4-6 night hikes

If you'd like to hike for several days, there's a variety of itineraries on the Great Ocean Walk to suit your needs. Plan your hiking adventure according to how much time you have, and how frequently you would like to stop and camp overnight.

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4 night, 5 day walks


Apollo Bay to Johanna Beach

Coast, tall forest and heathland walk

Orange location icon Start: Apollo Bay Visitor Information Centre

Day 1: Apollo Bay to Elliot Ridge – 10km, walk grade: medium

Grey tent icon Elliot Ridge Great Ocean Walk Campsite

Day 2: Elliot Ridge to Blanket Bay – 12km, walk grade: easy

Grey tent icon Blanket Bay Great Ocean Walk Campsite

Day 3: Blanket Bay to Cape Otway – 11km, walk grade: easy/medium

Grey tent icon Cape Otway Great Ocean Walk Campsite

Day 4: Cape Otway to Aire River – 10km, walk grade: medium

Grey tent icon Aire River Great Ocean Walk Campsite

Day 5: Aire River to Johanna Beach – 14km, walk grade: medium

OPTIONAL Grey tent icon Johanna Beach Great Ocean Walk Campsite

Orange location icon End: Johanna Beach car park

 

 

Cape Otway to Twelve Apostles

Coast and heathland walk. Spectacular views. Takes you to the end of the walk within sight of the Twelve Apostles.

Orange location icon Start: Cape Otway Lightstation car park

Day 1: Cape Otway to Aire River– 10 km, walk grade: medium

Grey tent icon Aire River Great Ocean Walk Campsite

Day 2: Aire River to Johanna Beach – 14km, walk grade: medium

Grey tent icon Johanna Beach Great Ocean Walk Campsite

Day 3: Johanna Beach to Ryans Den – 14km, walk grade: medium/hard

Grey tent icon Ryans Den Great Ocean Walk Campsite

Day 4: Ryans Den to Devils Kitchen – 13km, walk grade: medium/hard

Grey tent icon Devils Kitchen Great Ocean Walk Campsite

Day 5: Devils Kitchen to Twelve Apostles – 16km, walk grade: medium/hard

Orange location icon End: Twelve Apostles


5 night, 6 day walks


Blanket Bay to Twelve Apostles

Great views. Ends Twelve Apostles.

Orange location icon Start: Blanket Bay car park

Day 1: Blanket Bay to Cape Otway – 11km, walk grade: easy/medium

Grey tent icon Cape Otway Great Ocean Walk Campsite

Day 2: Cape Otway to Aire River – 10km, walk grade: medium

Grey tent icon Aire River Great Ocean Walk Campsite

Day 3: Aire River to Johanna Beach – 14km, walk grade: medium

Grey tent icon Johanna Beach Great Ocean Walk Campsite

Day 4: Johanna Beach to Ryans Den – 14km, walk grade: medium/hard

Grey tent icon Ryans Den Great Ocean Walk Campsite

Day 5: Ryans Den to Devils Kitchen – 13km, walk grade: medium/hard

Grey tent icon Devils Kitchen Great Ocean Walk Campsite

Day 6: Devils Kitchen to Twelve Apostles – 16km, walk grade: medium/hard

Orange location icon End: Twelve Apostles

 

Push the timeline: The whole Great Ocean walk in six days

Orange location icon Start: Apollo Bay Visitor Information Centre

Day 1: Apollo Bay to Elliot Ridge – 10km, walk grade: medium

Grey tent icon Elliot Ridge Great Ocean Walk Campsite

Day 2: Elliot Ridge to Cape Otway – 24.7km, walk grade: easy/medium

Grey tent icon Cape Otway Great Ocean Walk Campsite

Day 3: Cape Otway to Johanna Beach – 24.7km, walk grade: medium

Grey tent icon Johanna Beach Great Ocean Walk Campsite

Day 4: Johanna Beach to Ryans Den – 14km, walk grade: medium/hard

Grey tent icon Ryans Den Great Ocean Walk Campsite

Day 5: Ryans Den to Devils Kitchen – 13km, walk grade: medium/hard

Grey tent icon Devils Kitchen Great Ocean Walk Campsite

Day 6: Devils Kitchen to Twelve Apostles – 16km, walk grade: medium/hard

Orange location icon End: Twelve Apostles


6 night, 7 day walks


Great views. Ends Twelve Apostles.

Orange location icon Start: Shelley Beach car park

Day 1: Shelley Beach to Blanket Bay – 13.5 kms

Grey tent icon Blanket Bay Great Ocean Walk Campsite

Day 2: Blanket Bay to Cape Otway – 11km, walk grade: easy/medium

Grey tent icon Cape Otway Great Ocean Walk Campsite

Day 3: Cape Otway to Aire River – 10km, walk grade: medium

Grey tent icon Aire River Great Ocean Walk Campsite

Day 4: Aire River to Johanna Beach – 14km, walk grade: medium

Grey tent icon Johanna Beach Great Ocean Walk Campsite

Day 5: Johanna Beach to Ryans Den – 14km, walk grade: medium/hard

Grey tent icon Ryans Den Great Ocean Walk Campsite

Day 6: Ryans Den to Devils Kitchen – 13km, walk grade: medium/hard

Grey tent icon Devils Kitchen Great Ocean Walk Campsite

Day 7: Devils Kitchen to Twelve Apostles – 16km, walk grade: medium/hard

Orange location icon End: Twelve Apostles

 

Push the timeline Option 1: The whole Great Ocean walk in seven days

Orange location icon Start: Apollo Bay Visitor Information Centre

Day 1: Apollo Bay to Elliot Ridge – 10km, walk grade: medium

Grey tent icon Elliot Ridge Great Ocean Walk Campsite

Day 2: Elliot Ridge to Cape Otway – 24.7km, walk grade: easy/medium

Grey tent icon Cape Otway Great Ocean Walk Campsite

Day 3: Cape Otway to Aire River – 10km, walk grade: medium

Grey tent icon Aire River Great Ocean Walk Campsite

Day 4: Aire River to Johanna Beach –14km, walk grade: medium

Grey tent icon Johanna Beach Great Ocean Walk Campsite

Day 5: Johanna Beach to Ryans Den –14km, walk grade: medium/hard

Grey tent icon Ryans Den Great Ocean Walk Campsite

Day 6: Ryans Den to Devil’s Kitchen – 13km, walk grade: medium/hard

Grey tent icon Devils Kitchen Great Ocean Walk Campsite

Day 7: Devil’s Kitchen to Twelve Apostles – 16km, walk grade: medium/hard

Orange location icon End: Twelve Apostles

 

Push the timeline Option 2: The whole Great Ocean walk in seven days

Orange location icon Start: Apollo Bay Visitor Information Centre

Day 1: Apollo Bay to Elliot Ridge – 10km, walk grade: medium

Grey tent icon Elliot Ridge Great Ocean Walk Campsite

Day 2: Elliot Ridge to Blanket Bay – 12km, walk grade: easy

Grey tent icon Blanket Bay Great Ocean Walk Campsite

Day 3: Blanket Bay to Cape Otway – 11km, walk grade: easy/medium

Grey tent icon Cape Otway Great Ocean Walk Campsite

Day 4: Cape Otway to Johanna Beach –25.1km, walk grade: medium

Grey tent icon Johanna Beach Great Ocean Walk Campsite

Day 5: Johanna Beach to Ryans Den –14km, walk grade: medium/hard

Grey tent icon Ryans Den Great Ocean Walk Campsite

Day 6: Ryans Den to Devil’s Kitchen – 13km, walk grade: medium/hard

Grey tent icon Devils Kitchen Great Ocean Walk Campsite

Day 7: Devil’s Kitchen to Twelve Apostles – 16km, walk grade: medium/hard

Orange location icon End: Twelve Apostles

A map of the Great Ocean Walk

More Great Ocean 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 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.
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.
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.

How to get there

4-6 night hikes

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

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

4-6 night hikes

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.

  • The Arch Day Visitor Area (Port Campbell National Park)

    The Arch Closure - Port Campbell National Park

    The Arch visitor site including lookout, walking trails and carpark remains closed following geotechnical changes and cliff instability. The site has been assessed by a Geotechnical Engineer and Parks Victoria are assessing options for the site. 

  • Loch Ard Gorge (Port Campbell National Park)

    Loch Ard Gorge Beach Access Stairs Closure

    The beach access has been closed following an independent geotechnical inspection after a rock fall over the steps themselves. Parks Victoria is working with The Great Ocean Road and Parks Authority as well as Traditional Owners to implement identified works required to make the site safe for all users.  

  • Notices Affecting Multiple Sites

    Kalimna Tramline link walk and Upper Kalimna is closed

    The Kalimna Tramline link walk is closed due to damage to a pedestrian bridge. Walkers can still access the Lower Kalimna Waterfall via the Kalimna Falls Walking Track, which starts at Sheoak Picnic Area. Upper Kalimna Falls closed until further notice.


    Temporary night closures of sections of the Great Otway National Park

    Between Monday 17th February 2025 and Friday 4th April 2025,  rolling closures park closures will occur between dusk and dawn Great Otway National Park to enable staff to safely undertake park conservation programs.  For your safety and for safety of park staff and contractors, please adhere to park closure signage.
     
    Visitor sites that may  be impacted by temporary closures include:
     
    Surf Coast Walk between Southside and Anglesea  
    Ironbark Basin
    Point Addis
    Eumeralla Area - including all mountain bike tracks
    Anglesea Heath
    Old rifle range between Cecil and Woodland Tracks
    Distillery Creek
    Moggs Creek

    Other areas that may be impacted by temporary closures include:
    Carlisle Heath, Kennedys Creek  and Chapple Vale areas
     
     
    Parks Closures will only occur at night and for short periods of time.  Closures will be signposted, supervised and patrolled by Parks Victoria staff and Authorised Officers.

    For further information please email: westregiondcp@parks.vic.gov.au

    Planned Burn closures - Moggs Creek

    Planned burning operations are scheduled in the Great Otway National Park at Moggs Creek which will result in the area being closed to public until the area is declared safe. Closures includes the following. 

    Moggs Creek Picnic Area 
    Dam Walk from Gentle Annie Track to Moggs Creek Picnic area. 
    Ocean View Walking Track 
    Moggs Creek Track 
    Moggs Creek Link Track 
     
    Ignition of the burn is scheduled for Wednesday 2 April and is subject to favourable weather. Check the status of current planned burns at https://plannedburns.ffm.vic.gov.au 

  • Cora Lynn Cascades Walk (Great Otway National Park)

    Cora Lynn Cascades Walking Track Closure

    Cora Lynn Cascades walking track is currently closed due to damaged infrastructure. Please note this closure will affect you if you plan to walk from Allenvale through to Erskine falls and vice versa. 

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

    Aire River West campground - Sites 24 - 40 - CLOSED

    • Aire River West Camp ground - camp sites CLOSED
    • Sites 24  to 40 at  the Aire West Campground are CLOSED due to potential for flooding.
    • Due to ongoing river mouth closures these sites are prone to inundation and not suitable for camping. 
    • Sites will require time to dry out once any river opening occurs.
    • Sites 24 to 40 are advised as closed until at least 30 April 2025
    • Sites 1 -23 are not impacted > at this point.
    • The Great Ocean Walk hike in camp sites are not impacted.
    • Closed areas can not be booked nor camped in.
    • National Park Regulations apply. 
    • Flood water can be hazardous.
    • Visitors and campers should avoid flood water.

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

    Halls Ridge Tk - CLOSED

    • Halls Ridge Track in the Great Otway National Park is closed.
    • Gates are closed at the southern end and at Aire Crossing camp site.
    • Access to Aire Crossing is only via Aire Crossing Tk.
    • Works are planned to repair hazardous and unsafe bog holes that are impassable to most vehicles, when safe to do so. 

  • 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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