×
Great Ocean Walk

Australia🇦🇺 | hikesGreat Ocean Walk104 km, Apollo Bay to Apostles, lighthouse, booked campsites | things to do and best time to go

Explore Cradle MountainExplore Heysen Trail

Backpacking in Great Ocean Walk
👍 Recommendedhike ranked #8
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 15, 2026

Hikers on the Great Ocean Walk pass a sign at the Apollo Bay Visitor Centre, the official eastern start, and the route ends 104 kilometers later at the Twelve Apostles. It runs along Victoria's southwest coast in Australia, roughly 190 kilometers from Melbourne. Expect cliffs, empty beaches, tall forest and koalas, with a steady rise and fall that tires the knees more than the lungs. Buses reach Apollo Bay and the Apostles, but nothing connects the track in between, so plan around that. At an Apollo Bay cafe, a local told me, deadpan, that the trail is flat once you stop looking at the hills. It is not. The walk suits first-time multiday hikers who like booked campsites and tidy logistics. Spontaneous types and anyone allergic to schedules will grumble.

Discover everything you want to know in the 📖 Australia Travel Guide.
Best time to go: September - May
Duration: 6 to 8 days
Distance: 104 kilometers
Total ascent: 2500 meters


example page 0 from our offline Travel Guide for Australia
example page 1 from our offline Travel Guide for Australia
example page 2 from our offline Travel Guide for Australia
example page 3 from our offline Travel Guide for Australia
example page 4 from our offline Travel Guide for Australia
example page 5 from our offline Travel Guide for Australia
example page 6 from our offline Travel Guide for Australia
example page 7 from our offline Travel Guide for Australia
Loading the map 🌍
CLICK TO FILTER
cities
towns
villages
landmarks
national parks
hikes
beaches
attractions
festivals
regions
SHOW COUNTRY’S BESTSHOW ALL

✨ Why go?
Ranked #8 hike in AustraliaThe unique appeal for travelers

Backpackers choose this walk because it packs a whole coastline into about a week, with camps spaced so you never carry more than a few days of food. The track is well marked, and Johanna Beach and Wreck Beach give you huge empty sand and the anchors of old shipwrecks within a short stretch. Flexibility is the other draw. You can do the full route, or take one or two sections as day walks, and the finish at the Twelve Apostles means you end at Australia's most photographed limestone stacks without needing a car. It also slots into a Melbourne to Adelaide road or bus trip, since both ends have services back toward the city. Camping is cheap compared with the scenery, and the mix of rainforest, heath, and surf-battered cliffs keeps each day distinct.

💡 HighlightsThe experiences that define the visit

  1. Twelve Apostles: The finish line and the best-known sight on the coast, with limestone stacks rising out of the Southern Ocean. The walk reaches the viewing platforms from the Gibson Steps side, which gives a quieter approach than the car park.
  2. Gibson Steps: About 86 steps cut into the cliff lead down to a beach below towering rock faces. At low tide you can walk along the sand toward the Apostles.
  3. Cape Otway Lightstation: Built in 1848, this is the oldest surviving lighthouse on mainland Australia. Entry is paid, and the grounds also have Aboriginal heritage displays.
  4. Johanna Beach: A wide, wild surf beach with a campsite above it. Walkers get long dune views and often have the sand to themselves.
  5. Otways rainforest at Aire River: Tall eucalypts, ferns, and an estuary where black swans and koalas
… read more 👉
  1. Twelve Apostles: The finish line and the best-known sight on the coast, with limestone stacks rising out of the Southern Ocean. The walk reaches the viewing platforms from the Gibson Steps side, which gives a quieter approach than the car park.
  2. Gibson Steps: About 86 steps cut into the cliff lead down to a beach below towering rock faces. At low tide you can walk along the sand toward the Apostles.
  3. Cape Otway Lightstation: Built in 1848, this is the oldest surviving lighthouse on mainland Australia. Entry is paid, and the grounds also have Aboriginal heritage displays.
  4. Johanna Beach: A wide, wild surf beach with a campsite above it. Walkers get long dune views and often have the sand to themselves.
  5. Otways rainforest at Aire River: Tall eucalypts, ferns, and an estuary where black swans and koalas turn up. The riverside camp is one of the most peaceful stops.
Most walkers skip the short side detour to Wreck Beach, where the anchors of the Marie Gabrielle and the Fiji emerge at low tide, but it is the most evocative stop on the route.
Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.

Things to do around Great Ocean Walk

Great Ocean Road Reverse Itinerary Boutique Tour - Max 12 Guests

Great Ocean Road Reverse Itinerary Boutique Tour - Max 12 Guests

4.9(4878) 12h
From €87
per personViator
Great Ocean Road Reverse Itinerary PREMIUM Tour - Max 12 Guests

Great Ocean Road Reverse Itinerary PREMIUM Tour - Max 12 Guests

4.9(828) 13h
From €100
per personViator
Walk with Wildlife: Guided Tour in Great Ocean Road

Walk with Wildlife: Guided Tour in Great Ocean Road

4.9(169) 1h 15m
From €37
per personViator
Learn to Surf at Torquay on the Great Ocean Road

Learn to Surf at Torquay on the Great Ocean Road

5.0(112) 2h
From €59
per personViator
Learn to Surf at Anglesea on the Great Ocean Road

Learn to Surf at Anglesea on the Great Ocean Road

4.9(109) 2h
From €59
per personViator
2-Hour Group Surfing Lesson in Torquay on the Great Ocean Road

2-Hour Group Surfing Lesson in Torquay on the Great Ocean Road

4.8(117) 2h
From €50
per personViator
2-Hour Private Surfing Lesson in Torquay

2-Hour Private Surfing Lesson in Torquay

5.0(77) 2h
From €126
per personViator
Learn to Surf at Lorne on the Great Ocean Road

Learn to Surf at Lorne on the Great Ocean Road

5.0(53) 2h
From €59
per personViator
Dusk Discovery Tour

Dusk Discovery Tour

5.0(42) 1h 30m
From €60
per personViator
Great Ocean Road Classic Tour 10 Stops & London Bridge Sunset

Great Ocean Road Classic Tour 10 Stops & London Bridge Sunset

4.4(53) 13h
From €52
per personViator

Ratings based on Tripadvisor reviews. When you book through this link, you support our work at no extra cost to you.

🌤️ When to go?Seasonal considerations and timing

  • Summer (Dec to Feb): Highs average 20 to 24°C (68 to 75°F), with heat spikes above 35°C (95°F) and fire-ban days. Daylight runs to about 9pm. Campsites and Apollo Bay beds fill, and prices peak.
  • Autumn (Mar to May): Highs of 17 to 21°C (63 to 70°F), calmer seas and settled spells. Crowds thin out after Easter.
  • Winter (Jun to Aug): Highs of 12 to 15°C (54 to 59°F), lows near 6°C (43°F), with frequent Southern Ocean fronts. Light fades by 5pm. Whale watching at Warrnambool peaks, and accommodation is cheapest.
  • Spring (Sep to Nov): Highs of 14 to 19°C (57 to 66°F), wildflowers, and showery, windy days. School holidays push prices up.
Book campsites well ahead for March and school holidays, and aim for a midweek start to find space.

source: climatestotravel.comJANJanuary: highly recommended for travelingFEBFebruary: highly recommended for travelingMARMarch: excellent for travelingAPRApril: excellent for travelingMAYMay: good for travelingJUNJune: fair for travelingJULJuly: below average for travelingAUGAugust: fair for travelingSEPSeptember: good for travelingOCTOctober: excellent for travelingNOVNovember: excellent for travelingDECDecember: highly recommended for traveling
Australia - the Great Ocean Walk

✈️ The backpacker research shortcutAustralia Travel Guide

An offline-friendly backpacking guide with optimized travel routes, ranked highlights, transport advice, and the best areas to stay.
example page 0 from our offline Travel Guide for Australia
example page 1 from our offline Travel Guide for Australia
example page 2 from our offline Travel Guide for Australia
example page 3 from our offline Travel Guide for Australia
example page 4 from our offline Travel Guide for Australia
example page 5 from our offline Travel Guide for Australia
example page 6 from our offline Travel Guide for Australia
example page 7 from our offline Travel Guide for Australia
The digital guide (414 pages) contains:
✅ 143 highlights, ranked by travel appeal
✅ Optimized 14, 21 & 30-day travel routes
✅ Cities, national parks, landmarks, beaches
✅ How to get around
✅ Offline-friendly for travel without Wi-Fi
👉 Click to see all 30+ guide features

📅 Plan smarter in minutes, not weeks
✅ Month by month travel advice
✅ Festivals & national holidays
✅ Budget expectations

🗺️ Go to the right places, skip the overrated ones
✅ Honest pros & cons of destinations
✅ Top hikes, parks & viewpoints
✅ Lesser-known places most travelers miss
✅ Clear “worth it vs skip it” guidance

🛏️ Travel smoothly without rookie mistakes
✅ Best areas to stay
✅ Transport systems explained simply
✅ Common scams & safety advice
✅ SIM cards, money & practical tips

🌍 Understand the country, not just visit it
✅ Culture & traditions
✅ Local customs
✅ Festivals worth planning around
✅ Traveler-friendly historical context
✅ Insights that make places more meaningful

📱 Built for real travel conditions
✅ Fully downloadable PDF
✅ Works completely offline
✅ Optimized for phone use
✅ Useful in remote areas & buses
✅ Everything in one place
Stop searching, start planning
Get instant access to your full guide. 30‑day money-back guarantee.
+ Add another guide for just

By proceeding you agree to our terms.
Sent to your inbox immediately after payment • 100% Secure Checkout
Best Backpacking Travel Advisor 2025 tourism awardBest Backpacking
Travel Advisor
2025
What others say about Take Your Backpack Guides:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Fantastic, amazing amount of information!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
My goodness this is amazing, it's what I've been looking for hats off too you!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I think this is absolutely BRILLIANT
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Very complete and informative. It's still missing places, but I gotta to commend you
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is truly amazing, thank you, can't wait to explore it with my kids!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Awesome resource, thank you!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is amazing! Can't wait to explore the ones I haven't seen
⭐⭐⭐⭐
I love this! Well done, great idea.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thanks for taking the time to make this gem!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This might be the best website I've ever seen.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Congratulations, and thank you so much for your work; it's incredibly valuable.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
In all seriousness I think you did a great job pointing out the important spots
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
10/10 very good
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
As someone who's only just starting to visit regularly this is awesome, thank you.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thank you very much! I'm going to visit my dad, it's going to be very useful!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is really cool! We'll be travelling for the first time and this definitely come in handy.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
You are now our minister of culture, congratulations 👨‍💼
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Just wanted to tell you that this is a pearl! Going to follow your recommendations.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is so cool. I'll definitely be using the resource for my travels soon.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is very impressive! Good work.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is an amazing and informative site. Very well done!

🛏️ Where to stay?How to pick the right area

If you enjoy meeting fellow travelers, consider choosing hostels with high ratings for atmosphere. On the other hand, if you prefer having your own space, a hotel might be a better option.

Best hostels in Australia


Best quality hotels in Australia

🥾 Hike detailsRoute, distance, and difficulty explained

Total Distance: About 104 kilometers, Apollo Bay to the Twelve Apostles.
Estimated Duration: 6 to 8 days for the full walk, or 3 to 4 days if you do a shorter section.
Difficulty: Moderate. Climbs are frequent but short, and the track is well graded. Some beach sections are slower in soft sand.
Starting Point: The Apollo Bay Visitor Centre. Regional buses and trains with coach links from Melbourne reach Apollo Bay. The Twelve Apostles end has a bus link back toward Warrnambool and Melbourne.
Major Landmarks:
  • Cape Otway Lightstation: Historic lighthouse near the middle of the route.
  • Johanna Beach: Large
… read more 👉
Total Distance: About 104 kilometers, Apollo Bay to the Twelve Apostles.
Estimated Duration: 6 to 8 days for the full walk, or 3 to 4 days if you do a shorter section.
Difficulty: Moderate. Climbs are frequent but short, and the track is well graded. Some beach sections are slower in soft sand.
Starting Point: The Apollo Bay Visitor Centre. Regional buses and trains with coach links from Melbourne reach Apollo Bay. The Twelve Apostles end has a bus link back toward Warrnambool and Melbourne.
Major Landmarks:
  • Cape Otway Lightstation: Historic lighthouse near the middle of the route.
  • Johanna Beach: Large surf beach with a hike-in camp.
  • Wreck Beach: Visible anchors from shipwrecks at low tide.
  • Twelve Apostles: Limestone stacks at the finish.
Terrain and Scenery: Cliff tops, long beaches, forest tracks, and open headlands. The surf and wind are constant companions, and tides matter on a few rocky and sandy sections.
Vegetation: Coastal heath, tea tree and banksia, plus tall eucalypt forest and ferny gullies in the Otways.
Wildlife: Koalas in the manna gums near Blanket Bay and Cape Otway, kangaroos and wallabies at dusk, plus echidnas, black swans, and whales offshore in winter. Snakes are active in warm months.
⚠️ Hiking info can sometimes be outdated or inaccurate. Before you hit the trail, check the latest conditions with locals. If you do spot anything that's off, I'd love to hear from you, so I can update it for fellow travelers.

🛡️ SafetyStaying Safe: What Travelers Should Know

The Great Ocean Walk is well marked and well managed, but the coast sets the terms. Weather swings fast, so carry a waterproof shell even in summer and check the forecast daily. On total fire ban days the walk can close, and Parks Victoria posts updates. Cliff edges are unfenced in places and often crumbly, so stay on the track, especially in wind. Some beach sections depend on the tide, and you can be cut off at high tide, so check tide times before setting out. Carry all the water you need, since campsite tanks can run low in dry months. Koalas, snakes and echidnas live along the route. Give them space, and watch your step on warm days when tiger and brown snakes sun themselves. Break in your boots first, because blisters are the usual trouble.
Check Country Safety

FAQTraveler FAQ

Most walkers take 7 to 8 days to cover the full 104 kilometers from Apollo Bay to the Twelve Apostles. Shorter sections work well, such as Cape Otway to Johanna Beach in a day or two. Fit hikers sometimes cut it to 5 or 6 days by joining stages, while a relaxed pace of 8 days keeps daily distances around 10 to 17 kilometers.
Moderate overall. Stages are 8 to 20 kilometers on well-marked track with no technical climbing, but there are steady hills, soft sand, and exposed headlands, and a pack makes it harder. Beginners can manage it with decent fitness and broken-in boots, and the toughest days are usually the long beach and cliff stages near Johanna and Devils Kitchen.
No guide is needed, as the track is signed throughout. Overnight hikers must book hike-in campsites in advance through Parks Victoria, at roughly A$15 to 30 per site per night depending on season and group size. Day walkers need no permit, and the park has no entry fee.
⚠️ Things can change over time, so always validate details locally before you go.

Other Australian hikes near Great Ocean Walk

Explore more nearby:

  • O’Shannassy Aqueduct Trail—Flat gravel, old water channel, mountain ash, lyrebird calls| 199 km away
  • Cradle Mountain—Dolerite peak, Dove Lake loop, Overland permits, boardwalk rainforest| 379 km away
  • Overland Track—65 km, button grass plains, Mount Ossa, permit season, hut-to-hut| 402 km away

💡 Not sure where to go next?
Create a personalized itinerary for Australia including Great Ocean Walk and the places that fit your trip.

Generate my itinerary

👉 Discover all hikes

Or checkout all Australia has to offer (think cities, towns, villages, national parks, hikes, beaches, festivals)
Explore Australia
Country photo of Australia
© Google Images

We 💚 feedbackFinal thoughts on hiking the Great Ocean Walk

Go in the cooler, drier months of autumn if you can, and start walking early each morning. Light is softest on the cliffs then, and you will reach the Apostles before the tour buses. I would pack a good rain shell regardless of season.

✈️ When did I visit Australia?
On my trip to New Zealand in 1993, I had a short stop in Australia as well.

✍️ Help improve this page!
The information on this page is based on my own backpacking experience in Australia, supplemented with up-to-date research and feedback from other travelers. Travel details can change, so if you notice anything outdated or incomplete, feel free to let me know.



🙋‍♂️ Give feedback

👋 Meet the founderWho’s Behind Take Your Backpack?

Johan, backpacker and founder of TakeYourBackpackHi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past 3 decades, I’ve backpacked through 90+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.

This site is built on a combination of firsthand travel experience and carefully curated insights from other backpackers. Many guides are based on places I’ve personally visited, while others bring together tips, observations, and practical advice shared by trusted travelers I’ve met along the way.

The goal is to provide realistic, experience-driven guidance — not generic itineraries — so you can explore destinations with better context, clearer expectations, and more confidence.

Read the full story