8 Day Great Ocean Road Walk & Indulge
This tour is categorised as 5 out of 5
Challenging hikes and unforgettable experiences: Embark on a physically demanding adventure with hikes and activities designed for experienced and fit travellers. A medical declaration may be required.
As a general requirement across all of our trips, you may be required to walk up and down stairs, get on and off transportation, handle your own luggage, and participate in all scheduled sightseeing that may be conducted on uneven ground and terrain. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability and where required, supporting documentation may be requested to ensure that we are comfortable that you will enjoy your trip.
This tour is fully escorted by a dedicated tour leader who will accompany you throughout the tour. If your tour includes multiple countries, you will be met by a new tour leader in each country and any internal flights included will be unescorted.
Experience a superior level of comfort. Our Small Group tours have been crafted for Inspiring Vacations travellers exclusively, with personal and unique experiences in mind. Travel with no more than 26 people, allowing for a more personalised and immersive experience. Please see the Important Information on your selected tour for the exact group size.
Inspiring Vacations has been globally recognised and awarded for its handling of COVID-19 during the pandemic. The safety and wellbeing of our guests is our highest concern during this time of uncertainty, and we are continuously monitoring the evolving COVID-19 situation.
We have adopted the advice of the WHO to ensure all customers can travel with the knowledge of how to travel safely and with confidence.
Australian owned and operated with 100% Australian Customer Service support
We are proudly 100% Australian owned and operated, with our head office located in Melbourne, Victoria. When you make your booking, you will receive dedicated and ongoing support from our team of travel professionals throughout your booking, up until you are due to depart.
✓ Four day, backpack free & small group walking tour along 40kms of the Great Ocean Road most scenic trails
✓ Two day guided winery tour of the Yarra Valley, including cellar door tasting at Greenstone Vineyards, Balgownie Estate, Yering Farm and Soumah Wines.
✓ 2 nights accommodation at Cape Otway Lightstation Cottage
✓ 1 night accommodation at Balgownie Estate (Yarra Valley)
✓ 3 nights 4-star accommodation in Melbourne
✓ 7 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 2 dinners as well as plenty of trail mix, fresh fruit, pre-dinner nibbles, tea/coffee while walking
✓ All transport and guiding (pick up and drop off in central Melbourne)
✓ All national park entry fees
Travel with the experts for a carefully curated, value-packed discovery of the world's most iconic destinations. Our tours are bursting with must-see sights, rich experiences and quality inclusions, all at an unbeatable price. Bucket list dreams are ticked off on these all-encompassing journeys.
Welcome to Melbourne! Make your way to your accommodation. You can arrive at any time as there are no organised activities.
Check in & arrival information.
The easiest way to travel from Melbourne Tullamarine Airport is by Uber or Taxi which costs approximately $35-$45.
Hotel check in is at 2pm. Should you arrive earlier than this, hotel staff will do all possible to check you in as soon as possible. If your room is not available before check-in time, you are welcome to leave your luggage in storage and explore the surrounding area.
Make your way to the National Gallery of Victoria on 180 St Kilda Road (by the large pools) by 7.20am for a 7.30am take off. We start driving south towards the Great Ocean Road and stop at Anglesea for morning tea.
We head along the famous Great Ocean Road stopping en-route at Anglesea for a relaxed morning tea and a briefing of the first day's walking. We arrive in Apollo Bay late morning, prepare our lunch, and begin walking. The guides will show you where you can purchase your own alcohol for the three nights away.
We begin our walk at the beach-side suburb of Marengo, named by a passing French explorer. Marengo is home to a colony of Australian Fur Seals who hang out on rocks in the bay. Your guide will lead the group and explain some of the local history along the way. Continuing onwards the countryside becomes more rural farmland. The trail continues up a small hill with a stile to climb over a fence. There are good views along the coast looking south-west towards Cape Otway and north-east over the ranges surrounding Apollo Bay. There is a conveniently placed rest bench, followed by a steep descent past The Blowhole. We descend down to a beach for a rest before heading into a small section of Otway rainforest. The trail enters low forest initially, and then starts to climb into the higher forests of the Great Otway National Park just above Shelly Beach. There is a junction on the trail which leads left down to Shelly Beach or right to the car park at Shelly Beach picnic area. From here we will head off to our accommodation where guides will get dinner underway and put out the pre-dinner nibbles.
Walking Distance: Approx. 7kms, 2-2.5 hours
Track Grading: 2
The 10km walk from the lighthouse to Aire River winds its way through wind sculpted landscapes of sand dunes, coastal scrub-land and magnificent calcified cliffs. At the Aire River Lookout, there are great views down to the estuary where the Aire River meets the Southern Ocean and Glenaire Beach. The wetlands look quite spectacular from this vantage point and it is a nice steady downhill walk from to the Aire River Bridge which crosses the river to the picnic area and toilets. At this point a coach offer support for those who wish to wind up their days’ walking.
Following on from Aire River we have a six kilometer walk through to Castle Cove. From Aire River, the track heads inland for a while, climbing up and around the next headland through tea-tree forests, and then continues along the coastal path with sweeping views of the rugged coastline. Expect some ups and downs with a little climbing before you get to Castle Cove. Located on a spectacular bend of the Great Ocean Road at Glenaire, Castle Cove is a beautiful beach surrounded by towering cliffs which have high archaeological significance, as dinosaur fossils have been found here. At this point, you will have walked six to 16 kms. A highlight of the day is a visit to Mait's Rest rainforest walk on our return to Cape Otway (if time permits). Maits Rest is a comfortable 800m stroll through cool temperate rainforest, and a welcome temperature change if the weather is warm.
Walking Distance: Approx. 16kms, 4.5-5 hours
Track Grading: 3
The walk from Johanna Beach to Ryan’s Den is the wildest and most challenging section of the entire track. From Milanesia Gate we descend to a beautiful and remote beach. Isolated, rugged and hidden, Milanesia Beach receives few visitors and is all the more special for it. Look for the “beachcomber’s cottage” when you reach the beach.
From here the trail continues along the high sea cliffs to Ryan’s Den with breathtaking views all the way back to Cape Otway, and west to Cape Volney. This is our lunch spot and it is arguably the most scenic location along the walk. There are toilets here also.
From Ryan’s Den, the track continues through coastal forests that lead over Cape Volney to Moonlight Head (named by Matthew Flinders during a break in showery weather at night in April 1802). For a lot of walkers this is as far as they want to walk for the day, making a total of 12 km. We might stop into Lavers Hill for a cup of tea/coffee on the way back home.
Walking Distance: Approx. 12kms, 6-8 hours
Track Grading: 3
Our walk starts above the wetlands around Princetown which support a wide variety of bird life. We’ll walk down through the Gellibrand River Estuary and reconnect with the Great Ocean Walk on a new track section. We are now on the home stretch into Port Campbell National Park and the world famous Twelve Apostles soon come into sight.
At Gibson’s Beach Car Park, and we recommend, tides allowing, you descend Gibson’s Steps to view Gog and Magog (not strictly counted as two of The Twelve Apostles) up close from sea level. The last kilometre of the Great Ocean Walk takes you through to the Twelve Apostles Visitor Centre where you can view The Apostles up close. We’ll have our lunch here and then onto Winchelsea where we stop at a local café for a coffee/tea before driving back to Melbourne at an estimated arrival time of 5.00 pm.
Walking Distance: Approx. 8.5kms, 2.5-3 hours
Track Grading: 3
At 9.25 am join your guided Yarra Valley wine tour from the Immigration Museum on 400 Flinders St (about 500m from your hotel) Enjoy a personalized tour in the company of an average number of 12 -24 travellers. After an approx. 1-hour transfer to Yarra Valley we arrive at a premium cellar door to enjoy the first tasting.
You will learn how to swirl, sniff, slurp and then enjoy an extensive cellar door tasting at an iconic Yarra Valley cellar door.
The next destination is Balgownie Estate, with spectacular views and a great display on the history of winemaking. The cellar door staff will share some of their great wines with guests before moving into Rae’s restaurant for a delicious 1 course lunch to include a glass of wine and tea or coffee.
After lunch, say goodbye to those returning to Melbourne and make your way to reception to check in for a relaxing overnight stay. There are activities to enjoy in the afternoon to include complimentary access to the Health Club (experience pool, steam room and gym equipment). Leisure facilities include tennis court, volleyball net, giant chess set and 1.6km walking trail.
The morning is free for you to enjoy a relaxed buffet breakfast and continue to enjoy the resort’s facilities and surroundings.
At approximately 1:00pm make your way into the cellar door to meet your guide once again.
Enjoy an extensive cellar door tasting at a premium winery before visiting the home of French Champagne company Moet & Chandon’s Australian production house Domaine Chandon. Take a guided tour through the winery to see how the wine is made followed by a glass of Australia’s best bubbly.
You will then return to Melbourne for one more night in town. You can expect to arrive in Melbourne between 4:30pm and 5:00pm.
Today marks the end of your Great Ocean Road Walk & Indulge Tour. At the appropriate time today make your way to the airport or continue your onward journey.
Check out & departure information.
A taxi or Uber to Melbourne airport to your accommodation costs approximately $35-45 per car. Hotel check out is at 10am. You are welcome to leave your luggage in storage and explore the surrounding area if departing later.
Most healthy adult can participate in this tour. If you can walk upwards of 15 kilometres or more in a day, carrying a lightweight day pack, you will find our tours totally achievable.
While we typically walk on well forged walking tracks, the quality and degree of difficulty can vary greatly. You may find some tracks rocky and lumpy underfoot, soft and sandy, or muddy and slippery.
Sometimes there is the need to negotiate obstacles such as fallen trees, sections of scree or steep steps.
Ensure you come along with, not only the right footwear, rain gear and clothing, but also the right frame of mind!
What to bring
Please bring your gear in a soft bag rather than hard suitcase to help guides pack the trailer.
Day pack. Here is a list of what you normally wear and need carry in your day pack during walking days. A 20 litre capacity bag is generally sufficient to carry these items:
Main bag. Your main bag stays at your accommodation. You only carry your light day pack while walking.
Inspiring Vacations has been globally recognised and awarded for its handling of COVID-19 during the pandemic. The safety and wellbeing of our guests is our highest concern during this time of uncertainty, and we are continuously monitoring the evolving COVID-19 situation.
We have adopted the advice of the WHO to ensure all customers can travel with the knowledge of how to travel safely and with confidence.
Australian owned and operated with 100% Australian Customer Service support
We are proudly 100% Australian owned and operated, with our head office located in Melbourne, Victoria. When you make your booking, you will receive dedicated and ongoing support from our team of travel professionals throughout your booking, up until you are due to depart.
Flexible Date Change Option
Book now, change later with our Flexible Date Change option. You may select this $99pp option at time of purchase, giving travellers the flexibility to change your date without penalty (subject to availability, less third party costs incurred, plus any applicable surcharges for the new date selected).
Date change must be requested prior to 65 days before your original selected departure date*. Once inside 65 days of departure, date changes are not permitted.
*some packages may have a varied period in which you can request a date change due to limitations with the third-party provider.
Please refer to our 'Book with Confidence' section for terms and conditions.
The Flexible Date Change option does not cover cost incurred for components not fulfilled by Inspiring Vacations or in the event extra services have been booked with Inspiring Vacations outside of the standard package, including but not limited to airfares, pre/post accommodation or insurance.
Cooling off period
If you change your mind within 7 days of making your booking online, you can request a refund of your initial deposit payment as part of our cooling off period.
Once your purchase date falls outside of the 7 day period, our standard terms and conditions will apply. Please ensure that any request to cancel your booking is received via email to [email protected], including the reason for cancellation.
Deposit & Payments
Booking Process
Booking On Request:
You can enhance your holiday by arriving early or staying longer upon conclusion of the tour. On this tour you can choose from the following options:
Pre and post tour accommodation
Pre and Post accommodation is subject to availability and pricing may differ based on your season of travel.
COVID-19
Due to COVID there maybe disruptions to standard operating schedules of particular components of this itinerary. Should a component be effected a substitute will be confirmed prior to departure.
Fitness Requirements
While the tour itinerary should give you some guidance and overview to the expected requirements, to determine if this tour is right for you we categorise each of our tours in terms of their intensity. These guidelines are to ensure that each tour group is conducted as expected and to ensure the overall satisfaction of all Inspiring Vacations customers.
As a general rule, porterage is not included, therefore at all times you are expected to handle your own luggage where help may not be available.
This tour is 'Active';
Whether it’s an Everest trek or a cycling tour through Europe, these tours are all about the great outdoors. Explore destinations away from the masses. You’ll require a good level of fitness, but they are not technically challenging. At the end of an active day, you can expect to rest in comfort and explore the culinary delicacies of each region. You’ll join an existing tour, not just with Inspiring Vacations guests
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard.
Single Supplement
Single supplement is $1,572 per person in addition to the twin-share price.
Triple Share
Not Available
Children
Children must be 5 years old or over and share a room with parents at all times. Children are the same price as adults.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is required to protect yourself against the unexpected.
Tour Documentation
Final documentation including e-tickets and hotel details will be provided approximately 30 days prior to travel.
Group Size
Max 10 for the hiking portion of this trip and a maximum of 24 people in the Yarra Valley.
When travelling with a group, no matter the size, we ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience.
Bedding requests
We do our best to meet your bedding preference, however, bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only and cannot be guaranteed. All efforts will be made to meet your preference, however, any changes are beyond our control and limited by the hotel facilities and availability.
Tour Styles - This package is a Fully Escorted style.
To meet the needs of various types of travellers, we choose to operate various types of tours and depending on your selected package will mean different services are provided throughout your trip. The following descriptions of each tour style we hope will ensure that each traveller has appropriate expectations before they start their travels:
Who is operating this package
We have partnered with a wide range of third party operators who assist in fulfilling your booking and delivering an enjoyable on-tour experience. Each package will consist of multiple operators meaning both guides and fellow travellers may change day to day. But don't worry, regardless of the operator, you'll be in good hands to experience the most out of each destination.
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