With its spectacular sights, the Great Ocean Road is one of the most scenic drives in Australia and should be high on any list of must-see attractions when you visit the country.

But if you don’t have time to drive or don’t want to spend money on gas, you can always walk the route instead—which is quite fun and accessible for people of all ages and fitness levels!

Here are seven great reasons to choose the Great Ocean Walk when visiting Australia.

1. Learn More About Australia

Australia’s history is diverse, with people arriving from all over the world. Inevitably, those who came first are those whose stories we know best – hence, there is much information on Aboriginal and convict settlement.

The Great Ocean Road tour serves many sites that tell these stories; Bells Beach, Shipwreck Coast, and Tower Hill are great places to learn about our past.

The Great Ocean Road

This region is also known as Victoria’s dramatic coastline, including beautiful stretches of beach at Seaside towns such as Lorne and Apollo Bay or Port Campbell National Park.

Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve offers visitors an intimate look into Victorian wildlife habitats. At the same time, the Otway National Park attracts nature lovers year-round. Just inland from Apollo Bay is the Loch and Gorge walking track – one of Victoria’s most popular hiking trails.

Visitors can explore the Sydney Rock Oyster Company, Rolling Green Hills, limestone cliffs, Lush Otway National Park, Port Fairy Museum, and Bells Beach. These are counted among Australia’s famous surfing beaches. There is Flora’s Kitchen Garden as well as enjoy cafes like Buttery Cafe Deli & Tearooms, which overlooks acres of rolling hills and breathtaking views.

A Treat for Holidays

Those visiting the region during school holidays can attend everything from kite festivals to fishing competitions, stock car racing events, and wood chopping contests. Year-round visitors will find plenty of opportunities to get active with boating, swimming, snorkeling, and surfing – whatever your taste.

As the Southern Ocean winds its way around mainland Australia, the climate here provides more moderate temperatures than other parts of this large country, so make sure you bring clothes appropriate for both summer and winter conditions.

 Whether learning about Australia’s past, exploring the coast, or enjoying a day trip, there is something for everyone along the Great Ocean Road.

2. Walking Keeps You Fit

It is one of the easiest ways to work out and have fun simultaneously. Walking is a great way to get in shape, maintain good health, learn more about your surroundings, and make friends with new people.

It will be much easier if you’re lucky enough to live near an area offering walking trails. The coastline offers many paths and trails perfect for a walk during any season.

Otway National Park

Otway National Park is next to Apollo Bay and makes for an excellent day trip for those looking for something slightly more extended than just a simple walk around town.

You can explore the Otway rainforest on foot or bike from Cape Otway Lighthouse down through stunning coastal scenery towards Lorne on the Great Ocean Road.

Take note: there are no formal entry fees when entering this park from Apollo Bay (though there are fees if you enter from Lorne).

Twelve Apostles

Be sure not to miss the Twelve Apostles! These 12 enormous rock formations are one of the most iconic features along the coastline.

With names like Squeaky Beach, Bluff Point Viewpoint, Gibson Steps, and Loch Ard Gorge (the location where the ship called Loch Ard sank), each stop is full of surprises. You’ll want to explore each site so you don’t miss anything!

Mt. Elephant

Mt. Elephant Lookout provides beautiful views of Port Campbell National Park. It allows hikers to see wild koalas in their natural habitat up close, which isn’t possible anywhere else in Australia.

Make sure to pack snacks so you can stay long enough for sunset before heading back home. There’s nothing quite like seeing such gorgeous sights while enjoying a meal with loved ones.

To help you plan your itinerary, here are some popular trail suggestions:

• 1) Roaring Lion Circuit Trail – 3 hours roundtrip
• 2) Shipwreck Coast Walk – 8 hours roundtrip
• 3) Hiking the Twelve Apostles – 4 hours roundtrip. The Twelve Apostles hike starts at Princetown near Port Campbell and ends at Twelve Apostles.

You may choose to do the entire thing or pick out certain sections based on your desire. One of the best parts about hiking this stretch is its variety- you’ll visit beaches, lookouts, caves, sea stacks, cliffs, rivers… It does have everything!

3. Exploring Cities on Foot

The walk from Apollo Bay up to Jan Juc is also worthwhile. It will take about 4 hours, with plenty of stop-offs. If you don’t want to do the whole length, don’t worry – plenty of turn-offs and short walks. The beaches at Anglesea offer beautiful opportunities for swimming or surfing and other activities like whale watching.

Mount Oberon

To see a different side of the area, make your way up Mount Oberon and sea views that stretch out to all horizons – even if it’s cloudy! Finally, when in Lorne, make sure you have a seafood lunch at Bass Strait Brewery before heading down the coast back to Melbourne.

You’ll have time to relax after a busy morning exploring the local parks but be warned: plenty more attractions are still waiting to be discovered – and it can be hard knowing where to start.

Don’t forget your camera! That’s probably one of the most important things to remember while walking this coastline. There are some truly stunning photo opportunities around every corner, so why not use them?

Jan Juc and Cape Otway

If you are heading toward the Great Ocean Road, Jan Juc and Cape Otway are excellent spots for a short walk or swim. But if you’re looking for something a little longer, why not walk from Apollo Bay up through town and into Lorne?

Plenty of places along that route offer nice spots to stop for lunch and explore beautiful beaches like (my personal favorite) Anglesea.

Campbell to Warrnambool

Feeling energetic and having a few days up your sleeve, why not walk from Port Campbell to Warrnambool? It might take between 4-5 days. But if that seems like too much for you, don’t worry – there are plenty of places along the way where you can stop for lunch or even just a quick bite to eat.

I would also recommend bringing your camera, as there are some fantastic photo opportunities up and down that coastline!

Whether you’re a keen walker or just looking for something a little different, there are many reasons why you should consider making your way along Australia’s Great Ocean Road on foot.

And don’t forget: if you get tired at any point along your journey, there are plenty of places up and down that coastline that offer tours, rental bikes, and even public transport. What could be easier?

4. Capturing Photos Along the Way

The Great Ocean Road winds along beautiful beaches and rugged cliffsides for 243 kilometers (150 miles).

Along your journey, you will have countless photo opportunities. These are my favorite spots that I would recommend visiting!

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

This Sanctuary is known for providing a natural habitat for Koalas. Be sure to get there early because parking fills up quickly.

They offer free shuttle buses from Warrnambool or Lorne if necessary, but they only leave at certain times, so check online before planning your trip!

Gibson Steps Beach

One of my favorite hidden gems on the Great Ocean Road is the small cove at Gibson Steps. It’s hard to find, but it’s worth it once you arrive!

The Blowhole

It is located near Port Campbell, an impressive geologic feature that shoots water 30 meters into the air when waves crash against the cliff face below.

The Loch Ard Gorge Memorial Arch

A 10-minute walk leads to this arch near one of Australia’s most tragic shipwrecks.

The Twelve Apostles

Follow the coast from Princetown back toward Torquay and stop at a few of the iconic 12 Apostles rock formations.

Cape Otway Lightstation

A picturesque lighthouse on a pier surrounded by gorgeous coastal scenery. If time permits, I recommend checking out more light stations like Maits Rest Lightstation or Point Addis Lightstation for equally stunning views.

5. Connecting with Nature and Wildlife

Australia is often called a natural ‘garden of Eden’ because of its vast variety of plants and iconic animals, easily observed in places like the Great Otway National Park.

If you’re looking for a unique experience that will offer plenty of opportunities for connecting with nature and amazing wildlife, walking on the spectacular Great Ocean Road is not to be missed.

Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve

Hiking through the Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve or along the coast, we guarantee you’ll spot some native Australian wildlife, including kangaroos, koalas, emus, and wombats!

Be sure to take your camera to capture these beautiful creatures as they roam free throughout the country.

6. Exploring Towns As You Travel

The walk is marked with kilometer stones, and accessible route maps can be found at any Visitor Information Centre. Be aware of some challenging sections, such as loose rocks and slippery steps.

Torquay

There are plenty of opportunities for rest and refreshment along the walk, so, depending on your walking pace, it’s easy to make longer stops at towns such as Lorne or Apollo Bay. Visit Twelve Apostles National Park and other natural highlights along the way.

When night falls, find accommodation nearby – campsites offer many different experiences, from bush camping to beachside luxury tents!

Coastal Towns

Alternatively, visit coastal towns where you can sleep at an affordable B&B or holiday house. Choose a few activities daily – this will allow more flexibility if weather conditions change. There are lots to do –

• Look out for interesting historical sites and memorials along the trail.
• Get up close to local wildlife at Cape Otway koalas and birdlife sanctuary.
• Kayak through gentle surf at Port Campbell National Park or swim with dolphins off the coast near Warrnambool.
• Finally, spend one evening enjoying dinner under the stars in Princetown before climbing Mt. Donna Buang early the following day.

Port Phillip Bay

Enjoying spectacular views of Port Phillip Bay and the Bass Strait while waking up under a vast expanse of the sky makes for memories not soon forgotten! It’s worth remembering that parts of the walk may require negotiating steep slopes and rough terrain.

• Follow safety guidelines, bring appropriate gear, and enjoy your Great Ocean Walk adventure!
• If you plan on doing a section of The Great Ocean Walk, bring everything you’ll need for a day of walking.
• Or, if you decide to stop and explore towns along your route, you can leave all unnecessary items in storage (with lockers available at some rest stops) or take everything with you.
• Don’t forget that vehicles are prohibited from entering some walking tracks, so it might be helpful to carry an extra pair of shoes in case yours gets wet!

Conclusion

Walking The Great Ocean Road is quite a physical challenge but a memorable journey. Seeing such magnificent creations as The Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and Gibson’s Steps up close on foot will open your eyes and leave you in awe.

Whether you’re into hiking or not, this walk offers a beautiful view and gives you a new perspective on how fragile the world we live in really is.

These natural wonders can’t withstand our day-to-day abuses without protection. Nature has created something special here, and it’s our responsibility to preserve it for future generations of Australians and tourists alike. 

Last Updated on March 2, 2024 by Namrata