The Guided Highlights Trip

All daily distances are approximate and itinerary is subject to change. RAW Travel reserves the right to make necessary itinerary changes based on local conditions, group safety, extreme weather or unforeseen difficulties with local suppliers due to COVID-19 effects.

An early morning 7.15am pick up from the Melbourne Arts Centre on St Kilda Road today. We will drive through Anglesea and Lorne and follow the spectacular Great Ocean Road to Apollo Bay before our lunch spot at Blanket Bay looking out over the ocean.

Our first walking section then starts from Blanket Bay. The track meanders along the cliff tops and through coastal forests to the quiet haven of Parker Inlet. Expect to see black wallabies, echidnas, black cockatoos, and rosellas along our route. Leaving Parker Inlet we walk around the foreshore and along the beach (tide permitting) to see some of the shipwreck relics in this area. Today we are joined by an indigenous guide for an interpretive walk from Parker Inlet.

We continue walking in open terrain along the coast to the Cape Otway Light Station via Crayfish Bay with an option for a pleasant swim or dip in the ocean.

Accommodation: Apollo Bay

Meals: L, D

After breakfast we explore the grounds of the Light Station including the light tower. We gain an insight into the Light Station’s history and hear some fascinating stories that make the Cape and Otway Ranges unique. Built in 1848, it was Australia’s oldest continuously operating lighthouse and marks the entrance to Bass Strait.

After a short drive to the Aire River we start a spectacular day of walking beneath the soaring cliffs towards Castle Cove located on a sweeping bend of the Great Ocean Road at Glenaire. Castle Cove is a beautiful beach surrounded by towering cliffs which have high archaeological significance, as dinosaur fossils have been found near here.

Continuing on from Castle Cove we encounter some of the most spectacular coastal views of the entire walk. The track winds its way along the cliff tops, through heathland and forests, occasionally emerging to give breathtaking and extensive views along the coast. The forest here is an interesting mixture of grass trees and manna gums. Eventually, we emerge onto the broad expanse of Johanna Beach. We finish the day by walking along this beautiful beach which must rate as one of the best in  Australia for its views and crashing surf.

Accommodation: Apollo Bay

Meals: B, L, D

Descending to the trail which traverses along the high sea cliffs to Ryan’s Den with breathtaking distance views way back to Cape Otway and forwards to Cape Volney.

Continue through coastal forests and undulating headlands. This section has a few short climbs that lead us to the evocatively named Moonlight Head with more breathtaking views to Cape Otway and a well-deserved lunch stop. Groups in September may be lucky enough to see one of the departing Southern Right Whales that frequent this coast in the winter months.

We may visit the Gables Lookout perched on one of the highest sea cliffs in mainland Australia if time permits.

This afternoon we visit the iconic Wreck Beach. Walking along the high forest track through the Devil’s Kitchen before descending onto Wreck Beach. Exploring the amazing rock formations and pools while hearing stories of the shipwrecks is a unique opportunity.

Accommodation: Port Campbell

Meals: B, L, D

Our final day on the Great Ocean Walk! We start our walk above the wetlands around Princetown which supports a wide variety of birdlife. We’ll walk through to the Gellibrand River Estuary before embarking on our final leg of this journey into Port Campbell National Park where the world-famous Twelve Apostles come into view. Tides permitting, we will descend Gibsons Steps to view two of the Apostles from sea level. From here we will transfer to the Twelve Apostles Visitor Centre before heading to the spectacular Loch Ard Gorge and then into the quaint seaside town of Port Campbell for lunch (own expense). We’ll drive back to Melbourne after lunch, arrival time approximately 5pm.

Meals: B

• 3 nights’ accommodation on a twin share basis in ensuite accommodation
• 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 3 dinners (a surcharge may apply for complex dietary requirements)
• Experienced hiking guides
• Driver and support vehicle for the duration of the trip
• All transfers while on tour and return transport from Melbourne CBD
• Interpretive walk by local Indigenous guide
• Cape Otway Light Station entrance fee
• National park fees
• RAW Travel carbon offset for your trip and an Australian tree planted on your behalf

• Travel insurance
• Meals not listed above
• Single supplement
• Surcharge for complex dietary requirements (may apply)