walking info 

Immerse yourself in nature and experience the dramatic, ever-changing views of the spectacular Shipwreck Coast 225km west of Melbourne, Victoria. This luxury guided hike along the iconic Great Ocean Walk combines stunning hiking with fabulous meals showcasing the delicious local produce: Freshly caught fish and seafood; locally reared meat; hand-crafted cheeses; fresh fruit and vegetables; fine wines and  boutique beers. There is time to unwind and relax with a massage plus a chance to experience the Otway Fly Treetop Walk.

Our exclusive tour is offered just twice each year. Tailor made holidays for private groups are available on other dates.

Another fabulous continuous hike which can be done in sections as a self-guided walk is The Great North Walk in NSW north of Sydney. The Great North Walk Companion is a fabulous new guide which provides you with all the necessary information you need - plus lots more.

  

What's included?

Itinerary
Trip starts and ends in Melbourne, Victoria. International airport and excellent train/coach services.

Day 1: Melbourne to Apollo Bay (3½ hour drive)

Meet 9am Melbourne CBD (city centre), 9.30am Melbourne Tullamarine Airport . We drive 3.5hours to Apollo Bay. Ease into your holiday with a short hike from Marengo to Shelly Beach.  Stay for two nights at a fully sustainable, purpose-built Ecolodge*. This evening we enjoy an exclusive insight into the fauna and flora of the Otways with a guided dusk walk with our hosts before dinner.

Day 2: Shelly Beach to Cape Otway

Walk through beautiful, unspoilt mountain ash forest, home to black wallabies. We stop for a picnic near Blanket Bay and then continue, past picturesque Parker Inlet, to Cape Otway Lightstation. This is the oldest lightstation on the Australian mainland and it provided a beacon of light, and hope, to the early settlers after their long voyage. Private guided tour before returning to the Ecolodge for dinner.

Day 3: Cape Otway to Castle Cove

Today we hike along remote Station Beach and marvel at the ancient geology of this region which has created fascinating rock formations along the coastline. Descend through the dunes to peaceful Aire River inlet for a delicious picnic lunch before continuing to Castle Cove. We stay for the next 3 nights at cozy Glenaire Cottages** with fabulous ocean views.

Day 4: Castle Cove to Milanesia Beach

Hike through heathland and keep an eye out for the shy echidna. We cross Johanna beach which is a haven for hooded plovers at nesting time and is also a popular spot for peregrine falcons. After out picnic lunch we return to our accommodation for a relaxing afternoon. Laze in the spa and indulge with an in-house massage. The more energetic can explore one of the bushwalks departing from the cottages. Later in the afternoon there is the opportunity to enjoy a cookery demonstration by a talented local chef as he prepares our private dinner.

Day 5: Milanesia Beach to Moonlight Head

A spectacular hike with stunning views. Explore the hidden gem of Milanesia beach, only accessible by foot. Follow the path along high sea cliffs to our picnic spot at remote Ryan's Den from where we have sensational views back to Cape Otway. Continue to romantic Moonlight Head before returning to our accommodation.

Day 6: Moonlight Head to the Twelve Apostles

Start the day with a visit to evocative Wreck Beach and hear the stories of some of the most infamous shipwrecks on this treacherous coast. Walk through blue gum forest, casuarinas trees and lush farmland to emerge at the small village of Princetown overlooking the Gellibrand River. In the afternoon we continue over the clifftops to emerge at the majestic limestone stacks of the Twelve Apostles. Stay tonight in the heart of Port Campbell and enjoy a fabulous meal in a local restaurant.

Day 7: Loch Ard Gorge and the Otway Fly

This morning we explore Loch Ard gorge and learn the story of this tragic shipwreck before continuing to a local boutique winery for a tasting and our final gourmet picnic. In the afternoon, experience a bird's eye view of the Otways with a rainforest walk on the magnificent Otway Fly before returning to Melbourne for 6pm.

Accommodation

We have selected quality accommodation close to the trail to guarantee your comfort and to minimise driving times at the start and end of each day. 

* The Ecolodge has double accommodation only. Single travellers and those requiring twin accommodation will stay at nearby 1 or 2 bedroom luxury cottages with ocean views.

** Glenaire has three 2-bedroom cottages all with spas and ocean views. There is one bathroom per cottage. Depending on group size, we may also use nearby high quality B&B accommodation.

Walking

Moderate Walking

Hilly terrain with some steep ascents/descents.

Shortest day 5.5km
Longest day 17.7km

Paths vary from wide farm and forestry tracks to narrow paths through coastal scrub and along cliff tops. Hilly in places. Some beach walking, depending on tides.

For information on other hikes in Australia, explore the informative website of Adventure.com

For similar hikes in New Zealand, contact Wanderlust.

Dates

Weather
The Otways is one of the wettest areas in Victoria. However, in spring and late summer it is generally warm to hot and the sea is warm enough for swimming in the summer .

Price:
7 days AU$2895 (single supplement $190)
The price represents the true cost of your holiday. No hidden extras.

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Contact Us
info@hedonistichiking.com.au	(Australia) +61 (03) 5755 2307           (within UK) 0845 6801948