The Great Ocean Road was recently named as Australia’s best road-trip by leaders of a leading car rental company. However, whilst it may make for a scenic drive many people believe that the destination is even more scenic if you choose to explore it on foot.
The Great Ocean Road stretches for 160 miles, while the Great Ocean Walk is a fraction of this distance at 65 miles long from Apollo Bay to within sight of the towering 12 Apostles. The route is suitable for walkers of most abilities. This is because it can be broken up into several smaller walks and travellers can arrange car shuttles to pick them up and drop them off at various destinations en-route. There are several day walks for visitors who just want to explore smaller sections of the walk, whilst holidaymakers wanting to travel the full 65 miles can choose the pace in which they wish to complete the journey.
The full itinerary can be done over a seven night, eight day period from start to finish and this is an Australia travel experience that you shouldn’t miss out on. Starting at the Apollo Bay visitor centre, guests end their walk at the Twelve Apostles. Visitors walk on average 15km per day and on the first day can take in the scenic beaches of Storm Point, Three Creeks and Shelley. Highlights include watching seals bask on the rocks just off Marengo Bay, viewing the anchors on Wreck Beach and learning about the polar dinosaurs of Castle Cove. In terms of accommodation, many visitors choose to camp along the route. If you wish to camp then forward-planning is vital – you’ll need to secure a camping permit from Parks Victoria at least two weeks before embarking on the walk.
If you can’t take eight days out of your holiday schedule then why not choose one of the popular two day, one night itineraries that allow you to do a section of the walk over a weekend. The most popular of these walks starts at Shelley Beach and ends 22km later at the Cape Otway light station. Walkers who still have an ounce of energy left after their active weekend are invited to descend the steep spiral staircase of the lighthouse and enjoy the stunning views out over the bay. Visitors can often spot whales in the distance leaping around in the waters. A lot of holidaymakers choose this walk because of the koala viewing opportunities it presents, so make sure you keep a look out!
Although most people choose to use the walk to get back to nature, camping is not obligatory and there are many Melbourne travel deals to be had on hotels, these can often be picked up from visitor centres, like the one at Federation Square. There are many different options for accommodation, with something to suit every budget. One recommendation is Bothfeet, a lodge that has been designed especially with walkers in mind. The boutique hotel only caters for ten people at a time, but their walk and stay packages are one of the best ways to experience the Great Ocean Walk. The 104km 6-day package takes in the full walk from Apollo Bay to the Twelve Apostles. After a day’s walking, you can enjoy a relaxing foot spa and a three course meal. At 4pm, after you’ve completed your day’s walking, a personal chauffeur will meet you and drive you back to the lodge where a free massage and a pre-dinner drink will help you unwind before dinner.
