One of the world's great walks awaits you... The Great Ocean Road is a diverse landscape where nature's drama unfolds at every turn. With exquisite coastal scenery, mountains and farmland, thriving country towns, rainforests and historic relics, this Great Ocean Road Tour reveals a little more of the vast beauty around each turn of the rugged coast.
Our walking tour takes advantage of the aptly named Great Ocean Walk, which sees almost 100 km of walking trails meandering through the National Parks and overlooking the Marine National Park and Sanctuary. The hike has been designed so that walkers 'can step on and step off the trail,' and we have selected walks that best highlight the drama and beauty of the landscape.
Deep in the Great Otway National Park is an oasis of fern gullies, giant rainforest trees and abundant native wildlife. Wallabies, koalas and echidnas live in the Otway Ranges and if you are lucky, you may even spot an exclusive platypus in a forest stream. Dotted along the coastline are lighthouses, reminders of the treacherous coastline scattered with shipwrecks. The Twelve Apostles rise dramatically from the sea, colossal limestone stacks more than 20 million years old.
This is a landscape that captivates, inspires and invigorates as you walk the Great Ocean Road.
Includes Tour guide, transport ex Melbourne, accommodation, full vehicle support and meals as indicated
START/FINISH Melbourne, VIC
Itinerary Day 1: From Melbourne we will travel to the Otway`s, a natural haven for wildlife. Frequently sighted animals and birds include koalas, eastern grey kangaroos, swamp wallabies, possums, blue-winged parrots, sulphur-crested cockatoos, galahs and kookaburras. Many other species are seen on occasion and require more discreet observation. There are also a number of rare and threatened species surviving in the area. Day 2: Our walking takes us from Cape Otway to Castle Cove. The wind sculpted slopes and cliff tops above Station Beach are traversed by a sandy track. Rainbow Falls is spring fed and cascades to rocky platforms below. Part of this walk features the Aire River estuary, rocky escarpments and stunning coastal views. Day 3: Experience heathlands, wildflowers, grass trees and cliff top views as we walk from Castle Cove before arriving at the spectacular Johanna Beach. Lush valley views and country roads as we hike through farmland and forest concluding at the unforgettable Milanesia Beach. Day 4: The route starts on Milanesia Beach and climbs steeply to the cliff tops with sensational views, continuing through steep hills and coastal forests passing high sea cliffs. This track heads inland along country roads, through Blue Gums and farmland. At the end amongst the heath we have one of the most memorable scenes on this tour at the breathtaking Gables lookout. Day 5: From the Gables, we hike through the heath to Wreck Beach, passing the anchors and climbing above Devil's Kitchen. Follow the Old Coach Road joining the walking track along cliff tops with impressive views of the Twelve Apostles. Soak in this amazing natural wonder before returning back to Melbourne.
