Days
7 days
Tour Type
Walking
From
$3,150 Twin Share
- Start
-
Melbourne
- Finish
-
Melbourne
- Physical Rating
- 4.0 Moderate to challenging
- Tour Distance
- Approx. 104km
- Group size
- Min 4, Max 12
- Code
- GOW7
Overview
One of Victoria's most iconic walks, the Great Ocean Walk meanders through spectacular national parks full of tall forests, coastal heathlands, wild rocky shores, river estuaries and windswept cliff-tops presenting amazing coastal views - nature truly unfolds around every bend. Carry only a day pack as you enjoy the amazing sights of one of Australia's greatest multi-day walks.
Highlights of this walk
Complete one of the world’s great coastal walks with Inspiration Outdoors on a seven-day tour with six days of walking. The Great Ocean Walk meanders 104 km between Apollo Bay and the world famous 12 Apostles, sometimes along the beach, sometimes along cliff-tops, sometimes through tall forests, but nearly always with a view of the wonderful Great Ocean Road coastline.
Itinerary
Today the walk starts off by heading away from the coast and into towering forest of Mountain Ash, a characteristic feature of this part of the Great Otway National Park.
There are a few hills to negotiate before re-joining the coast at Blanket Bay. Blanket Bay is one of the few safe swimming locations along the walk.
After a relaxing lunch at Blanket Bay the track then meanders along cliff tops and through coastal forests to Parker Inlet. Look out for black wallabies, echidnas, black cockatoos and other wildlife along the way. We end out walk at the top of Parker Hill.
Accommodation: Johanna Seaside Cottages (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Our path this morning will take us inland through manna gums towards Cape Otway. The trail then heads back to the coast and we pass Crayfish Bay with it's magnificent turquoise water. As we get closer to Cape Otway we begin to see glimpses of the lighthouse in the distance.
From Cape Otway the track winds its way through wind sculpted landscapes of sand dunes, coastal scrubland and magnificent calcified cliffs. As we come closer to Aire River Valley we will get some fantastic views down to the estuary where the Aire River meets the Southern Ocean and Glenaire Beach.
From Aire River we head inland for a bit, climbing up and around the next headland before rejoining the coastal track, with sweeping views of the rugged coastline. We end our day at Castle Cove lookout, surrounded by towering cliffs which have high archaeological significance.
Accommodation: Johanna Seaside Cottages (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A very varied day today, as we walk from Castle Cove along cliff tops, through heath-lands and forests, occasionally emerging to breathtaking views along the extensive coast. There are beautiful expanses of grass trees and, in spring, wonderful wildflower displays. You may be lucky to see Peregrine Falcons along this section.
Eventually the path emerges onto Johanna Beach, where we walk along one of Australia's best beaches with superb views and enormous crashing surf. From Johanna Beach the path heads through rolling hills inland, where you can expect to see Eastern Grey Kangaroos, towards Milanesia Track.
Accommodation: Johanna Seaside Cottages (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The first highlight today is Milanesia Beach, which is one of those secret beaches not many people get to. The track then cuts through and alternates between farmland and isolated beach and sea cliffs with a roller coaster of ups and downs to reach Ryan's Den. From here you'll have breathtaking views all the way back to Cape Otway and west to Cape Volney.
From Ryan's Den the trail then continues through coastal forests over Cape Volney towards Moonlight Head. After a steep climb up to Moonlight Head the track dips down into a valley which will lead us to The Gables Lookout. The Gables lookout is perched on one of the highest sea cliffs in mainland Australia, where will end today's walk.
Accommodation: Johanna Seaside Cottages (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we will continue our walk from The Gables through a grove of casuarina trees to 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 hugs and meanders along the wild coastal cliffs, nicely protected by beautiful coastal heath, all the way to Princetown.
The wetlands around Princetown support a wide variety of bird life, where we will cross the Gellibrand River on a trestle bridge to embark on one of our last sections to the 12 Apostles. A pleasant walk through coastal scrub and escarpment will start to reveal stunning views of the looming Apostles.
We will end our walk today just before Gibson steps.
Accommodation: Loch Ard Motel (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning we take the short walk from just before Gibson steps to the Twelve Apostles visitor centre - the end of the Great Ocean Walk.
Here you'll have time to wander the boardwalks and viewing platforms before the rush of the crowds early in the morning. There is the option of a 15 minute helicopter flight to see the spectacular coastline and the 12 Apostles from the air.
We head to the fabulous Loch Ard Gorge for morning tea, before taking the inland route back to Melbourne. Pick up some take-away lunch (own expense) on the way and we will arrive back in the city by late afternoon.
Meals: Breakfast
Inclusions
Meals
-
6 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 6 dinners
Transport
-
All transport: private coach transport to and from Melbourne; as well as transport to and from the track each day
Accommodation
-
For the Great Ocean Walk guided tour, we stay for the first night at Apollo Bay Motel, the next 4 nights are spent at Johanna Seaside Cottages, then the last night is at a motel in Port Campbell. We stay at three locations to ensure shorter drives to the start of the walks as we go along. Staying for a good chunk of time in Johanna means you can unpack and relax for the majority of the tour.
At our first nights stay at the Apollo Bay motel we stay in twin share private rooms with an ensuite.
At the Johanna Seaside Cottages we spread out over several 2 – 4 bedroom cottages with shared bathrooms. We will come together in one of the houses for breakfast and dinner each day. The cottages are nestled along the coast beside the beach, with stunning sun-set views.
The last night is spent at a motel in Port Campbell in twin share private rooms with an ensuite. We will enjoy a dinner out at a local restaurant.
Accommodation is allocated on a double or twin share basis. If you are a solo traveller we will room you with another solo traveller of the same gender. Limited single room supplements are available at an additional charge (please note that when staying in Johanna Seaside Cottages this will mean you will have your own room in a cottage but still share a bathroom).
Included activities
-
Expert leadership from experienced hiking guides
-
Emergency support: guides carry satellite phones and a full first aid kit
-
Excellent itinerary and planning drawn from years of experience
-
Dusk Wildlife Tour
Dates & Availability
$3,150 AUD
per person twin share
Want your own room? From an extra $600 (subject to availability).
3 spots available
$3,150 AUD
per person twin share
Want your own room? From an extra $600 (subject to availability).
5 spots available
$3,499 AUD
per person twin share
Want your own room? From an extra $600 (subject to availability).
6 spots available
$3,499 AUD
per person twin share
Want your own room? From an extra $600 (subject to availability).
7 spots available
$3,499 AUD
per person twin share
Want your own room? From an extra $600 (subject to availability).
6 spots available
$3,499 AUD
per person twin share
Want your own room? From an extra $600 (subject to availability).
7 spots available
$3,499 AUD
per person twin share
Want your own room? From an extra $600 (subject to availability).
8 spots available
$3,599 AUD
per person twin share
Want your own room? From an extra $700 (subject to availability).
6 spots available
Important Notes
- Start & End Times: This trip begins with a pick-up in Melbourne’s CBD on day 1 at 8am and finishes in the late afternoon on the last day upon arrival back into Melbourne. Please keep this in mind when booking your arrival and departure arrangements.
- Single Supplement: A Single Supplement is bookable on this trip, subject to availability at the time of booking. Due to the types of accommodation used on this tour a single supplement will not always mean a king/queen bed and own bathroom.
FAQs
Great Ocean Walk FAQs
Where does the tour start from?
We depart at 8am from the Melbourne CBD. At the end of the tour, you will be dropped off between 4:30pm and 5:30pm. If you would like to fly out on the last day of the tour you should be able to make a flight around 8pm.
DEPARTURES/ARRIVALS: We depart at 8.00am from Southern Cross Station. There is a loading zone out front of The Age building, which is opposite the south facing side of Southern Cross Station on Collins St. As you walk along Southern Cross Station on Spencer St heading towards Collins Street, cross the road at the lights and turn right up along Collins St towards The Age building. You will see a small park on your left, at the end of this little park and at the entrance of The Age building there is a Loading Zone, this is where we can park the bus.
Posted in: Great Ocean Walk FAQs
How challenging is this walk?
The Great Ocean walk certainly has it’s challenges but we would class it as a moderate walk. There are hills, beach stretches and some short rocky sections, but all in all, the terrain is mostly moderate with moderate length walks.
Posted in: Great Ocean Walk FAQs
Where should I stay in Melbourne?
With an early departure, we recommend a night in Melbourne for those coming from interstate or overseas. We recommend to our guests the following hotels. All the below hotels are within easy walking distance from the pick up location.
– Best Western Melbourne City on Spencer St
– Vibe Savoy Hotel Melbourne on Spencer St
– The Great Southern Hotel Melbourne on Spencer St
* Please note that there may not be any shops or cafes open (especially for weekend departures) and we recommend organising breakfast the night before.
Posted in: Great Ocean Walk FAQs
About Walking Tours In General
How hard are the walks?
The difficulty of the walks ranges from tour to tour, from easy to challenging. We design all of our walking tours to be achievable for those with a moderate level of fitness. We do recommend doing some training before most tours, because physical activity is always more enjoyable if you are physically prepared. We will send you information about how to train when you book.
When on tour we find that a positive mental attitude is most important and that if you focus on the scenery, the company and the moment, and not on the kilometres, then you find yourself reaching your destination with little problem. You can always have a day or sometimes an afternoon off to relax if you feel like it. If you have any concerns about your fitness or ability to complete a walk, give us a call or send us an email and we can talk you through it.
Posted in: About Walking Tours In General
Do I have to twin-share accommodation? Can I have my own room?
Our tour prices are based on rooms being twin share (two single beds in one room) or double (one double/queen bed in a room, shared by a couple). If you are travelling alone, we will place you in a room with someone of the same gender. If you have opted for a single supplement, this means you will have your own room but we won’t always be able to guarantee your own bathroom and king/queen bed due to the types of accommodation we use for group bookings. Often we stay at 2 or 3 bedroom chalets so that we can cook and have a common area for the group to relax and mingle at the end of your days walk. If having your own bathroom is important, give us a ring and we will see if it is possible.
Posted in: About Walking Tours In General
Will I hold up the group if I’m a slow walker?
We find a lot of people who haven’t been on a walking tour before worry about this, but it’s rarely an issue. We keep a comfortable steady pace with plenty of opportunities to rest and take in the scenery along the way. Usually the group will spread out over a couple of hundred metres as we walk.
Normal walking pace on a formed surface like a road or footpath is around 4.5 – 6 km per hour and we tend to average just over 3 km per hour on bush tracks. It’s not a stroll but it’s not a brisk walk either. If you feel you may be slower than this, try some longer training walks to increase your walking fitness.
Posted in: About Walking Tours In General
What is the average age of Inspiration Outdoors’ guests?
About 80% of our walkers are aged between 45 – 75, but we welcome all adults on our tours. We get a roughly 60/40 female to male split.
Posted in: About Walking Tours In General, Day Walk FAQs
What’s the food like? Can you cater for my dietary needs?
We serve simple, nutritious and delicious food on tour prepared by our guides, using fresh and local ingredients as much as possible. Sometimes we also eat out at restaurants. Breakfast, morning tea, lunch, fresh fruit, pre-dinner nibbles and a two course evening meal are all included. We are happy to adapt our menu to suit many dietary needs including gluten free, vegetarian and vegan diets – please ask when you book.
Posted in: About Walking Tours In General
Are your walking tours just for “bushwalkers”?
Our walks are for anyone who enjoys walking and nature – bushwalkers or not. Our walks are conducted in safe, supportive and fun environments and you don’t need specialised equipment or experience to undertake them. We give you information about what you will need to bring and how you should prepare for each tour and we’re always here to answer any questions or concerns.
Posted in: About Walking Tours In General, Day Walk FAQs
Do I have to walk every day on tour?
Of course not – it’s your holiday and you should do what you feel! Relax at the accommodation, come for a drive, get dropped off in town or go for a stroll of your own. On some days there is also the opportunity to walk for part of the day. This last option depends on whether there is vehicle access to the track.
Posted in: About Walking Tours In General
What do I have to carry when I walk?
Very little. A water bladder or bottles, lunch/snacks/fruit for the day. a rain jacket, some personal first aid supplies and, on some days, lunch. You will probably want a camera as well. We return to accommodation each evening so there is no need to carry a large backpack.
Posted in: About Walking Tours In General
Not sure if this is the right tour for you?
At Inspiration Outdoors, we understand that choosing the right tour can be a difficult decision. That’s why we’re here to help make the process as smooth as possible. If you still have questions, give us a call or drop us a line. Whether it’s a question about the tour itinerary or your fitness level, our customer care team is ready to answer it. We have product specialists for every tour who are eager to share their knowledge and help you plan your next adventure.
What our customers say
Our Booking Process
What happens after I book?
After you have filled in a registration form, we will send you all extra information you may need, including a list of what to bring and how best to prepare for the tour.
Payment in full is required at least six weeks prior to the tour (bookings can still be made within six weeks of tour start date if there are places available). We will email or call you to remind you when this is due.
Finally, we will contact you prior to your tour to confirm pick-up times and locations. If you have any questions or concerns at all before or after you have booked, please don’t hesitate to get in touch so we can go through them with you.
What are my payment options?
Payment can be made by:
- Direct deposit
- Cheque
- Credit card
Can I cancel my booking?
If you need to cancel your tour;
(a) 84 days or more prior to departure, we will refund your deposit minus $50 administration fee;(b) 30 and 84 days prior to departure, loss of deposit
(c) between 24 and 29 days prior to departure, we charge a cancellation fee of 25% of the total booking cost;
(d) between 15 and 23 days prior to departure, we charge a cancellation fee of 50% of the total booking cost;
(e) 14 days or fewer prior to departure, we charge a cancellation fee of 100% of the booking cost.
If you have any concerns about cancelling, please take out travel insurance covering this contingency. This policy will be adhered to despite the most compelling and compassionate circumstances.
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