GUIDE TO PLANNING YOUR GREAT OCEAN WALK
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Click below topics to go to the relevant Great Ocean Walk planning information which can be found on this page or scroll down to browse.
Plan Your Walk
Accommodation Campsite Bookings Day Hikes Emergency Plan Extend Your Stay Great Ocean Walk Tips Facebook Group Melbourne & Geelong Accommodation Official Map and Planning Guide Parking Parks Victoria Information & Track Conditions Public Transport Shared Transportation / Shuttle Service Shower & End of Hike Facilities Tide Times Trail Sections and Distances Luggage Trailer Support Transfer Pick Up and Drop Off Locations Campers Pantry |
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PARKS VICTORIA TRACK CONDITIONS & NEED TO KNOW INFOPlease refer to the Parks Victoria Great Ocean Walk official website for track condition updates and to plan your walk.
The Parks Victoria Great Ocean Walk official website includes need to know information about the Great Ocean Walk, FAQs and importantly, the most up to date track condition information. |
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GREAT OCEAN WALK SECTIONS & DISTANCES
The Great Ocean Walk can generally be divided into eight walking sections, although many people choose to combine sections or alter the start and finish locations of each day's hike to match their ideal overall hiking time frame.
Sections of Walk |
Approx. Distance |
Approx. Time* |
Grade |
Apollo Bay to Elliot Ridge |
10km |
3.5 hours |
Medium |
Elliot Ridge to Blanket Bay |
12km |
4.5 hours |
Easy |
Blanket Bay to Cape Otway |
11km |
3.5 hours |
Easy to Medium |
Cape Otway to Aire River |
10km |
3 hours |
Medium |
Aire River to Johanna |
14km |
5 hours |
Medium |
Johanna to Ryan's Den |
14km |
5 hours |
Medium to Hard |
Ryan's Den to Devil's Kitchen |
13km |
5 hours |
Medium to Hard |
Devil's Kitchen to 12 Apostles |
16km |
5 hours |
Easy to Medium |
*Time is dependent on your level of fitness, pace and number of breaks you take.
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DAY HIKESPlanning one or more day hikes along the Great Ocean Walk? Not all sections of the trail have vehicle access. If completing a day hike, you will need to ensure vehicle access to, or near the trail. Below are nine popular day hikes with car access.
To enquire about transfers to and from the Great Ocean Walk trail please text or call 0438 407 777 after 6.30pm. |
Great Ocean Walk – Luggage Support Service
Walk with only a day pack
Accessible tourism
Our luggage support service is designed to make the Great Ocean Walk more accessible, without changing the experience of sleeping in nature.
By transporting larger gear between vehicle-accessible points, walkers can carry only a light day pack. This helps support:
If you’re unsure whether this service is right for you, we’re happy to talk through your plans before booking.
Our luggage support service is designed to make the Great Ocean Walk more accessible, without changing the experience of sleeping in nature.
By transporting larger gear between vehicle-accessible points, walkers can carry only a light day pack. This helps support:
- People who can’t carry heavy loads
- Older walkers
- Walkers with injuries or health conditions
- Walkers travelling with support people
- Parents walking with young children
- Group walks
If you’re unsure whether this service is right for you, we’re happy to talk through your plans before booking.
How the luggage support works
Luggage support is provided to approved access points only.
Vehicle-accessible locations Luggage support is available to and from the following locations:
Important things to know
- Your larger items (tents, backpacks, food tubs and personal gear) are stored securely in our trailer
- Each group has their own luggage trailer, which is moved ahead so your gear is waiting for you at the next access point.
- Luggage is moved between agreed vehicle-accessible locations
- Garbage bags are provided and rubbish is removed
- Fresh food or supply drops can be added if required
- An Esky can be Hired on request
Luggage support is provided to approved access points only.
Vehicle-accessible locations Luggage support is available to and from the following locations:
- Blanket Bay
- Johanna Beach
- Melanesia 3 ways
- Moonlight Heads
- Wreck beach
- Princetown
- Twelve Apostles (finish point) We meet you here
- Ryan's Den: Great Ocean Road gate access (approx. 3 km return walk to campsite)
- Devils Kitchen: Old Coach Road access track (approx. 30-minute return walk)
- Cape Otway: Cape Otway Lighthouse car park
Important things to know
- Luggage support must be booked in advance
- Pickup and drop locations must be confirmed before your walk
- Access is subject to road, weather and track conditions
- Availability is limited, especially during peak periods
- Some campsites do not have direct vehicle access and require walkers to carry gear from the access point
- The luggage trailer can hold the main gear for up to 6 people, in line with vehicle seating capacity
- We take care to secure the luggage trailer; however, personal luggage remains the responsibility of the walker
- Travel insurance with luggage cover is strongly recommended
- Ride With Us does not control campsite access, track conditions or Parks Victoria decisions
- A Telstra mobile phone SIM is recommended, as it provides the most reliable mobile coverage for coordination along the Great Ocean Walk
Additional helpful things walkers should know - Soft bags or tubs only are recommended — hard suitcases are not suitable for trailers or rough roads
- All luggage should be clearly labelled with the lead walker’s name
- Walkers must be able to carry essentials (water, food, first aid) for each section of the track
- Trailer movements occur once per day in line with the agreed itinerary
- Last-minute itinerary changes may not always be possible once the walk has commenced
- Food, fuel stoves, and gas canisters must comply with safety and transport regulations
- Valuables (passports, money, electronics) should be carried by the walker, not placed in the trailer
- Services may be adjusted or cancelled if conditions change to ensure safety
- Parks Victoria may change campsite access or close sections of the walk at short notice
Our goal is to support your walk safely and comfortably while working within the limits of a remote coastal track.
What’s not included - Fresh food and personal supplies
- Camp meals, snacks and specialty dietary items
- Fresh food and additional supplies can be purchased on your behalf and placed in the trailer.
Any additional items are treated as a running tab and added to your final invoice. - Fuel, stoves and gas canisters
- Esky hire and ice
- What’s included
- your personal Luggage trailer hire with key
- Luggage support for your walk, with your own allocated luggage trailer (up to 6 people)
- Daily movement of the trailer between agreed vehicle-accessible points
- A slab of water provided for the duration of the walk
- Official Great Ocean Walk Map
- Support from our friendly, knowledgeable local team to help coordinate your transport and luggage movements
- transfers to start of walk or end locations along Great Ocean Walk or Via Camperdown Railway station . please ask us about Airport pick ups and returns.
Luggage Support: from $1,500 for the full walk (per group, up to 6 people). Final pricing depends on itinerary and access points and transfer locations
Lightweight food delivery made easy for the Great Ocean Walk
For convenience, many walkers choose freeze-dried meals instead of dehydrating their own food.
We offer a simple option through our partnership with Campers Pantry.
Campers pantry meals are:
Lightweight
Easy to carry quick to prepare
Just add hot water
This option is especially helpful for international and interstate visitors, and for anyone wanting an Easier way to plan food for a multi-day walk.
Important – please read first
We do not sell food and we do not keep food in stock.
Please do not arrive expecting food unless you have ordered in advance and confirmed delivery or handover with us.
All meals must be ordered directly from Campers Pantry
We do not sell food and we do not keep food in stock.
Please do not arrive expecting food unless you have ordered in advance and confirmed delivery or handover with us.
All meals must be ordered directly from Campers Pantry
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Food can be handed over in three ways only
1. Starting your walk using our transport Meals can be delivered to Great Ocean Walk Shuttle Service and handed over when we pick you up to start your walk. Please let us know when booking — we will provide the exact delivery address. 2. Starting in Apollo Bay If you are arriving by public transport or driving to Apollo Bay, we can meet you at a designated handover location, or deliver to your Apollo Bay accommodation (by arrangement).⚠️ Handling and delivery fees apply where relevant. 3. Delivered to your own address. Meals can be delivered directly to your home or accommodation, and you bring them with you. Note we do have Gas Cylinder's to buy . Ride With Us does not recommend specific meals.
This information is provided so walkers are aware of a reliable food option and can choose what suits their trip. All meals are made locally within Australia. |
GREAT OCEAN WALK TRANSFERS PICK UP & DROP OFF LOCATIONSNot all sections of the Great Ocean Walk trail are accessible by vehicle. If you are relying on access to a car or plan on using a transfer service, you will need to take vehicle access into account when planning your walk. We can pick up from and drop off at the following locations:
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Please note, when planning your car shuffle itinerary for the Great Ocean Walk, please drive your car to where you are ending your walk and we will pick you up and take you back to the starting point of your walk. This will save you needing to finish your walk by a set time, it will also save you waiting around for your lift back to your car if you finish your walk earlier than you anticipated. This is the most efficient and cost effective way to book car shuffle transport for your walk.
For parking locations please scroll further down the page. To enquire please text 0438 407 777 or call after 6.30pm. |
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GREAT OCEAN WALK CAMPSITE BOOKINGSGreat Ocean Walk campsites can be booked via the Parks Victoria website in the following locations:
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TIDE TIMESEnsure you check the tides for your walk, as you will not be able to cross the beach in high tide in some sections.
East of Moonlight Head Refer to the Apollo Bay tide times: tides.willyweather.com.au/vic/barwon/apollo-bay West of Moonlight Head Refer to the Portland tide times and subtract 4 minutes from Portland tide times for the approximate local times: tides.willyweather.com.au/vic/western-district/portland.html |
OFFICIAL GREAT OCEAN WALK MAP The official Parks Victoria walker's map booklet contains extensive maps and walk planning information that you won't find online.
Purchase your official Great Ocean Walker's map booklet in advance and we will post your booklet to you prior to arrival. Please note: We recommend choosing the EXPRESS + TRACKING option. For maps that don't have tracking we take no responsibility for lost or stolen goods. EMAIL US FOR POSTAGE |
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PARKING
No designated long-term parking exists for the Great Ocean Walk however there are a few unsecured parking options. There are public car parks on the foreshore between Apollo Bay and Marengo. We suggest parking on Pascoe Street near the backpackers in Apollo Bay or the 12 Apostle's car park .
Unsecured public parking exists in the Great Otway National Park at day-visitor car parks and camping areas including The Gables Lookout, Wreck Beach, Moonlight Head, Melanesia Gate, Johanna Beach, Aire River West, Cape Otway Lighthouse, Blanket Bay and Shelley Beach. We cannot access Ryan's Den or Devil's Kitchen by car, so pick ups are not available from these locations.
Sow and Piglets in Port Campbell is now offering free, non-secured parking.
Great Otway and Port Campbell National Park car parks are open to the public at all times. Please note:
Unsecured public parking exists in the Great Otway National Park at day-visitor car parks and camping areas including The Gables Lookout, Wreck Beach, Moonlight Head, Melanesia Gate, Johanna Beach, Aire River West, Cape Otway Lighthouse, Blanket Bay and Shelley Beach. We cannot access Ryan's Den or Devil's Kitchen by car, so pick ups are not available from these locations.
Sow and Piglets in Port Campbell is now offering free, non-secured parking.
Great Otway and Port Campbell National Park car parks are open to the public at all times. Please note:
- The Twelve Apostles car park is not patrolled after hours.
- Parking may be limited during peak holiday seasons and on weekends at the Twelve Apostles. We suggest you get there early in the morning or at night to ensure you can get a car park. We suggest parking your vehicle in the back rows of the car park and then calling us on arrival so we can direct you to our car.
- Hikers leave their vehicles in these areas at their own risk.
- Please remember to remove valuables and lock your vehicle.
- It is NOT recommended that visitors use Gibson Steps car park for overnight parking. (very small, no facilities).
SHOWER & END OF HIKE FACILITIES
(AT SOW & PIGLETS IN PORT CAMPBELL)
The Sow & Piglets offers the following end of trip facilities for Great Ocean Walk hikers:
• Free, non-secure parking now available.
• Shower with towel: $12 (great to freshen up before heading home).
• Food and drink options available too.
• Optional accommodation in the heart of Port Campbell.
• Free, non-secure parking now available.
• Shower with towel: $12 (great to freshen up before heading home).
• Food and drink options available too.
• Optional accommodation in the heart of Port Campbell.
SHARED TRANSPORTATION / SHUTTLE SERVICE
Due to the nature of this service and distances being travelled along the Great Ocean Road, it is likely you will have the vehicle to yourselves however you may need to share the trip with another hiker or hiking group. Please refer to the shared transportation/ multiple hirers transport policy which applies to this service.
Multiple hiring is when two or more hirers use the same taxi or commercial passenger vehicle at the same time. Because the hirers are giving up their exclusive use of the taxi-cab or commercial passenger vehicle, the fare is discounted for each hirer. Regulation requires each hirer to agree to allow the driver to accept other hirings. The hirer has the right to refuse to allow the driver to multiple hire if they would prefer not to share. Multiple hirings must start at the same time and all hirers must be travelling to destinations in the same general direction. The maximum fare that can be charged to each hirer is 75% of the standard authorised fare for the hirer's section of the journey.
Benefits include:
Multiple hiring is when two or more hirers use the same taxi or commercial passenger vehicle at the same time. Because the hirers are giving up their exclusive use of the taxi-cab or commercial passenger vehicle, the fare is discounted for each hirer. Regulation requires each hirer to agree to allow the driver to accept other hirings. The hirer has the right to refuse to allow the driver to multiple hire if they would prefer not to share. Multiple hirings must start at the same time and all hirers must be travelling to destinations in the same general direction. The maximum fare that can be charged to each hirer is 75% of the standard authorised fare for the hirer's section of the journey.
Benefits include:
- Reduced waiting times for customers in peak periods
- More efficient utilisation of available taxis / commercial passenger vehicles
- Every hirer gets a discounted fare - the customer saves money
- The driver earns more for the trip
- For a cleaner, greener environment, share the kilometres
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EMERGENCY PLANNINGInform someone reliable about your hiking plans and estimated return times. Carry a charged phone and a portable charger as well as a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) for emergencies. Note that there is limited or no mobile service in some areas of the trail. Allow room in your pack for first aid and survival kits. We do recommend you get a Telstra Mobile Sim as this most reliable reception on Great Ocean walk . note some places will have no service While the trail is well-marked, having a map or GPS device can be helpful for staying on track, especially in case of any detours or alternate routes. If you are new to hiking we recommend researching what to pack and how to prepare for your hike, including how to take suitable safety precautions and prepare for an emergency. You can also register your trip intentions on the Trail Hiking Australia website. |
PUBLIC TRANSPORTWe often get asked about travelling to and from the Great Ocean Walk by public transport. You will find public transport options below.
ARRIVING BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT |
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From Melbourne to Apollo Bay
Getting to Southern Cross Station
- Travel time to Apollo Bay from Melbourne CBD (Southern Cross Station) by train and bus is approximately 4 hours. Train services operated by V/Line are available from Melbourne to Geelong or Warrnambool.
- Catch the Vline train from Southern Cross Station to Geelong Station and then change services to the Vline bus to Apollo Bay.
- To reach Apollo Bay, the current Vline timetable can be found here: Warrnambool-Melbourne-(via-Great-Ocean-Road)
- To see Vline timetables, ticket information and plan your journey visit: https://www.vline.com.au/
Getting to Southern Cross Station
- From Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine) - Catch the Skybus to Southern Cross station. https://www.skybus.com.au/
- Once you arrive at Southern Cross Station, catch the Vline train to Geelong Station and then change services to the Vline bus to Apollo Bay.
- If staying in Melbourne CBD, Southern Cross Station is within the free tram zone. Please check if where you are staying also falls within the free tram zone prior to travel.
- To plan your journey and check timetables and fares for catching a train, tram or bus in metropolitan Melbourne (e.g. CBD and suburbs) to Southern Cross station check the PTV website: https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/
- Metro transport buses and trains require a Myki pass to travel on public transport outside of the free tram zone in the CBD. Find out more here: https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/tickets/myki/
DEPARTING BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT
Public transport at the end of your hike: If you plan to return to Apollo Bay for public transport at the end of your hike, it is actually quicker and cheaper to travel via Camperdown railway station (approx, 64km) instead of go back to Apollo Bay for the public transport bus (approx. 86km). Please use the V/Line public transport timetable and booking website to plan and book your public transport. Note: All V/Line trains must be pre-booked.
There is no public transport from the end of the Great Ocean Walk at the 12 Apostles or from Port Campbell however there is a bus which leaves from Timboon and this is the closest public transport to end of the Great Ocean Walk (12 Apostles). Call Ride With Us to book your taxi from the 12 Apostles to Timboon, then catch the public transport bus which can take you to the Camperdown train station. From the train station, catch the Vline train to Melbourne. Or book a taxi straight from the 12 Apostles to the Camperdown train station to catch the train to Melbourne. Please call ahead and book in advance to avoid disappointment as we only have one taxi and cannot guarantee the taxi will be available if you call on the day.
From 12 Apostles to Melbourne
There is no public transport from the end of the Great Ocean Walk at the 12 Apostles or from Port Campbell however there is a bus which leaves from Timboon and this is the closest public transport to end of the Great Ocean Walk (12 Apostles). Call Ride With Us to book your taxi from the 12 Apostles to Timboon, then catch the public transport bus which can take you to the Camperdown train station. From the train station, catch the Vline train to Melbourne. Or book a taxi straight from the 12 Apostles to the Camperdown train station to catch the train to Melbourne. Please call ahead and book in advance to avoid disappointment as we only have one taxi and cannot guarantee the taxi will be available if you call on the day.
From 12 Apostles to Melbourne
- The closest train station to the 12 Apostles to return back to Melbourne is Camperdown train station which is on the Warrnambool train line. The train is a Vline train and you must book your paper tickets in advance.
- Travel time from the 12 Apostles back to Melbourne CBD (Southern Cross Station) by train is approximately 3 hours plus a 50-minute drive from the 12 Apostles to Camperdown Station to catch your train. Ride With Us can pick you up at the end of your walk from the 12 Apostles and drop you off at the Camperdown train station to return to Melbourne.
- If you plan on travelling by train check out the timetable and tickets here: www.vline.com.au (select the Warrnambool line and Camperdown is your station ) or call 1800 800 007
Private Melbourne Airport or Avalon Airport transfers now available for up to 6 to 12 people .
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MELBOURNE & GEELONG ACCOMMODATION
Travelling from interstate or overseas? Find places to stay in Melbourne & Geelong.
Photo by Aileen David on Unsplash
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