great ocean WALK sections
The Great Ocean Walk starts in Apollo Bay by the Apollo Bay Information Centre car park, and this is where the trailhead is situated. It ends at the 12 Apostles Viewing platform against the backdrop of the Great Southern Ocean.
The walk is approximately 104kms long and is known for its amazing ocean views. However, what is so wonderful about this walk is that you don’t have to do the whole thing. You can step on and off of the walk at access points along the trail and only walk as far as you feel you can manage.
However, you must walk to the car access points to be able to be picked up. So our tip is don’t start walking unless you know you can make it to the next access point. And always let someone know where you are walking and what your plans are if you are not using a local tour business to assist you.
Below are the approximate walking legs that most walkers enjoy where there are access points for pick ups / car shuttles.
Apollo bay to shelly beach (8km)
Apollo Bay to Shelly Beach is rated an easy walk by Parks Victoria, and offers wonderful beach and ocean views. There are a couple of decision points you need to note (on the Great Ocean Walk Map) but in general it is an easy walk to navigate and very pretty. Remember to visit the trailhead in Apollo Bay before you begin your walk.
shelly beach to Blanket Bay (14KM)
Shelly Beach is a wonderful little bay which leads into the rainforest. The track soon changes into old logging tracks shadowed by tall mountain ash trees. This is a nice walk spring to autumn, but it can get a bit muddy in the winter months, so come prepared with good quality footwear.
Blanket Bay to Lighthouse (10.5KM)
From Blanket Bay you will enjoy wonderful views as you gently wind up to Point Lewis Lookout. The trail moves on past several creek foot bridges before slowly descending to Parker River. You might have to remove your shoes as there is no footbridge, so remember to check the tides and swell!
Lighthouse to Aire River (11km)
Take the time to visit the Cape Otway Lighthouse where you may walk up the 18 metre, 150 year old Light station tower and learn about the lives of the hard-working, isolated and incredibly resourceful lighthouse keepers. Walking on to Aire through the bush, you will pass also the Lighthouse cemetery.
AIRE RIVER to castle Cove (6.5km)
This stunning heritage-listed river is wonderfully peaceful and is teaming with wildlife. Stop and rest by the river bank and take in the scenery whilst watching a multitude of birds darting around you. You may even see a koala or two here! (Note – Aire River is a lovely camping spot, and remember, there are no toilets at Castle Cove).
castle cove to johanna (8.5KM)
The Great Ocean Walk winds past coastal scrub, heath land, wild flowers and grass trees arriving at Castle Cove beach. This magnificent beach has its own lookout platform. Stop and marvel at the prowess of local surfers and watch the wild waves rolling in! On the way to Johanna you will walk alongside picturesque farmland and winding valleys.
JOhanna to milanesia GATE (7.5KM)
This wild and wonderful beach has been used in the past for professional surfing competitions when waves at the famous Bells Beach in Torquay were not big enough. Don’t try and go for a swim here! Do however remember to stop at the lookout platforms for unbelievable views. Once again, you need to check the tides and the swell before you pass the Johanna River.
milanesia to the gables (18.5KM)
Stop and marvel at the stunning rock formations & pass the pretty beach house here, built by a WW11 veteran in memory of his son who died in Gallipoli. As the track rises back to the cliff tops you are presented with outstanding views from the coastal forests, high on the sea cliffs. Look out for the ‘Lost Apostle’ – a rather phallic rock formation standing surprisingly all alone.
The gables to the 12 aposltes (19.5KM)
Between The Gables and Wreck Beach, Marvel at the old anchors rising out of the sand from the lost shipwrecks of the ‘Fiji’ and the ‘Marie Gabrielle’ and stop and think of the many lives lost at sea. There are over 350 steps down to the beach so if you would prefer, remember the hide tide alternative route. This is a wonderful section of track ending at the impressive 12 Apostles.