SUN: 2 Day Self-Guided Walk Tour. Apollo Bay to Parker Hill (Approx 27.5km) Departs Sunday 2PM

2 Days Apollo Bay to Parker Hill 27.5KM
[Starts SUN 2PM - MON 3.30PM, ETA APOLLO BAY 4PM] 

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 included.

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. 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.

• 3 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.

• The Official Great Ocean Walk Map.

• 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).

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

• Complimentary Use of Walking Poles. 

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.

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.