailer.
Please note there is an approx 200m walk from the trailer to the campsite.
Day 4 - Johanna Beach to Ryan's Den
You pack up your gear and leave it in the trailer.
You pack up your gear and leave it in the trailer. After leaving Johanna Beach behind you, you climb upwards alongside picturesque farmland and winding valleys before heading towards Milanesia. As you climb upwards, look out for kangaroos grazing in the sun and you may even spot the Otway Panther! (There is an ongoing debate in Apollo Bay as to whether this panther truly exsists, which we will happliy chat to you about when you arrive if your interest is piqued!) The trail starts by descending onto the rugged shoreline of Milanesia Beach. Stop and marvel at the stunning rock formations and think of Charles Joseph La Trobe who was ordered by his superintendent in 1846 to find a route from here to Cape Otway through this rugged landscape!
As the track rises back to the cliff tops you are presented with outstanding views from the coastal forests, high on the sea cliffs. Make your way along the Ryans Den access track to the Great Ocean Road where we will whizz you off to your cosy accommodation for a nice hot shower!
Your gear will be at your accommodation. You have the choice of self catering or having meals provided at the accommodation.
Day 5 - Ryan's Den to Wreck Beach
Today we will drop you back to the Great Ocean Road/ Ryans Den access track where you head towards Ryans Den campsite. Take the time to look back at how far you have walked so far, and rest at Ryans Den campground. But, before you leave, be sure to check out some of the campsite locations for some amazing views.
Walking on you will pass the ‘Lost Apostle’ – a rather phallic rock formation standing surprisingly all alone. From Moonlight Head the track winds along boardwalks and tracks lined with fern trees. As this is quite a sheltered area, you will likely see more wildlife here than before with wallabies, kangaroos and echidnas rustling in the bushes. Walk on through the blue gums, visiting the breathtaking Gables Lookout. Stop to admire some of the highest cliff views in mainland Australia before ending your walk at Wreck Beach.
Day 6 -Wreck Beach 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 4pm and transfer you back to Apollo Bay (arriving at approx 5:30pm). Your gear will be transferred back to Apollo Bay.
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 let us know when you book).
- It’s important to prepare for your walk. See the 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)