The ultimate gourmet walking tour. Relaxed pace, award-winning luxury accommodation, fabulous food and wine.
Immerse yourself in nature and savour the dramatic, ever-changing views of the stunning coastline of the Great Otway and Port Campbell National Parks. The 92km trail takes you through a wide-ranging variety of coastal environments with a diverse array of flora and fauna - towering gum trees, deserted beaches and fertile farmland. Let us bring alive the history of the Shipwreck Coast and experience a sense of wilderness on this iconic walk.
Great Ocean Walk 19th - 26th March 2012
Cost:
$2895.00 per person (fully-inclusive)
The price represents the true cost of your holiday. No hidden extras.
What's Included?
• Experienced and knowledgeable guides who will look after your every need and bring this stunning area to life
• Luxury accommodation. We have selected luxury accommodation close to the trail to guarantee your comfort and to minimise driving times at the start and end of each day. At Johanna Seaside Cottages some accommodation shares a bathroom with one other bedroom (a 2-bedroom cottage with one bathroom)
• All meals including wine.
• Gourmet picnic lunches each day and snacks en route
• Delicious dinners each evening.
• Support vehicle, enabling you to walk as little or as much of the trail as you please
• Transport to/from Melbourne in air-conditioned minibus
• Comprehensive pre-trip information.
• Luggage transported for you so all you need to carry is a small backpack with water etc.
Tour Dates
19th - 26th March 2012
Fully Booked
Itinerary
Trip starts and ends in Melbourne, Victoria.
Day 1: Melbourne to Apollo Bay (3½ hour drive) Mon 19th March
• Meet 12 o’clock Melbourne CBD
• Meet 1pm for transfer from Airport
• Our accommodation for 1 night Chris’s Restaurant & Villas
• Time to unwind and relax in your accommodation
• Welcome Drink and introductory talk before dinner in a fabulous Chris’s Restaurant
Day 2 : Marengo to Blanket Bay (17.7km) Tues 20th March
• 6 ½ hrs walking
• This morning’s walk follows the coast on walking tracks and beaches, passing through farmland arriving at Shelley Beach where there is the opportunity of a refreshing swim (the route may vary due to tides).
• This afternoon we have a gradual climb through tall wet forests on wide open paths before we descend to Blanket bay where we are transported to our accommodation for 2 nights.
• Johanna Beach Cottages (4 Nights)
• Dinner at Johanna Cottages
Day 3: Blanket Bay to Cape Otway (11.6km) Wed 21st March
• Transfer to start of walk
• 3 ½ hrs walking
• This morning we return to Blanket Bay to start our walk, we walk through dry coastal forest with stunning views over Parkers Inlet, we descend and cross the river (maybe a brief swim) then a climb up to Lunch.
• After lunch we travel on Cliff top paths through manna gums to Cape Otway Lighthouse.
• Guided visit of the Historic Lighthouse at Cape Otway then transfer to our accommodation.
• Dinner in Local restaurant
Day 4: Cape Otway to Castle Cove (15.5km) Thurs 22nd March
• 6 hrs walking
• Transfer to start of walk at Cape Otway
• This morning we have a morning walk with open views then descending to Station beach. We walk along the beach before climbing back up into the forest, we descend to Aire River for our lunch. The afternoon is along small paths close to the coast up and down to finish the walk at Castle Cove.
• We transfer to our accommodation
• Dinner at Johanna Cottages
Day 5 : Castle Cove to Milanesia Beach (12.2km) Fri 23rd March
• 5 hrs walking
• Transfer to start at Castle Cove to start walk.
• This mornings walk is gently up and down through coastal heathland and stunning coastal views to Joanna Beach for lunch. The afternoon is onto the old coach road with a gradual climb for most of the afternoon to our pickup and transfer to accommodation.
• Dinner at Johanna Seaside Cottages
Day 6: Milanesia Beach to Moonlight Head (16.2km) Sat 24th March
• 7 hrs walking
• Transfer to start of walk.
• Today’s walk is the most remote of the walks, travelling up and down for most of the day through wood land and open countryside often close to the coast with stunning views. Lunch this day is a hike in picnic carried by your guide and then on to Moonlight Head.
• Transfer to your accommodation for 2 nights at Waves of Port Cambell
• Dinner in Local Restaurant
Day 7: Moonlight Head to Twelve Apostles (17.8 km) Sun 25th March
• 7 ½ hrs walking
• This morning we transfer to start of walk.
• The morning is along a gravel road to the haunting Wreck Beach then we climb up to the old coach road where we have lunch in Princetown. This afternoon we have a leisurely walk along the old coach road and coastal paths to the finish of our 91km walk overlooking the Twelve Apostles.
• Final night Dinner
Day 8 : Transfers to Melbourne – Mon 26th March
• 3 hr Transfer back to Melbourne arriving 1pm
Walking
6 days of walking
Shortest day -11.6km
Longest.day-17.7km
Hilly terrain with frequent ups and downs. Significant (up to 300 m) ascents/descents. The trails are a combination of beach walks, purpose built paths, vehicle tracks and gravel roads. Sturdy boots with good ankle support are recommended. It is important to ensure your boots are worn in before the trip. Walking poles are an advantage, especially for the descents. There is always the opportunity to walk in half day sections if you don’t wish to walk the entire route.
In order to maximize your enjoyment of your holiday we recommend you exercise regularly prior to the trip in order to build up your fitness level.
Extra Info
We have a Reading List of books relating to the Great Ocean Walk which you might enjoy.
Walking Gear
For helpful hints on what to wear, visit our Kit List page.
Weather
Max. 20° Min. 13°. Average monthly rainfall 55mm
It is generally mild during the day with cooler evening temperatures. The sea is warm enough for swimming and one can expect warm sunny days with occasional rain. Weather can be unpredictable so bring good rain gear and strong water proof walking boots. In extreme heat or very wet conditions we may adjust the walking route accordingly.
