If you are looking for that little bit more help planning your Great Ocean Walk and want more than just a shuttle, check out Walk91's website.

Walk91 package up accommodation and transfers, whilst moving your heavy bags as you progress along the trail (so you only need to carry a day pack).

They can offer catered or self-catered walking options & can custom-make walks too!

Frequently Asked Questions on the Great Ocean Walk

How long is the Great Ocean Walk and where does it start and end?

The walk is 104kms long, but the campsites cover approx 100km as a more direct route (as you do not need to walk in and out to meeting spots). It starts in Apollo Bay on the foreshore (on the Great Ocean Road in Victoria, Australia) and ends at the 12 Apostles. There is no track to Port Campbell.

Is Great Ocean Road Shuttle a local business?

Yes, Great Ocean Road Shuttle is run by locals who have worked and lived in the area for years.

Originally Great Ocean Road Shuttle was set up and owned by Abby Usas, who sadly passed away in 2016. Abby loved the Great Otway National Park and lived in the heart of the bush at Cape Otway. Walk 91, owned by an ex-local ranger who lives in Apollo Bay, has taken over Great Ocean Road Shuttle to run alongside their self-guided Great Ocean Walk inn to inn walking packages.

www.walk91.com.au

Great Ocean Road Shuttle’s drivers are all locals who have lived in Apollo Bay for years. They are looking forward to meeting you and driving you through the beautiful Great Otway National Park!

Water on the Great Ocean Walk?

There is no drinking water on the trail, only untreated rainwater tanks, so bring your own water or water purification tablets. Do not presume that the water tanks will be full, however. If it has not rained much they may be empty so keep this is mind when planning your walk.

How do I get to the Great Ocean Walk using public transport?

Between Melbourne and Geelong -

It's a public v-line train service. Between Geelong and Apollo Bay it is a public v-line coach/bus service. If you are travelling from Melbourne the train stops at Geelong Station and the coach/bus waits for the train to arrive before travelling on to Apollo Bay. 

Check the bus time table to Apollo Bay from Melbourne (or Geelong if you are flying into Avalon airport) before you book your flights. This may avoid long wait times at Geelong station. The buses are punctual and if you wish to call them in advance to check times, call 136 196).

To check your train times on line go to  http://www.vline.com.au Click on, “Plan trip/Buy tickets”

How do I get from Melbourne Tullamarine Airport to the Southern Cross train station to catch the v-line service?

You can catch a taxi to Melbourne Southern Cross Station from the airport to catch the v-line train & bus service to Apollo Bay.
A shuttle bus (Sky bus) from the airport which leaves approx. every 15 minutes to Melbourne Southern Cross Station .The sky bus takes approx. 20-30 minutes c https://www.skybus.com.au/ .
The ‘Gull Bus’ which leaves from the airport connects directly to the Geelong train station, to meet the ‘V-line’ bus to Apollo Bay. You need to book the Gull bus in advance. The Gull bus takes approx.  1 hour and 15 minutes, depending on traffic.

How do I get from Avalon Airport to Geelong train station to catch the v-line service?

Flying into Avalon airport:  Catch the shuttle bus / taxi cab from Avalon airport to Geelong train station to catch the bus to Apollo Bay. It takes approx. 30-minutes to drive to Geelong train station.

The Avalon Airport Shuttle Bus meets each flight. 

Are there toilets on the walk?

There are several, mostly composting toilets. There are toilets in Apollo Bay, Marengo Caravan Park (but they may not be open to the public) Shelly Beach car park, Eliot Ridge campsite, Blanket Bay, Parker Hill, Cape Otway Lighthouse car park, Cape Otway hike in campsite, Aire River, Johanna car based camping and the ‘hike in’ campsite, Ryans Den campsite, Devils Kitchen, 12 Apostles.

Are there rubbish bins on the walk?

There are no bins in the National Park so please take a bag with you to remove your rubbish.

What clothing shall I bring?

Bring protective clothing with you:

e.g. a weather proof jacket and or trousers, jumper, hat, sunscreen, and sturdy footwear and socks. (No jeans)

Sneakers/ trainers/ runners are ok for use on the beach but not on the trails as it can get muddy. Gaiters are a personal choice. We recommend bringing insect repellent, and for the summer months hat fly screens. 

Also bring a MAP (this is a must!), emergency numbers, Parks Victoria hike in campsite reservation numbers, matches, first aid kit (including blister cream/ dressings), compass, whistle, GPS, mobile, EPIRB, tide chart, water. Please note that these are guidelines only, but if want a fully supported walk so that you have backup on the trail consider booking one of Walk 91's supported packages.

What are the best sections of the Great Ocean Walk Track?

There are many nice sections, so you can't go wrong really if you are choosing short day walks. We like Blanket Bay to the Cape Otway Lighthouse (and this is well worth a visit if you have time). The Lighthouse to Johanna is also a really nice walk, and you can detour to rainbow falls if you wish. 

Wreck Beach is a great beach to visit if you love looking back to the past. This area gives a wonderful insight into the history of the shipwreck coast. 

And of course, the last section of the Great Ocean Walk is fabulous as you end at the magnificent 12 Apostles. 

Just remember that some sections are harder than others, so make sure that you keep your fitness levels in mind when planning your itinerary. And remember that some sections have no phone reception so you need to make sure that you let your family and friends know where and what you are doing if you are planning to walk the trail unsupported.