Expeditions
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6 Day Great Ocean Walk

Why we love this trip!

  • It's along the Great Ocean Walk, where the scenery and nature, is not only stunning but can be wild and dramatic
  • The chance to embrace delicious local and regional food, so you will get a taste of what is produced close to where you walk
  • With guides who are insightful and informative (not to mention great companions), we get to immerse ourselves in some fascinating maritime and natural history!
  • Based in just one location, there are few simpler ways to explore this incredible stretch of coast (no need to keep packing and unpacking)

Overview

Unpack your bags, as we will call Johanna Beach "home" for the next 5 nights. Each day we will head out and walk this wonderful coastline, taking in its history and its raw beauty before heading back to our cosy accommodation of an evening.

No day is like the other, presenting different terrain and spectacular views, giving you a full appreciation of what this amazing landscape and ecosystem has to offer. Breathtaking coastal scenery, deserted, often wild beaches, sheer cliffs, historical lighthouses and shipwrecks, all await the adventurous hiker on this dramatic 5-days of exploration.

Who is this trip for?

If you love multi-day treks that have some demanding sections.

If you love supporting local businesses.

If you love trekking through rugged Australian landscapes.

If you appreciate some creature comforts at the end of a demanding day.

Other Australian Trips We Offer

Outback to Ocean: Combines the Great Ocean Walk with 3 days in the Grampians

Yarra Valley Traipsing and Tasting: Four Day Hiking, Wining and Dining Experience

High Country Pedal and Pinot: Four Day Cycling, Hiking and Dining Experience

Epic Victorian Traverse: Seven Day Trekking Adventure (not for the faint-hearted)!

As part of our risk mitigation plan, all domestic Australian group sizes have been capped at 8 guests, and New Zealand at 10.  

If you'd prefer a private group with family or friends, don't hesitate to contact us to discuss

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive in Johanna Beach (D)
Day 2 Blanket Bay to Cape Otway Lighthouse (B,L,D)
Day 3 Cape Otway to Aire River (B,L,D)
Day 4 Castle Cove to Johanna Beach (B,L,D)
Day 5 Milanesia Gate to The Gables (B,L,D)
Day 6 The Gables to The Apostles (B,L)

Private Expeditions: If our dates don't suit and you have a group of 6 or more we can run this expedition on any date you wish.

Note 1: From mid-December to mid-January, millions of flies inhabit the track on the Great Ocean Walk and make the walk very uncomfortable. We suggest not to walk in this period.

Routes

Day 1: Arrive at Johanna Beach, Great Ocean Road.

Arrive at Johanna Beach and settle in for the night. We stay at the same accommodation for the entire week, so after each day of walking, we come back to a nice hot shower and a home-cooked meal. (D)

Day 2: Blanket Bay to Cape Otway Lighthouse

Today we commence our walk from Blanket Bay.  The walk follows the coastline with some rocky platforms and spectacular views. At Parker Inlet, we will make the decision whether to follow the inland track or walk along the beach. This decision is subject to tides and weather conditions.  We end our day of walking at the historic Cape Otway Lighthouse. A local historian will explain to us the history of the lighthouse and the coastline we just walked. From the lighthouse, we head back to our accommodation for a delicious meal. In total, we walk approximately 11km today. (B,L,D).

Day 3: Cape Otway Lighthouse to Aire River 

Today we head from the Lighthouse to Aire River. Subject to tide and weather conditions, we may be lucky enough to walk along Station Beach. If not, we follow the inland track and experience amazing views. There will be an option to see Rainbow Falls where a natural spring spills out onto a rocky coastal outcrop below. The day will end at the Aire River estuary. This is a pretty big day of walking, as we cover approximately 12km of coastline. (B,L,D)

Day 4: Castle Cove to Johanna Beach

The section between Castle Cove and Johanna Beach has some of the most spectacular landscapes of the entire trek. The hike along Johanna Beach with its expansive sand is definitely a highlight. It does get tiring on the legs though so we will take it easy and take in the incredible beauty of the place.  Approximately 14km of walking today. (B,L,D)

Day 5: Milanesia Gate to The Gables.

Today’s walk is affectionately called “The Rollercoaster”. That is because the track is a series of ups and downs. High sea cliffs, expansive views and coastal forests lead to Moonlight Head. It is a great day of walking as we pass Bowker Point, Ryan’s Den Campground and Cape Volney. The Gables themselves are the highest sea cliffs on mainland Australia, providing us with unsurpassed views of this incredibly rugged coastline. Approximately 15km of walking today. (B,L,D).

Day 6: The Gables to The Apostles

Our last day on the Great Ocean Walk. We start walking from the Gables and head towards the world-famous 12 Apostles.  We will pass through Wreck Beach where two shipwrecked hulls lay testament to the coastlines dangerous history.  From Wreck Beach we head to Gellibrand River and wetlands. From there we start to see the impressive 12 Apostles, a site you will never forget. We will walk down Gibson's Steps which were cut into the limestone cliffs by early explorers and explore the various viewing platforms and boardwalks of the 12 Apostles. Today is a long, 18km of walking, but we are rewarded with a sense of achievement in having completed the Great Ocean Walk. (B,L).

Inclusions

  • Experienced walking guides, first-aid trained 
  • 5 nights at Johanna Beach
  • Support vehicle 
  • Park fees 
  • Water and snacks 
  • 5 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches & 5 Dinners

Exclusions

  • Transfers to Johanna Beach
  • Beverages
  • Insurance

Maps

Extensions