Guided Great Ocean Walk Victoria Australia
with 'bothfeet'
- Overview
- 4 Day
- 6 Day
- FAQ
About the Great Ocean Walk
Opened in 2006, the Great Ocean Walk spans 91 kilometres of one of the World’s most renowned coastlines – a walk that has to be done to be believed. Coastal and forest scenery (sometimes in one day) demonstrates the diversity that is the Otways and provides amazing opportunities to see native Australian wildlife. The trail itself passes through two national parks, over looks a marine national park and a marine sanctuary and although the region is one of the most popular for visitors to Victoria, we will help you descend onto beaches, that make you feel like Christopher Columbus!
Great Ocean Walks.
Take beautiful coastal scenery; add some long stretches of remote beach, and historic lighthouse, stunning rock formations that happen to be world renowned and wildlife galore and what do you have? The recipe for one of the world's great walks, that's what.
Stay at bothfeet's Johanna Eco Village
Walkers know what walkers need at the end of a day on the trail. Be our guest at the 4 Star bothfeet Johanna Eco Village - a fabulous purpose built walking lodge located half way along the Great Ocean Walk. State of the art, best practice sustainable design and a serene bush setting combine to complement perfectly the experience of one of Australia's best walking trails. Did we mention fabulous regional food prepared onsite and some of Victoria's best wines? And the only way to experience all this is with bothfeet.
4 Day Great Ocean Walk
Start at the very beginning of the walk - Apollo
Bay - and enjoy parts of the "mild side" of the trail.
Then climb 106 stairs up the Cape Otway Lightstation
for an unforgettable view of one of the world’s most
renowned coastlines. This is the mid point of our walk.
The next 2 days are spent walking west to the further
most point you can see. Our 4 Day Great Ocean Walk contrasts
the "mild side" with the “wild side” of the trail, getting
views of the coastline few people see. Breathe fresh
air, marvel at the power of the waves crashing on the
cliffs, then stand on the edge of Ryan’s Den, put your
face to the wind and realise there is nothing but ocean
between you and the wilds of Antarctica.
Destination: Cape Otway and the Great Ocean Road
Walk from:
Apollo Bay to Cape Otway;
Castle Cove to Johanna
Milanesia Beach to 12 Apostles
Days: 4 days/3 nights
Average Distance: 15km per day
6 Day Great Ocean Walk
We know there are always those walkers who want to
say "I did it all" and for you, there is the 6 Day Great
Ocean Walk. Transfers, accommodation and meals are all
taken care of while our expert guide accompanies you
along the entire 91km of the marked trail. Our 6 Day
Walks operate as stand alone groups, so you will share
your journey with up to 9 other dedicated "end to enders".
And whether it's cold towels, walking poles or gatorade,
we have everything on hand to make sure you make it
through every last kilometer. Staying at our new Eco
Village, this is definitely the only way to say you
walked it all.
6 day guided walk along the Great Ocean Walk
Destination: Cape Otway and the Great Ocean Road
Walk from: Apollo Bay to Glenample Homestead
Days: 6 days/5 nights
Total Distance: 91km
FAQ
Can't I walk these trails on my own?
Of course you can. But most people don’t! We organise
everything for you, including meeting you in Melbourne
CBD and dropping you back, great places to stay, delicious
things to eat along the way, all accompanied by our
professional guides. You don’t carry your luggage or
your mobile phone, just water, sometimes your lunch,
your camera and a sense of curiosity.
Will I need special shoes?
We require all walkers to have solid, closed toe walking
shoes or hiking boots, preferably with ankle support.
Sports shoes, trainers or runners are not suitable to
complete these walks.
Do I need to be really fit?
No, you don’t. bothfeet walks aren’t designed for pro
athletes. If you already walk for fitness, swim a little,
play golf or regularly climb a few stairs you will manage
our walks with ease. We aren’t out to set personal bests
in distance; we just believe that walking is the best
way to see some of the most beautiful parts of Victoria.
We walk an average of 12-15km per day and most days
will have an option to walk half days.
How far will we walk each day?
Most of our trips cover on average between 12 and 15km
per day. Our 6 Day Great Ocean Walk covers a little
more: about 19km per day.
Can I still travel with a pre-existing medical condition?
In most cases, yes. We require everyone to fill in a
confidential medical form for us and if you have a pre
existing medical condition, receive your doctor’s approval.
What do I have to carry?
You carry only a day pack containing up to two litres
of water, a weather proof jacket and any personal items
such as a camera and sunglasses. Occasionally you carry
lunch, but on most days our guides bring that in their
packs. We can provide a day pack for you to use, if
you don’t have one. The rest of your kit is transferred
on ahead, waiting for you at the days end.
What else will I need to bring?
Thermals may seem silly in the middle of Summer, but
don't be tempted to leave them behind. The weather in
Spa Country and the Otways can be changeable, no matter
what time of year you travel. For a complete list of
what you need to bring and what we supply see our Gear
List.
What if my travelling partner is less active than I
am?
All our journeys can be enjoyed at your own leisurely
pace. One of our guides will only walk as fast as the
slowest person, and there is always time to stop and
take photographs, look at the flora and fauna or have
a snack and a drink some where unique along the way.
All our walks are vehicle assisted, and there is usually
an option to break the trips into half days if you prefer.
What will I receive before I travel with bothfeet?
When you book and pay a deposit, you will receive some
information about your trip and the region of Victoria
you will travel to. Upon receipt of your final payment,
we send out a comprehensive travel kit, including information
of what to bring and what you can expect on your journey.
This can come to you either by email or by post, and
will come either directly to you or care of your travel
agent, depending on how you booked with us.
What sort of people travel with bothfeet?
Our journeys are open to travellers of all ages - assuming
you are fit and healthy - we take travellers from 18
to 80. The trips provide all walkers with the opportunity
to meet new people and learn more about the world in
which they live. The majority of travellers are between
40 and 65. Children are welcome on bothfeet journeys
with Kids and of course on any of our Custom Journeys.
Travelling with Kids
If you are interested in traveling with children over
the age of five, why not ask about our special “with
Kids” departures – a range of Custom Journeys specifically
designed with school holidays and curious youngsters
in mind. Mum and Dad can still enjoy a welcome short
break, while special activities and shorter walks keep
the younger family members entertained.
How long have we been running trips for?
bothfeet has been running for 3 years, built on the
foundations of many years of tour operating experience.
The owners have been working with other tourism businesses
for over 12 years, and some of our experienced guides
have been leading tours in Australia and overseas for
more than two decades.
Most of the walking trails used by bothfeet are recently
opened, making walking as a group to these areas a brand
new experience.
Does bothfeet cater for special dietary requirements?
If we know in advance, we can cater for most dietary
requirements. We include space for this on our booking
form, which each traveller needs to reserve a place
on our walks.
Where do I join the tour?
bothfeet operate walks in Victoria, Australia. Our tours
start and end at a prearranged central pick up point
in Melbourne CBD. We will confirm the pick up time and
place when we receive your deposit. You need to make
your own arrangements to meet at this point.
Some of our journeys depart early, so we recommend interstate
or international customers stay in Melbourne the night
before to ensure a timely pick up.
Will I have mobile phone coverage?
Mobile coverage in most of the forest areas we walk
will be limited or non existent. Some of our accommodation
venues will be in mobile range, but it should not be
assumed you will have coverage. Our guides will carry
satellite phones for use in case of emergency only.
What language are the tours conducted in?
All our tours are conducted in English. Certain other
languages may be catered for by arrangement on our Custom
Journeys series.
What standard is the accommodation?
There are no tents on a bothfeet journey! bothfeet specially
select all our places to stay based on comfort, quality
and uniqueness. All are comfortable and offer warm hospitality.
Some are retreats, some remote Eco lodges and others
are four star resorts. Some have shared facilities and
some have private ensuites. The accommodation depends
on the style of walk and the location.
What is included on my walk?
Nearly everything! We include your accommodation, transfers
to and from Melbourne CBD to join your walk, all meals,
some wine with dinner (half a bottle per person), morning
and afternoon tea, use of a weather proof jacket and
day packs, the services of our professional guides and
entrance fees to any attractions we visit.
What is not included?
At your own expense will be additional wine beyond the
half bottle per person at most dinners, and your own
personal spending on souvenirs, scenic flights and mementos.
Can I travel as a single?
We welcome single travellers on our journeys, but due
to the boutique and remote nature of our accommodation
choices, we cannot cater for single rooms with supplements.
All people travelling on a single basis will twin share
a room with one other walker.
What is Twin Share?
Twin share means two people sharing a room. This will
mean either a couple sharing a queen size bed or two
people in one room each having a separate single bed.
How far ahead do I need to book?
We suggest you book early to ensure the date of your
choice. Each season has its advantages: wildflowers
are present in Spring and early Summer, milder days
are generally assured in early Autumn; while natural wonders
such as whale migration occurs in late Spring around
the Great Australian Bight. If you have a particular
special interest let us know and we will try and advise
you of the best time to travel.