Great Ocean Walk - 2 Day 2 Night Weekend
Opened in 2006, the Great Ocean Walk spans 104 kilometres of one of the World’s most renowned coastlines – a walk that has to be done to be believed. Coastal and forest scenery (sometimes in one day) demonstrates the diversity that is the Otways and provides amazing opportunities to see native Australian wildlife. The trail itself passes through two national parks, over looks a marine national park and a marine sanctuary and although the region is one of the most popular for visitors to Victoria, we will help you descend onto beaches, that make you feel like Christopher Colombus!
Guides are safety first walking companions that think of all the details so you don't have to. Experienced walkers, outdoors people, flora and fauna enthusiasts and qualified in wilderness first aid, they carry the things you will probably never need. Walking in a small group creates a camaraderie unlike anything else and we know our guide and your new walking friends will become one of the most memorable part of your holiday.
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Walkers know what walkers need at the end of a day on the trail. That's why we stay at an exclusive lodge. Be our guest at a 4 Star walking lodge, a fabulous purpose built walking retreat located half way along the Great Ocean Walk. State of the art, best practice sustainable design and a serene bush setting combine to compliment perfectly the experience of one of Australia's best walking trails. Did we mention fabulous regional food prepared by our internationally trained chef onsite and some of Victoria's best wines?
Fancy a weekend away? Fancy staying for two nights in a 4 eco-star exclusive hiking lodge with internationally trained chefs, 24 hour foot spas, chauffeur driven transfers from Melbourne, guided hikes on one of the world's best trails, and a private licenced dining room for no more than 10 guests at a time?
Each 24 hours includes:
- Overnight stay in our 4-eco star Green Rooms,
- low GI breakfast,
- daily morning and afternoon tea,
- chef prepared dinner of local and regional produce
- Daily guided walks with gourmet trail lunch and lodge transfers
- All non alcoholic beverages are included
- Daily foot spas
- Complimentary La Gaia Foot Serum(1 per stay)
- All planet friendly toiletries are supplied
The itinerary varies. It is usually made up of 2 of of the following days. Please enquire at time of booking.
Day 1: Aire River to Johanna Beach
Make this a shorter day and enjoy an afternoon at Johanna fossicking or take time to relax at the lodge. First up, cross the river and continue on to Castle Cove. Taking a short side trip to the beach it is possible to see dinosaur fossils in the limestone cliffs behind, and surfers tackling the daunting southern ocean waves. One of the most diverse days, todays walk continues at the cliff tops of Castle Cove, the trail head for a lovely coastal path that meanders through heath land, wildflowers and grasstrees before dropping onto Johanna beach itself. The last 2km before lunch are beach walking, with the Southern Ocean crashing only metres away from each footstep.
Walking distance: 15km Walking time: 6 hours Grade: Easy to Moderate
Day 2: Johanna to Moonlight Head The Wild Side
At Johanna Beach, the trail crosses into farmland where some of the most contented cows graze only metres from the Beach. A change of pace, sees us finish the day on Old Coach Road, ready for the Wild Side of the walk. This is the most challenging section of the Great Ocean Walk. We drop down a path of Manna Gum and Stringybarks to beautiful Milanesia Beach before turning upwards for a short, but steep climb to the top of the ridge. Once on the saddle, we follow the contour of the hillside about 50 metres above sea level. There is then an ascent of 138 steps then the trail continues in a westerly direction until a steep climb leads us out of the forest and into a clearing. Be rewarded with superb views of the coast leading back to Cape Otway; then from Cape Volney there are breathtaking views of the western coast.
Walking Distance: 16km Walking Time: 6 hours Grade: Moderate to Hard
Day 3: Moonlight Head Road to Princetown:
The views of the Southern Ocean just get better and better and the Gables Lookout showcases the best the coastline has to offer. If tides permit, Wreck Beach will be the trail for the morning, otherwise its a lovely gentle afternoon of coastal walking to the hamlet of Princetown.
Walking Distance: 17km Walking Time: 6 hours Grade: Moderate
Day 4: Princetown to the Twelve Apostles
The final stretch departs Princetown over the reeds and rushes of the wetlands. Just over the ridge, the 12 Apostles reveal themselves slowly with each step upwards giving glimpses and then a dip takes them away. Finally, the end peak delivers spectacular private viewing opportunities away from the madding crowds. Continue on to the 12 Apostles visitor centre. From here it is a 3.5 hour return road journey to Melbourne.
Walking Distance: 7km Walking Time: 3 hours Grade: Moderate to Easy
Departs:
- Last weekend of the month or on request for 4 or more people.
Day 1:
- 3.00pm Friday departs Melbourne Southbank
- 3.30pm Melbourne Airport pick up (Flights arrive by 2pm)
- 6.00pm self drive arrival at the lodge
Ends:
- 4.00pm at the lodge or 7.00pm Melbourne CBD or Airport (Flights after 8pm)
