Walking & hiking on the Great Ocean Road
The Great Ocean Road region is naturally suited to hiking, trekking, walking, and wandering, no matter your level of fitness or experience. There’s no better way to connect with nature and enjoy the scenery than by putting on comfortable shoes, throwing on a backpack, and hitting the road.
In addition to scenic walks along the Great Ocean Road, each destination has city walks that allow you to discover the railway, museums, historic buildings, heritage sites, and much more. Stop by the Visitor Information Centre to pick up your copy of the town map and chat with the locals.
Learn about the Great Ocean Road
The iconic Great Ocean Road is one of Australia’s most fantastic attractions. The nearly 250-kilometre route stretches from Torquay to Allansford along the southwest coast of Victoria. The region is well-known for its breathtaking coastal views, surfing beaches, friendly towns, dense Otway rainforest and hidden waterfalls.
While this area is known for its road adventures, there are many unique places to stop and explore on foot. If you want to walk, you can do everything from short strolls to waterfalls to longer hikes along the rugged coastline.
Join us for an unforgettable Great Ocean Road tours filled with scenic drives, photo opportunities, and memorable stops at top destinations like the Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge.
Walks by the ocean
Hike in style along Victoria’s wildest coastline, which stretches 104 kilometres from the idyllic resort of Apollo Bay to the magnificent 12 Apostles. Pass through national parks, stroll along deserted beaches and admire unspoilt marine reserves. Choose from short trails or day hikes, or pitch your tent in peaceful campsites for the night.
National Park
Immerse yourself in the Australian rainforest landscape of the Otway Ranges as you walk among tall trees, ancient plants and lush ferns. Walk amongst giant tree ferns at Maits Rest Campsite or experience the beauty of the rainforest on the Otway Fly treetop walk. Discover the towering waterfalls in the valleys of the National Park, from the spectacular Triplet Falls to isolated waterfalls over fern-filled pools. You’ll see spectacular cliffs and secluded coasts from Cape Otway to Rainbow Falls.
Surf Coast Walk
Walk the entire 66 kilometres, or choose a section of the Surf Coast Walk from Torquay to Lorne. See the rich ochre cliffs of Bells Beach, stroll through coastal forests of lush eucalyptus trees and gaze out over the deep blue waters of Bass Strait.
Great South West Walk
The Great South West Walk takes 12 full days to complete, but with so many sights to see, you can pick the area you want to explore and go from there. Explore the limestone galleries of Princess Margaret Rose Cave, admire the beautiful spring wildflowers along the Glenelg River, and walk through the forests and wetlands of Mount Richmond National Park. Choose a spot around Bridgewater Bay for up-close views of fur seals and peregrine falcons.
The best walks on the Great Ocean Road
If you’re looking to explore the Great Ocean Road on foot, there are some fantastic routes, from short hikes to waterfalls to long coastal walks with stunning views. Here are some of the best routes along the Great Ocean Road!
Shelly Beach Walking Trail
This is one of the best short walks on the Great Ocean Trail. The trail crosses fern gullies and coastal scrub along Shelly Beach and over rocky platforms to the Elliot River. The return journey passes through majestic blue eucalyptus groves, home to koalas and yellow-bellied nocturnal reptiles. This walk should only be done at low tide.
Live Wire Park
Visit Australia’s most thrillingadventure park. Unplug, recharge and ignite your senses with the beauty of the Great Ocean Road as you zipline, rollerblade, rock climb, explore and wander through this world-class adventure park.
There’s the Shockwave Zip Coaster (an extreme Australian zip line), epic ropes courses, and a tree tour; experience nature in a super-charged way.
Live Wire Park is an uplifting, adrenaline-pumping experience that reconnects visitors with each other and with nature. It recharges the human spirit with world-class facilities and inspiring, reassuring staff while supporting the environment and local community.
The ancient route of Merino
Merino lies in the gently rolling hills along the main thoroughfare of the Old Bullock Track north of Portland. The main cattle route ran from Haywood, turning towards Casterton near Drumborg. It was the only way to the fertile pastures where Francis Henty established the first station, Merino Downs, in 1837.
The sculpture of Dr Drover’s nightmare is at the start of the Merino Old Stock walking route, which follows the old Ox Road, one of the oldest in Victoria still in use.
The trail starts at the edge of Palmers Creek in Merino. Seating is provided along the trail, and historic photographs highlight essential sites and areas of interest to locals and visitors alike.
Cape Bridgewater Trail
Several beautiful coastal walks in and around Cape Bridgewater, ranging from short strolls from the car park to more cardio-intensive walks through the undulating terrain.
Won Wonda Falls and Henderson Falls
Follow the gentle path to Won Wonda Falls. You will come across a giant eucalyptus tree and end the walk in the middle of a fern gully at the foot of Henderson Falls (8-10 metres high). This walk can also be done in the opposite direction.
Walk from Marengo to Shelly Beach
Walk along the low cliffs overlooking the ocean and a bare hill aptly named Bald Hill. The trail crosses the beach and sheltered forest to the picturesque Shelly Beach. A coastal route at low tide and into the calm sea.
Cumberland River Walk
Take in the beauty of this river valley as you stroll past dramatic cliffs and tranquil pools (perfect for cooling off on a hot summer day). The walk is accessible to Jebb’s Butte, but be prepared to cross many rivers and climb the cliffs behind Cumberland Falls.
Sightseeing walk along the roofs
This easy walk takes you through a grove of casuarina trees to a spectacular viewpoint overlooking the ocean and reefs around Moon’s Head. This is one of the highest sea cliffs on the Australian mainland. From June to September, you can watch seabirds or whales here.
Walk of the Twelve Apostles
On a four-day trip to the Twelve Apostles, the hustle and bustle of the city will be gone before you know it. Before you know it, you’ll sip tea in our eco-lodge and walk the legendary Great Ocean Trail for spectacular views.
We retire to the lodge each evening to chat around the campfire and enjoy sumptuous meals. The first day is a walk through the coastal scenery of Cape Otway. Day two.
The Milanesia Trail to Moon’s Head. Raw and wild, we head into the remote areas of the Great Ocean Walk, knowing that a foot spa at Dad’s awaits. By the third day, you’ll know all the wrecks by name. The last day is dedicated to the glorious Apostles – walk under them and admire the view. You will succeed!
Walking through the Triple Falls rainforest
The most impressive waterfalls in Great Otway Park, where you can take an hour-long winding walk through the ancient rainforest. Admire the lower cascades as you follow the above-ground paths through the rowan and myrtle forest to the central waterfall. As you emerge from the forest, you will hear the roar of the Triple Falls, where a series of elevated viewing platforms offer spectacular views of the three waterfalls. The area is also home to the former Otways sawmill. The trail passes by it and contains remnants of that era.
Mahogany Walk
The beach walk between Warrnambool and Port Fairy passes the last known resting place of the elusive Mahogany Ship, believed to be a Portuguese caravel that was shipwrecked in the early 1500s and disappeared under the quicksand in the 1890s.
The area is also home to echidnas, rare hooded warblers, lamb birds and crested terns in winter.
In winter or spring, you may even see a southern right whale. You can get through one of the many access points for shorter walks.
Walk to the viewpoint on the River Aire escarpment
Discover the tranquil waters of the Eyre River Estuary, the Hordenvale Wetlands and spectacular ocean and wetland views from the Escarpment Lookout. Keep an eye out for kangaroos and wallabies in the coastal bush.
Erskine River Trail
Experienced hikers will appreciate the difficulty of this river with its frequent crossings over fallen rocks and tree trunks. Follow the Erskine downstream to the reserve’s natural amphitheatre and then to the rapids and tidal part of the river mouth at Lorne. Please note that the trail is slippery in wet weather.
FAQ
When is the best time of year to hike the Great Ocean Road?
The best walking weather is during spring (September–November) and autumn (March–May) when temperatures are mild, rainfall is lower, and wildflowers are in bloom. Summer can be hot and busy, while winter brings wilder seas and cooler days — great for whale watching but pack warm layers.
Do I need a high level of fitness to enjoy these walks?
Not at all. The Great Ocean Road offers everything from 30-minute boardwalk strolls, like Maits Rest, to multi-day treks such as the full Great Ocean Walk. Choose routes that match your ability — visitor centres can advise on trail grades and distances.
Are the trails signposted and easy to follow?
Most official trails in national parks and coastal reserves are well signposted with maps at trailheads. However, for longer hikes or lesser-known routes (e.g., the Mahogany Walk), it’s wise to carry a printed map, GPS, or a navigation app with offline access.
What wildlife might I encounter on the walks?
Expect to see koalas in eucalyptus groves, echidnas in coastal heath, and a variety of birdlife including hooded plovers and peregrine falcons. In winter, southern right whales migrate along the coast. Always keep a respectful distance from wildlife and never feed them.
Do I need to book or pay to access the walking trails?
Most walks are free to access, though parking fees apply at some sites and certain guided experiences (e.g., Live Wire Park or eco-lodges on the Twelve Apostles walk) require bookings. The Great South West Walk and national park campsites may require advance permits if you plan to stay overnight.
