A Day Hiker’s Guide to Australia’s Great Ocean Walk

Turquoise waves crash against limestone cliffs while plump koalas nap in ghostly white gum trees along the wild southwestern coast of Victoria, a rugged natural paradise just a short trip from Melbourne.

This windswept section of the Australian coastline is famous for the Great Ocean Road, one of the country’s most iconic drives. The scenic 243 km (151 mile) route meanders through national parks and kangaroo-filled farmlands, leading to the surreal limestone formations known as the Twelve Apostles.

But the breathtaking views don’t stop there: the region also features the Great Ocean Walk (GOW), a 110 km (68-mile) one-way hiking trail connecting Apollo Bay to the Twelve Apostles.

Though it runs parallel to the Great Ocean Road in some areas, the GOW offers a wonderfully untamed experience that feels further removed from civilization (and the traffic of the road) than it actually is. By hugging the coastline more closely, the GOW provides hikers with more dramatic vistas and a deeper connection to the region’s stunning beauty. The best part is that you don’t need camping gear or a week’s vacation to enjoy it. While the entire GOW takes six to eight days to complete, shorter segments are accessible for those with limited time, fitness, or mobility. With the assistance of a rental car and local shuttle services designed for hikers, you can easily get a taste of the GOW and return to Melbourne in time for dinner.

Here’s our selection of the top day and half-day hikes along the Great Ocean Road, from east to west.

1. Marengo to Shelly Beach

Ideal for a leisurely stroll 4.4km/2.7 miles, 2 hours, easy to moderate difficulty

This fairly easy hike provides a wonderful introduction to the Great Ocean Walk for those staying in Apollo Bay, where the GOW officially starts. The trail features three beach walking segments, concluding at the Shelly Beach picnic area nestled in the coastal forest. It's crucial to start at low tide, as conditions may allow for extra walking on sand and rock platforms instead of following the main trail along the low cliffs. Swimming is possible when the waters are calm.

How to do it: If you’re short on time or energy, park your car at the Shelly Beach picnic area and arrange for a shuttle to Marengo (3km/1.9 miles from Apollo Bay) to start your hike. Shuttle services can be organized at either trailhead if you don’t have a vehicle.

2. Blanket Bay to Cape Otway

Ideal for wild swimming and historical exploration 11km/6.8 miles, 3-4 hours, moderate

This writer’s favorite stretch of the GOW takes you deep into the vibrant coastal forest of Great Otway National Park, before emerging onto the beach at the picturesque Parker Inlet—a perfect spot for a refreshing swim. After crossing the inlet and navigating around Point Franklin, the trail follows the cliffs, providing breathtaking views of the Southern Ocean on the way to Cape Otway, with another swimming opportunity at Crayfish Bay.

Plan to reach Cape Otway well before 4pm to explore the Lightstation area (AU$10/adult), where you can uncover the Cape's rich history and visit historic structures, including the iconic 1848 lighthouse once called the “Beacon of Hope” by sailors.

How to do it: If you lack a vehicle (or two) to park at both ends of this trail (Blanket Bay is 36km/22 miles from Apollo Bay), it's advisable to prebook a shuttle for drop-off and pick-up.

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3. Cape Otway to Aire River

Ideal for waterfall seekers 9.8km/6 miles, 3-4 hours, moderate to difficult

The majesty of the Southern Ocean comes alive as this trail reveals breathtaking views from the eroded cliffs after about 2km (1.2 miles). If the conditions are right, you can descend to the shoreline and stroll along the soft (but challenging) sands of Station Beach for another 2km (1.2 miles) before reconnecting with the main path. There's also an optional 2km (1.2-mile) detour to Rainbow Falls, where vibrant algae adorn the steep trail leading to the spring-fed waterfall. Be sure to check out the historic Lightstation cemetery at the trailhead.

How to do it: Arrange a shuttle for drop-off and pick-up in advance, or leave a car at either end of the route. Cape Otway is located 27km/16.8 miles from Apollo Bay.

4. Castle Cove to Johanna Beach

Ideal for spotting koalas 6.3km/4 miles, 2 hours, moderate

While koalas and other native wildlife like wallabies, kangaroos, and echidnas can be seen throughout the GOW, this section is particularly known for sightings of Australia’s iconic marsupial. The hike begins at a stunning lookout over the cliffs of Rotten Point and meanders along the cliffs and through prime koala territory (remember to look up!). The trail then descends to the golden sands of Johanna Beach for the last 2km (1.2 miles), which can feel longer due to the soft sand. With powerful waves and strong currents, swimming can be hazardous; the safest spot is typically in front of the vehicle-accessible campground at Johanna Beach.

How to do it: If you lack a vehicle to leave at either end of this trail (Castle Cove is 33km/20.5 miles from Apollo Bay), make sure to arrange a shuttle for drop-off and pick-up in advance.

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5. Wreck Beach

Perfect for exploring maritime artifacts 2km/1.25 miles, one hour, moderate

An estimated 700 ships are believed to rest beneath the waves along the 130km (81 miles) of coastline known as the Shipwreck Coast, from Cape Otway to Port Fairy. This brief walk (available only at low tide) descends 350 steps to a rocky shore, where the decaying anchors of the Marie Gabrielle (wrecked in 1869) and the Fiji (wrecked in 1891) stand as eerie reminders of the dangers posed by the Southern Ocean. If conditions allow, you can create a circuit by navigating over the rocks past the Fiji anchor and reconnecting with the GOW trail for your return to the parking area. Remember to leave your swimwear behind – this rocky beach isn’t suitable for swimming.

How to do it: Drive to the Wreck Beach car park or arrange a return shuttle to this secluded spot, located 38km (23.6 miles) from Port Campbell, the nearest town to the end of the GOW.

6. Princetown to Twelve Apostles

Ideal for admiring the Twelve Apostles 7km/4.3 miles, 2 hours, easy to moderate

It won’t take long before you catch your first sight of the Twelve Apostles along this gently rolling, exposed clifftop path. Start your hike as early as possible to avoid the heat and crowds from Melbourne. Although only seven golden limestone pillars now rise from the coastal waters, the view becomes increasingly breathtaking as you approach. A viewpoint just east of Gibson Steps is a great spot to take a snack break. You can also take a brief detour down the steps for views at sea level before continuing to the main viewing platforms at the end of the trail, including the impressive new Saddle Lookout – the conclusion of the GOW.

How to do it: Stay in Port Campbell and either drive or arrange a shuttle to the trailhead near Princetown (17km/10.6 miles from Port Campbell). The Twelve Apostles Visitor Centre is 11km (6.8 miles) from Port Campbell.

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7. Loch Ard Gorge Walks

Perfect for stunning and accessible views 5.5km/3.4 miles, 2 hours, easy

While technically not part of the GOW (which concludes 3km/1.9 miles east at the Twelve Apostles), this set of three interconnecting, wheelchair-friendly trails in Port Campbell National Park offers access to some of Victoria's most breathtaking lookouts. The Geology Walk (900m/0.6 miles return) leads to the Razorback, a dramatic limestone formation that rivals the Twelve Apostles. The Shipwreck Walk (1.4km/0.8 miles return) follows the edge of the main gorge, where the two survivors of the Loch Ard shipwreck in 1878 managed to reach the beach (currently inaccessible), along with the cemetery where some of their companions were laid to rest, and a lookout toward Mutton Bird Island, where the Loch Ard met its end. Experience the thunderous sound of waves crashing into Thunder Cave on the Edge Walk (3.2km/2 miles return), which takes you further along the cliffs.

How to do it: The Loch Ard Gorge car park is situated 8km (5 miles) from Port Campbell; you can drive yourself or take a taxi.

Day Hiking Tips for the Great Ocean Walk

• The V/Line bus operates daily between Melbourne and Apollo Bay, but local public transport is limited and taxis are scarce; it's advisable to book shuttles in advance.

• If you're renting a car, confirm that it's suitable for unsealed roads, although a 4WD is not required.

• All trails with unavoidable beach sections should ideally be attempted at low tide.

• Be prepared for intermittent mobile (cell) service on all trails.

• The GOW is remote—check the weather forecast prior to your trip, and be ready for varying conditions.

• Carry ample drinking water and snacks; the only shop or cafe along the GOW is located at the Cape Otway Lightstation.

• All one-way trails mentioned here can be completed as out-and-back hikes in a single day.

• All three snake species in the area are venomous. If you see one resting on the trail, allow it space to move away on its own.

The author was hosted by Adventures in Good Company, which organizes day hikes on the Great Ocean Walk run by AusWalk as part of its Adventures Down Under tour. Writers for Dinogo Planet do not accept complimentary services for favorable reviews.