Coastal view showing turquoise waves crashing against rocky shores under a blue sky, with lush green foliage in the foreground, perfectly capturing the essence of hiking the Great Ocean Road.

Great Ocean Walk Itineraries to Suit any Hiking Experience

ByBelinda

Are you keen to explore the Great Ocean Road Walk but daunted by its full length?

If you're short on time but big on adventure, our Great Ocean Walk itineraries are the perfect solution. Having completed the walk from Apollo Bay to the 12 Apostles myself during a Christmas break, I understand the challenge.

Hiking the Great Ocean Road Walk offers a glimpse into Australia's coastal beauty. However, completing the entire trail can be challenging if time is scarce or you're new to multi-day hikes.

We've tailored some awesome Great Ocean Walk itineraries to fit into compact 1-3 day slots or slightly longer 4-6 day spans, ensuring that you can experience this iconic track, no matter your schedule or hiking experience.

Each Great Ocean Walk itinerary correlates with established Australian Track Grades, ensuring suitability for all hiker proficiencies. Consult our dedicated post for detailed explanations of each grade.

Additionally, this article will touch on the accessibility features of the Great Ocean Road Walk. We are committed to ensuring the trail’s wonders are available to everyone, including those who may require the use of TrailRiders, the specialized all-terrain wheelchairs designed for such adventures

In this Guide we will Cover:

Coastal view showing turquoise waves crashing against rocky shores under a blue sky, with lush green foliage in the foreground, Great Ocean Road Walk.
The Great Ocean Walk hugs the coastline of the Great Southern Ocean

Read Next: Hiking the Great Ocean Walk – the Perfect Beginner Hike

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Great Ocean Walk Map and Resources

Elevation Profile

A line graph illustrating elevation changes over a 20-kilometer stretch, with the y-axis measuring from -50m to 50m. This graph, which mirrors the peaks and valleys encountered on the Great Ocean Road Walk, features varying elevation changes that are typical during such an adventure.

The official map for the Great Ocean Road Walk can be purchased from the Great Ocean Road Apollo Bay Visitor Information Centre in person or over the phone on 1300 689 297.

For an online Great Ocean Walk map, I recommend GAIA which has a monthly subscription and is a great resource.

I have provided a download link to the basic map provided by Parks Victoria. It is not to be used for navigational purposes, but to give you an idea of the layout when planning your campsites and itinerary.

Download the Great Ocean Walk BASIC Map

Not to be used for Navigational Purposes.

Pack Light, Pack Right – Free Interactive Checklists

No More Overpacking. No More Forgetting Essentials.

Our free interactive packing lists help you pack methodically and remember everything. Add notes, quantities, save or print, and share with hiking partners so everyone knows what’s covered and what they need. Works on any device.

Available for multi-day wilderness camping, hut-to-hut hikes, and inn-to-inn walks, with new lists added frequently.

Find Your Checklist

Great Ocean Walk Camping and Fees

The Great Ocean Walk camping is pretty spectacular in that almost half of the campsites are set on the cliff tops overlooking the ocean.

Each campsite has a composting toilet, water tank, and a 2.5-walled shelter with a large table and seating benches, and each shelter has a trail and information map, providing details of the next section.

Toilet paper is provided; however, as hikers should carry a poop kit, you should have your own toilet paper in any case.

Great Ocean Walk camping must be booked in advance, and the receipt must be carried with you. Book Great Ocean Road Walk campsites here.

A camping site along the Great Ocean Walk with a tent next to a wooden table covered in gear, surrounded by dense greenery and twisted trees.

Fees and Registrations

No permit fees or registrations exist, but campsites must be booked, and campsite fees apply.

The Great Ocean Road Walk is in a high bushfire risk area. There is no safe place to shelter and survive a bushfire, and bushfires may escalate with little or no warning.

We recommend filling out a trip intention form so the SES can locate you and get you to safety in the case of Fire.

Not sure which Grade hike is good for you?
Check out our post on the Australian Track Grading System

Great Ocean Walk Sections and Distances between Campgrounds

Apollo Bay Visitor Centre to Elliot Ridge10km / 6.2 miles 3hr 30 min Easy
Elliot Ridge Camp to Blanket Bay12km / 7.5miles 4hr 30 min Easy
Blanket Bay Camp to Cape Otway11km / 7 miles 3hr 45 min Easy/Medium
Cape Otway Camp to Aire River10km / 6.2 miles 3hr 15 min Medium
Aire River Camp to Johanna Beach14km / 8.5 miles 5hr 15 min Medium
Johanna Beach Camp to Ryans Den14km / 8.5 miles 5hr Medium/Hard
Ryans Den Camp to Devils Kitchen13km / 8 miles 5hr 15 min Medium/Hard
Devils Kitchen Camp to Twelve Apostles16km / 10 miles 5hr 15 min Easy/Medium

Interested in

Hiking Safety?


We have a dedicated Hiking Health, Safety and Hygiene Facebook group!

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Safety – Tides and Un-bridged River Crossings

When hiking the Great Ocean Walk beach sections and rock platforms, it's important to be aware of tides and ocean swells. Some areas can become risky or even impenetrable during extreme high tides or formidable swells, as the conditions often shift rapidly

On the Great Ocean Walk, stretches like the 300 metres of Milanesia Beach and the 2 kilometres along Johanna Beach are usually accessible when tides are low and the weather is calm.

Wreck Beach near Moonlight Head is a significant hazard zone, encased by cliffs with no escape if a wave surge occurs. The danger of being stranded by a rising tide or unexpected wave surges here is real and should not be underestimated.

Be alert that from the cliff-top paths, Wreak Beach may not appear treacherous until you've descended to the beach, which is why Parks Victoria advises only attempting this stretch during low tide.

Warning sign at Blanket Bay advising against swimming due to unexpected rocks, slippery waves, and strong currents, and noting no Great Ocean Walk track for the next 200m.
Blanket Bay Decision Point
A sandy path on The Great Ocean Walk leading through lush green shrubbery toward a misty beach with ocean waves in the distance under a cloudy sky.
Lake Aire to Johanna Beach

‘Decision Point' signs are clearly marked at each beach access point, corresponding with the official Great Ocean Walk Information Guide and map.

There's a two-hour difference in tide times between Apollo Bay and the Twelve Apostles, which you should account for when planning your hike.

West of Moonlight Head, including Wreck Beach and up to the Twelve Apostles, you should reference the Port Campbell tide times.

Download the tide charts here  ​​http://www.bom.gov.au/australia/tides/#!/vic

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Water Availability

Each campsite on the Great Ocean Road Walk has water available but it's untreated and you will need to filter it.

Water levels in the tanks can vary, especially in summer droughts, so consider confirming with Apollo Bay Visitors Centre beforehand.

These Guides for Day Hiking are Recommended:
What to Pack for a Day Hike
What to Wear When Hiking (Winter and Summer)
What Food to Take on a Day Hike

Great Ocean Walk Itineraries

The design of the Great Ocean Road Walk intends for hikers to traverse from east to west, commencing the journey in Apollo Bay and concluding at the 12 Apostles.

This direction is advised to minimise the foot traffic effect on the trail and to prevent the distribution of Cinnamon Fungus (Phytophthora).

1 night, 2 day Walks

Shelly Beach to Cape Otway Light Station

See the coast, tall forests and coastal woodland.

Start: Shelly Beach car park
Day 1: Shelly Beach to Blanket Bay 13.5 km, walk grade: easy/medium
StayBlanket Bay Great Ocean Walk Campsite
Day 2: Blanket Bay to Cape Otway10 km, walk grade: easy/medium
End:Cape Otway Lightstation car park
A narrow trail from the Great Ocean Walk winds through a dense forest with tall trees and lush ferns, the ground covered in fallen leaves and branches.
Section 2 – Elliot Ridge to Otway LH


Cape Otway Light Station to Johanna Beach

A coastal and heathland walk. Some beach walking and river crossing.

Start: Cape Otway Lightstation car park
Day 1: Cape Otway to Aire River10 km, walk grade: medium
StayAire River Great Ocean Walk Campsite
Day 2: Aire River to Johanna Beach12.5 km, walk grade: medium
End:Johanna Beach car park


Milanesia Beach to Moonlight Head

An isolated walk with spectacular views. Undulating with some steep sections.

Start: Milanesia Beach Access Gate
Day 1: Milanesia Beach to Ryans Den6.6 km, walk grade: medium/hard
StayRyans Den Great Ocean Walk Campsite
Day 2: Ryans Den to Moonlight Head5 km, walk grade: medium/hard
End:Moonlight Head car park
Footprints on a sandy beach leading toward distant hills under a cloudy sky along the Great Ocean Walk.
Johanna Beach

2 night, 3 day Walks

Apollo Bay to Cape Otway Lightstation

Tall forests and coastal woodland.

Start: Apollo Bay Visitor Information Centre
Day 1: Apollo Bay to Elliot Ridge10km, walk grade: medium
StayElliot Ridge Great Ocean Walk Campsite
Day 2: Elliot Ridge to Blanket Bay12km, walk grade: easy
StayBlanket Bay Great Ocean Walk Campsite
Day 3: Blanket Bay to Cape Otway Lightstation8.95 km, walk grade: easy/medium
End: Cape Otway Lightstation car park

Pack Light, Pack Right – Free Interactive Checklists

No More Overpacking. No More Forgetting Essentials.

Our free interactive packing lists help you pack methodically and remember everything. Add notes, quantities, save or print, and share with hiking partners so everyone knows what’s covered and what they need. Works on any device.

Available for multi-day wilderness camping, hut-to-hut hikes, and inn-to-inn walks, with new lists added frequently.

Find Your Checklist

Blanket Bay to Johanna Beach

Coast and heathland walk

Start: Blanket Bay car park
Day 1: Blanket Bay to Cape Otway 11 km, walk grade: easy/medium
StayCape Otway Great Ocean Walk Campsite
Day 2: Cape Otway to Aire River10km, walk grade: medium
StayAire River Great Ocean Walk Campsite
Day 3: Aire River to Johanna Beach 12.5 km, walk grade: medium
End: Johanna Beach car park

These Guides for Multi-Day Hiking are also Recommended:
Complete Multi Day Hiking Packing List
What to Wear When Hiking (Winter and Summer)
Complete Nutrition Guide for Multi Day Hikes
Hiking in the Heat
The Essential First Aid Kit

Milanesia Beach to Twelve Apostles

Spectacular views. Undulating with some steep sections. Takes hikers to the end of the walk within sight of the Twelve Apostles.

Start: Milanesia Beach Access Gate
Day 1: Milanesia Beach Access Gate to Ryans Den6.6 km, walk grade: medium/hard
StayRyans Den Great Ocean Walk Campsite
Day 2: Ryans Den to Devils Kitchen13.5km, walk grade: medium/hard
StayDevils Kitchen Great Ocean Walk Campsite
Day 3: Devils Kitchen to Twelve Apostles16km, walk grade: medium/hard
End: Twelve Apostles
View of the ocean seen through a rustic wooden window with a visible roll of paper on the left, near one of the Great Ocean Walk campsites.
The View from the Loo Ryans Den

Interested in

Hiking Safety?


We have a dedicated Hiking Health, Safety and Hygiene Facebook group!

Join Our Facebook Group

3 night, 4 day Walks

Shelly Beach to Johanna Beach

Tall forest, coast and heathland walk.

Start: Shelly Beach car park
Day 1: Shelly Beach to Blanket Bay 13.5 km, walk grade: easy/medium
StayBlanket Bay Great Ocean Walk Campsite
Day 2: Blanket Bay to Cape Otway11 km, walk grade: easy/medium
Stay Cape Otway Great Ocean Walk Campsite
Day 3: Cape Otway to Aire River10km, walk grade: medium
StayAire River Great Ocean Walk Campsite
End:Johanna Beach car park

Beach with wrecked rusty anchor
Wreak Beach – photo by Narelle Spooner

4 night, 5 day Walks

Apollo Bay to Johanna Beach

Coast, tall forest and heathland walk

Start:Apollo Bay Visitor Information Centre
Day 1: Apollo Bay to Elliot Ridge10km, walk grade: medium
Stay:Elliot Ridge Great Ocean Walk Campsite
Day 2: Elliot Ridge to Blanket Bay12km, walk grade: easy
StayBlanket Bay Great Ocean Walk Campsite
Day 3: Blanket Bay to Cape Otway11 km, walk grade: easy/medium
StayCape Otway Great Ocean Walk Campsite
Day 4: Cape Otway to Aire River10km, walk grade: medium
StayAire River Great Ocean Walk Campsite
Day 5: Aire River to Johanna Beach 14km, walk grade: medium
OPTIONAL StayJohanna Beach Great Ocean Walk Campsite
End:Johanna Beach car park

There are several “Decision Point” signs ahead of each beach and river crossing, encouraging you to check the tide charts and either walk an alternate route or wait.

There's a two-hour difference in tide times between Apollo Bay and the Twelve Apostles (Port Campbell tide times), which you should account for when planning your hike.

Download the tide charts here  ​​http://www.bom.gov.au/australia/tides/#!/vic

Cape Otway to Twelve Apostles

Coast and heathland walk. Spectacular views. Takes you to the end of the walk within sight of the Twelve Apostles.

Start:Cape Otway Lightstation car park
Day 1: Cape Otway to Aire River10 km, walk grade: medium
Stay:Aire River Great Ocean Walk Campsite
Day 2: Aire River to Johanna Beach 14km, walk grade: medium
Start:Milanesia Beach Access Gate
Day 3: Milanesia Beach Access Gate to Ryans Den6.6 km, walk grade: medium/hard
StayRyans Den Great Ocean Walk Campsite
Day 4: Ryans Den to Devils Kitchen13.5km, walk grade: medium/hard
StayDevils Kitchen Great Ocean Walk Campsite
Day 5: Devils Kitchen to Twelve Apostles16km, walk grade: medium/hard
End:Twelve Apostles


5 night, 6 day Walks

Blanket Bay to Twelve Apostles

Great views. Ends Twelve Apostles.

Start: Blanket Bay car park
Blanket Bay to Cape Otway11km, walk grade: easy/medium
Stay:Cape Otway Great Ocean Walk Campsite
Day 2: Cape Otway to Aire River10 km, walk grade: medium
Stay:Aire River Great Ocean Walk Campsite
Day 3: Aire River to Johanna Beach14km, walk grade: medium
Start:Milanesia Beach Access Gate
Day 4: Milanesia Beach Access Gate to Ryans Den6.6 km, walk grade: medium/hard
StayRyans Den Great Ocean Walk Campsite
Day 5: Ryans Den to Devils Kitchen13.5km, walk grade: medium/hard
StayDevils Kitchen Great Ocean Walk Campsite
Day 6: Devils Kitchen to Twelve Apostles16km, walk grade: medium/hard
End:Twelve Apostles

The Great Ocean Walk – Something for Every Hiker

Whether you have just a couple of days or nearly a week to spare, our 1-3 and 4-6 day Great Ocean Walk itineraries offer something for everyone. These routes are designed to match various skill levels and physical capabilities, so be sure to consult our detailed post on the Australian Track Grading System for more information.

One of the great benefits of the Great Ocean Road Walk is the frequent access to trailheads along the road, making it easier to plan your hike, find support if needed, and tailor your adventure to your preferences.

Ready to start your journey? The breathtaking landscapes and diverse experiences of the Great Ocean Walk await you.

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Interested in Hiking? You might also like these Guides:

Belinda