5 Day Self Guided Great Ocean Walk
5-Day Self-Guided Great Ocean Walk – Highlights Pack-Free Experience by Life’s An Adventure
Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Great Ocean Walk on this 5-Day Self-Guided Pack-Free adventure, which takes you through the stunning landscapes of the Great Otway National Park, from Apollo Bay to the iconic Twelve Apostles. This remarkable coastal walk showcases the diverse flora and fauna of the region, with vast skies and wild beauty that will astound and delight you at every turn.
As you embark on this unforgettable journey, you’ll discover a variety of landscapes, including towering forests, coastal heathlands, wild sandy shores, and windswept cliff-tops. Each section of the trail offers spectacular views and the opportunity to observe a rich array of wildlife. In the eucalypt forests, keep an eye out for Koalas lounging in the trees, while an abundance of bird species, including Ground Thrushes, Yellow Robins, Rufous Fantails, and the vibrant Superb Fairy Wrens, can be spotted along the way.
Along the beaches and cliff-tops, you might also glimpse sea birds and, during the migration season from June to October, even whales making their way along the coastline. Off-shore at Marengo, Australian Fur Seals can often be observed basking on the rocks, providing yet another highlight to your wildlife-watching opportunities.
The Great Ocean Walk also has a deep cultural history, as Indigenous people, including the Gadubanud (King Parrot) people, lived in harmony with the land and sea until the mid-19th century. Their presence is still felt today, with middens scattered along the shore platforms serving as a reminder of their bountiful diet and connection to this beautiful landscape.
The coastline of the Great Ocean Walk follows both the Bass Strait and the Southern Ocean. This area is steeped in maritime history, having been discovered by George Bass and Matthew Flinders in 1798. The coastline earned the name Shipwreck Coast due to the treacherous conditions that led many vessels to meet a tragic end. One notable landmark is the Cape Otway Light Station, the oldest officially built light station on mainland Australia, which has been guiding ships since 1848.
This self-guided Pack-Free walk allows you to experience the highlights of the Great Ocean Walk without the burden of carrying heavy packs. Detailed maps and itineraries are provided, ensuring you can explore the stunning scenery at your own pace. With flexible walking options, you can tailor your adventure to suit your preferences and fitness level.
Accommodations along the route are carefully selected for comfort and convenience, providing a welcoming retreat after each day of exploration. Enjoy the local hospitality and unwind in charming settings, reflecting on the day’s adventures as you rest for the next day’s journey.
The 5-Day Self-Guided Great Ocean Walk by Life’s An Adventure is an iconic journey renowned for its coastal scenery, making it a must-do addition to your travel itinerary. Discover the diverse landscapes, rich wildlife, and fascinating history of this remarkable region on a walking holiday that promises unforgettable moments and breathtaking views. Join us for an extraordinary Pack-Free adventure along one of Australia’s most celebrated coastal trails!
Self-Guided Walking App
A Life's an Adventure exclusive
Designed by Life’s an Adventure to support your track notes, our Walking App provides you with the option to self -guide using your phone. This App provides real-time GPS tracking on a Google map platform with GPS located waypoints. The App also provides photos and descriptions for each waypoint and other places of interest. The features of this App provide you with reassurance of your location at all times.
Pack Free Self-Guided Walking
Keep it light, simply pack your camera, lunch, and water
All you need for your adventure will fit in your day pack. Transfers to and from the trail each day are organised for you, as is the relocation of your luggage between your lodgings.
Transfers
To the trail
Our self-guided walks include the option of transfers from Melbourne. Alternatively, guests are welcome to drive to the Apollo Bay with transfers provided back to your car on the final day of the walk.
Personal Locator Beacons (PLB)
Enhanced safety and peace of mind
All guests are expected to carry an emergency personal locator beacon to take with you when walking. You can hire an EPIRB/PLB through epirbhire.com.au. If you mention you are guests of Life’s an Adventure, you will receive a discount on your hire.
Flexibility and Freedom
Explore on your own
Take advantage of the preparation done for you and enjoy your self-guided walking experience. Walk independently at your own pace, relying on detailed track notes created by our guides who have a thorough knowledge of this region.
Local Accommodation
close to the trail
Our walking experience includes 4 nights in a range of great accommodation close to the trail. Each day you will move accommodation as you progress along the trail with your overnight bags transported for you each day whilst you walk. Enjoy 3-4 star accommodation with modern rooms featuring ensuites and your choice of queen or twin beds.
Meals included
During your walk enjoy breakfast at your accommodation. Dinner will either be at a local restaurant or at your accommodation.
Packed lunches will be prepared to carry with you.
To find out more click on any of the below links:
Why should you choose us?
Tour Itinerary
- Pack Free walk – Keep it light, simply pack your rain jacket, camera, lunch, and water
- Detailed track notes supported by access to Life’s an Adventure’s Walking App
- Transfers to/from the trail each day and flexible walking options
- Transfer of your luggage to your accommodation during the walk.
- 4-nights’ accommodation at various establishments close to the trail
- 4 x dinners
- 5 x packed lunches and healthy snacks for walking days
- 4 x breakfasts
Guests are required to hire an EPIRB/PLB (Personal Locator Beacon) at an additional cost. You can hire this through epirbhire.com.au, and you will receive a discount if you mention you are a guest of Life’s an Adventure.
TRANSFERS: There are several options to get to this walk. Choose to drive to Apollo Bay or take public transport from Melbourne.
WALK GRADE: 9kms. 3 hours. Grade: easy.
TERRAIN: At several points you have the choice of walking along the beaches or rock platforms at low tide or following the inland trail which can be sandy but with sections of boardwalk. Expect some small hills, stiles to climb over and some boggy sections of track after rain.
FLEXIBLE WALKING: Shorter walking option today. 6km, 2 hours. Grade easy
ITINERARY: Arrive in Apollo Bay. We begin our walk at the official start of the Great Ocean Walk and follow the foreshore where seals can often be seen out on the reef. The trail emerges into rural landscape and coastal scrub to descend onto the beach occasionally. Finally, the trail ascends into the beautiful coastal forest to end at Shelley Beach, where you may spot koalas high in the trees. Our driver will transfer you back to accommodation for the night. Tonight enjoy dinner in this pretty bayside town enjoying dinner in the restaurant.
TRANSFERS: Morning 40-minute transfer to start of the trail. Afternoon: walk directly into your accommodation.
WALK GRADE: 10km. 4 hours. easy. Grade: easy to medium.
TERRAIN: You can walk along the waters edge, following rock shelves and beaches (at low tide only), or take the inland route on a compact, natural trail. The day’s walking is lightly undulating on good trails.
ITINERARY: Enjoy a hearty breakfast at the hotel before you meet your driver for the transfer to the start of the walk. Today’s walk contours through moist forest gullies, grass tree thickets and wet heathland to Parker Inlet. The track crosses the river and climbs a steep hill to the plateau above before following the clifftops, a side-trip to Crayfish Bay being a highlight. As you continue onwards, intermittent views of Cape Otway Lighthouse are revealed. After traversing a number of sand-dunes, the track emerges from thick Tea-tree scrub at Cape Otway Lightstation. Enjoy time to explore the Lighthouse, Telegraph Station, and other interesting historical relics. Your bags will be waiting for you tonight at your accommodation, put your feet up and enjoy a relaxing dinner.
TRANSFER TIMES: Morning walk directly from your accommodation to the trail. Afternoon walk directly into your accommodation.
WALK GRADE: 16km. 6 hours. Grade: medium.
TERRAIN: A combination of walking through sand dunes, on beaches, grassy tracks and 4WD sand tracks. Lightly undulating, the odd short steep pinch.
FLEXIBLE WALKING: Shorter walking option available today. 10km. 4 hours Grade medium.
ITINERARY: After breakfast walk directly from your accommodation to the start of the trail. Today the walk continues westwards past Cape Otway through thick coastal vegetation. Enjoy a side trip to Rainbow Falls where a spring cascades down a cliff onto the beach. The landscapes today are quite varied from sand dunes to clifftops and estuaries to wetlands. The stunning coastal scenery enroute to Castle Cove is a highlight of the day. After your walk, you will be transferred to your accommodation where your overnight bags will be waiting. Tonight relax and enjoy dinner.
TRANSFER TIMES: Morning 30 minute transfer to the start of your walk. Afternoon: short transfer from the end of the trail to your accommodation
WALK GRADE: 12km. 4 -5 hours. Grade medium to hard.
TERRAIN: Today is a roller coaster of ups and downs. Some are steep and others more graded. The track is compact and with few obstacles.
WALK ITINERARY: Enjoy breakfast at your accommodation before your driver drops you at the trail. Todays’ walk takes you to Milanesia Beach, a secret place seldom visited, as it is off the beaten track. Wonderful views and coastal forests lead you to Ryans Den where a viewpoint provides a stunning lunch break. More breathtaking views from the clifftops are revealed as you make your way to Moonlight Head, one of the highest sea cliffs in mainland Australia. Afterwards meet your driver for the short transfer to your accommodation where your bags are waiting. Tonight enjoy dinner.
TRANSFER TIMES: Morning: 15 minute transfer to the start of the trail. Afternoon: Return transfer to your car at Apollo Bay or back to Melbourne.
WALK GRADE: 8km. 3hrs. easy.
TERRAIN: New, constructed track; well-formed and compact underfoot. Lightly undulating.
WALK ITINERARY: Enjoy breakfast at your accommodation before your driver transfers you to the start of the trail. Today’s walk explores a pristine wetland supporting rare and threatened fauna species, including six bird species and 24 native fish species. Wander through scrub-covered sand dunes and along the cliffs providing distant views towards the Twelve Apostles to finally arrive at this impressive group of limestone sea stacks. After your walk, your driver will take you for a short visit to Loch Ard Gorge before returning you to your car in Apollo Bay or alternatively transfers to Camperdown station to catch the train back to Melbourne.
Tour Prices
Additional Information
- Prices are per person in Australian dollars and include GST.
- A non-refundable deposit of $300 per person is required to secure your booking.
- Note: If you are booking within 90 days of your departure date – we will require full payment at the time of booking
- Prices are based on twin share of rooms.
- Payments must be made online via our NAB (National Australia Bank) secure payment page via credit card (Visa or Mastercard) or over the phone.
- Your detailed self-guided kit will be sent to you in the post 6 weeks prior to your walk.
- Use of a Personal Emergency Beacon (EPIRB) is complementary however a $250 holding deposit will be charged at the time of booking which will be refunded to you after your tour. This deposit will be forfeited if the EPIRB is lost or returned damaged.
- We advise taking our Travel Insurance to cover items such as cancellation of tour due to adverse weather conditions, injury, evacuation, delayed flights, lost luggage, illness, etc.
Booking Terms and Conditions
Before you book please read our Booking Terms and Conditions. Click here.
SOLO TRAVELLERS
Unfortunately due to safety reasons, we require a minimum of 2 walkers on our self-guided walks.
