Three days. The best of the Great Ocean Walk.

The Highlights Weekender

A long-weekender capturing the most spectacular sections of the Great Ocean Walk. From Apollo Bay's beaches to the windswept cliffs of Cape Otway and the dramatic finish at the Twelve Apostles, this three-day, two-night itinerary delivers the trail's finest moments in one seamless experience. Thoughtfully designed for those short on time but not on curiosity.

Hikers on the Great Ocean Walk highlights

3 Days

Trip Duration

45km

Total Length

22-18km

Daily Hike

Difficulty

moderate

Learn More

Book this Hike

Starting at $1299 AUD per person

All Packages Terms & Conditions

About this Hike

The Highlights Weekender is designed for travellers who want to see the very best of the Great Ocean Walk without tackling the full distance. Each day showcases a distinct part of the trail — from sheltered bays and tall forests to open clifftops and the iconic finish at the Twelve Apostles. All logistics, transfers, and accommodation are arranged for you, leaving nothing to do but hike, unwind, and take it all in.

Day one begins at the official Great Ocean Walk trailhead in Apollo Bay, following the coast through Marengo before climbing into coastal forest and descending to the sheltered cove of Blanket Bay. Day two starts at the historic Cape Otway Lightstation, continuing west through wind-swept heathland and the Aire River floodplain to Castle Cove's dramatic cliffs. The final day takes you from The Gables Lookout — one of mainland Australia's highest sea cliffs — past Wreck Beach and on to the iconic Twelve Apostles.

Accommodation is at our home base, Captain's at the Bay, where you'll return each evening for comfort and ease. With meals, transfers, and local support included, the Highlights Weekender is a seamless way to experience the best of the Great Ocean Walk.

Tier Two guests also enjoy an upgraded room, dinner each night, curated trail snacks, a complimentary recovery session at The Corner Sauna, and other thoughtful touches that reflect our quietly elevated approach to hospitality.

All the Details

Itinerary

Packages

Accommodation

Transportation

Guides

Day 1

Apollo Bay Foreshore → Blanket Bay

22km

Arrive in Apollo Bay (Krambruk) by 10 am for a luggage drop at Captain's at the Bay and a relaxed Welcome & Orientation session. Begin your hike from the official Great Ocean Walk trailhead on the foreshore, following the coast through Marengo and quiet beach sections before climbing into coastal forest and heathland. The track offers a mix of open ocean views and shaded bushland before descending to the calm, sheltered cove of Blanket Bay. Once used by early settlers to unload supplies, it's now one of the trail's most peaceful and scenic stops. Return to Apollo Bay in the afternoon to unwind and enjoy dinner at your leisure.

Day 2

Cape Otway Lighthouse → Castle Cove

18km

Enjoy a more leisurely morning with a 9:30am arrival at the historic Cape Otway Lightstation, where entry is included for you to explore the grounds and sweeping coastal views. From there, follow the Great Ocean Walk past Station Beach and Aire River, with open clifftops and wind-swept heathland framing the Southern Ocean. Keep an eye out for koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, and native birdlife as you cross the wide Aire River floodplain. The day ends at Castle Cove, where high cliffs overlook one of the most dramatic stretches of coastline in Victoria. Return to Apollo Bay in the afternoon for another relaxed evening.

Day 3

The Gables → Twelve Apostles

19km

Your final day begins at The Gables Lookout, one of mainland Australia's highest sea cliffs. The trail winds through coastal scrub and open headlands before revealing glimpses of Wreck Beach below, where remnants of shipwrecks rest among the rocks. From there, the path continues west toward Princetown, crossing open farmland and river flats before the coastline rises again toward the Twelve Apostles. Seeing the limestone stacks emerge from the ocean marks a powerful and unforgettable end to the journey. Take time to enjoy the view before your return transfer to Apollo Bay and on to your next adventure.