Hike the Great Ocean Walk Itinerary

Starting in

Melbourne, Australia

Physical Difficulty

4 / 5

Breakfasts included

6

Lunches included

6

Dinners included

6

Ending in

Melbourne, Australia

Accommodation

Motel (2 nights), House with Shared Facilities (4 nights)

Transport

Private Vehicle , Walking

This seven-day hiking trip takes you from Melbourne to Cape Otway National Park and on to the famous 12 Apostles, passing fur seal colonies, beaches, forests, sea cliffs, light stations and lookouts along the way. Explore the landscapes of the Eastern Maar and Wadawurrung peoples and see why the Great Ocean Walk is regarded one of the world’s best coastal treks. With two knowledgeable leaders to guide the way, you’ll experience a landscape that has been shaped by the elements over thousands of years, immerse yourself in local maritime history and enjoy picnic lunches surrounded by dramatic coastal scenery. If you love immersing yourself in nature, the Great Ocean Walk is calling your name!

Day 1: Melbourne / Great Ocean Walk / Apollo Bay

Welcome to Melbourne! Or Narrm in the language of the Wurundjeri people, who are the Traditional Owners of the land on which Melbourne is now located. Today, meet your group at 8 am at our pick-up location (please see the joining point instructions in your trip notes for more details) and drive the scenic route to Apollo Bay. Travel through farmland before making your way along the coastline through stunted messmate and heath forests. This is Eastern Maar country and was recently returned to the Traditional Owners in Victoria's first native title in a decade. Pick up lunch from a local bakery and enjoy it picnic-style at Marengo Beach. Grab any supplies you need before your first walk of the trip, from Apollo Bay to Shelly Beach. You’ll head into the forests of Great Otway National Park where you can smell the scent of eucalyptus as you walk. Then, you’ll drive back to Apollo Bay accommodation where your dinner awaits.

Day 2: Great Ocean Walk / Johanna

Fuel up on breakfast before embarking on the first big walk of the trip, from Shelly Beach to Parker Inlet. Walk through the towering forest of Mountain Ash in the Great Otway National Park. This national park stretches from Torquay to the Otway hinterland, along the incredible Great Ocean Road. Keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife like black wallabies, echidnas and black cockatoos. You’ll traverse a few inland hills before hitting the coast again at Blanket Bay – one of the few safe swimming spots along the walk. Enjoy lunch at the bay then continue along cliff tops and through coastal forests to Parker Inlet. Spend some time here to relax after your walk and take in the views of the small cove and sandy beach that’s met by beautiful Australian bush.

Day 3: Great Ocean Walk / Johanna

This morning, you’ll walk the inland trail, passing towering manna gums as you head toward Cape Otway. As the path sweeps toward the coast once again, you’ll see the turquoise water of Crayfish Bay and catch glimpses of Cape Otway lighthouse in the distance. Prior to the lighthouse being built, thousands of lives were lost along this stretch of coast. Built in 1848, this lighthouse known as ‘the beacon of hope’ is the oldest on mainland Australia. Walk along wind sculpted landscapes of sand dunes, coastal scrubland and magnificent calcified cliffs. Continue through Aire River Valley before ending the day at Castle Cove lookout surrounded by towering cliffs, where you’ll watch as waves crash into shore and perhaps catch a glimpse of whales jumping in the distance.

Day 4: Great Ocean Walk / Johanna

After breakfast, head out for today’s walk through a variety of different landscapes – from cliff tops, through heathlands and forests, occasionally emerging for views along the extensive coast. Keep your eyes peeled for peregrine falcons today, as they’ve been spotted along this section of the trail. In spring, you can expect wonderful wildflower displays. Once you reach Johanna Beach, take in the sweeping sand dunes and crashing surf. Finally, continue towards Milanesia Track, through rolling hills with wildlife like eastern grey kangaroos.

Day 5: Great Ocean Walk / Johanna

Today’s hike showcases more spectacular highlights like Milanesia Beach, which is so isolated it feels like this section of coastline is all yours. From here, walk through coastal forests and farmland before reaching Ryan’s Den where you’ll soak up breathtaking views all the way back to Cape Otway and west to Cape Volney. Next up, it’s a steep climb to Moonlight Head – a hidden gem on the coastal walk – before you continue to The Gables Lookout on one of the highest sea cliffs in mainland Australia. If you’re lucky, you’ll see seabirds and whales from June to September. Enjoy unspoiled views of the Southern Ocean and Great Ocean Road cliffs before making your way back to Apollo Bay for a home-cooked dinner and a little time to put your feet up and relax.

Day 6: Great Ocean Walk / Port Campbell

After breakfast, continue the walk from Gables through to Gibson Steps. After a walking through large stands of casuarina trees, you’ll come out at the aptly named Wreck Beach where the anchors from shipwrecks can still be seen at low tide. Continue along the high tide route to the Devils Kitchen, then follow a trail that hugs the wild coastal cliffs, protected by coastal heath, all the way to Princetown. From here, cross the Gellibrand River on a trestle bridge and start to see glimpses of the famous 12 Apostles. Originally known as the Sow and Piglets, these iconic limestone formations were renamed The Twelve Apostles as part of a 1920s tourism campaign, despite the fact there were only nine pinnacles (now there are only eight). Today's walk ends just before Gibsons Steps with stunning views from the Shipwreck Coast's Great Ocean Walk Lookout. Head to the town of Port Campbell for a final dinner at the local hotel with your walking crew and leaders. Put your feet up and relax as you toast to the incredible effort you’ve all made over the last six days on the Great Ocean Walk!

Day 7: Great Ocean Walk / Melbourne

Embark on your final walk from Gibson Steps to the Twelve Apostles visitor Centre today – officially marking the end of your Great Ocean Walk. Wander along the windswept boardwalks and viewing platforms and take in the views of these natural beauties before the rush of the crowds. After, head to Loch Ard Gorge for morning tea. This is the perfect spot for a bite to eat before your route back to Melbourne. The gorge is picturesque with two yellow-washed cliff faces framing the smooth blue water below. Expect to arrive back in the city by late afternoon, where your adventure comes to an end.

Essential Trip Information

Joining point

National Gallery of Victoria (NGV International), 180 St Kilda Road , In front of the main entrance to the NGV facing St Kilda Road, Melbourne, AUSTRALIA

Finish point

National Gallery of Victoria (NGV International), 180 St Kilda Road , In front of the main entrance to the NGV facing St Kilda Road, Melbourne, AUSTRALIA

Important information

WALKING & TREKKING
This is a hiking trip. Please come physically prepared and with the right hiking gear in order to complete the hikes safely and comfortably. Please read the trip notes carefully and take note of the packing list.

START & END TIMES
This trip begins with a pick-up in Melbourne 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.

Emergency contact

While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip, it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or local representative straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip.

We recognise that there may be times when your group leader or local representative may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction - if this is the case, please ask the group leader or local representative to speak to their direct manager.

You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback, which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip. Please do be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is completed, so informing us while still travelling will give us the opportunity to resolve the issue in real-time.

For general contact details please use the following page: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/contact-us

In case of a genuine crisis or emergency, you can reach our local office on the numbers below:





1300 544 882 or +61 8 6219 5164

Is this trip right for you

This is a 104 km walking trip, so you’ll need to have good physical fitness to fully enjoy it. On Days 2 and 3, we will walk over 19 km each day so you will need to be confident that you can walk this distance two days in a row. Walking along the Great Ocean Road means different terrain from sandy beaches to rocky paths. You must bring appropriate footwear and clothing to be able to tackle these famous paths. Please note that the itinerary may change depending on local conditions and the weather.

Why we love it

Explore diverse and beautiful landscapes on foot – from rugged beaches and rocky terrain to stunning coastlines., Traverse this classic Victorian track with not one, but two expert local leaders to share their knowledge about the region and take care of all the details along the way., Walk the entire 104 km Great Ocean Walk with nothing but a day pack, staying in accommodation along the track with your main luggage being transferred for you., Marvel at the incredible 12 Apostles – the finishing point and final reward for your incredible efforts., With almost every meal included, you’ll enjoy wonderful fresh picnics in incredible locations, delicious breakfasts and hearty home-cooked dinners.

Group leader

All group trips are accompanied by one of our group leader or local representative. The aim of the group leader or local representative is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Intrepid endeavours to provide the services of an experienced group leader or local representative however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your group leader or local representative is new to a particular region or training other group leader or local representative.

Your group leader or local representative will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense, you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects. At Intrepid we aim to support local guides who have specialised knowledge of the regions we visit. If you are interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your group leader or local representative can recommend a local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip.

Safety

TRAVEL ADVISORIES & ALERTS
We recommend that you check your government's foreign travel advisory for the latest information about the destination before you travel. You will also need to ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all destinations and activities on your trip. Links to travel advisories and any current travel alerts for our trips can be found here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/travel-alerts

PERSONAL SAFETY
Ensure you have a secure method of carrying your passport, phone, credit cards and cash while travelling such as a money belt. Leave all other high value items, including jewellery, at home Use safety deposit boxes at hotels to store your valuables when available and ensure your luggage is lockable. Be aware of the risk of pick-pocketing and petty theft. Exercise caution when walking at night, don’t walk alone and stick to well-lit streets wherever possible. Be vigilant on public transport and look out for your fellow travellers. Take precautions such as carrying your bag in front of you and never leaving personal items unattended.

LGBTQIA+ TRAVELLERS
Intrepid welcomes all LGBTQIA+ customers on our trips, however we operate in parts of the world that are less accepting. We support LGBTQIA+ customers to travel to these destinations and are committed to ensuring they face no discrimination on any part of the trip we control. We recommend you visit Equaldex (https://www.equaldex.com/) and your government's foreign travel advice for LGBTQIA+ travellers when choosing your trip., https://www.intrepidtravel.com/safety-guidelines

Visas

PASSPORT
You’ll need a valid passport to travel internationally and most countries require your passport to have a minimum of 6 months validity, so remember to check the expiry date.

We need your passport information to get everything ready for your trip so it’s important that the information on your booking matches your passport exactly. Please take care to provide the correct details. We recommend carrying a copy of the photo page of your passport while travelling and leaving a copy at home with family or friends.

VISAS & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Many countries require a visa and obtaining the correct visa for your trip and any countries you may transit through is your responsibility. We recommend you check your visa requirements as soon as you have booked your trip. This will ensure you have time to prepare your documents and for your visa application to be processed. You can check the entry requirements for your nationality on your government's foreign travel advisories, consular websites or on our page here:  www.intrepidtravel.com/visa-entry-requirements

Last modified (date)

Information not available.

Validity

Validity: 01 Sep 2025 to 30 Jun 2026

Additional Information

Health

GENERAL HEALTH
All travellers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully on this trip. For the safety and wellbeing of yourself and others, if you are unwell prior to travelling, please stay at home and contact us to make alternative arrangements.

When selecting your trip please make sure you have read through the itinerary carefully and assess your ability to manage and enjoy our style of travel. Please note that if in the assessment of our group leader or local representative a traveller is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, we reserve the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund.

You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information or for any necessary vaccinations before departure. We recommend that you carry a first aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements in their original packaging as they may not easily be obtained while travelling. If you are carrying medication, ensure you check your government's foreign travel advice for any local restrictions or requirements. 


As we operate in remote areas, guests will need to bring all of their own personal medications on tour. Whilst our guides are qualified in remote area or wilderness first aid and carry satellite phones, we do not carry epi-pens, Ventolin or other emergency medications. If a person requires urgent medical attention whilst on tour, it may take several hours or more for emergency services to attend the scene and take you to a medical facility. Under certain circumstances, your tour consultant may request a medical certificate of fitness before you are cleared to participate in the tour. If pre-existing medical issues that will affect your ability to complete the tour or have an impact on other guests' experiences are not disclosed prior to the departure, we reserve the right to remove you from the tour.

HYDRATION
Daytime temperatures across Australia can be extreme from October to March with temperatures over 40C/104F. Even for travellers familiar with these temperatures, it’s easy to become dehydrated. The key point to remember is not to wait until you’re thirsty, but to drink water regularly. Adding an electrolyte solution can aid in replenishing the salts/electrolytes lost when travelling at this time of year.

In extreme heat you will be required to carry 1L of water per hour of walking.

MEDICAL RESTRICTIONS
As we operate in remote areas, guests will need to bring all of their own personal medications on tour. Whilst our guides are qualified in remote area or wilderness first aid and carry satellite phones, we do not carry epi-pens, Ventolin or other emergency medications. If a person requires urgent medical attention whilst on tour, it may take several hours or more for emergency services to attend the scene and take you to a medical facility.

Under certain circumstances your tour consultant may request a medical certificate of fitness before you are cleared to participate on the tour. If pre-existing medical issues that will affect your ability to complete the tour or have an impact on other guests experiences, are not disclosed prior to the departure, we reserve the right to remove you from the tour.

MEDICAL RESTRICTIONS
As we operate in remote areas, guests will need to bring all of their own personal medications on tour. Whilst our guides are qualified in remote area or wilderness first aid and carry satellite phones, we do not carry epi-pens, Ventolin or other emergency medications. If a person requires urgent medical attention whilst on tour, it may take several hours or more for emergency services to attend the scene and take you to a medical facility. Under certain circumstances your tour consultant may request a medical certificate of fitness before you are cleared to participate on the tour. If pre-existing medical issues that will affect your ability to complete the tour or have an impact on other guests experiences, are not disclosed prior to the departure, we reserve the right to remove you from the tour. You can bring a CPAP machine whilst on tour but you will need to purchase a single supplement.

Food and dietary requirements

All meals are included, with the exception of lunch on the last day, when you can pick up something on the way home. Breakfast comprises cereals, fruit, yoghurt, toast, juice, tea and freshly brewed coffee. Each day your leader will provide morning tea for you. Fruit is also available. On most days lunch is self-made from fresh breads, salads and meats. Enjoy pre-dinner nibbles with fellow guests each evening while your guides prepare a delicious two-course meal for dinner. Please let us know of any dietary requirements before you book. We can happily adapt our menu to accommodate most dietary needs. Assistance is appreciated with clearing away and washing up.

Money matters

SPENDING MONEY
When it comes to spending money on the trip, every traveller is a little different. You know your spending habits better than we do, so please budget an appropriate amount for things like optional meals, drinks, shopping, optional activities, and laundry. Make sure you have read the itinerary and inclusions thoroughly so you know what is included in the trip price and what you may need to pay for while travelling.

AUSTRALIA
The official currency of Australia is the Australian dollar (AUD). Card payments, including digital card payments like Apple Pay, are the most common form of payment in Australia. Many vendors add a small surcharge for card payments. Cash is accepted in most places and ATMs are common.

TIPPING
Tipping can be an appropriate way to recognise great service when travelling. While it may not be customary in your home country, it is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many of our destinations and is greatly appreciated by the people who take care of you during your travels. It is always best to avoid tipping with coins, very small denomination notes, or dirty and ripped notes, as this can be regarded as an insult rather than the goodwill gesture it is intended to be.

YOUR GROUP LEADER OR LOCAL REPRESENTATIVE
You may consider tipping your group leader or local representative for outstanding service throughout your trip. The amount is entirely a personal preference; however, as a guideline, 4-7 USD or EUR per person per day (in a currency relevant to your destination), can be used. Of course, you are free to tip more or less as you see fit, depending on your perception of service quality and the length and involvement of your group leader or local representative on your trip.

CONTINGENCY FUNDS
We try to plan for every eventuality, but there are still some things beyond our control. We reserve the right to change an itinerary after departure due to local circumstances or a Force Majeure Event. In such emergency circumstances, the additional cost of any necessary itinerary alterations will be covered by you. Please note we are not responsible for any incidental expenses that may be incurred as a result of the change of itineraries including but not limited to visas, vaccinations or non-refundable flights. Make sure you have access to an extra US$500 for emergencies (e.g. severe weather, natural disasters, civil unrest) or other events that result in unavoidable changes to the itinerary (e.g. transport strikes or cancellations, airport closures). Sometimes these things necessitate last-minute changes to enable our trips to continue to run, and as a result, there may be some extra costs involved. The recommended amount is listed in USD for the relatability of universal travellers, however, local currency may be needed once in the country to cover these costs.

What to take

Victorian weather is notoriously changeable. Be prepared for a variety of weather, with the
possibility of cold, windy and wet conditions. It is not necessary to ‘dress’ for evening meals;
casual, comfortable clothing is sufficient.

Essential items

• Day pack
• Water bottle/bladder
• Walking boots
• Rain jacket
• Long-sleeve shirt with collar
(for sun protection)
• Sunhat
• Long-legged pants (or shorts
with long gaiters)
• Warm jacket and hat
• High factor sunscreen
• Blister pads and/or tape for
hotspots or blisters on your feet
• Insect repellent
• Sunglasses
• Toiletries
• Watch or alarm clock
• Towel and swimwear
(summer months)
• Travel documents

Optional items

• Waterproof cover for day pack
• Waterproof walking boots
• Long gaiters
• Walking poles
• Camera
• Small binoculars
• Torch / head torch

SPECIALIST GEAR FOR THIS WALK

Walking boots

Waterproof walking boots/shoes with full ankle support are recommended for this walk.
Make sure your footwear is well worn in and comfortable. We also recommend hiking socks
– they minimise the chance of getting blisters. The key to preventing blisters and avoiding
unnecessary pain is to eliminate friction.

Climate and seasonal

WEATHER IN VICTORIA
Victoria experiences four distinct seasons throughout the year. During the summer, daily temperatures are between 14C/57F and 27C/80F. During winter, daily temperatures are between 6C/42F and 13C/55F. Spring is the wettest time of year, with October’s average rainfall reaching 53mm. The weather at higher altitudes can be unpredictable and even in the height of summer can experience very cold weather. Please pack appropriate warm and waterproof clothing including a beanie, sturdy enclosed shoes and a rain jacket. Layering clothing can be beneficial. Please consider the time of year you are travelling.

A couple of rules

Intrepid won't tolerate any kind of violence, harassment (whether physical, verbal or sexual), or disrespect toward fellow travellers, our teams or local communities.

To ensure the wellbeing of everyone on the trip, decisions made by your group leader are final.

Romantic relationships between travellers and group leader or local representative are not permitted while on trip.

Any behaviour that prevents your leader from continuing the itinerary as planned, breaks local laws or opposes any of these guidelines may result in Intrepid denying your booking or removing you from the trip.

If something concerns you during your travels, please speak to your group leader immediately. Alternatively, you can contact us on the emergency contact number detailed in the Problems and Emergency Contact Information section of this Essential Trip Information.

Accommodation notes

Information not available.

Transport notes

Information not available.

Travel insurance

Travel insurance is compulsory on all our trips for those travelling internationally. We require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. If you are travelling within your home country or region please confirm before travel that you are entitled to access the public medical system easily should an accident occur. We strongly recommend all travellers have a policy that also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. For international trips, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24-hour emergency contact number has been sighted by your group leader or local representative.

If you have credit card insurance your group leader or local representative will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number, and emergency contact number rather than the bank's name and your credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country.

For travellers who reside within the European Union, Switzerland or USA the requirement to purchase travel insurance cannot be compulsory. However the purchase of travel insurance is still highly recommended, and travellers from these regions who decline travel insurance when travelling outside of their home region must sign a Travel Insurance Waiver Form at the Group Meeting, recognizing personal responsibility for emergency medical and repatriation costs should they arise.

For assistance with travel insurance or other services, please visit the link below:


https://www.intrepidtravel.com/booking-resources/our-services

AUSTRALIANS TRAVELLING DOMESTICALLY
Travel insurance will help ensure you’re protected in case of any unforeseen changes to your journey – such as flight cancellations or COVID-19 related disruptions. For this reason, we recommend you purchase comprehensive domestic travel insurance for your trip. This may not be something you would have typically done in the past when travelling domestically in Australia, but it does offer you a number of benefits in these dynamic times. While Australians and Australian Permanent Residents travelling within Australia are not required to be covered for hospital care due to being covered by Medicare, a comprehensive domestic travel insurance policy should cover you for expenses resulting from – among other things – COVID-19 related changes, including an outbreak in your destination or on your departure necessitating changes to your travel plans that incur additional costs. Domestic travel insurance plans may also include personal liability, cancellation, curtailment, loss of luggage and personal effects, and other benefits. It is also advisable that domestic travellers have current ambulance cover in the case of emergency evacuation or incidents requiring ambulance transportation. Please be sure to carefully check the policy’s inclusions with your preferred insurer.

Your fellow travellers

As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travellers will probably come from all corners of the world and likely a range of age groups too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on your part. Due to privacy reasons, we are unable to provide you with contact details and any personal information about your fellow travellers booked on your trip prior to departure.

SOLO TRAVELLERS
On our trips, rooming is organised on a twin-share basis. We pair up solo travellers with another traveller of the same gender, as per the gender marker on each of their passports.

We also offer an optional single supplement on most trips for travellers who prefer to have their own room. This only applies to accommodation during the tour. Pre-trip and post-trip accommodation booked through us will always be on a single-room basis.

On a small selection of trips some accommodation will be open-gender and multishare, such as a felucca in Egypt or an overnight train in Vietnam. Please review the Accommodation section of the Essential Trip Information for details about your trip.

LGBTQIA+ TRAVELLERS
We strive to create a safe and inclusive environment for everyone. If your gender identity differs from what is indicated on your passport, please contact us so that we can discuss rooming options with you.

Itinerary disclaimer

ITINERARY CHANGES
Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway and has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if deemed necessary due to safety concerns.