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

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

Traverse weathered limestone cliffs and meander across sand dunes to the beautiful Gellibrand River. See Gibson Steps and the Twelve Apostles come into view. The perfect ending to your adventure is a sunset arrival at the Twelve Apostles amidst the rugged splendour of the stained limestone stacks.

How to get there

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

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

Need to know

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

Safety in nature

You can benefit both mind and body when you get outdoors to explore and experience Victoria's natural places. Before you go, take a look at our safety tips and check our changed conditions and closures information for a great visit.

Accessibility

Visiting a park can be more of a challenge for people with disabilities, however, in Victoria there are a wide range of facilities to help people of all abilities enjoy our wonderful parks around the state. Parks Victoria provides a range of a equipment, including all-terrain and beach wheelchairs, facilities, accommodation and accessibility information and programs to help you plan and enjoy your visit to Victoria's parks.

Assistance dogs are welcome in Parks Victoria parks and reserves. Entry requirements apply for parks and reserves that are usually dog prohibited, such as national parks.

Warnings & Restrictions

Dogs

Dogs are not allowed

Restrictions

  • No bicycles
  • No vehicles
  • No generators
  • No dogs allowed
  • No drones without a permit
  • No fires permitted
  • No camping
  • No firearms allowed
  • No horses

Warnings

  • Terrain hazards
    • Slippery surface
    • Slippery rocks
    • Uneven ground
  • Other warnings
    • Vehicles
    • Unpatrolled area
    • Trees may fall take care
    • Limbs may fall take care
  • Water hazards
    • Strong currents
    • Rough Surf
  • Animals and pests
    • Beware European wasps

Be Prepared

Stay safe and get the most out of your park visit by preparing for natural hazards and other outdoor risks in Victoria’s parks. You are responsible for your own safety and the safety of those in your care. Find out more.

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.

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.


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. 

Great Ocean Walk Trail Advisory: Echidna & Long-nosed Bandicoot Activity

Important Safety Alert – Great Ocean Walk > Trail Conditions
Recent observations in Great Otway National Park have recorded a significant increase in digging activity by both short-beaked echidnas and long-nosed bandicoots—themselves ecosystem engineers—resulting in numerous diggings and burrows along the entire Great Ocean Walk. These excavations create trip hazards, especially in low-light conditions during dawn and dusk when both species are most active.

Safety Recommendations
  • Remain vigilant for fresh soil disturbances, shallow holes, and uneven ground surfaces.
  • Wear sturdy hiking boots with ankle support to reduce injury risk.
  • Carry a torch or headlamp for early starts or late finishes to spot potential hazards. 
Protected Wildlife Notice
  • Echidnas and long-nosed bandicoots are fully protected native wildlife. 
  • It is illegal to disturb, harass, handle, injure, or remove them—or any part of their habitat—from the wild.
  • Do not approach, touch, chase, corner, or attempt to move these animals.
  • Keep a respectful distance and allow wildlife to move away naturally.
  • If you encounter an injured or orphaned animal, do not intervene directly.
Ecosystem Importance
  • Echidnas move up to 200 m³ of soil annually through their digging behavior, promoting soil health and biodiversity.
  • Long-nosed bandicoots create shallow foraging pits that aid seed germination and nutrient cycling, further enhancing ecosystem function.
Reporting & Contacts
For any wildlife concerns or to report animal incidents or injured wildlife, contact 
Parks Victoria on 131963 or visit the 
Conservation Regulator on 136186 or online at https://www.vic.gov.au/conservation-regulator.

Please stay on designated tracks to protect native vegetation and minimize disturbance to habitat.

Attachments: GONP Spring 2025 (349KB)

Twelve Apostles Precinct- Change of Conditions Update Notice as of 20.10.2025

General Public Information
Due to ongoing construction works at the Twelve Apostles Visitor Centre, significant changes to access and parking arrangements will be in effect from Friday, 19th September 2025. All visitors are asked to plan ahead and be patient when travelling to the site during this busy period. High visitation is expected in-line with School and Public Holidays
 
Key changes and reminders for visitors include:
  • Temporary Changes to Parking:
    Construction works have resulted in temporary parking areas and altered traffic flow. Expect reduced speed limits, changed parking arrangements, and traffic management on-site.  Please see attached map.  
  • Car Parking:
    In the event of full parking capacity, visitors are encouraged to seek alternative destinations such as Port Campbell township or Bay of Islands, and encouraged to return later in the day.
  • Pedestrian Safety:
    Use designated walkways and pedestrian crossings only. Do not climb fences or viewing barriers.
  • Environmental Care:
    Protect this unique landscape by staying on paths, respecting barriers, and taking your rubbish with you.
  • Bushfire Safety:
    Stay informed by visiting emergency.vic.gov.au, downloading the VicEmergency app, or calling the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226.
For more information, contact Parks Victoria on 13 1963 or visit parks.vic.gov.au
Licensed Tour Operators (LTOs)
IMPORTANT – Operational and Access Update
 
From Friday, 19th September 2025, the following updates apply to all Licensed Tour Operators visiting the Twelve Apostles:
 
New Access & Parking Procedures:
  • Coach/Bus/Coaster Access:
    All LTO vehicles must access the temporary parking area via Booringa Road and the new entry/exit road. Directional signage will be in place. Please see attached map.
  • Temporary Parking Area:
    Use designated bays only. This area has been established during current construction works.
  • Drop-Off Instructions:
    • All vehicles (with or without trailers) must drop passengers at the front of the Visitor Centre.
    • Pick-ups are not permitted at the drop-off zone.
    • Drivers must proceed immediately to the designated parking area after drop-off.
    • Provide passengers with clear directions and walking instructions before they disembark.
Traffic Management:
  • Follow Traffic Controller Instructions at all times when management is in place.
  • Be prepared for redirection to alternative parking areas based on capacity.
  • Observe on-site signage directing different vehicle sizes to specific parking bays.
Operational Reminders:
  • Permit Display: Ensure your LTO permit is clearly displayed on your vehicle at all times.
  • Passenger Safety: Remind passengers to use designated walkways and not to climb fences or barriers.
  • Journey Planning: Allow extra time, travel safely, and prepare staff for delays due to high visitation and traffic coordination.
Stay Informed:
 
Thank you for your cooperation in maintaining a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors while works are underway. Your support is essential in protecting the Twelve Apostles and surrounding areas.
 

Attachments: LTO Map Updated 17.10.25 Conditions A3 (98KB)

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.

Lake Elizabeth Campground Upgrade Information

Lake Elizabeth Campground and the associated campground car park will be closed from: Tuesday 27th January 2026 to Tuesday 31st March 2026. We ask visitors to stay clear of the campground and campground carpark which will have signed closures in place. 

As you plan for your holidays please do not attempt to book the Lake Elizabeth campground from Tuesday 27th January - Tuesday 31st March 2026.
 
The closure is for enhancing the camping experience and these renovations have been funded by the Victorian Government’s Victoria’s Great Outdoors program. Victoria’s Great Outdoors is a $106.6 million investment by the Victorian Government into better campgrounds, walking trails, 4WD tracks and visitor facilities across Victoria’s parks and state forests.
 
All other areas at Lake Elizabeth will remain open, including ablutions, day use areas, walk to and around the lake.

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