Great Ocean Walk

The Great Ocean Walk is a one-way, long-distance walk extending just over 110km. This once-in-a-lifetime hike will take you eight days.

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Start at Apollo Bay, passing through Great Otway National Park and Port Campbell National Park on the way. You'll conclude your journey at the world-famous Twelve Apostles. Alternatively, you can sample sections on a range of short, day, and multi-day hikes.

The Great Ocean Walk shadows the iconic Great Ocean Road. Every day is different as those stunning coastal landscapes you see from your car window pass beneath your feet. The big skies and wild nature will astound you.

 

Discover the region’s diversity of plants, animals and scenery. Weave your way through tall forests, coastal heathlands and beside rocky shore platforms. Cross creeks and rivers and pass above wild-rocky shores and deserted beaches with panoramic views from windswept cliff-tops.

Walkers can stay at one of the dedicated campsites or find off-walk accommodation nearby with the comfort of hot showers and soft beds. There are seven small hike-in campsites, which must be booked prior to walking. Campgrounds are small and walking groups need to consider their noise and environmental impacts.

What might you see along the way:

  • Koalas resting in the eucalypt trees.
  • Cape Otway Lighthouse and its friendly guides ready to share stories of the Shipwreck Coast.
  • Wreck Beach at low tide with its rusting shipwreck anchors from the Marie Gabrielle and Fiji.
  • Rockpools at Blanket Bay and the pounding surf of Johanna Beach.
  • Wet fern and rainforest gullies sheltered by the world’s tallest flowering plant.
  • Remote and rarely visited places such as Station Beach, Milanesia Beach, Ryans Den, and Devils Kitchen.
  • Winter migrations of Humpback and Southern Right Whales passing just off-shore.
  • The high coastal cliffs of Moonlight Head.

 

A map of the Great Ocean Walk

Walk Experiences

The Great Ocean Walk offers a range of options for walkers with varying skill levels. Tackle the whole eight days, or experience it in shorter snippets. Choose from a variety of short, day and overnight hikes. You can experience the walk independently, use a licensed tour operator, or mix and match.

Two female hikers pose for a camera at the end of the Great Ocean Walk

Licensed tour operators

Local knowledge can make all the difference when planning for a spectacular hiking experience. Great Ocean Walk tour operators offer a range of services for walkers, including guided tours, transport, camping equipment hire and food provision.
A woman with a small backpack walks along a road surrounded by hills

Short and Day Walks

Take a day trip and choose from a variety of hikes up to six hours in length. Hikes range in difficulty from easy to hard, through varying terrain.
A woman with a large hike pack stands on a rock next to the ocean

Hike for 1–3 nights

If you don't wish to tackle the whole Great Ocean Walk, you can experience it in shorter snippets. Get a taste of the Great Ocean Walk on these 1-3 night itineraries.
Two female hikers follow the Great Ocean Walk trail down to Wreck Beach

Hike for 4–6 nights

Have a little longer to taste the Great Ocean Walk? Choose from these itineraries to plan your hiking adventure according to how much time you have.
Six friends sit on a boardwalk that has Great Ocean Walk written on it. Their backs are to the camera and the Twelve Apostles are in front of them

Hike the whole 8 days

Create your own unique experience and discover the nature of Australia as you walk beneath tall trees, across rock seashore platforms, along deserted beaches and soak in breathtaking cliff-top vistas.

Wildlife

Look and listen carefully and you will be rewarded. The Great Ocean Walk offers many opportunities to view wildlife in its natural settings – on land and out to sea.

Echidnas
Koalas
Kangaroos
Wallabies
Little Penguins
Seals

How to get there

Great Ocean Walk

Apollo Bay — the start of the Great Ocean Walk — is three hours' drive from Melbourne along the Great Ocean Road. If you have one vehicle we recommend that you park at the Twelve Apostles Carpark and get shuttled back to Apollo Bay to start your walk. If you don't have a vehicle, you can go with a Licensed Tour Operator or use one of the shuttle services. 

We suggest the following shuttles:


Alternatively, use public transport. The V/Line bus stops at the Twelve Apostles Carpark, Princetown and Apollo Bay.

Explore the region

Chairs surround a firepit with cabins surrounded by trees in the background

Off-walk accommodation

If you're looking for a little more luxury in nature, consider the wide range of accommodation options along the Great Ocean Road. Enjoy the extra comfort of a soft bed, hot shower, or even a spa.
A woman sits on the beach, behind her is boats on the ocean and hills in the distance

Towns and Villages

Each with their own history, culture and highlights, towns & villages along the Great Ocean Road have plenty of unique experiences. Read more and discover which regions suit you.
Four friends with tasting paddles do cheers

Eat and Drink

Discover where the popular bars, breweries, cafes, restaurants and wineries are around the Great Ocean Road region. Regardless of your dining preference, there is a venue for everyone!
A koala sits in a tree beside a Visitor Information sign on a tin building

Visitor Information Centres

Discover where & how to contact Visitor Information Centres along the Great Ocean Road. Each have local experts ready to ensure you make the most of your journey to the region.

Need to know

Great Ocean Walk

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can I have a campfire?

    Campfires are NOT permitted within Great Ocean Walk hike-in campsites at any time.

    The nearby car-based Blanket Bay Campground and Aire River West Campground permit campfires. Campfires are only permitted in the designated fireplaces and campers must bring their own firewood from outside the national park.

    It is prohibited to light a campfire on a declared Total Fire Ban day in the South West Weather District, inside or outside tents, shelters or toilets. A portable gas stove is permitted to use for the sole purpose of meal preparation, providing it is in a stable position, in a 3m area cleared of flammable material. You have at least 10L of water immediately available and an adult must be present.

  • What if I cannot complete the walk?

    To assist park staff to locate and contact people on the walk when emergencies occur and to ensure hiker safety, it is important that you inform Parks Victoria if you do not complete any section of your registered hike.

    For your safety, and your role and responsibility in supporting efficient search and rescue, we recommend you register your trip intentions to aid emergency support should the need arise.

    A Trip Intention Form is advised for any hikers undertaking walking/hiking overnight.

  • Where can I park my car?

    No designated long-term parking exists for the Great Ocean Walk. It is strongly recommended that hikers use the shuttle services available.

    There are unsecured public car parks on the foreshore between Apollo Bay and Marengo. No designated long-term parking exists in this area. Unsecured public parking exists in the Great Otway National Park at day-visitor car parks and camping areas.

    Parking may be available at Princetown Recreation Reserve for hikers completing the 'end' of the walk. You should confirm with the Princetown Recreation Reserve caretaker (call 0457 198 662) BEFORE parking there. This is relatively secure parking and walkers can drop their packs off at their cars here before continuing the final 5km to end at the Twelve Apostles.

    Great Otway and Port Campbell National Park carparks are open to the public at all times. Please note:

    • The Twelve Apostles carpark is not patrolled after hours.
    • Hikers leave their vehicles in these areas at their own risk.
    • Please remember to remove valuables and lock your vehicle.
    • It is NOT recommended that visitors use Gibson Steps carpark for overnight parking. (very small, no facilities)

    Your car safety remains your responsibility. Be sure to advise police if you intend to leave a vehicle for any length of time beyond one day.

  • Is there drinking water available along the walk?

    There are rainwater tanks at the Great Ocean Walk hike-in campgrounds, which collect untreated rainfall water. Due to the remote nature of the campsites, Parks Victoria cannot guarantee rainwater availability at each campsite.

    It is anticipated that Great Ocean Walk campsite rain water tank levels are currently at adequate levels for use by hikers. If they drop below serviceable volumes, our Ranger team will provide advice in the change of conditions section of this page.

    Hikers are responsible for their own water requirements. Tank-rainwater, when present, can be treated in several ways such as filtering and boiling or adding sterilisation tablets. Hikers should carry extra water in warm weather.

    There are a number of licensed tour operators who provide options to have water dropped off or delivered ahead of your hike.

  • Can I purchase food along the way?

    It is recommended you carry enough food for the walk as options for purchasing food are very limited. You may be able to purchase food from the following locations:

    • The historic Cape Otway Lightstation precinct café serves light meals and refreshments during business hours. Entry fees apply.
    • The Lightstation entry station sells cold drinks and snacks to visitors choosing not to enter the historic area.
    • Apollo Bay has supermarkets for comprehensive shopping needs and nearby villages are located at Lavers Hill and Princetown and Bimbi Park on Cape Otway.

    Parks Victoria’s licensed tour operators can provide a food and water drop-off service

  • What should I bring?

    Whether you are planning a multi-day hike or an afternoon walk, it is important to plan in advance. Coastal weather can change quickly and be unpredictable in all seasons. Be prepared for strong winds, heavy rain; as well as hot or cold weather throughout the year.

    • Protective clothing such as a jumper, weatherproof jacket, hat and sunscreen.
    • Sturdy footwear with a good tread.
    • First Aid Kit — for blisters, sunburn, stings and bites (especially if you have extreme reactions/allergies).
    • A large waterproof bag – may be useful for keeping gear dry inside your pack when crossing rivers.
    • A portable radio (not mobile phone/internet access) for immediate access to Emergency broadcasting and updates (e.g. fire and storm warnings and updates) including ABC Local Radio.
    • Food and Water — Carry food, water, water treatment methods, and equipment for up to 15km per day if you are walking unsupported. Alternatively, you may consider linking your walk to nearby accommodation and service providers. Water is untreated rainwater and not guaranteed to be available at campgrounds.
    • Leave no trace — please ensure that you carry all your rubbish out with you. Do not deposit rubbish into the composting toilets as this stops the systems from working and staff then have to physically remove your rubbish by hand.
  • Is there mobile phone and internet coverage on the walk?

    Mobile coverage is intermittent along the Great Ocean Walk. Generally, Telstra mobile coverage can be found at high points where there is little overhanging vegetation.

    Known mobile phone reception areas (Telstra only) include; Blanket Bay beach area, above Station Beach, Johanna Beach, Milanesia Beach at creek crossing, Ryans Den campground, Moonlight Head and Devils Kitchen campground ocean-view areas.

  • Can I swim along the Great Ocean Walk?
    Beaches along the track not patrolled by lifesavers, therefore swimming is not recommended. For information on patrolled swimming beaches, contact the Apollo Bay or Port Campbell Visitor Information Centres.
  • Where can I book a tour to complete the walk?

    One of the best ways to experience the Great Ocean Walk is with a Licensed Tour Operator. Booking a Licensed Tour Operator gives you the confidence they are insured and comply with park regulations and best of all, they do all the hard work for you by planning and preparing your visit so you can enjoy your nature-based adventure to the fullest.

Change of Conditions

Nature being nature, sometimes conditions can change at short notice. It’s a good idea to check this page ahead of your visit for any updates.

  • Aire River East Campground (Great Otway National Park, Aire River Heritage River)

    Aire East - CLOSED

    • Following ongoing wet conditions the the Aire East drive in camp ground is CLOSED until 31 October 2024.
    • Soft ground in the camp ground can not safely hold vehicles until it dries out.
    • Do not enter a closed area of National Park.  
    • Regulations apply.

  • Aire River West Campground (Great Otway National Park, Aire River Heritage River)

    Aire West Campground - Reduced capacity - Sites Closed

    • Following recent estuary flooding all sites from #17 and above are CLOSED at the Aire West campground 
    • Sites 1-16 are OPEN for booked, permit holder campers
    • The Aire West Great Ocean Walk hiker camp is fully OPEN 
    • Camping in areas without a permit, or in areas that are not open, will attract a penalty under National Park Regulations 2013
    • Under reg.83 the infringement value penalty is currently $395 per camper

  • Sheoak Picnic Area to Phantom Falls Walk (The Canyon) (Great Otway National Park)

    Canyon Walking Track Closure

    The Canyon walking track is currently closed due to damaged infrastructure. This closure will affect walkers trying to complete the "loop" from Phantom falls to Sheoak Picnic ground. Henderson, Won Wondah and Phantom Falls are all still open and accessible via alternate routes. 

  • Notices Affecting Multiple Sites

    Erskine Falls Access Road Closed from Monday 7 to 25 October

    Parks Victoria advises that due to roadworks on Erskine Falls Access Road and in the carpark, vehicle access to Erskine Falls will be closed to visitors from Monday 7 to 25 October.
     
    Pedestrian access or vehicle access down Erskine Falls Access Road is not available during this time.
     
    Pedestrian access is still be available during this time via the Lemonade Creek walking track. This track starts from Blanket Leaf Picnic Area and is a 8.8km return walk. The track is suitable for most ages and fitness levels. It has short steep sections, a rough surface and steps.
     
    During this temporary closure, visitors can enjoy other nearby waterfalls, accessed from the Sheoak Picnic Area. See this short video for information on waterfalls to enjoy from Sheoak Picnic Area and elsewhere in the Great Otway National Park. 

    Great Ocean Walk - permitted event - 26 OCT 2024

    Hikers on the Great Ocean Walk be aware that a permitted activity is scheduled to take place on 
             SATURDAY 26 OCTOBER 2024 
    The event is subject to weather conditions and the GOW being open fully.  
    The event is not anticipated to impact on any GOW campsites.
    Event participants are obligated to give way to hikers.
    For more information https://greatoceanultra.com/

    For more information or to report concerns call 131963

  • Other issues

    Sharps Campground permanently closed

    Permanently closed due to environmental and safety risks. 

  • Great Ocean Walk - Day 8 - Devils Kitchen to Twelve Apostles (Great Otway National Park)

    Gale Storm Damage - Great Ocean Walk - Day 8

    Parks Victoria are aware of reports of new gale/wind storm damage on the Great Ocean Walk between Devils Kitchen and the Twelve Apostles.
    Trees and wind-blown vegetation obstacles are being assessed and will be treated by crews when safe to do so.
    A section > 1.5kms from Devils Kitchen to the Twelve Apostles on the GOW has been impacted by a recent storm and is “challenging to get through.”
    Extra time and precautions should be taken in this area.
    If the area is assessed as unsafe by Parks Victoria rangers; a closure may need to be implemented at short notice. 
    This message is effective Monday 7 OCT 2024 

  • Great Ocean Walk - Day 5 - Aire River to Johanna Beach (Great Otway National Park, Aire River Heritage River)

    Great Ocean Walk - Beach Access - Tidal & Swell hazard

    • Hikers and walkers on the Great Ocean Walk (GOW) should be aware of hazardous access points particularly @ Johanna Beach.
    • Following recent storms, high tides and swells > sand levels on the Johanna Beach access points are currently diminished.
    • Access from the GOW onto Johanna Beach during high tides and swell conditions may be extra challenging during these times.
    • A dynamic risk assessment should be undertaking when accessing the beach.
    • Access to this beach,  and all other coastal areas of the GOW, is recommended as far less challenging during times of low swell and low tide.  






  • Great Otway National Park

    Reduced Capacity of Big Hill Campground Due to Unfavorable Conditions

    Campsites at Big Hill Campground will be reduced over October and November while we wait for campsites to dry out. Only two tent sites (sites 5 and 7) will be available in this time. Graveled caravan and van sites (sites 8-13) remain open and in good condition. Other sites suitable for tents are available nearby at Allenvale Mill Camping Area and Jamieson Creek Campground.

  • Melba Gully Day Visitor Area (Great Otway National Park)

    Melba Gully - Large bus access

    Melba Gully Walk Track and picnic area is accessible for large coaches. Toilet facilities are available on site

  • Maits Rest Rainforest Walk (Great Otway National Park)

    Maits Rest Carpark- bus access

    Maits Rest Carpark is suitable for small coaster buses only. Large buses or coaches are advised to use Melba Gully walk track near Lavers Hill.

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