WED: 1 Day Self-Guided Walk Tour: Aire River to Milanesia Gate (Approx 22.5km) Departs Wednesday 7.30AM

1 Day Aire River to Milanesia Gate 22.5KM
[Starts WEDS 7.30AM, 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. 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.

• 2 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. 

ITINERARY 

DAY 1 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 days walk!

Please note you will not be back in Apollo Bay in time to catch the early afternoon vline bus out of Apollo Bay, so please book an additional night’s accommodation in Apollo Bay if you have not travelled here by car/private vehicle.

 

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.