GREAT OCEAN ROAD WALK - VICTORIA

One of the great coastlines of the world, Australia’s Great Ocean Road in Victoria is spectacular.

The winding road takes you along the Southern Ocean edged coastline, taking in rugged, wind-lashed cliffs, through lush bushland and country towns.

Trail/Location

The Great Ocean Road is a 243km road running between Torquay to Allansford (near Warrnambool) on the coastline southwest of Melbourne. The highlight of this trip is the Twelve Apostles, a group of rock stacks created by millions of years of wind and waves carving the limestone coastline.
Located in the same area and running in general proximity to the road, is The Great Ocean Walk. This is a 104km walking trail between Apollo Bay and the Twelve Apostles.
I walked the Twelve Apostles Lodge Walk, a 4 day/3 night walk operated by the Australian Walking Company. This is a 47km lodge walk (i.e., you go back to the same lodge each night), between Castle Cove to the Twelve Apostles covering key parts of The Great Ocean Walk.

Best Time to Walk

Unguided, this walk can be done at any time of the year.
The Australian Walking company operates its lodge walk between September and May. I did the walk in September and the weather was pleasant, if cold at times.
The walk is done in an east to west direction

Trail and Terrain

Lots of wild coastal hinterland and short sharp undulating hills. A few soft sandy beach crossings and also small water crossings. The trail is well marked and established.

Amenities and Facilities

Unguided trekkers can camp at designated spots on the trail.
The Twelve Apostles Lodge Walk is a guided walk based around a luxury eco-lodge in the hinterland near Johanna Beach. There are individual rooms with ensuite facilities and a common dining room/social gathering area. Quality meals are provided as are transfers to/from the track each day. A very comfortable setup.

Level of Difficulty

I would classify it as moderate difficulty. No long or steep hills. Soft sand beach crossings can be challenging work but not that long.

Hike Summary

Day 1 starts with a 2.5-3 hour transfer from Melbourne. After a bit of time to freshen up, it is straight on the trial for a 7km hike from Castle Cove to Johanna Beach.
Day 2 is a 14km hike from Milanesia Track to Moonlight Head.
Day 3 is a 17km hike from Moonlight Head to Princetown.
Day 4 is an 8km hike from Princetown to the Twelve Apostles. Plenty of time to explore the Apostles and surrounding area, including a helicopter flight over the Apostles. There is then a transfer to Port Campbell, a chance to shower/freshen up, some lunch, then a 3-hour trip back to Melbourne.

Conclusions

A rugged coastline with varied terrain and never-ending views.
A very isolated part of the world although it gets busy around the Twelve Apostles.
The Twelve Apostles Lodge Walk is an extremely comfortable way to undertake this walk. You only have to carry a day pack each day and you return to the same room each night. Everything is provided, so all you have to do is enjoy the walk.
Highlights for me were the mineral infused footbaths at the end of each day and the helicopter flight over the Twelve Apostles.