The Great Ocean Road might head inland from Apollo Bay to Princetown, but now you don’t have to. The Great Ocean Walk hugs the rugged coastline, taking hikers to places never experienced before. The 100km trek traverses sandy beaches, thick forests and some of Australia’s tallest coastal cliffs. Walkers can choose from a variety of off-walk accommodation options and purpose built “hike-in” campsites.
Leave your car at the end of walk!
The completed section of the Geelong bypass delivers walk hungry commuters from Melbourne to the end of Great Ocean Walk in just over 3 hours. Enjoy a hassle free conclusion to your walk and take full advantage of the gourmet produce and spellbinding scenery by parking your car at journeys end! Parking and transfers for the walk are available through Timboon Taxis and Port Campbell Touring company . For campsite bookings and walk registration visit www.greatoceanwalk.com.au
Short Walks on the Wild Side!
The Great Ocean Walk has been designed in such a way that hikers can “step on and step off” the walk mixing short, day and overnight options. Direct access to the western portion of the walk is available at the following locations. Transport and guided services afford groups day access into the more technical sections between Johanna Beach and Moonlight Head.
Princetown: 19km east of Port Campbell: For short walks park in town, near the fishing platform on the Gellibrand River or at the Recreation Reserve.
| Walk Section |
Start Point |
Type |
Distance |
Time |
Grade |
| Princetown to Glenample |
Princetown township |
Car Shuffle or One Way |
6km |
2.25 mins |
Medium |
| Princetown to Gellibrand River Mouth (side trail off main walk) |
Princetown township |
Return |
3.6km |
1 hr 20 mins |
Easy |
| Upon exiting the wetland boardwalk turn left across the bridge for the River mouth (look for National Park sign indicating Princetown Beach) and turn right away from the bridge for Glenample Homestead. |
The Gables/Wreck Beach: 38km east of Port Campbell. Turn off the Great Ocean Road at the Moonlight Head sign 34km east of Port Campbell. Take the first right option 500m along road (signposted Gables The rough 4.5km gravel road shares access with Great Ocean Walkers (please drive carefully.) Park at Wreck beach or the Gables car Park.
| Walk Section |
Start Point |
Type |
Distance |
Time |
Grade |
| The Gables lookout |
The Gables car park |
Car Shuffle or One Way |
800m |
20 mins |
Easy |
| Wreck Beach |
The Gables car park |
Return |
2.6km |
1 hr 45 mins |
Hard
366 steps |
| Wreck Beach |
Wreck Beach car park |
Return |
700m |
30 mins |
Hard
366 steps |
Walking along Wreck Beach is only advisable on low tides and in calm sea conditions
Add 800m extra return to Marie Gabrielle Anchor and 1.3km extra return to Fiji Anchor (turn right at base of steps) |
All Walkers need to look out for on ground directional signage.
Whatever way you tackle the Great Ocean Walk – a few hours or a few days – it is an experience to remember.
www.greatoceanwalk.com.au for campsite registration and more information.
