Hike the Great Ocean Walk: Australia’s Iconic Coastal Trail

9 Dec

Trip Overview

Duration: 7 days
Distance: 104 km
Start/End: Melbourne
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging; long walking days
Accommodation: Motel (2 nights), House with Shared Facilities (4 nights)
Best for: Active travellers who enjoy coastal scenery, varied terrain and group hiking experiences

Embark on a focused, well‑paced seven‑day hike along one of Australia’s most impressive coastlines. Starting and finishing in Melbourne, the Great Ocean Walk (official route info: Parks Victoria) takes you through rugged forest, open beaches, steep sea cliffs and striking rock formations — a route that balances challenge with reward.

The journey begins with a scenic transfer along the Great Ocean Road to Apollo Bay. Here, your group meets the local leader who will guide the walk, setting a steady rhythm from the first steps on the trail.

Expect shifting terrain each day: rainforest, sandstone cliffs, dune systems and long stretches beside the Southern Ocean. Sections such as Milanesia Beach feel remote and powerful — a reminder of the coastline’s scale and energy.

This region holds deep cultural significance for the Eastern Maar and Wadawurrung people. Along the route you’ll hear stories of the land, the historic lighthouse network and local wildlife that defines this coastline.

Accommodation

Motel (2 nights) — Comfortable private rooms offering a restful base before and after key walking days.
House with Shared Facilities (4 nights) — A homely stay with shared bathrooms and communal spaces, ideal for relaxing with your group after each day’s hiking.

Tour Highlights

Apollo Bay to Shelly Beach — A perfect introduction to the trail, combining coastal views, forest paths and quiet beaches.
Shelly Beach to Parker Inlet — A dramatic mix of cliffside scenery and secluded coves, ideal for spotting wildlife.
Parker Inlet to Castle Cove — Rugged terrain, ocean panoramas and sections of pristine rainforest.
Castle Cove to Milanesia Track — One of the most remote and rewarding stretches, with powerful waves and vast open spaces.
Milanesia Track to The Gables Lookout — Wild cliffs, shipwreck history and some of the best coastal viewpoints on the entire route.
The Gables to Gibson Steps — Sweeping views, changing landscapes and the anticipation of the trail’s legendary finale.
Gibson Steps to The Twelve Apostles — The iconic finish: towering limestone stacks rising from the ocean, an unforgettable end to your journey.

What’s Included

Experienced local leader and guides
All accommodation (2 nights motel, 4 nights shared house)
Most meals, including picnic lunches in scenic locations
Luggage transfers between accommodations
Park entry fees and transport along the route

Who This Trip Is For

Travellers who enjoy full‑day hikes and mixed terrain
Anyone seeking a structured, guided walking holiday
People wanting to see iconic Australian landscapes without the stress of planning logistics
UK travellers wanting help organising flights, pre/post‑tour hotels or extensions

Optional Extras Through One Extra Night Travel

We can also arrange:

Return flights from the UK to Melbourne
Pre‑tour hotel nights in Melbourne
Post‑tour extensions across Australia (Sydney, Adelaide, Cairns and more)

The climax of the trek arrives at the iconic Twelve Apostles — limestone monoliths rising from the sea, a dramatic final reward for your efforts. As you stroll the boardwalks and take in the scale of it all, you’ll understand why this walk is regarded as one of the world’s great coastal treks.

For full tour details, see the official Intrepid itinerary here: Intrepid Travel – Hike the Great Ocean Walk.

This tour suits travellers comfortable with active days. Expect long walking distances, uneven surfaces and extended time outdoors in changing coastal weather.

If you’re ready to go beyond the usual city or beach holiday and immerse yourself in Australia’s wild coast, this could be the ideal choice. With One Extra Night Travel’s tailored service and Intrepid’s expert leadership, you get a well‑supported adventure from start to finish.

Why Book with One Extra Night Travel

When you book through One Extra Night Travel, you get personalised planning, UK-based support, and expert guidance on flights, hotels and extensions throughout Australia. We take care of the details so you can focus on the adventure.

Ready to plan your Great Ocean Walk holiday? Send us a message via our contact page or WhatsApp, and we’ll help you secure your place on this unforgettable journey.

Your next big adventure is calling: the Great Ocean Walk awaits.

Australia

Guy Downes