Discover the ultimate wilderness experience with a four-day Great Ocean Walk Guide featuring cliff-top vistas and luxurious eco-lodging.
So, you’re thinking about taking a little stroll through the Eucalypt forests, huh? Well, buckle up because I’ve got the inside scoop on a four-day walking adventure that will have you feeling like a true wilderness warrior in no time.
Surrounded by native rosemary, cushion plants, and wildflowers in season. Ppractically skipping through the forest, feeling like a regular old nature ninja. And just when you think it can’t get any better, you come across the Gables Lookout, one of Australia’s highest cliff-top vistas. Talk about a room with a view!
But wait, there’s more! After a day of trekking through the great outdoors, you get to kick back and relax at the Twelve Apostles Lodge. This place is like the Ritz-Carlton of eco-lodges, complete with chef-inspired meals that will make your taste buds do a happy dance.
Now, I know what you’re thinking. “But I don’t have time for a long trip away!” Well, fear not my friend, because this four-day walking adventure is the perfect way to escape the hustle and bustle of life without sacrificing an entire week of your precious time.
We’ll start our journey in Melbourne and make our way to renowned destinations like Johanna Beach, Moonlight Head, Wreck Beach, and of course, the stunning Twelve Apostles. Over four amazing days, you’ll sample the most picturesque stages of the trail, walking past dramatic coastal terrain that will make you feel like you’re in a nature documentary.
And did I mention that we’ve got you covered? That’s right, we’ll provide everything you need for the trip, including transfers from Melbourne, daypacks, waterproof jackets, and of course, your very own expert guides who will be with you every step of the way. They’ll teach you about the history, flora, and fauna of the breathtaking landscape you’re walking through. It’s like having your very own personal National Geographic special!
Just remember to bring your sense of humor and adventure – it’s going to be a wild ride!
Day 1. Join Melbourne, walk Cape Otway to Blanket Bay (10km)
So, you’ve decided to join the adventure at Mercure Melbourne Southbank in Melbourne at the crack of dawn, huh? Well, get ready for a wild ride because this ain’t your average stroll in the park.
First things first, make sure you’re all geared up and ready to hit the road at 7:45am. And by geared up, I mean dressed to impress in your finest walking attire and with your daypack packed to the brim. We’re talking snacks, water, sunscreen, and maybe a spare pair of socks in case things get really wild.
Once you’ve met our fearless guide and the rest of the gang, we’ll pile into our trusty ride and make our way to Blanket Bay. And let me tell you, the scenic drive from Melbourne is worth the early wake-up call. You’ll see some breathtaking views that’ll make you forget all about that comfy hotel bed you left behind.
Now, when we hit Blanket Bay, that’s when the real fun begins. We’re talking cliff-top climbing, barefoot beach strolling, and wildlife spotting galore. Keep your eyes peeled for koalas, kangaroos, and echidnas – they’re like the celebrities of the Great Ocean Walk. And our expert guides will be dishing out all the juicy details about the local flora and fauna along the way, so you’ll be a regular nature expert by the time we’re done.
But wait, there’s more! Just when you think it can’t get any better, we’ll wrap up our walk at the Cape Otway Lighthouse. Not only is it a stunning sight to behold, but our guides will also hit you with some fascinating naval history tidbits that’ll make you feel like a regular old sea captain.
And just when you thought the day couldn’t get any more epic, we’ll whisk you away to our private lodge in Johanna. Picture this: a glass of local sparkling in hand, a long table dinner spread fit for royalty, and a whole lot of celebrating your triumphant first day of walking. You’ll feel like a true champion as you kick back and relive all the wild moments from the day.
So there you have it, folks. A day filled with adventure, wildlife, stunning views, and a whole lot of laughs. And that’s just the beginning. Who knows what other shenanigans await us on this epic journey? One thing’s for sure – you won’t want to miss a single moment of it. So lace up those walking shoes and get ready for the time of your life!
Day 2 Melanesia Track to Moonlight Head (14.5km)
Day two is like the ultimate test of your hiking prowess, but fear not, for you shall emerge victorious and bask in the glory of personal triumph.
At the world’s edge, surrounded by wild, weathered headlands that make you feel like you’re in a dramatic movie scene. It’s like nature is showing off its best work just for you.
Now, let’s talk about the 14.5 kilometers of rolling terrain that awaits you. It’s like a rollercoaster ride, but with more trees and less screaming. You’ll start at Milanesia Track, which sounds fancy but really just means you’re about to embark on some of the most remote sections of the Great Ocean Walk. Remote, but not without its charm!
As you make your way through deep gullies with tree ferns and towering remnant Eucalypts, you’ll encounter 132 steps that will make you question every life choice that led you to this moment. But fear not, for the reward at the end is worth every step. Ryans Den awaits, and if the weather is feeling generous, it’s your lunch perch with views that will make you forget all about those 132 steps.
And then there’s Cape Volney and Cape Otway, putting on a show that even the most seasoned hiker would appreciate. The bench along the trail is like a siren calling out to weary travelers, tempting them to sit and soak in the views for hours. But hey, who needs a bench when you’ve got the entire coastline to marvel at?
As you walk for approximately 6.5 hours, you’ll realize that nature has a way of making you forget about sore muscles and tired feet. The heaving seas disappearing into watery caves, the views that stretch to the horizon’s edge, and the forest framing the entire spectacle – it’s like a nature-themed reality show that you never want to end.
Remember, no matter how tough it gets, there’s always a bench or a lunch perch waiting for you with views that will make it all worthwhile.
Day 3 Moonlight Head to Wreck Beach (12km)
Strap on your hiking boots and get ready for a 30-minute transfer to Moonlight Head, where the fun begins! The first part of the journey takes you through native stringybark forest, which is like a gentle warm-up for the real action ahead. It’s a nice contrast to the coast, and you might even spot some friendly wildlife along the way. But hold on to your hats, because things are about to get exciting!
After the forest stroll, get ready for a rise to the Gables, which is one of mainland Australia’s highest cliff top lookouts. It’s like reaching the summit of a roller coaster ride, with breathtaking views that will make you feel like you’re on top of the world (or at least on top of Australia). Depending on the tide, you’ll descend onto Wreck Beach and explore historic shipwreck ruins. It’s like a real-life treasure hunt, but without the pirates (hopefully).
Next up, it’s time for lunch at Devil’s Kitchen. No, we’re not cooking up any devilish dishes, but we are serving up some delicious food with a side of stunning coastal views. And don’t worry, we won’t let any actual devils steal your lunch! After refueling, we’ll follow the Devil’s Kitchen Track through fern gullies and over a ridge populated with grass trees. It’s like stepping into a magical land where fairies might just pop out at any moment.
But wait, there’s more! On our way back to the lodge, we’ll take a short walk around Melba Gully, an enchanting rainforest gully with towering Mountain Ash and Beech Myrtle. It’s like entering a mystical realm where nature puts on its finest show. And to top it all off, we’ll celebrate our last night together with a rejuvenating foot spa, a long table dinner, and a glass of local wine. It’s the perfect way to unwind after a day of adventure.
Day 4 Princetown to the Twelve Apostles (8km)
So, it’s your final morning at Twelve Apostles Walking Lodge. Time to bid farewell to those cozy beds and delicious breakfasts. But hey, don’t be sad, because they got one more adventure in store for you before you head back to the real world.
After stuffing yourself with another hearty breakfast (seriously, these guys don’t mess around when it comes to food), it’s time to pack up and check out. Say your goodbyes to the lodge and get ready for a scenic 45-minute drive back to Princetown. And let me tell you, the views along the way are worth the early wake-up call.
As we wind our way back to civilization, you’ll catch glimpses of those famous Twelve Apostles, standing tall and majestic against the backdrop of the coastline. It’s like they’re saying, “Hey there, don’t forget about us!” But don’t worry, we won’t. There’s even a special viewing lookout just for us walkers, because we’re kind of a big deal.
Once we’ve soaked in all the natural beauty we can handle, it’s time to make our grand entrance at the Twelve Apostles Visitors Centre. Cue the applause and confetti, because you’ve officially conquered the trail. Take a moment to pat yourself on the back – you’ve earned it.
But wait, there’s more! We’re not about to send you off on your journey home without one last delicious meal. We’ll make a pit stop in the nearby town of Timboon to visit Schulz Organic Dairy, our dairy supplier and lunch spot. Because nothing says “job well done” like a tasty meal made with the freshest ingredients.
And finally, it’s time to bid adieu as we head back to Melbourne. If you need a lift to the airport or the CBD, we’ve got you covered. Just sit back, relax, and relive all the amazing moments from your walk. We’ll drop you off at Tullamarine Airport in time for your flight, or at the Mercure Melbourne Southbank if you’re sticking around the city.
So there you have it – your final morning at Twelve Apostles Walking Lodge is coming to an end. But don’t worry, the memories of this incredible adventure will stick with you long after you’ve said your goodbyes. And who knows? Maybe you’ll find yourself back here again someday, ready to tackle the trail once more. Until then, keep on walking and never stop exploring.
So what are you waiting for? Grab your hiking boots and get ready to embark on the adventure of a lifetime. Trust me, after four days of trekking through Eucalypt forests and gazing at the mighty limestone Apostles, you’ll feel like a whole new person. And who knows, maybe you’ll even come back with a few wild stories to impress your friends at the next dinner party.
[…] you’re into hiking, then the Great Ocean Walk is your jam. Not only do you get to stretch those legs and work on your calf muscles, but you also […]