The Great Otway National Park follows the winding curves of Victoria’s famous Great Ocean Road. Coastal towns such as Lorne, Wye River, Skenes Creek and Apollo Bay nestle into rolling green hills, some cleared, some densely forested, providing a dramatic backdrop for the coastal swells of Bass Strait and the Southern Ocean. The Great Ocean Road is one of Victoria’s most popular tourist destinations. The journey starts at the beginning of the trail and travels westward sequentially for 57 miles until you reach the 12 Apostles six days later.
Your Itinerary:
Day 1: This morning you travel to Apollo Bay by car. A short walk starts your trip, and then settle in to you guest house house.
Day 2: This morning you follow the Elliot River Track down to the mouth of the river, crossing on well define stepping stones. There is a steep climb up the ridge to Blue Gum and Wet Forests before joining the Elliot Road. The afternoon takes you through cool climate rainforest, passing some spectacular examples of Myrtle Beech and Mountain Ash trees. The afternoon will be spent discovering the Parker River Estuary and Cape Otway itself. Continue up river and on to Parker Hill. From here you follow the Great Ocean Walk around the adjoining farmland to the Cape Otway Light Station.
Day 3: Start the day with a climb…to the top of the Light Station that is, for spectacular views east and west. A tour of the precinct reveals stories of shipwrecks, triumph and tragedy surrounding Victoria’s oldest beacon. From a lookout, you will see the Aire River and enjoy beautiful views back up the inlet to the Aire Valley. The flood plains of Lake Craven and Lake Costin are a stunning sanctuary for bird life, fresh water fish and are in various stages of regeneration. It is possible to see dinosaur fossils in the limestone cliffs!
Day 4: Today’s walk rejoins at the cliff tops of Castle Cove, the trail head for a lovely coastal path that meanders through heath land, wildflowers and grass trees before dropping onto Johanna beach itself. After lunch at Johanna Beach, the trail crosses into farmland where some of the most contented cows graze only yards from the beach.
Day 5: You start at the gate of the Great Otway National Park, taking a winding path that leads through forest of predominately Manna Gum and Stringybarks to beautiful Milanesia Beach. After a gentle beach stroll, you turn upwards for a short but steep climb to the top of the ridge. Rough ferns and stands of remnant Eucalypts dot the path before an ascent of 138 steps. Be rewarded with superb views of the coast leading back to Cape Otway; an ideal place to reflect on just how far you have come.
Day 6: The final day begins with a walk up a country lane that leads to one of Victoria’s most spectacular lookouts. The views of the Southern Ocean just get better and better and the Gables Lookout showcases the best the coastline has to offer. Transfer back to Melbourne.
2008 Dates: January 20-25, February 17-22, March 16-21, April 20-25, May 18-23, September 15-20, October 20-25, November 17-22, December 15-20.
Meeting Point: Melbourne.
Difficulty of Walk: Varying terrain, from coastal paths and beach to forest and inland trails. Some rolling hills, paths can be slippery when wet, moderate pace. Approximately 5-12 miles per day.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
$2,995 per person, shared.
Price Includes:
- 5 nights hotel/guest house accommodation
- 6 days guided walking
- All meals
- Guide
- Park entry fees
- Foot massage
- Transfers to/from Melbourne
- Tax.
Also see tour packages in:
Australia and Oceania
Australia
Walking Tours
Ecotourism
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