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Great Ocean Walk

Exclusive Tailor-Made tours for Private Groups

We specialise in tailor-made tours for private groups (minimum 4 people) along the Great Ocean Walk, Australia's world-famous coastal walk located a three-hour drive east of Melbourne. Our luxury guided hike along the iconic Great Ocean Walk combines stunning hiking with fabulous meals showcasing the delicious local produce: Freshly caught fish and seafood; locally reared meat; hand-crafted cheeses; fresh fruit and vegetables; fine wines and boutique beers. Stay in boutique accommodation close to the trail. Exceptional personal service including your personal chef for outstanding in-house dinners. There is time to unwind and relax with a massage and visit local wineries if desired.

Another fabulous continuous hike which can be done in sections as a self-guided walk is The Great North Walk in NSW north of Sydney. The Great North Walk Companion is a fabulous new guide which provides you with all the necessary information you need - plus lots more.

TWO Experienced and knowledgeable guides who will look after your every need and bring this stunning area to life.

Optional Extras:

  • Cookery demonstration with talented local chef
  • Lunch and Wine Tasting at a local boutique winery
  • Guided visit to Cape Otway Light Station, the oldest lighthouse on the Australian mainland
  • Relaxing massage in the comfort of your accommodation

 

Dates
Hike is available any time from November to April. The school holidays (Christmas till late January) are very busy. We recommend early December or March/early April as the ideal times for the hike.

The price represents the true cost of your holiday. No hidden extras.

What's Included?
  • Luxury accommodation close to the trail
  • All meals including wine and local boutique beers.
  • Gourmet picnic lunches each day freshly prepared using delicious local produce
  • Delicious dinners each evening - either in local restaurants or in the intimacy of your accommodation.
  • Support vehicle enabling you to walk a half-day if preferred. All you need to carry is a small backpack
  • Comprehensive pre-trip information
  • Transport to/from Melbourne, Victoria
Itinerary

Wine Tasting in the Otways Tours start and end in Melbourne, Victoria. International airport and excellent train/coach services. It is a 3.5 hour drive to Apollo Bay - the official start for the Great Ocean Walk.

Hiking on the Great Ocean Walk
Hikes vary from 5.5km to 17km in length. On most days there is a short drive to the start and end of each walk. The different sections of the walk are described below. We recommend allowing 6 days to complete the entire trail end-to-end. For those with less time we can suggest the most scenic and interesting sections to do. More information and a short film can be found on Visit Victoria - The Great Ocean Walk.

Shelly Beach to Cape Otway
Walk through beautiful, unspoilt mountain ash forest, home to black wallabies. We stop for a picnic near Blanket Bay and then continue, past picturesque Parker Inlet, to Cape Otway Lightstation. This is the oldest lightstation on the Australian mainland and it provided a beacon of light, and hope, to the early settlers after their long voyage. Private guided tour

Cape Otway to Castle Cove
Today we hike along remote Station Beach and marvel at the ancient geology of this region which has created fascinating rock formations along the coastline. Descend through the dunes to peaceful Aire River inlet for a delicious picnic lunch before continuing to Castle Cove.

Castle Cove to Milanesia Beach
Hike through heathland and keep an eye out for the shy echidna. We cross Johanna beach which is a haven for hooded plovers at nesting time and is also a popular spot for peregrine falcons. After out picnic lunch we return to our accommodation for a relaxing afternoon. Laze in the spa and maybe indulge with an in-house massage. The more energetic can explore one of the bushwalks departing from the cottages.

Milanesia Beach to Moonlight Head
This hike, with spectacular views, is one of our favourites. Explore the hidden gem of Milanesia beach, only accessible by foot. Follow the path along high sea cliffs to our picnic spot at remote Ryan's Den from where we have sensational views back to Cape Otway. Continue to romantic Moonlight Head before returning to your accommodation.
Boot Cleaning at Blanket Bay

Moonlight Head to the Twelve Apostles
Start the day with a visit to evocative Wreck Beach and hear the stories of some of the most infamous shipwrecks on this treacherous coast. Walk through blue gum forest, casuarinas trees and lush farmland to emerge at the small village of Princetown overlooking the Gellibrand River. In the afternoon we continue over the clifftops to emerge at the majestic limestone stacks of the Twelve Apostles.

Loch Ard Gorge
Loch Ard gorge was the scene of a tragic shipwreck in 1878. There are several hikes which let us explore the story in depth.

For information on other hikes in Australia, explore the informative website of Adventure.com

For similar hikes in New Zealand, contact Wanderlust.

Extra Info

Walking
Hilly terrain with some steep ascents/descents.
Shortest day 5.5km
Longest day 17.7km
Paths vary from wide farm and forestry tracks to narrow paths through coastal scrub and along cliff tops. Hilly in places. Some beach walking, depending on tides.

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

The Otways is one of the wettest areas in Victoria. However, in spring and late summer it is generally warm to hot and the sea is warm enough for swimming in the summer .