Our flagship 7 day hike

The Wanderer

Our flagship hike. A full 7-day journey from Apollo Bay to the 12 Apostles. This is the Great Ocean Walk in its entirety, combining every iconic landscape with the ease of premium stays, curated meals, and the support of our expert local team.

Hikers on coastal trail with ocean views

7 Days

Trip Duration

105km

Total Length

10-19km

Daily Hike

Difficulty

moderate

Learn More

Book this Hike

Starting at $2899 AUD per person

All Packages Terms & Conditions

About this Hike

The Wanderer is the Great Ocean Walk reimagined, designed by people who live here and know every twist in the track, the best lookouts, and the places most visitors miss. This itinerary gives you more than just a walk from A to B. It's a fully supported, boutique hiking experience that blends the region's most spectacular sections with the comfort and service of staying in premium accommodation.

Your journey begins with four nights at our home base, Captain's at the Bay in Apollo Bay, before finishing with two nights at carefully selected partner properties closer to the western end of the trail. This keeps your daily commutes short, limits the number of times you need to pack up, and means you can enjoy Apollo Bay's charm and coastal dining on the shorter days at the start of the hike.

Every detail is considered: daily briefings from our expert team, seamless transfers, personal safety equipment, and the flexibility to enjoy the hike at your own pace. Tier Two guests also enjoy premium room upgrades, additional curated dining experiences, and a Wildlife Wonders Dusk Discovery Tour, an evening guided walk to see native animals as they emerge at sunset.

The Wanderer is crafted to deliver the best of the Great Ocean Walk with less stress, more comfort, and a few special touches you won't find anywhere else.

All the Details

Itinerary

Packages

Accommodation

Transportation

Guides

Day 1

Apollo Bay Foreshore → Elliott Ridge

10km

Arrive in Apollo Bay around midday for included early check-in at Captain's at the Bay. After settling in, enjoy a relaxed Welcome & Orientation session before beginning your hike at the official Great Ocean Walk trailhead on the Apollo Bay foreshore. This short afternoon eases you into the journey with coastal views and a climb through eucalyptus forest to Elliott Ridge. Feel free to then explore the township and culinary options into the evening!

Meals: N/A (Except tier 2, where restaurant dinner included)

Day 2

Elliott Ridge → Blanket Bay

13km

Today's route flows through cool temperate rainforest before descending to the sheltered haven of Blanket Bay. Known for its calm waters and scenic coastal bushland, it's a favourite spot for native wildlife, including swamp wallabies and echidnas.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3

Blanket Bay → Cape Otway Lighthouse

11km

The landscape transitions from sheltered bays to windswept coastal heathlands and towering cliff tops. Along the way, you'll pass one of We Who Wander's favourite secret spots – Crayfish Bay – perfect for a refreshing dip on warmer days. The day concludes at the historic Cape Otway Lighthouse precinct, home to Australia's most important lighthouse. The entry fee into the site is covered by us, giving you the chance to explore the grounds and take in the sweeping ocean views. Keep an eye out for koalas resting in the Manna Gums as you approach this iconic site.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4

Cape Otway Lighthouse → Castle Cove

18km

Leaving the historic Cape Otway lighthouse precinct behind, the Great Ocean Walk trail then traverses coastal heath and wind-swept scrub before crossing the Aire River and its ancient flood plain, a striking prehistoric landscape. The day finishes at Castle Cove Lookout, where the trail meets sheer sea cliffs above the Southern Ocean, offering one of the most dramatic vantage points along the hike. Optional 2km variation to this day, where you can venture off the track to see Rainbow Falls.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5

Castle Cove → Milanesia Gate

16km

This stage features a mix of rugged coastal hills and sweeping beach hiking. A highlight is crossing Johanna Beach, an expansive surf beach known for its raw beauty and powerful waves. The trail continues through remote landscapes and by rolling green farmland before finishing near Milanesia Gate, offering a true sense of wild coastal adventure.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6

Milanesia Gate → The Gables

19km

Generally considered the most difficult section of the hike, traverse through one of the most dramatic and secluded parts of the Great Ocean Walk. The trail winds over steep coastal hills and through dense forest before emerging onto high cliff tops. Includes passing by the rarely visited Milanesia Beach. It finishes at The Gables Lookout, home to one of the highest sea cliffs on mainland Australia, with sweeping views over the Southern Ocean.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7

The Gables → Twelve Apostles

19km

Your final day is a celebration of everything the Great Ocean Walk offers. The trail winds through coastal woodland and open headlands before revealing the iconic Twelve Apostles rising from the Southern Ocean. It's an unforgettable finish, marking the completion of your journey along one of Australia's most spectacular coastlines. After time to take in the views (and plenty of photos), you'll return to Apollo Bay in the afternoon for onward travel.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch included. (No dinner included)

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