SUN: 5 Day Self-Guided Walk Tour. Apollo Bay to The Gables (Approx 84.5km) Departs Sunday 2PM

5 Days Apollo Bay to the Gables 84.5KM
[Starts SUN 2PM - THURS 4PM, ETA APOLLO BAY 5PM] 

Experience the stunning beauty of the Great Ocean Walk, whilst basing yourself in the beautiful foothills of Apollo Bay.

1. Walk with the Locals:

• Gain insights into the hidden gems and secrets of the Great Ocean Road from our seasoned local experts.

• With nearly two decades of helping walkers safely explore the Great Ocean Walk, you can trust us to provide a safe and authentic experience.

2. Local Support and Safety:

• Walk with confidence, knowing that local assistance is always nearby.

• Stay seamlessly connected through designated communication points.

• Receive daily updates on trail conditions, tides, and more.

• Rest easy with a comprehensive packing list and secure walk recommendations.

3. Comprehensive Walk Resources:

• Dive deep into the journey with access to detailed walking and historical notes, enriched by videos and insights.

• Gain walking advice from our founder, Mark Kininmonth, an ex-Parks Victoria ranger who helped build the track.

• Navigate effortlessly with the official Great Ocean Walk Map.

4. Choose Your Walking Experience:

• Tailor your adventure to your preferences, selecting your start date.

• Revel in the freedom to meet like-minded hikers whilst exploring this magnificent trail, or savor solitude; the choice is yours!

5. Lighten Your Load:

• Walk backpack-free and carry only a small day pack with essentials.

• Enjoy the freedom of exploring without the burden of luggage.

6. Connect and Reconnect:

• Base yourself in Apollo Bay for a seamless experience.

• Leave the hustle and bustle of town behind to reconnect with nature on this world famous trail.

• Meet up with friends or family in the afternoons to share stories of your adventures.

• Cool off and enjoy Apollo Bay’s 'swimming
  beach' in the afternoons. (Most beaches on the trail are not safe for
  swimming).

7. Accommodation Freedom:

• Choose accommodations that match your budget and preferences.

• Optimise accommodation savings by booking multiple night stays.

• Or bring your caravan and set up in local caravan parks for added convenience.

8. Culinary Delights:

• Savor the town's culinary delights for breakfast and dinner.

• Explore local cafes and supermarkets for an authentic dining experience.

• Alternatively, pack a yummy lunch from Apollo Bay's locally owned bakery for your hike.

9. Cape Otway Lighthouse Bonus:

• Enjoy a delightful bonus with complimentary entry tickets to Cape Otway Lighthouse.

• Climb the tower and explore the oldest surviving mainland Australian Lightstation on your journey.

10. Your Support, Our Commitment:

• Your participation contributes to our local community and the environment.

• We proudly support our local football and netball clubs, nurturing a close-knit community.

• We also provide financial assistance to Wildlife Wonders, championing animal and plant conservation.

• Additionally, we make monthly donations to The Indigenous Literacy Foundation.

Embark on a journey of challenge; get away from it all and re-connect with loved ones or enjoy meeting fellow explorers. Immerse yourself in amazing views, stunning scenery, and encounters with Australian wildlife. Join us for an unforgettable Great Ocean Road adventure!

Inclusions: 

• Experience for 2 to 10 Guests.

• Spacious Van or Minibus for Your Comfort.

• 9 Transfers/Shuttles Picking You Up from The Apollo Bay Information Centre.

• A Walk Briefing Including Updates on Decision Points, Text Points and Tide and Swell Conditions.

• Walking and Historical Notes as a convenient PDF upon booking, ready for printing or downloading.

• A Digital Notebook for a Smartphone, Including Videos and Audio, Highlighting Points of Interest on The Track. (The link for this will be sent just before your tour commences with any current updates applied).

• The Official Great Ocean Walk Map.

• Complimentary Use of a PLB - Personal Locator Beacon in case of an emergency (one per booking).

• Complimentary Use of Walking Poles. 

• Complimentary Cape Otway Lighthouse Tickets on Day 3.

ITINERARY 

DAY 1  SUNDAY 8.5KM    SHELLY BEACH TO APOLLO BAY

2PM Transfer to Shelly Beach. 2.15PM.
You walk back into Apollo Bay and your accommodation at approx 5.30PM.

We transfer you to Shelly Beach and you walk back into your accommodation in Apollo Bay. This is a nice easy to medium trek to start off your Great Ocean Walk and sets the standard for the rest of your fabulous journey. The walk follows the magnificent coastline with sweeping views of the Great Otway National Park and the Cape Otway region.

Please note that the reason we ask you to walk back into town from Shelly Beach is because there is no phone reception at Shelly car park. You just walk back into your accommodation at your own pace.

DAY 2 MONDAY 19KM   SHELLY BEACH TO PARKER HILL CAMPGROUND.

[Or stop walking at Blanket Bay at 13.5KM. Note - waiting times incurred. We will need to collect the other walkers at Parker Hill first before we return to Apollo Bay.]

8AM Bus transfer from Apollo Bay. ETA: Shelly Beach 8.15AM
3.30PM Bus transfer from Parker Hill Campground.  ETA Apollo Bay 4PM.

As you leave Shelly Beach and head onto the Elliot River Track, the trail meanders into the cool rainforest of the Great Otway National Park. You will enjoy watching the vegetation change as you pass lush tree ferns and tall eucalyptus found in the wet gullies. Spot black wallabies and kangaroos (and occasionally deer!) who enjoy the seclusion of this now quiet and deserted area. It is wonderful to see the clear blue sea visible between the trees as you reach the top of the Telegraph Track, before slowly winding down the trail onto beautiful Blanket Bay.

You will now enjoy wonderful views as you gently wind up to Point Lewis Lookout. The trail moves on past several creek foot bridges before slowly descending to Parker River. You might have to remove your shoes as there is no footbridge here, but this gives you a chance to stop and marvel at the wild ocean beating the rocks just outside the inlet. If you are very lucky, you might even see the remains of the ‘Eric the Red’ shipwreck rising tantalisingly out of the sand.

DAY 3 TUESDAY 16KM     PARKER HILL CAMPGROUND TO AIRE RIVER BRIDGE.

[Or stop walking at the Lighthouse at 5KM. Note - waiting times incurred. We will need to collect the other walkers at Aire River first before we return to Apollo Bay.]

8AM Bus transfer from Apollo Bay. ETA: Parker Hill Campground 8.40am 
4PM Bus transfer from Aire River Shelter, western side of the bridge. ETA: Apollo Bay 4.45PM

On today's walk you will notice the vegetation slowly changes to dry coastal forests inhabited by echidnas and king parrots. Remember to look up, as this is a popular spot for local koalas to rest in the manna gums. Enjoy fabulous views of the Bass Strait as you walk above Crayfish Bay, and enjoy your first glimpse of the Cape Otway Lighthouse from the sweeping staircase at Point Franklin.

Today, if opening hours allow, you may use our complimentary tickets to visit the Cape Otway Lighthouse where you may walk up the 18 metre, 150-year-old lightstation tower and learn about the lives of the hard-working, isolated and incredibly resourceful lighthouse keepers. If you still have the energy, you may also like to visit the telegraph station built in 1859 and the World War ll radar station.

After exiting the Lighthouse you will pass the old lightstation cemetery. The tombstones reflect the hardships experienced by the early settlers and make for somber reading. The track then meanders on towards the wild and wonderful Station Beach, which is littered with driftwood. If you have the energy, and the swell and tide allows, you may take a small detour to Rainbow Falls, or simply carry on walking to enjoy sweeping views from the cliff tops. You’ll slowly make your way towards walking along the heritage listed Aire River. This stunning river is so peaceful it is teaming with wildlife, but sadly it has a dark history. Tragically this spot was the location of a massacre of the Traditional Owners of the land, the Gadubanud, following a conflict at Blanket Bay with the new settlers.

DAY 4 WEDNESDAY 22.5KM     AIRE RIVER TO MILANESIA GATE.

[Or stop walking at Johanna at 15KM. Note - waiting times incurred. We will need to collect the other walkers at Milanesia Gate first before we return to Apollo Bay.]

7.30AM Bus transfer from Apollo Bay. ETA: Aire River 8AM 
4PM Bus transfer from Milanesia Gate. ETA: Apollo Bay 5PM

Start your day by walking over the Aire River bridge, towards Castle Cove beach. This magnificent beach has its own lookout platform. Stop and marvel at the prowess of local surfers and watch the wild waves rolling in!

Moving on, be prepared for walking on sand as you drop down onto the wild and wonderful Johanna Beach. This beach has been used as an alternative in the past for professional surfing competitions when surf conditions at the famous Bells Beach in Torquay were not big enough. Needless to say – don’t try and go for a swim here! Look out for majestic wedge-tailed eagles and white bellied sea eagles and remember to stop at the lookout platforms for unbelievable views.

After leaving Johanna Beach behind, you climb alongside picturesque farmland and winding valleys before heading towards Milanesia. As you climb, look out for kangaroos grazing in the sun and you may even spot the Otway Panther! (There is an ongoing debate in Apollo Bay as to whether this panther truly exists, which we will happily chat to you about when you arrive if your interest is piqued!) After passing ‘3 ways’ , (you may stop walking here if you wish) head on down to Milanesia Gate where we will pick you up after a great day's walk!

DAY 5 THURSDAY 18.5KM     MILANESIA GATE TO THE GABLES.

[Or stop walking at Moonlight at 12KM. Note - waiting times incurred. We will need to collect the other walkers at The Gables first before we return to Apollo Bay.]

7AM Bus transfer from Apollo Bay. ETA: Milanesia Gate 8AM.
4PM Bus transfer from ‘The Gables’ Beach. ETA: Apollo Bay 5PM

The trail starts by descending onto the rugged shoreline of Milanesia Beach. Stop and marvel at the stunning rock formations and think of Charles Joseph La Trobe who was ordered by his superintendent in 1846 to find a route from here to Cape Otway through this rugged landscape!

As the track rises back to the cliff tops you are presented with outstanding views from the coastal forests, high on the sea cliffs. Take the time to look back at how far you have already walked, and rest at Ryans Den campground. But, before you leave, be sure to check out some of the campsite locations for some amazing views.

Walking on you will pass the ‘Lost Apostle’ – a rather phallic rock formation standing surprisingly all alone. From Moonlight Head the track winds along boardwalks and tracks lined with fern trees. As this is quite a sheltered area, you will likely see more wildlife here than before with wallabies, kangaroos and echidnas rustling in the bushes. Walk on through the blue gums, ending amongst the heath at the breathtaking Gables Lookout.

NOTES BEFORE YOU BOOK

Please read our full terms and conditions.

Please note for 1 walker: This service requires 2 people or more to run. If you are a single walker booking this service and receive a ‘booking pending’ email it means that you are the first walker to book this bus itinerary on your chosen date. As soon as we have other walkers confirmed for this date, we will contact you to confirm the trip is running and to check if you still wish to proceed with your booking.

Please check the tour dates advertised are confirmed BEFORE you book your accommodation in Apollo Bay / flights/ travel arrangements (especially if you are only 1 person walking alone).

To be fair to other walkers we must depart at the advertised times. Our bus departs from and returns to the Apollo Bay Information Centre.

You book and pay for your own accommodation and food.

We recommend that you prepare/ train for the walk. Only book this tour if you are confident that you are walking within your means and can meet us at the advertised pick-up times each day.
This tour is suitable for those who can walk approx 3kms per hour and can walk for extended distances, carrying only a small day pack and including breaks (the length of which are at your discretion depending on your walking pace). If you are a very fast walker or very slow-paced walker, please contact us for alternative tour suggestions.

Please wear appropriate clothing: e.g. sunscreen/ hat, waterproof rain jacket, comfortable ‘worn in’ walking shoes or boots, and bring a 2 - 3 litre refillable water bottle and a packed lunch. We will provide more detailed packing list on booking, but these items listed are essential for an enjoyable walk.

A Telstra phone is highly recommended on this walk as Telstra offer the best reception by far on the Great Ocean Walk trail. (Telstra sim cards are available in Aldi in advance of your arrival in Apollo Bay.) We will issue you with ‘TEXT’ points to check in with us as your day progresses. 

In the case of extreme emergency please ensure that you have travel insurance and that your ambulance registration is up to date (for residents of Australia).

CHILDREN: Parents or guardians must accompany Children under 16 years old. Infants are not able to book a seat. The standard adult fare for a Ticket/booking applies to children – minimum age 10. Child seats are not available.