A 3-Day Self-Guided Walking Tour from Apollo Bay to Aire River
A 3-Day Self-Guided Walking Tour from Apollo Bay to Aire River
4.9 (46)  
Apollo Bay, VIC 3233
  • Highlights
    • Your adventure begins in the picturesque coastal town of Apollo Bay, and over the course of three days, you'll cover approximately 43.5 kilometers, culminating at the serene Aire River.
    • As you set out on your first leg of the journey, be prepared to be captivated by the rugged coastal scenery.
    • Whether you're a seasoned hiker or a nature enthusiast seeking a unique adventure, this 3-day trek will leave you with lasting memories and a renewed appreciation for the beauty that unfolds when you step off the beaten path.

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  • Overview

    Experience the stunning beauty of the Great Ocean Walk, whilst basing yourself in the beautiful foothills of Apollo Bay.

    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.

    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.

    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.

    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!
  • What's included?
    • Experience for 2 to 10 Guests.
    • Spacious Van or Minibus for Your Comfort.
    • 5 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. 
    • Complimentary Cape Otway Lighthouse Tickets on Day 3.
  • Location

    • If you are driving along the Great Ocean Road to Apollo Bay, Parks Victoria suggest that you park your car close to the police station in Nelson St whilst you are on your walk. Or you may leave your car at the Marengo Beach car park free of charge. Alternatively you can leave your car at the Apollo Bay Recreation Reserve for a small fee. 
    • Please arrive at least 15 minutes earlier than your scheduled experience.

  • Customer Reviews for Walk91

    4.9

    46 reviews
    Cynthia Lui
    Cynthia Lui
    2 weeks ago

    We just completed the first half of the Great Ocean Walk from Apollo Bay to Castle Cove. Mark and his team were fantastic. Our bus driver Brad was a legend. The home cooked food was nourishing and plentiful (thanks Nancy), accomodation at the lighthouse was unique and added to our experience. Highly recommend Walk 91.

    Sandra Burgess
    Sandra Burgess
    5 months ago

    I cannot recommend the Walk 91 team enough. The team were fantastic to deal with and nothing was too much trouble. The accommodation at the Lighthouse Keepers house in Cape Otway was amazing. The food provided was delicious. The Great Ocean Road walk is out of this world so much to see and well worth doing. I cannot wait to complete the next section sometime next year. Also if you want a really nice meal in Apollo Bay you cannot go past the Vault or Casalinga.

    Cathy Batchelor
    Cathy Batchelor
    5 months ago

    My sister & I have recently completed the GOW, using the terrific staff of Walk91 to assist us with every aspect of this adventure. From the early planning stages and all the way through to our completion of the walk, the staff could not have been more helpful and great to deal with. Because Walk91 dealt with all of our arrangements, including accommodation before & after our walk, all transfers needed each day along the track, full catering of all of our meals (and snacks) and provision of safety items & regular check-ins, we were able to focus on the enjoyment of walking this amazing track and taking every opportunity to explore the natural wonders we encountered. Obviously great ocean vistas were a huge part of the scenery, but there is actually so much more to this area. The wildflowers were abundant through much of the track and so the birdlife & insects were plentiful too. Amazingly we were also able to spot about 4 different native orchids growing along the track and, as an avid gardener, this was pretty special for me. Other wildlife was certainly on show too. We had the pleasure to see koalas, wallabies, kangaroos & echidnas in their natural habitat - sadly this can be so difficult to do these days. We also searched rock pools along the shore at low tide & discovered beautiful coloured starfish & anenomes in the tidal pools. This is just a small selection of the wonderful experiences we had over the days of our walk, and I cannot recommend it enough - If you've ever considered doing the GOW you need to contact Walk91 right now & make it a reality - you won't regret it!!

    Tarryn Summers
    Tarryn Summers
    8 months ago

    We had an amazing girls weekend away hiking this trail (self guided). Walk91 made everything so easy! We didn't have to worry about a thing... Food was delicious and there was plenty of it. Accommodation was comfortable and beautiful. We felt supported and safe on the trail knowing the team at walk91 were only a text away. Our bus driver Brad was an absolute legend, lots of local knowledge and interesting stories. We will be back again!!

    Peter Semianiw
    Peter Semianiw
    a month ago

    Had a group of 9 walkers - aged from mid forties to over 80. Walked 20 km first day 13 km second and 8 last day. Found second day 13 km difficult due to the hign temps - over 35 degrees C. Staff from Walk 91 looked after us everyday - breakfasts and lunches and were always there to pick us up at the end of the day and transport us back to our accomodation in Marengo.

    More Reviews Add Review
    • Experience Type: Outdoor
    • Activity Level: Moderate
    • Skill Level: Beginner
    • ID Required: Yes
    • Booking Required: Yes

    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.

    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).

    Culinary Delights:

    • SavoThis 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.r 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.

     Cape Otway Lighthouse Bonus:

    • Enjoy a delightful bonus with complimentary entry tickets to Cape Otway Lighthouse.
    • Climb the tower and explore the oldest surviving mainland Australian Lightstation on your journey.

    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.
    • 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.

    DAY 3 TUESDAY 16KM     PARKER HILL CAMPGROUND TO AIRE RIVER BRIDGE.

    [Or stop walking at the Lighthouse at 5KM. Note - waiting times incurred. We will need to collect the other walkers at Aire River first before we return to Apollo Bay.]

    8AM Bus transfer from Apollo Bay. ETA: Parker Hill Campground 8.40am.
    4PM Bus transfer from Aire River Shelter, western side of the bridge. ETA: Apollo Bay 4.45PM

    • On today's walk you will notice the vegetation slowly changes to dry coastal forests inhabited by echidnas and king parrots. Remember to look up, as this is a popular spot for local koalas to rest in the manna gums. Enjoy fabulous views of the Bass Strait as you walk above Crayfish Bay, and enjoy your first glimpse of the Cape Otway Lighthouse from the sweeping staircase at Point Franklin.
    • Today, if opening hours allow, you may use our complimentary tickets to visit the Cape Otway Lighthouse where you may walk up the 18 metre, 150-year-old lightstation tower and learn about the lives of the hard-working, isolated and incredibly resourceful lighthouse keepers. If you still have the energy, you may also like to visit the telegraph station built in 1859 and the World War ll radar station.
    • After exiting the Lighthouse you will pass the old lightstation cemetery. The tombstones reflect the hardships experienced by the early settlers and make for somber reading. The track then meanders on towards the wild and wonderful Station Beach, which is littered with driftwood. If you have the energy, and the swell and tide allows, you may take a small detour to Rainbow Falls, or simply carry on walking to enjoy sweeping views from the cliff tops. You’ll slowly make your way towards walking along the heritage listed Aire River. This stunning river is so peaceful it is teaming with wildlife, but sadly it has a dark history. Tragically this spot was the location of a massacre of the Traditional Owners of the land, the Gadubanud, following a conflict at Blanket Bay with the new settlers.
    • 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.
    • 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.

     

     

     

  • We appreciate that in some cases customers have to cancel their bookings. In the event of cancellation, you agree to pay the cancellation fees listed below. Travel insurance is strongly recommended & provides protection against most legitimate reasons for cancellation. For any bookings cancelled after reservations have been confirmed and up to:

    • 30 plus days prior to departure – loss of deposit or option to receive a credit note valid for 18 months to apply to any walk we have advertised minus $100 re-booking fee. (Peak rates apply for school holidays/Easter and Christmas).
    • 29 days or less prior to departure – 100% loss of the full price/ of the total price.
    • No refund is available after the departure of a tour has commenced.
    • Self-guided group itinerary prices (based on one or more walkers travelling together) no longer apply if the quoted/booked in number/amount of walkers do not intend to walk or cancel for any reason. The total itinerary price will be covered by the remainder of walkers wishing to walk or cancelled, & cancellation fees applied as described above.
    • Walk 91 are happy for you to find replacement walkers, to replace those who have dropped out of the group booking.
    • Walk 91 will not individually refund walkers in the group who wish to cancel. The group (more than one person) is treated as one booking, not individual bookings. Valid refunds, as per the conditions listed, are only given to the person representing the group, who made the group booking (regardless of alternative payment arrangements agreed by Walk91).
    • If you depart your Walking Package / forced to leave your itinerary e.g. injury/illness or for personal reasons, no refunds will be made. (We recommend travel and cancellation insurance).
  • Your voucher(s) and booking information will be included in the confirmation email you will receive shortly after purchasing the experience on Amazed.com.

    If the booking needs to be first confirmed by the host, you will receive your Amazed voucher within 24-48 hours of purchase.

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