Great Ocean Walk, Apollo Bay: Address, Great Ocean Walk Reviews: 5/5
Great Ocean Walk
Great Ocean Walk
5
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Top ways to experience Great Ocean Walk and nearby attractions
The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
32 within 3 miles

Dooleys Ice Cream - The Ice Cream Tub
611
0.2 mi$ • Dessert • Gluten Free Options

Apollo Bay Bakery
804
0.1 mi$ • Bakeries • Cafe • Australian

Casalingo
759
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Italian • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options

Sandy Feet Café
408
403 ft$$ - $$$ • Cafe • Australian • Vegetarian Friendly

Apollo Bay Seafood Cafe
775
0.1 mi$ • Quick Bites • Cafe • Seafood

Dragon Bay Inn Chinese Restaurant
375
360 ft$$ - $$$ • Chinese • Asian • Thai

The Bayleaf Cafe
295
498 ft$$ - $$$ • Cafe • Contemporary • Australian

Waves
216
357 ft$$ - $$$ • Dessert • Cafe • Australian

Cafe 153
457
240 ft$$ - $$$ • Quick Bites • Cafe • Australian

George’s Takeaway
372
0.2 mi$ • Quick Bites • Australian • Vegetarian Friendly
Attractions
20 within 6 miles

Great Ocean Road Visitor Information Centre
138
39 ftVisitor Centers

Apollo Bay Beach
1
95 ftBeaches

Apollo Bay Sculpture Park
2
153 ftMonuments & Statues

Apollo Bay Skate Park
1
215 ftParks

Pioneer Fountain
1
496 ftMonuments & Statues

The Speculant Anchor
2
0.2 miMonuments & Statues

Apollo Bay Foreshore Playground
1
0.2 miPlaygrounds

Mait's Rest
853
0.7 miHiking Trails • Forests

Mariners Lookout
347
0.9 miLookouts

Tastes of the Region - Apollo Bay
6
0.3 miBreweries
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
618 reviews
Excellent
502
Very good
103
Average
12
Poor
1
Terrible
0
Virginia Dixon
Canberra, Australia5 contributions
We were a group of 12 and had a fantastic time. Thank you Wilson for organising fantastic weather and everything was just what we were expecting. The tents were comfortable, sleeping bags warm enough, pillows appreciated, camp sites fantastic and we did enjoy the cabin option on the last 2 days. We would all highly recommend this company and wish they would expand their operations to the rest of Australia as it was such a great set up!!!! We would arrive at camp and your tent is set up; along with a bag of cutlery, crockery, tea towel, dishwashing detergent and hand wash. Dinners for the group are in an esky - home cooked tasty vegetarian meals (some of the group opted for meat but the vegetarian meals looked much nicer!) We were never hungry - plenty of cereal and toast for brekky, help yourself to fruit, snacks and packed lunch and off you go, and whole process repeated for 5 nights. Collectively we saw 7 koalas, 3 tiger snakes, 2 echidnas, 2 leeches and a scorpion! It was fantastic seeing koalas in the wild, especially the one that was in our campsite obligingly low down in a tree! Walking was easy for anyone who is reasonably fit and March was a great month to do it. Wilson and Will were really helpful and highly recommend giving this little business all the support you can as they deserve it! Thank you Hike2Camp!
Written March 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Dr D
Husborne Crawley, UK11 contributions
We did a private 2 day tour, but our guide did actually take us on short section of the walk. It seems very well kept and looked after, and the walkers saw on the walk looked like they were having a whale of a time. And speaking of whales......we spotted 2 whales playing just off the coast of Lorne. Lovely to see this magnificient creatures in their natural habitat.
Written July 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Bev W
Cairns, Australia21 contributions
Friends
Our group of 9 friends did the self-guided 6-day Great Ocean Walk from Apollo Bay. We very sensibly used Hike2camp to provide all our needs, carry all our belongings and set up our tents in each overnight camp. We found Hike2camp run a very professional and friendly service. They provided our breakfast for us to cook or organise ourselves and a packed lunch with plenty of snacks for each day’s hiking. When we reached each day’s camp, our tents were set up with our gear in each, and we had our one-pot dinners ready for heating on the supplied gas stoves. Hike2camp take on all of the hard work and logistics, leaving hikers with the simple pleasures of just hiking during the day and enjoying the company of the other hikers at each camp site at night. I highly recommend using Hike2camp, owned and operated by young local people, who we found provided value for money.
Written March 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jax B
Wangara, Australia57 contributions
Reserve this hike on your bucket list!
There are many options to complete the roughly 100klm walk.
We condensed our end to end hiking & camping into 4 nights, 5 days.
It is achievable for amateur hikers who don't mind carrying a load & not showering.
Alternatively the hike can be broken into segments, with optional stays at accommodation & shuttle services.
There is something for everyone to enjoy: history; Australian fauna & nature; escarpment, beach & rainforest walking & views.
Camp sites are really cheap & well located. The hike in sites reward your efforts offering distinct, autonomous facilities.
The tracks are well maintained. Parks Victoria also provided friendly and flexible booking services.
This walk easily sits on the international hiking stage.
There are many options to complete the roughly 100klm walk.
We condensed our end to end hiking & camping into 4 nights, 5 days.
It is achievable for amateur hikers who don't mind carrying a load & not showering.
Alternatively the hike can be broken into segments, with optional stays at accommodation & shuttle services.
There is something for everyone to enjoy: history; Australian fauna & nature; escarpment, beach & rainforest walking & views.
Camp sites are really cheap & well located. The hike in sites reward your efforts offering distinct, autonomous facilities.
The tracks are well maintained. Parks Victoria also provided friendly and flexible booking services.
This walk easily sits on the international hiking stage.
Written November 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
julie d
Geelong, Australia12 contributions
Family
We did this 106 k hike with #hike2camp Wilson Bath he is amazing and setting up camp and tonnes of food provided all we had to do we walk with a day bag he also supplied us with water.
The walk itself is amazing plenty of wildlife even scary snakes, oceans views, beach walks beautiful Forrest. country side we did this hike in 6 days but there is more campsites to stay in if you do do it yourself.
I would do this hike again
The walk itself is amazing plenty of wildlife even scary snakes, oceans views, beach walks beautiful Forrest. country side we did this hike in 6 days but there is more campsites to stay in if you do do it yourself.
I would do this hike again
Written March 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Justythetesty
21 contributions
Amazing experience! We covered the ~100kms over 5 days. If you only have one day and can cover about 20 kms I highly recommend our 4 th segment, which is Melanesia Beach to the Gables Look out. We shuttled in and out with cars at the beginning and end of each day, but the camp sites we saw along the way makes me want to go back and camp out.
Written April 11, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
ProfGranite
Melbourne, Australia33 contributions
Couples
Spectacular coastal walk that can be done in daily sections or shorter sections and loops. Despite being Australia’s busiest walk you won’t see many people away from the various trailheads. Local shuttle services like Alan at Go Go Walking provide efficient and affordable shuttle services.
Written January 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
LizENZA
Canberra, Australia4 contributions
Highly recommend Hike2Camp for the 'great' walk along the ocean. No need to leave the track, camp by the ocean with spectacular views and nothing to do but enjoy dinner with plenty of food, hot drinks and treats - and koalas in the trees above! There were 12 of us (6 couples in our 60s/70s) - nothing was too much trouble for Wilson and William!! Thank you so much. It was such fun and a week to remember. Highly recommend.
Written April 7, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Sal
Wangaratta, Australia6 contributions
Solo
Just finished the 6 day GOW with Hike2Camp and had a fabulous time.
As a first time solo traveller in my 50's I was pretty nervous but there was no need. Wilson has thought of everything and all I had to do was carry my day pack. Hike2camp provided my camping gear and set up the tents in prime camping spots. They brought plenty of tasty food and snacks every day and provided a briefing so u knew what to expect.
I met some wonderful people who helped me enormously.
The scenery was spectacular.
The terrain varied and challenging.
The wildlife plentiful.
Thanks so much to Hike2Camp. I could not have done it without your help.
As a first time solo traveller in my 50's I was pretty nervous but there was no need. Wilson has thought of everything and all I had to do was carry my day pack. Hike2camp provided my camping gear and set up the tents in prime camping spots. They brought plenty of tasty food and snacks every day and provided a briefing so u knew what to expect.
I met some wonderful people who helped me enormously.
The scenery was spectacular.
The terrain varied and challenging.
The wildlife plentiful.
Thanks so much to Hike2Camp. I could not have done it without your help.
Written May 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
danielle c
Sydney, Australia28 contributions
Just finished the 6 day - 100km hike from Apollo Bay to 12 Apostles with Hike2camp. They set up camp for us each day, provided food, water & snacks. Also gave us daily briefing, maps, safety beacon and first aid kits. Wilson & Jean were fabulous & I recommend them - such an easy way to hike.
It goes without saying this coastline is stunning. Such diverse country, so much wildlife. It was a privilege to experience.
It goes without saying this coastline is stunning. Such diverse country, so much wildlife. It was a privilege to experience.
Written January 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helen M
14 contributions
Is it possible to walk a few days staying at the designated campsites then take a day in accommodation say at johanna beach then continue the walk/ camp combo?
Lyn L
Sunshine Coast, Australia18 contributions
l am not sure Helen. I think this can be done but I would contact an information centre clode to the walk to check this out.
havanamoon
Thames Ditton Surrey56 contributions
hi Raj, we willbe in Melbourne on Friday and plan driving to Adelaide. What would you say are the key stops along the Great Ocean Rd/ Ocean Walk.
We don't have much time to plan now so your help iss much appreciated.
Appleofmyeye
Manchester, UK31 contributions
Cape otway light house is a good point to work from as there are several short walks radiating from it towards the beaches and the areas where it is quite easy to spot koalas in the wild !
The 12 apostles are worth a visit and there are some beautiful cliff top walks with fabulous views... have a fab time !!!
Sue F
Southampton, UK2 contributions
How long is the walk and how much time would you needs
Howard K
Sydney, Australia41 contributions
Hi .. the whole walk is 4 - 6 days and 100 k (about 63 miles). If you're happy walking over 20 k in a day, then 4 days, else go the 6. Remember you need to carry everything - water (although tank water is available at the camp sites), food, clothes for different weather conditions etc. The longer the walk the more you need to carry - just a consideration!
However, you do not have to do the whole walk. Many do just 2 days or there is a good 4 day option. Depends on what time you have, fitness etc.
All parts of this walk are amazing. No days are better than others, so whatever you elect to do you will have a fantastic time experiencing the rugged southern coast and the Australian outdoors.
The walk can be done totally independently or you can glamp it with a tour operator who will collect you each night and take you to a hotel nearby, or you can compromise between the 2 as we did and go with someone like Hike2Camp (Google them). You effectively carry a day pack and they do the rest. You're still in tents and the walking is still challenging, but you're not carrying 18-20 kgs on your back, and you don't have to go out and buy (or bring) all the camping gear.
My wife and I don't normally like organised tours - we are very independent as a rule when walking. But in reality, being late 50's, this walk would probably been a very difficult and overly challenging activity if we had done it on our own.
Some food for thought.
Neelia1990
Brighton, UK15 contributions
I'm living in Apollo Bay and want to do a one day hike. It it feasible to walk to the lighthouse and back? is it worth it just to do this part?
Appleofmyeye
Manchester, UK31 contributions
The coastal path is beautiful and although the light house is a good point to walk to we didn’t go in as we thought it was expensive, however, the views on the coast are fantastic with abundant wild life.. we saw koalas in the wooded areas...kangaroos ..beautiful birds... have a fabulous time! Take plenty of water ..
joyce8598
Penang Island, Malaysia
Hi. Me and my fiancee is planning to drive from kangaroo island and drive along the great ocean road in end of Nov 2017. We are planning to, o bring along our tent and sleeping bag and camp at any of a nice spot at great ocean road and hopefully can see australia sounthern aurora.
1. May I ask is there any recommended car park for us to park our rented car while we are hiking?
2. Do we need to apply camping permit at great ocean road?
Can my partner and I walk the great ocean walk without being organised or guided by a company?
Gromit28
Melbourne, Australia37 contributions
Yes, you can easily do that. We went with RAW Travel because they have organised accommodation and baggage transfers for our Camino trip, which we are doing by ourselves, and this trip was a Camino training exercise giving us the opportunity to walk with other people who will also be doing the Camino at different times this year. So we were able to share stuff about the Camino and get advice from RAWs Camino expert. Are you planning to take a tent or stay in accommodation? The support vehicle took us back to the same accommodation place each night but you can probably walk from accommodation to accommodation. There are lots of places down there.
Alison B
Frankston, Australia2 contributions
Where to start for a short walk on the great ocean road
GeekNomad
Jakarta64 contributions
The basic walk starts at Apollo Bay, but for a day hike, you could drop on/off the trail pretty much anywhere - you'd just need to stage cars at the different trailheads.
James L
San Diego, CA15 contributions
Hi,
I've been in Melbourne, Richmond for almost a month now and was planning to go to Cairns but have decided to do the 8 day great Ocean Walk first.
I'll be alone while I do this and already have some basic camping gear, a small two person tent, a sleeping bag, cushion mat, small cooking pot with bunsen burner type thing with two canisters of fuel, big repellant, a wind breaker, hat, sunscreen, silverware, water jug, and walking shoes. Do I need anything else? I'll put all my things that absolutely can' get wet into trash bags to keep inside my pack to remain dry if and probably will rain.
For food my plan is to have 8 bananas, 8 oranges, 8 apples, 10 granola bars, 2 bags of trail mix, lots of pasta, dehydrated sauce packets, 8 carrots, peanut butter, maybe instant coffee or probably just tea. Maybe ready to eat beans or lentils... The man at Mitchell's Adventures says to just boil water for 30 minutes and if I find it in a river it's drinkable but boil it 30 minutes just in case.
For clothes I'll just bring two shorts, two jeans, a north face wind breaker, a hat and some recently purchased walking shoes as I was told boots aren't needed since the walk isn't too intense. I plan to pack light, I'll be alone so my smell will be for me only haha
I am bringing an ipad to write I'll double bag in a trash bag to avoid getting wet with rain, my iphone for pictures and then my telstra for navigation and a spare battery charger.
I plan to start my walking everyday early like 5 or 6am to get to my camping spot and enjoy the area before the sun hits it's highest point.
I'm concerned about the weather, my airbnb ends towards the beginning of December and am planning to leave then for the walk but the weather has been a little random. Any suggestions?
So to sum of my questions for easier help:
1. From my general list of items, anything else you suggest, recommend against or plead towards? :)
2. How does my food list look? Suggestions?
3. How does my clothes list look?
4. Weather suggestions?
5. When would be ideal to go... should I wait or just go?
6. Am I miss anything?
I've never done anything like this but am trying to challenge myself so any and all tips help a lot. Please and thank you so much! Ahhhh I'm excited.
James L
San Diego, CA15 contributions
Hi,
I've been in Melbourne, Richmond for almost a month now and was planning to go to Cairns but have decided to do the 8 day great Ocean Walk first.
I'll be alone while I do this and already have some basic camping gear, a small two person tent, a sleeping bag, cushion mat, small cooking pot with bunsen burner type thing with two canisters of fuel, big repellant, a wind breaker, hat, sunscreen, silverware, water jug, and walking shoes. Do I need anything else? I'll put all my things that absolutely can' get wet into trash bags to keep inside my pack to remain dry if and probably will rain.
For food my plan is to have 8 bananas, 8 oranges, 8 apples, 10 granola bars, 2 bags of trail mix, lots of pasta, dehydrated sauce packets, 8 carrots, peanut butter, maybe instant coffee or probably just tea. Maybe ready to eat beans or lentils... The man at Mitchell's Adventures says to just boil water for 30 minutes and if I find it in a river it's drinkable but boil it 30 minutes just in case.
For clothes I'll just bring two shorts, two jeans, a north face wind breaker, a hat and some recently purchased walking shoes as I was told boots aren't needed since the walk isn't too intense. I plan to pack light, I'll be alone so my smell will be for me only haha
I am bringing an ipad to write I'll double bag in a trash bag to avoid getting wet with rain, my iphone for pictures and then my telstra for navigation and a spare battery charger.
I plan to start my walking everyday early like 5 or 6am to get to my camping spot and enjoy the area before the sun hits it's highest point.
I'm concerned about the weather, my airbnb ends towards the beginning of December and am planning to leave then for the walk but the weather has been a little random. Any suggestions?
So to sum of my questions for easier help:
1. From my general list of items, anything else you suggest, recommend against or plead towards? :)
2. How does my food list look? Suggestions?
3. How does my clothes list look?
4. Weather suggestions?
5. When would be ideal to go... should I wait or just go?
6. Am I miss anything?
I've never done anything like this but am trying to challenge myself so any and all tips help a lot. Please and thank you so much! Ahhhh I'm excited.
hi there
I would like to go on the great ocean walk. However I have no clue how to get there. I am going there in January 2017, Any suggestions that could help me to complete my trip please ?
gus1233
Melbourne, Australia227 contributions
Hi
Try hike2camp a local company that allows you to stay on the track but not carry a heavy pack. Whilst some may like the creature comforts of a bed, being driven each morning and night breaks the sense of a journey and accomplishment l think. January will be hit!
Frequently Asked Questions about Great Ocean Walk
- We recommend booking Great Ocean Walk tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 3 Great Ocean Walk tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Great Ocean Walk:
- (0.02 mi) Apollo Bay Recreation Reserve Caravan & Camp Park
- (0.09 mi) Apollo Bay Waterfront Motor Inn
- (0.12 mi) Captain's At The Bay
- (0.13 mi) The Dolphin Apartments
- (0.10 mi) Coastal Motel
- Restaurants near Great Ocean Walk:
- (0.04 mi) Masala Bay
- (0.04 mi) Cravingz 24/7
- (0.10 mi) Apollo Bay Bakery
- (0.08 mi) Sandy Feet Café
- (0.07 mi) Dragon Bay Inn Chinese Restaurant