Plenty Gorge Park is our favourite place to go for a walk. This time we started from Janefield Wetlands near Uni Hill.
We returned on the trail next to the Plenty River. We walked 6.1 km for about 1.5 hours. Recording of our walk on Strava.
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Janefield Wetlands and Plenty Gorge Park
Black swan Boardwalk Dry creek Dry tree Kangaroos -
Great Ocean Walk Day 6 – Devils Kitchen to the 12 Apostles
First, I would like to acknowledge both the Eastern Maar peoples and the Wadawurrung peoples of the Kulin Nations as the traditional owners of the Great Otway National Park. I want to pay my respects to the past, present and any Indigenous people among us today. I also want to acknowledge that I have profited and benefited from stolen land and that Indigenous people were never ceded sovereignty. Finally, I would like to acknowledge the Wurundjeri peoples of, Naarm, where I sit and write this blog and would like to acknowledge the traditional owners of the many lands my readers come from.
The final day of the 5-night hike through the Great Otway National Park. The Great Ocean Walk has been challenging, beautiful, relaxing and a home away from home during this last week. It was bittersweet knowing it was the last day of the trip, my mate and I had such an incredible time together but we were also keen for a shower, see our loved ones and to get a good night’s sleep in our respective beds. But lets not get ahead of ourselves we still have 16km to hike to get to the 12 Apostles. This 16km is definitely do able as a day walk but unfortunately there is no car access between Wreck Beach Carpark and Gellibrand River Carpark. Although the Old Coach Rd does get pretty close to the trail at times this might be something worth investigating. If you were to walk from Wreck Beach to the 12 Apostles it would be 18kms, this makes it a lengthy day walk but not impossible.
Signage along the way The first 7kms included gentle undulation and followed the coastal cliffs looking down over the ocean, we trekked in a north west direction. There is no beach access along this section but there are lookouts and boot cleaning stations to avoid the spread of cinnamon fungus. I have spoken previously about the cinnamon fungus but as a reminder it attacks and rots the root systems of plants which ruins the biodiversity of our native plants. Please wash your boots carefully at the stations. As the trail turns inland in a northerly direction the ground under foot changes to become much more sandy, due to Gellibrand River to the west. There are a few more people on the trail than the last few days because they are doing their daily walks along the Gellibrand River. We come across Princetown Camping Reserve along Old Coach Rd. Now we really feel like we are in a built up area.
Gellibrand River 
Our morning tea spot and the next section of the trail at the signpost. We cross the bridge and decide to have morning tea on the boardwalk over the Gellibrand River. After morning tea we start to hike along the sand dune area. This part of the trail is more steep and includes steps etched into the sandy hills and the occasional boardwalk. By this point we are also on the edge of the Great Otway National Park and so we see more roads, cars and people. This is different compared to the last few days of the trek where there was minimal car access and the only people we bumped into were fellow hikers. It is a little bit of a shock to the system. Although the sandy vegetation and coastal views are beautiful and worth taking in during this section which lasts for 6km.
Almost at the end of the Great Ocean Walk Highly recommend taking a photo at this iconic sign, it is a milestone on this 6 day trek. Once at Gibson Steps you can choose to go down to the beach to explore or continue on the trail and cross the Great Ocean Rd. Once you cross the road the trail becomes a two way track and is much busier with tourists and sightseers. We walked along here for 1km until we encountered the Visitor Centre where we turned south and walked to the 12 Apostles lookout. At the lookout there is a bunch of boardwalks to walk along although some of these were under construction when we were there. We said hello to the 12 Apostles and felt we had already said farewell to the trail before this busy section. It was a real jolt back into regular life.
The 12 Apostles. We walked back to the visitor centre and went straight to the bathrooms. It felt good to have running water on our faces and we cleaned up a little before walking into the shop to grab a hot pie for lunch. From here we hitch hiked back to the car that we left in Apollo Bay. If you don’t want to risk it with hitch hiking there are plenty of shuttle companies that look after this area along the way, just make sure you book with them in advance. There is also a public bus system but unfortunately it only arrives and departs at really inconvenient times. On our journey back to Melbourne we did stop in Apollo Bay for a pub meal and a swim at the beach, highly recommend this final stop before getting swept back into regular life again.
Trail Name Great Ocean Walk – Devils Kitchen to the 12 Apostles Distance 16km Estimated Time 5hrs Grade 3 Type One Way – East to West Park Great Otway National Park Access Hike-in only (2WD access from the 12 Apostles) Trail Name Great Ocean Walk – Blanket Bay Campground to Cape Otway Lightstation Carpark Distance 11km Estimated Time 3.5hrs Grade 2-3 Type One Way – East to West Park Great Otway National Park Access 2WD 
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Great Ocean Walk Day 5 – Ryans Den to Devils Kitchen
First, I would like to acknowledge both the Eastern Maar peoples and the Wadawurrung peoples of the Kulin Nations as the traditional owners of the Great Otway National Park. I want to pay my respects to the past, present and any Indigenous people among us today. I also want to acknowledge that I have profited and benefited from stolen land and that Indigenous people were never ceded sovereignty. Finally, I would like to acknowledge the Wurundjeri peoples of, Naarm, where I sit and write this blog and would like to acknowledge the traditional owners of the many lands my readers come from.
We woke up very sore yet extremely proud of ourselves for digging deep the day before and smashing out a 28km hike. We chose to have a slower morning and enjoyed yoga and breakfast at the lookout before the days hike of 13kms. Ryan’s Den was by far our favorite spot of the GOW so far and we didn’t want to leave. The hike from Ryan’s Den to Devils Kitchen was mostly inland until we got to Wreck Beach where you could choose to trek along the beach and then back inland and around to devils kitchen or stay on the more direct inland route. If you were to do this trek as a day walk you could start from the car access at Ryans Den Track 1km before Ryans Den Hike-In Campground. Then hike until the Gable Car Park (10km) or the Wreck Beach Car Park (11km) which means you don’t quite make it to Devils Kitchen Hike-In Campground unless you hike all the way there and back, adding 5km to the 11km hike.
The coastal views along the Great Ocean Walk The first 4.8km of the inland trail was directly above the ocean on the steep cliffline. After this the trail turned abruptly north and we were technically outside of the Great Otway National Park here we trekked along an access road for 600m before reentering the National Park and travelling west. We were inundated by flys for this short 600m, due to it being so close to farmland and the farm animals there, we were overjoyed to make our way back inside the national park. A lot of this section of the Great Ocean Walk trail is on platforms and involves many boot cleaners. It seemed to be newly constructed and I imagine this is due to the Cinnamon Fungus prevention.
Exploring Devils Kitchen The rest of the walk included a few man made catching features such as the car parks and boot cleaning stations. This helped us with our motivation loss due to the fatigue that a multi-day trip involves by day 5. Each time we passed a ‘checkpoint’ we knew we were that much closer. We chose to walk down the wooden planks to Wreck Beach for morning tea. We left our packs in the bushes at the top of the ‘stairs’ and enjoyed the lighter feeling for the beach scramble. If you do choose to walk along this beach continue to be aware of the tide times due to no inland track exits past this point. I have heard there is some interesting history of the shipwrecks along this beach and various anchors to find. I am sure it is definitely worth a visit. Then we passed the Wreck Beach Carpark and knew we only had 2.6km left until Devil’s Kitchen Hike-In Campground.
The many stairs down to Wreck Beach. Arrival at Devils Kitchen was well deserved, we chose a nice large flat campsite to setup and explored the area. This campsite had the best loo with a view by far out of the entire GOW. We also found a lovely lookout perfect for watching the sunset. We refilled our water bladders and setup monopoly deal inside the group shelter here. After dinner we watched the sunset before crawling into our tents hoping for a long sleep before the final trek out in the morning.
Devils Kitchen Campsite Setup 
The loo with a view, by far the best drop toilet on the GOW 
Our final sunset on the multi day trek Trail Name Great Ocean Walk – Ryans Den to Devils Kitchen Hike-In Campground Distance 13km Estimated Time 5hrs Grade 4 Type One Way – East to West Park Great Otway National Park Access Hike-in only (2WD access from ??) Trail Name Great Ocean Walk – Blanket Bay Campground to Cape Otway Lightstation Carpark Distance 11km Estimated Time 3.5hrs Grade 2-3 Type One Way – East to West Park Great Otway National Park Access 2WD Trail Name Great Ocean Walk – Shelly Beach Picnic Area to Blanket Bay Campground Distance 15.2km Estimated Time 5hrs Grade 2 Type One Way – East to West Park Great Otway National Park Access 2WD Source -
Great Ocean Walk Day 4 – Aire River to Ryans Den
First, I would like to acknowledge both the Eastern Maar peoples and the Wadawurrung peoples of the Kulin Nations as the traditional owners of the Great Otway National Park. I want to pay my respects to the past, present and any Indigenous people among us today. I also want to acknowledge that I have profited and benefited from stolen land and that Indigenous people were never ceded sovereignty. Finally, I would like to acknowledge the Wurundjeri peoples of, Naarm, where I sit and write this blog and would like to acknowledge the traditional owners of the many lands my readers come from.
When I look back on this multi-day trek I remember day 4 as the highlight of the trip. We knew it would be a challenge. We had built up our expectations and motivation over the last 3 days. Day 4 was a 28km hike with the most elevation gain and loss of the entire Great Ocean Walk, this should not be undertaken unless your an experienced hiker. To mitigate arriving too late to Ryan’s Den we had a ‘trail breaky’ which meant we picked a certain amount of kilometres to walk before we found a nice spot to eat breakfast on the trail. We found this motivated us to complete more distance first thing in the morning. Highly recommend this technique if you have a long day planned.
Views along the trail. Our breakfast spot was 2.8km along the trail at the Sentinel Rock Lookout, the trail handrails Aire River in a westerly direction and is undulating. After breakfast the trail turned northwesterly. The terrain was the same for the next kilometre but is now beside the cliffs and beach. The trail followed a steady decline towards the beach with an elevation loss of 50m within 400metres. Next we arrived at Castle Cove Lookout, which is definitely worth having a break at. Castle Cove is very popular because it is one of the only spots along this section of the Great Ocean Walk that you can get access directly from the Great Ocean Road, there is room for about 4 cars to pull up on the side of the road to check it out.
We continued hiking along the coastline for a kilometre before the trail began to head north and inland. There are many boot cleaning stations here please make sure to do a thorough job to avoid the spread of cinnamon fungus. Cinnamon fungus attacks and rots the root systems of plants which ruins the biodiversity of our native plants. This section of the trail is also hilly until we made our way to Johanna Beach. Here there is a long sandy beach stretch of 2kms which includes a river crossing, there is no alternative route so make sure to check the tide times.
A seal we found on Johanna Beach 
The exit off Johanna Beach 
Johanna Beach after walking across the sand We felt exhilarated knowing we had made it to the end of Johanna Beach yet we were extremely aware the hardest part of the walk was still ahead of us. If you were doing this as a day walk Johanna Beach would be a great spot to stop and get picked up since there is car access here. Aire River to Johanna Beach is 12km. We continued on the trail and walked past the Johanna Beach Hike-In Campground which is a further 2km inland. This was a special point of the trip for me because this is where my best mate and I turned back, 6 years ago, and hitch hiked out to a hostel due to injury and unpreparedness. I was young and ambitious, I am proud that we had completed it up till this point back then . Especially considering I had never done a multiday trip before. On this trip, I had zero qualms about completing this 6 day trek.
The view from Johanna Beach Hike-In Campground From the campsite we continued on for another 1km on Old Coach Rd and decided to have our lunch before we tackled the inland elevation towards Melanesia Beach. After lunch we came across the largest snake I have ever seen, and I have been on a lot of trails in the past. Please take care in this section especially because there is so much long grass and not much shade from trees since it is farmland. This was one of the most challenging sections for the day 8kms of dirt roads which includes the elevation gain of 300m and then the loss of 300m also. Allow a lot of time, water and food for this section. We did this at the hottest part of the day because it was unavoidable due to the distance we had to complete to arrive at our campsite. I would recommend this section to be done during the cooler part of the morning due to the limited coverage of trees. Also be aware that there is a lot of fast driving cars through these back roads before arriving at Melanesia Beach.
Picnic lunch on a grassy hill along the Old Coach Rd 
Melanesia River at Melanesia Beach 
Interesting rock formations on a sandy cliff at Melanesia Beach We were super excited to arrive at this beach because we found shade under the cliff and were able to eat our afternoon snack. We had almost 5km still to hike before we were at camp so we did not go for a swim but continued the final part. It was so beautiful leaving the farmland behind and entering back into the Great Otway National Park. Our bodies were fatiguing after having already hiked 23km so the undulating hills and the various stair cases felt never ending. We relied on each other for motivation and the arrival to camp was an emotional one. This was our challenge day and we were over the moon to have accomplished it together.
Campsite at Ryan’s Den Ryans Den was by far my favorite campsite out of all the ones we stayed at. After setting up camp we carried our dinner supplies up to the top of the lookout and enjoy a spectacular sunset. The next morning we had a slow morning involving a sunrise yoga and breakfast session at the lookout. If you planned to do this second half of the walk as a day trip there is car access 1km before Ryans Den Hike-In Campground at the Ryans Den Track. I have never driven on this road so please check the conditions before relying on this one. Due to the majority of the trail being through farmland I probably would not recommend this as a day trip. As an alternative, if you could park your car on Ryans Den Track, then explore by hiking to the campsite (2km return) and then hiking down to Melanesia Beach (7km return) this might be a more enjoyable day trip.
The lookout at Ryan’s Den 
The spectacular sunset during dinner Trail Name Great Ocean Walk – Aire River to Ryans Den Hike-In Campground Distance 28km Estimated Time 10hrs Grade 4 Type One Way – East to West Park Great Otway National Park Access Hike-in only (2WD access from Johanna Beach) Trail Name Great Ocean Walk – Blanket Bay Campground to Cape Otway Lightstation Carpark Distance 11km Estimated Time 3.5hrs Grade 2-3 Type One Way – East to West Park Great Otway National Park Access 2WD Trail Name Great Ocean Walk – Shelly Beach Picnic Area to Blanket Bay Campground Distance 15.2km Estimated Time 5hrs Grade 2 Type One Way – East to West Park Great Otway National Park Access 2WD Source -
Great Ocean Walk Day 3 – Cape Otway to Aire River
First, I would like to acknowledge both the Eastern Maar peoples and the Wadawurrung peoples of the Kulin Nations as the traditional owners of the Great Otway National Park. I want to pay my respects to the past, present and any Indigenous people among us today. I also want to acknowledge that I have profited and benefited from stolen land and that Indigenous people were never ceded sovereignty. Finally, I would like to acknowledge the Wurundjeri peoples of Naarm, where I sit and write this blog and would like to acknowledge the traditional owners of the many lands my readers come from.
We woke up early this morning because our goal today was to get to Aire River by lunch time. We knew we only had 10km to hike and that the next day would be much longer so we planned to have a relaxing afternoon at Aire River. This trek is definitely possible as a day walk because there is car access at the Cape Otway Lightstation Carpark and also at the Aire River West Campground. Both of these have toilets, picnic tables and tank water available.
A viewpoint along the trail. The trail descended from the Cape and took us in a northwest direction to begin the day. We hiked through the Cape Otway Cemetery where there is a small collection of graves from the 1800s. After trekking inland for 3.5kms we had the choice to hike down to Station Beach or stay inland. We chose to stay on high ground and enjoy the views of the beach instead. The next 3.6km of the trail had only gentle undulation. Until we reached the eastern trail turn towards Aire River. Here, during the last 2.2km, the trail became sandy and the final kilometre had the most significant decline in elevation of 80m. We were excited to meet Aire River on the final stretch of the trail before we crossed.
Various view of Aire River and the bridge. We decided to set up camp and gather our lunch things before we swam although now 3 days into the trek we were very keen for a another swim. To find the Hike-In campsites you must first walk across the car campsites (Aire River West Campground) and passed the toilet you will see a steep set of planks leading up a sandy hill. There are many little campsites tucked away in the scrub on this hill. We chose the one furthest away from the toilets but the closest to starting the trail tomorrow.
Aire River West Campground 
Steep set of planks leading up a sandy hill. 
Steep set of planks leading up a sandy hill. 
Aire River Hike In Campsite Now camp was set up we took our things down to a communal shelter below the hill, passed the toilets and nearby the car campers at Aire River West Campground. Once lunch had satisfied us we walked across the bridge and found a sandy spot to wander into the river and have a float, this was magical. Although cold due to the Melbourne weather we had experienced that day. I would highly recommend planning your multi-day hike to include at least a half day rest at this location. After dinner we continued our nightly routine of monopoly deal before an early sleep due to the next big day.
Monopoly Deal at the Aire River Hike-In Campsite Trail Name Great Ocean Walk – Cape Otway to Aire River Hike-In Campground Distance 10km Estimated Time 3.5hrs Grade 3 Type One Way – East to West Park Great Otway National Park Access Hike-in only (2WD access from Aire River) Source -
Great Ocean Walk Day 2 – Elliot Ridge to Cape Otway
First, I would like to acknowledge both the Eastern Maar peoples and the Wadawurrung peoples of the Kulin Nations as the traditional owners of the Great Otway National Park. I want to pay my respects to the past, present and any Indigenous people among us today. I also want to acknowledge that I have profited and benefited from stolen land and that Indigenous people were never ceded sovereignty. Finally, I would like to acknowledge the Wurundjeri peoples of, Naarm, where I sit and write this blog and would like to acknowledge the traditional owners of the many lands my readers come from.
The first morning waking up on the trail of a multi-day is always exciting. Being immersed in the beautiful Great Otway National Park eucalypts is absolutely stunning. Elliot Ridge to Cape Otway includes more inland walking than the first day from Apollo Bay to Elliot Ridge. Although there are still two beach sections to walk at Blanket Bay and Parker Inlet, remember to be aware of the tide times. The final destination for the day is Cape Otway. Although there is a lighthouse here we were not aware of the strict opening times and entry fees, I have never actually visited it. It is said to be the oldest surviving lighthouse on mainland Australia. Luckily there is car access so it is not imperative to include this in the multi-day trek.
Breakfast setup at Elliot Ridge Hike-In Campground. We began walking early in the morning, knowing we had a big day ahead. The 11km inland trek along the 4WD management tracks is very manageable. We first hiked along Elliot Rd in a westerly direction for 4.9km, at the T intersection the road turns southwest onto Parker Spur Rd. We hiked along Parker Rd for 1.9km before taking the northeast turn onto Johnson Track. Be aware of snakes throughout this section as I have seen them here before. At the next intersection, we took Blanket Bay Track in a southerly direction for 1.2km. We turned southeast onto Telegraph Track (finally a walking track) and hiked along here for 2km this is where the descent becomes more obvious. The final 500m of this track is the steepest gradient of the entire day with an elevation loss of 70m. This is a great challenge and makes the Blanket Bay view even more rewarding.
Unfortunately, I have no photos of Blanket Bay Campground but it’s beautiful and very popular, often booked out. It has beach access and views of the ocean from some campsites, and there is a little inland waterfall to explore. The facilities include toilets, tank water, fireplaces, a car park and a boat ramp. Certain campsites and toilets here have been made accessible for wheelchair users. I highly recommend booking a campsite if one becomes available for your trip. For our trek, we had an early lunch here and a well-earned rest.
After lunch, we hiked towards Parker Inlet. The only hiking option is an inland route due to the impassable coastline. Parker Inlet is very peaceful, we crossed the river at low tide and enjoyed a quick snack here. We saw a family who had parked their car at Parker Hill Campground and walked 300m down to the river and beach for a day trip. I would love to go back and explore this camping option.
The Mouth of Parker River 
Parker Inlet From Parker Inlet, we hiked passed Crayfish Bay and onwards to Cape Otway Hike-In Campground. This was the final 5.9 km of the day. Again the trail was inland due to the impassable coastline but this time we were very close to the edge of the cliff so much more scenic. If the tides are right you can explore the rockpools at Crayfish Bay. We continued on to the Lighthouse keen to find camp and start on dinner. We first came across the Cape Otway Lightstation Carpark where there were toilets and a small closed information centre and realised the lighthouse was only accessible with a ticket and at certain times. We continued on and made the final push of 700m to the hike-in campsite, north of the carpark and lighthouse.
This campsite was very well protected by tea trees and coastal scrub. There were toilets, a communal shelter, and a water tank at this campsite. We enjoyed our dinner in the shelter and met some fellow hikers that were also attempting the multi-day trek. We rounded out the night with some Monopoly Deal before crawling into our tents for a well-deserved rest.
Cape Otway Hike-In Campground If you were adjusting this multi-day trek section into a day walk, I would recommend choosing between either shortening it into two-day walks or completing it in one day.
- If you did the entire thing as a day trip you could start from the Shelly Beach Picnic Area, adding 3.2km to the day (26.2km). This length of a trek would only be advised for experienced day trippers. Although you could have the redundancy of relying on Blanket Bay Campground midway, as an alternate finish point, if it became too long for you to manage.
- To make it more manageable you could split it into two-day trips. On the first day, you could walk from Shelly Beach Picnic Area to Blanket Bay Campground (15.2km) which has car access and toilets. The second-day trip would include Blanket Bay Campground to Cape Otway Lightstation Carpark (11km), where there is also car access and toilets again. I would probably suggest the latter as there are more scenic views this way.
Both of these options would require car shuttling or a support vehicle to meet you at the finish point.
Trail Name Great Ocean Walk – Elliot Ridge to Cape Otway Hike-In Campground Distance 23km Estimated Time 8.5hrs Grade 3 Type One Way – East to West Park Great Otway National Park Access Hike-in only (2WD access from Cape Otway Lighthouse) Trail Name Great Ocean Walk – Shelly Beach Picnic Area to Blanket Bay Campground Distance 15.2km Estimated Time 5hrs Grade 2 Type One Way – East to West Park Great Otway National Park Access 2WD Trail Name Great Ocean Walk – Blanket Bay Campground to Cape Otway Lightstation Carpark Distance 11km Estimated Time 3.5hrs Grade 2-3 Type One Way – East to West Park Great Otway National Park Access 2WD Source -
Reliving Nineteenth Century with the Lightstation’s Keeper: Cape Otway
With stunning views of the vast ocean, vibrant green landscapes and thriving wildlife, Cape Otway has a lot up its sleeve to offer a seeker and a traveller.
As I stepped onto the trail leading to Cape Otway Lighthouse, it already felt as if I had embarked on a voyage through time, following in the footsteps of the brave souls who tended this beacon of light in the 1800s. There was a model shipwreck on display at the entrance that signalled the wonders I could experience down the trail.
As I went further down I could see the magnificent beacon of hope far off in the distance, as if beckoning all its visitors on land to explore the stories of thousands of lost travellers at sea it has brought home.
I couldn’t wait to immerse myself in the bygone era and discover the enchantment that lies within the heart of Cape Otway.
A Visit to the Dinosaurs!
When I had entered the premises of the lightstation, I did know that I would be paying a visit to history, but I didn’t know that this would be that far back in time! I came across a little establishment on the trail which was the Dinosaur Hut. Curiosity got the best of me. I went in to check it out quickly.
I witnessed dinosaur fossil replicas and bones that were quite impressive. You could tell the details were quite perfectly preserved through the ages.
It’s interesting that the excavations are still ongoing and people come across new findings every now and then at the active sites in the coves nearby.
The Life of a Lightstation Keeper
As I went further ahead along the trail on that pleasantly cloudy, windy afternoon, I could see a Victorian establishment in the distance, which as I got to know soon after was the telegraph house, used to send all the important communication those days.
Stepping inside the structure, I was transported back in time, as the preserved quarters and artefacts showcased the daily life of the lightstation keepers who called this place home.
I immersed myself in the historical artefacts, tools of communication, ink pots, and even the flasks and containers used to keep different medicinal potions those days.
I learned about the remarkable lives of the lightstation keepers who dedicated their existence to guiding ships safely along this treacherous coastline. Their isolation from the outside world, the relentless weather conditions, and the unwavering responsibility they shouldered painted a vivid picture of their resilience and unwavering commitment. Walking in their footsteps, I couldn’t help but feel a profound respect for these unsung heroes of the sea.
Unveiling the Lighthouse’s Past
After the telegraph house, I continued on the path to finally reach the structure that is of course the highlight of this whole trail. The moment I arrived at Cape Otway Lighthouse, a sense of history washed over me. The towering structure, with its sturdy stone walls and iconic red lantern, stood as a testament to the craftsmanship of the 19th century.
Sunset Vigil
The view of the Southern ocean was just too remarkable to put into words. The winds on top felt powerful enough to carry me away!
Climbing to the top, I imagined standing alongside the keepers, keeping a watchful eye on the horizon. The sweeping panoramic views revealed the majesty of the ocean, while the setting sun painted the sky in a kaleidoscope of colours. It was a moment of reflection and gratitude, paying homage to the keepers who once stood in the same spot, faithfully tending to their lighthouse.
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Great Ocean Walk Day 1 – Apollo Bay to Elliot Ridge
First, I would like to acknowledge both the Eastern Maar peoples and the Wadawurrung peoples of the Kulin Nations as the traditional owners of the Great Otway National Park. I want to pay my respects to the past, present and any Indigenous people among us today. I also want to acknowledge that I have profited and benefited from stolen land and that Indigenous people were never ceded sovereignty. Finally, I would like to acknowledge the Wurundjeri peoples of, Naarm, where I sit and write this blog and would like to acknowledge the traditional owners of the many lands my readers come from.
I have attempted the Great Ocean Walk (GOW) two times before. The first time I was unable to complete it due to inexperience and my best mate becoming injured. The second time was with a good mate of mine and we managed to complete it in its entirety. The GOW is 100km and travels through a variety of environments including, towns, farmland, beaches, estuaries and lush rainforest etc. We completed this trek in 5 days, it was a special experience. A unique element of this trail is that it can be completed as day trips if preferred. I have broken down this experience into 6 day walks but feel welcome to take on the challenge of the multi-day, even if you only do certain sections at a time. Be sure to prepare yourself well if you do plan to do this trek.
Planning Session with a Cafe Breakfast To begin there is some key things to be aware of:
- There is a strict leave no trace principle, carry out everything you bring in with you including all your rubbish.
- This is a one-way trail start from the east and travel to the west.
- Overnight campsites must be booked ahead of time through Parks Victoria.
- Be aware of tide times and weather as both of these can be volatile and effect making it to camp each night.
- If doing a multi-day trek complete a trip intention form, let police know where your vehicle is parked for the duration and let family/friends know your plans.
There are many markers like this along the trail. The first part of the walk we began at the Apollo Bay Visitor Information Centre, we walked passed the town and through the Marengo Family Caravan Park. This is where there are multiple decision points to scramble the coastal rocks or stay inland due to tide times (although there are a couple sections impassible at high tide). There are many signs along the way but I highly recommend taking the Great Ocean Walk map from the visitor information centre it clearly outlines the various trails and access points along the way. My friend and I chose to take the rock scrambling option due to it being low tide. This was fun and made it a more challenging experience balancing across crevice’s and hopping along the rocky formations. We trekked across Three Creeks Beach and onto Shelly Beach which were long stretches of sandy beaches (1.5km). We turned inland to the north west and trekked 800 metres with an elevation gain of 140m to Elliot Ridge Campground.
Elliot Ridge Hike-In Campsite Set Up 
There are many little camp sites similar to this one dotted around Elliots Ridge most with a table. There is a communal shelter, rain water tank and toilet facilities here. If you were planning this section of the GOW as a day trip, I would avoid the campsite all together and once at Shelly Beach walk 1km north east towards Shelly Beach Picnic Area which has car access and toilets. If you were hoping to visit the campsite during the day walk there is another inland route that is a 4WD management track called Elliot Rd. This takes you to Shelly Beach Picnic Area adding 3.2km to the day walk making it 13.2kms in total.
By the time we completed setting up camp it was too early for dinner. We gathered our cooking supplies and headed back down to Shelly Beach looking for a swim spot. We rock scrambled to the west and found a deep trough where there were safe entrances to allow for a float and splash after a dusty afternoon of hiking and setting up camp. It was the best part of the day watching the sunset and boiling our dinner on the rocks taking in the beauty surrounding us.
Dinner on the coastal rocks beside Shelly Beach. Trail Name Great Ocean Walk – Apollo Bay to Elliot Ridge Hike-In Campground Distance 10km Estimated Time 3.5hrs Grade 3 Type One Way – East to West Park Great Otway National Park Access Hike-in only (2WD access from Shelly Beach Picnic Area) Source -
Exploring the Majestic Heights: A Mesmerising Bushwalk at Marriners Lookout
Hey there! I’m excited to be back and share with you the incredible adventure I had on my recent bushwalk at Marriners Lookout. Located in the picturesque town of Apollo Bay, Victoria, this spot offers a fantastic viewpoint to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the region. Join me as I take you through the wonders I witnessed on this unforgettable journey.
I had a beautiful host welcome me before I even began the trail. I spotted a gorgeous Eastern Spinebill happily having supper among the spiny bear’s breech bushes. It was so into it that it didn’t even notice me standing just a few inches away capturing that moment forever.
I went further down to spot a cute little tent put up by the locals, selling little keepsakes and collectibles.
There was an adorable doll of a sleeping baby made with gumnuts. I knew this was as interesting as a start to a trail could get. I couldn’t wait to discover what the path ahead had in store for me!
As I set off on the hike, the fresh scent of eucalyptus filled the air, refreshing my senses. The trail led me through a lush forest, with majestic trees towering overhead. Sunlight filtered through the canopy, casting a soft glow on the vibrant green foliage below. The chirping of birds provided a pleasant soundtrack as I made my way.
The trail gradually ascended, offering stunning views along the way. Just before reaching the lookout, the dense vegetation opened up, revealing a breathtaking panorama.
The coastline stretched before me, with rugged cliffs, crashing waves, and the glistening Southern Ocean in all its glory.
From Marriners Lookout, I had a sweeping view of the coastline, with the town of Apollo Bay nestled in the middle. The sandy shores formed a gentle curve, as if nature had crafted a masterpiece. The waves rolled in with a soothing rhythm, playing a perpetual game with the land.
As I took in the awe-inspiring scenery, I felt a sense of wonder and serenity. The vastness of the ocean reminded me of our place in the world, while the towering cliffs stood as a testament to nature’s might. Time seemed to slow down, allowing me to fully appreciate the grandeur of this natural wonder.
The lookout provided plenty of seating areas, inviting me to pause and soak up the tranquility. The gentle breeze brushed against my face, and the symphony of nature filled my ears. It was a moment of connection, a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and find solace in the beauty of the outdoors.
After savouring the beauty of Marriners Lookout, I decided to explore the nearby trails that crisscrossed the area. These paths allowed me to get up close with the diverse wildlife and plant life of the region. Vibrant wildflowers added splashes of colour to the landscape, while native birds flitted about, creating a lively atmosphere.
So, lace up your boots and venture to Marriners Lookout. Allow yourself to be captivated by the magic of nature, and prepare to be amazed by the breathtaking views that await you. I guarantee that this bushwalk will ignite your sense of adventure and create cherished memories for years to come.
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A Day Walk within Wilsons Promontory National Park – Mount Bishop Summit via Tidal Overlook Circuit, Lilly Pilly Link Track and Lilly Pilly Circuit
First, I would like to acknowledge both the Boon Wurrung peoples of the Kulin Nations and the Brataualung people of the Gunaikurnai Nations as the traditional owners of Wilsons Promontory National Park. I want to pay my respects to the past, present and any Indigenous people among us today. I also want to acknowledge that I have profited and benefited from stolen land and that Indigenous people were never ceded sovereignty. Finally, I would like to acknowledge the Wurundjeri peoples of, Naarm, where I sit and write this blog and would like to acknowledge the traditional owners of the many lands my readers come from.
Breathtaking ocean view from Mount Bishop, overlooking Wilsons Promontory Wilsons Prom is an extraordinary place. It is unique because the National Park is protected by only one vehicle access point in and out. It’s surrounded by coast and only one main section is actually used for public camping and vehicle access. This means that there is plenty of flora and fauna to discover. I would recommend staying overnight due to the distance from Naarm being 2.5 hours away and the plethora of things to do and see. They do have many different accommodation options including hike-in/out sites, powered and unpowered vehicle access sites and lodges/cabin options as well. It is an excellent venue for solo, couple, family and friend trips. There are many walks ranging from beach strolls, explorative walks, challenging hikes and experienced orienteering. Mount Bishop is a popular walk that can be accessed by Lilly Pilly Gully Carpark or from Tidal
River itself. I have walked this track many times but one of my favorite routes is from Tidal River to Mount Bishop via the Lilly Pilly Tracks.
The view of Tidal River from the Footbridge Starting at the footbridge across Tidal River we began walking the Tidal Overlook Circuit which contours around Tidal Overlook (153m) and is stunning. We got to enjoy river views all the way along. First walking through thick brush which then opens up into low-lying shrubbery as the terrain starts to flatten out on the edge of a saddle. Here the trail splits and you can choose to continue on the Overlook Circuit to the southwest or start the Lilly Pilly Link Track continuing northwest. We continued onto the Lilly Pilly Link for another 200m until we met up with the Wilsons Promontory Rd. Be aware of vehicles here they tend to drive fast along this road so be careful crossing.
The other view point of Tidal River on the footbridge. After crossing the road, we arrived at the Lilly Pilly Gully Carpark there are toilets here for a well-earned break. There are two Lilly Pilly Circuit trail entrances here. We took the east trail entrance but you can take the west entrance because that is a shorter walk (1.5km instead of 3.6km) towards Mount Bishop if you want a more direct route. Although you will miss out on the boardwalk (an additional 500m) if you don’t continue along the circuit on your descent. We walked through the lush rainforest following educational signs along the way about the unique flora and fauna of this temperate rainforest. Highly recommend taking the time to read this information. The eastern side of the circuit is mostly flat contouring the edge of Mount Bishop until we got to the boardwalk. Here we followed a mini loop of the rainforest and explored more of the habitat. After the boardwalk, the trail began to climb towards Mount Bishop in a northwesterly direction.
The trail goes over a couple of bridges and then once it changes to a southwest direction just below an implied knoll we saw another fork in the trail. You have the option to climb up to the summit of Mount Bishop or continue on the Lilly Pilly Circuit and arrive back at the car park. We chose to walk up Mount Bishop, this is a challenging but short summit only 1.9km with an elevation gain of 140m. We did see a snake last time we hiked up this trail so please stay aware of your surroundings and let passersby know. There are two vantage points at the top of Mount Bishop one that shows the beautiful inland rolling hills and snaking river and one that shows the spectacular coastline. The first point of relaxation was a large smooth boulder where the land unfolds in front of our eyes. Then continuing on we passed a bench to take in the experience and after about 150m, from the previous viewpoint, we found a cluster of smaller boulders with views of the ocean.
Mount Bishop Summit I have had picnics on the large smooth boulder looking out on the land many times, it is large enough for multiple groups to have their own space. We descended in the same manner that we had trekked up, there is only one trail. Then at the fork below the implied knoll, we took the Lilly Pilly Track to the southwest and found ourselves back at the Lilly Pilly Gully Carpark. Very convenient for another toilet break. We continued trekking back along the Lilly Pilly Link Track and onto the Tidal Overlook Circuit taking a southerly turn onto the bridge. This is a decent length trek for a half-day hike and still has many options for additions if you chose to include the rest of the Overlook Circuit (3km) which returns to the tidal river footbridge from the other side. Yet again similarly to the Yarra Bend Park, this entanglement of trails has a very much choose-your-own-adventure style experience.
Mount Bishop Summit Trail Name Tidal River Footbridge to the Mount Bishop Summit via Tidal Overlook Circuit, Lilly Pilly Link Track and Lilly Pilly Circuit Distance Tidal Overlook Circuit 3.8km (the section we did was 1.4km return)
Lilly Pilly Link Track 400m (return)
Lilly Pilly Circuit 5.8km
Mount Bishop Summit 3.75km (return)
TOTAL 11.35km (with full Overlook Circuit 13.75km)Estimated Time 4hrs Grade 3 Type Circuit Park Wilsons Promontory National Park Access 2WD 
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