An epic walking exploration featuring the towering Twelve Apostles

Stretching some 63 miles along Victoria’s southwest coast, the recently opened Great Ocean Walk offers a fresh way to experience some of Australia’s most breathtaking natural wonders. Visit Rainbow Falls where an inland stream meets the sea over mossy coastal rocks, and marvel at the Twelve Apostles, where towering miocene limestone stacks cluster together just off the rugged southern Australian coastline, and continue to morph with the wind over time. Our eight-day trek across Great Otway National Park—Victoria’s newest and largest coastal park will take us through mountain ash forests and coastal woods, along windswept cliff tops, and into manna gum forests, home to the park’s remarkable koala population. Not only will we see koalas, we’ll also meet kangaroos, wallabies, echidnas and whales, too. We’ll pause to relax at pristine Milanesia and Station Beaches by day, and rest our legs at the renowned Cape Otway Lighthouse cottage by night.

Activities

7 days moderate hiking on varied terrain

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

• See the towering Twelve Apostles and wind-sculpted coastline of Loch Ard Gorge
• Be among the first to experience Victoria's new long-distance walking track, bound for iconic status!
• Explore some of Australia’s best rainforests
• Meet koalas, kangaroos, echidnas, whales and birds of prey
• Visit beautiful off-the-beaten-path beaches only with MTS!

Duration: 8 days Start Location: Melbourne End Location: Melbourne

BRIEF Itinerary

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  Day 1 : Sights and Sounds of Melbourne

  Meet in Melbourne and take a walk through the city famous for its sense of style and elegance.

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  Day 2 : Apollo Bay to Elliot River

  Leave the tourists behind as you walk along the coast away from Apollo Bay. (4.5 miles walking)

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  Day 3 : Walk Elliot River to Cape Otway

  Walk through mountain ash forest to Blanket Bay then onto Cape Otway Lightstation. (16 miles walking)

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  Day 4 : Walk Cape Otway lightstation to Castle Cove

  Stunning coastal scenery awaits you on the route to Castle Cove. (10 miles walking)

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  Day 5 : Walk Castle Cove to Milanesia Beach

  The most spectacular coastal views of the entire track. (9 miles walking)

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  Day 6 : Milanesia Beach to the Gable

  Walk from stunning Milanesia Beach to the Gable. (10 miles walking)

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  Day 7 : Walk The Gable to the Twelve Apostles

  Today we get the first impressive views of the Twelve Apostles, a group of limestone sea stacks that are constantly changing with erosion from sea and wind. (12 miles walking)

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  Day 8 : Walk at Loch Ard Gorge

  The grand finale is the fascinating geological formations at Loch Ard Gorge, famous for shipwrecks, then travel back to Melbourne. (4 miles walking)

Properties shown are representative of the accommodations we use on this trip, may not be inclusive of all accommodations we use, and are subject to change.

Expert leadership is the key to an exciting, unforgettable experience. Our trips feature gifted leaders for whom leading trips is a true vocation. Besides showing you wonders you’d never find on your own, they make sure everything runs smoothly and safely without a hitch. They are knowledgeable about all aspects of your trip, and take great pleasure in sharing their insights with you. More than just guides, they positively elevate your experience by being teachers, companions, and the best of friends. You’ll be in good hands with them every step of the way.

photo credits: MTS Photo File