Cerulean waves crash into limestone cliffs and plump koalas doze in ghostly white gum bushes on the wild southwestern coast of Victoria, a rugged pure wilderness inside simple attain of Melbourne.
This windswept stretch of the Australian shoreline is best typically referred to as the home of the Good Ocean Avenue. Definitely one in all Australia’s most iconic freeway journeys, the scenic 243 km (151 mile) coastal route weaves through a patchwork of nationwide parks and kangaroo-dotted farmlands within the route of the surreal limestone stacks typically referred to as the Twelve Apostles.
Nonetheless, that’s not the one means to soak up the elegant views: the world can be dwelling to the Good Ocean Stroll (GOW), a 110km (68-mile) one-way mountaineering path that hyperlinks Apollo Bay to the Twelve Apostles.
No matter its shut proximity to the Good Ocean Avenue in some sections, the GOW is a wonderfully wild stroll that feels further far from civilization (and website guests on the driving route) than it truly is. Hugging the shoreline additional intently than the Good Ocean Avenue, the GOW rewards hikers with additional dramatic vistas and a deeper immersion into the world’s magnificence.
The good news is that you just simply don’t will need to have tenting gear or a full week put apart to experience it. Whereas the GOW takes six to eight days in its entirety, it’s doable to kind out lots shorter sections, making it accessible to those with restricted time, well being or mobility. With the help of a hire automotive and native shuttle firms that cater to hikers, it’s even doable to get a GOW restore and be once more in Melbourne in time for dinner.
Proper right here’s our determine of the best day, and half-day, hikes alongside the Good Ocean Avenue from east to west.
1. Marengo to Shelly Seaside
Biggest for a easy ramble
4.4km/2.7 miles, 2 hours, simple to common
This comparatively mild hike affords an essential model of the Good Ocean Stroll for vacationers staying in Apollo Bay, the place the GOW formally begins. There are three seashore strolling sections on this path ending on the Shelly Seaside picnic area, tucked up inside the coastal forest behind the seashore, making it essential to embark at low tide. If circumstances allow, there are a selection of additional spots you probably can determine to walk alongside the sand and rock platforms instead of sticking to the first path tracing low cliffs. Swimming is possible in calm circumstances.
The best way to do it: Within the occasion you don’t have time or energy to do the stroll every strategies, depart your automotive at Shelly Seaside picnic area and put together for a shuttle to Marengo (3km/1.9 miles from Apollo Bay), the place you’ll begin your stroll. Within the occasion you don’t have a car, shuttles could also be organized at each end.
2. Blanket Bay to Cape Otway
Biggest for wild swims and historic previous
11km/6.8 miles, 3-4 hours, common
This writer’s favorite a part of the GOW takes you deep (or a minimal of it feels want it) into the plush coastal forest of Good Otway Nationwide Park sooner than popping out onto the seashore at pretty Parker Inlet – a perfect spot for a swim. After crossing the inlet and rounding Stage Franklin, the trail hugs the cliffs, offering stirring Southern Ocean views en path to Cape Otway, with one different swimming alternative at Crayfish Bay.
Intention to achieve at Cape Otway correctly sooner than 4pm to find the Lightstation precinct (AU$10/grownup), the place you probably might be taught the tales of the Cape and go to heritage buildings along with the hanging 1848 lighthouse as quickly as acknowledged to seafarers as a result of the “Beacon of Hope” .
The best way to do it: Within the occasion you don’t have a automotive (or two) to go away at each end of this path (Blanket Bay is 36km/22 miles from Apollo Bay), prebook a shuttle drop-off/pick-up.
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3. Cape Otway to Aire River
Biggest for chasing waterfalls
9.8km/6 miles, 3-4 hours, common to robust
The power of the Southern Ocean comes into dramatic focus when this path opens up on the eroded cliff tops after about 2km (1.2 miles). If the ocean is calm and the tide is low, you probably can determine to drop all the way in which all the way down to sea diploma and stroll alongside the tender (be taught: tough) sand of Station Seaside for 2km (1.2 miles) sooner than rejoining the first path. There’s moreover an elective 2km (1.2-mile) return detour to Rainbow Falls, the place vibrant algae blooms alongside the vertical path of a spring-fed waterfall. Don’t miss the Nineteenth-century Lightstation cemetery at the beginning of the trail.
The best way to do it: Prebook a shuttle drop-off/pick-up, or depart a automotive at each end of the trail. Cape Otway is 27km/16.8 miles from Apollo Bay.
4. Citadel Cove to Johanna Seaside
Biggest for koala recognizing
6.3km/4 miles, 2 hours, common
It’s doable to establish koalas and totally different native wildlife along with wallabies, kangaroos and echidnas alongside your full GOW, nonetheless sightings of Australia’s most iconic marsupial are notably widespread on this leg, which begins with a superb lookout within the route of the cliffs of Rotten Stage. The trail winds alongside cliffs and via prime koala habitat (don’t overlook to seek for!) sooner than dropping down onto the golden sands of Johanna Seaside for the final word 2km (1.2 miles), which could actually really feel like double that measurement inside the tender sand . Extremely efficient waves and highly effective currents make swimming harmful – essentially the most safe spot is often in entrance of the vehicle-accessible Johanna Seaside GOW campground.
The best way to do it: Within the occasion you don’t have a automotive (or two) to go away at each end of this path (Citadel Cove is 33km/20.5 miles from Apollo Bay), prebook a shuttle drop-off/pick-up.
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5. Wreck Seaside
Biggest for maritime relics
2km/1.25 miles, one hour, common
Virtually 700 vessels are thought-about submerged alongside the 130km (81 miles) stretch of shoreline between Cape Otway and Port Fairy, additionally known as the Shipwreck Coast. This transient stroll (low tide solely) takes you down 350 steps to the rocky seashore the place the rusting anchors of the Marie Gabrielle (wrecked in 1869) and the Fiji (wrecked in 1891) are haunting reminders of how treacherous the Southern Ocean could also be. If circumstances enable, you can even make this stroll a circuit by scrambling over the rocks earlier the Fiji anchor and connecting with the GOW path for the return stroll to the automotive park. Go away your swimwear behind – this rocky seashore isn’t very good for a dip.
The best way to do it: Drive to Wreck Seaside automotive park or e-book a return shuttle to this distant area, 38km (23.6 miles) from Port Campbell, the closest metropolis to the highest of the GOW.
6. Princetown to Twelve Apostles
Biggest for admiring the Twelve Apostles
7km/4.3 miles, 2 hours, simple to common
It obtained’t be prolonged sooner than you get your first glimpse of the Twelve Apostles on this gently undulating, uncovered clifftop path. Set off as early as doable to beat the heat, and the day-tripper crowds from Melbourne. Whereas solely seven of these golden limestone pillars could also be seen rising from the coastal shallows right now, it’s an superior sight that may get increased as you hike nearer. A viewpoint merely east of Gibson Steps makes for a high-quality place to pause for a snack. Then take a quick detour down the steps to savor the sea-level views sooner than persevering with onto the first Twelve Apostles viewing platforms (along with the hanging new Saddle Lookout) on the end of this path – the terminus of the GOW.
The best way to do it: Base your self in Port Campbell and drive or e-book a shuttle to the trailhead near Princetown (17km/10.6 miles from Port Campbell). It’s 11km (6.8 miles) to Port Campbell from the Twelve Apostles Buyer Centre.
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7. Loch Ard Gorge Walks
Biggest for epic and accessible views
5.5km/3.4 miles, 2 hours, simple
It’s not technically part of the GOW (formally which ends 3km/1.9 miles east on the Twelve Apostles), however when time is tight otherwise you may need restricted mobility, this trio of interconnecting, wheelchair-accessible trails in Port Campbell Nationwide Park takes you to a couple of coastal Victoria’s most memorable lookouts. The Geology Stroll (900m/0.6 miles return) ends in the Razorback, a jagged hulk of limestone rivaling the Twelve Apostles. The Shipwreck Stroll (1.4km/0.8 miles return) takes you alongside the rim of the first gorge, the place the one two survivors of the Loch Ard shipwreck in 1878 dragged itself onto its seashore (not at current accessible); the cemetery the place a couple of of their shipmates have been buried; and a lookout to Mutton Hen Island, the place the Loch Ard met his future. Hear the roar of the water surging into Thunder Cave on the Edge Stroll (3.2km/2 miles return), which takes you further alongside the cliffs.
The best way to do it: Loch Ard Gorge automotive park is 8km (5 miles) from Port Campbell; self-drive or get a taxi.
Concepts for day mountaineering on the Good Ocean Stroll
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The V/Line bus runs from Melbourne to Apollo Bay day by day, nonetheless native public transport is uncommon and taxis are briefly present; e-book shuttles upfront.
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Within the occasion you’re hiring a automotive, assure you probably can take it on unsealed roads, although a 4WD simply is not essential.
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All trails with unavoidable seashore sections must be undertaken at low tide.
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Anticipate patchy mobile (cell) service on all trails.
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The GOW is distant – study the local weather forecast sooner than you go, nonetheless be prepared for all circumstances.
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Ship a great deal of consuming water and snacks; the one retailer/cafe on the GOW is on the Cape Otway Lightstation.
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All one-way trails on this text could also be completed as out-and-back hikes in a day.
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All three native snake species are venomous. Give these shy creatures home to maneuver off on their very personal when you encounter one basking on the trail.
The writer traveled as a customer of Adventures in Good Agency, which includes day hikes on the Good Ocean Stroll, operated by AusWalk, on its Adventures Down Beneath tour. Lonely Planet writers do not accept freebies for constructive safety.
