Twelve Apostles Lodge Walk

Itinerary

Day 1: Melbourne – Lodge – Castle Cove – Johanna Beach (7.5km; 4 hours)

• At 7.45am you will be collected from Travelodge Southbank where the driver will introduce you to the other walkers before departing for the direct three hour transfer to Twelve Apostles walking lodge at Johanna, via the inland route.

• Enjoy morning tea on arrival at the lodge, followed by a walk briefing, gear fit out and check. We then pack our delicious hiker's lunch and transfer to Castle Cove (5 minutes) to start our walk.

• Walk amongst tea trees and through a grass tree forest before dropping down to Johanna Beach where we walk for two kilometres along the soft sand.

• We will then either transfer by road back to the lodge, or for those with a little more energy left, there is the option of an additional 3km stroll back to the lodge.
  
  

Day 2: Milanesia Gate to Moonlight Head (12.5km; 8 hours)

• Today is the most challenging day on the trail, however you will be rewarded with the most visually spectacular sections of the Great Ocean Walk, known as 'the wild side'.

• We begin at Milanesia Gate, taking a winding path that leads down through the forest to beautiful Milanesia Beach. Then, following a gentle beach stroll, we turn upwards for a short but steep climb that sets the tone for the trail ahead.

• The trail is dissected by gullies before a gradual climb which delivers fabulous views back over Milanesia.

• We continue in a westerly direction until a steady climb leads us out of the forest and into Ryans Den camp site, where we are rewarded with superb views of the coast, both to Cape Volney and Cape Otway.

• From here the trail rises and falls many times before cutting along the ridge behind Cape Volney, again providing breathtaking views.

Note: There is an endurance option this morning of starting early at Johanna Beach, traversing the rolling hills of Johanna valley. Warm up on a country lane as it rises to the highest point of the Great Ocean Walk. (8km)

Day 3: Gables to Princetown (13km; 7 hours)

• We begin today with a 30 minute transfer to The Gables lookout, one of mainland Australia's highest cliff top lookouts.

• Tide dependent, we then drop down into Wreck Beach and continue through to a lovely lunch spot past Devil's Kitchen, overlooking the Apostles in the distance. A high tide option combines coastal scrub with forest and walks through Devil's Kitchen camp site.

• Stunning coastal views to the west this afternoon provide the incentive to keep moving forward. The walk from here is gentle, finishing at the Gellibrand River, near the sleepy hamlet of Princetown.

• There is the chance for a swim, if weather permits, before our driver meets us and transfers us back to the lodge for a relaxing final evening.

There is an endurance option this morning, starting at Moonlight Head (additional 4.5km). Begin with a gentle stroll through native stringybark forest, concluding with a rise into The Gables.

Day 4: Princetown to the Twelve Apostles (8km; 3 hours)

• Enjoy your final scrumptious breakfast at the lodge before checking out and transferring to Princetown to complete the final section of the walk to the Twelve Apostles.

• The Apostles emerge on slow reveal as the trail rises and falls along the coastline. There is a viewing lookout exclusively for walkers before the final stretch of trail into the 12 Apostles Visitors Centre.

• As a reward for your efforts of the last few days, you are treated to a stunning 10 minute Twelve Apostles scenic helicopter flight for an unparalleled view of this amazing coast.

• We then transfer to Port Campbell for lunch and an opportunity to change (including optional shower) before returning to Melbourne.

 Tullamarine Airport drop off time is 5pm for flights after 6pm. Melbourne CBD (Travelodge Southbank) drop off is at 5.30pm.

Departure Dates

Walks operate from early September until late May. Please enquire for available dates.

Costs & Inclusions

Cost:

Please contact us for pricing.

Inclusions:

• Transfers from Melbourne CBD on day 1

• Transfers back to Melbourne CBD or airport on day 4

• 3 night eco-lodge stay including linen and towels

• All meals (3 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 dinners)

• Daily morning & afternoon tea

• All walk snacks, fruit and water (stainless steel water bottles provided)

• Non-alcoholic drinks

• Daily walk transfers to/from the lodge

• Daily guided walks with expert guide, wilderness first aid trained

• Quality walking gear hire (daypack, weatherproof jacket, walking poles, gaiters, weather gear, etc)

• Vehicle support daily

• Daily use of foot spas

• 1 x clothes wash

• All national park fees

• 12 Apostles scenic helicopter flight 

Fitness Level

The Twelve Apostles Walk is a Moderate graded walk. It involves walking with a light day pack (3-5kg) on uneven hiking trails for up to 8 hours a day, at approximately 3 km per hour. To enjoy this walk you will need a reasonable level of fitness. On day 2, the walk is more challenging, with undulating climbs and descents covering much of the trail – this day is rated hard. 

We suggest that at least 6 – 8 weeks prior to your walk, you begin walking for at least one hour each day at a reasonable pace. Speed is not the essence to bushwalking, rather stamina and confidence in your own abilities. Continuously walking at a steady pace is better than racing ahead and running out of steam before the end. We would strongly suggest that some hill walking be included in your preparation. To prepare, take every opportunity to walk instead of driving the car, and take the stairs where possible or walk up hills to build leg strength and fitness. Walkers should prepare to walk at least 40 of the full 56km over four days.

FAQ's

When to go:

Walks operate from the start of September through to the end of May. Victoria enjoys a temperate climate and reliable rainfall with four distinct seasons. Below is a guide to the hottest and coolest.

Summer: the average maximum temperature in south-west Victoria across January and February is 25 degrees Celsius, but can on occasion reach mid to high 30s. Sunscreen is required at all times, even on cloudy days. Overnight temperatures vary from 8 to 15 degrees Celsius.

Winter: June to August is the coldest time in Victoria, with average maximum temperatures of between 8 and 13 degrees Celsius. Walks do not operate over this period.

Spring and Autumn can be anywhere in between! Expect mild days, with ocean breezes and winds. Late afternoons cool down, and evenings will require a fleece or long sleeves.

As with all coastal walking, the weather can be unpredictable at all times of the year. Being cooler makes the walking no less enjoyable. Even the wildest days lend themselves to walking this rugged coastline, giving the opportunity to appreciate how a stretch became known as the "Shipwreck Coast". A weatherproof jacket is provided, and we recommend walkers bring thermal clothing along just in case! 

Group Size:

Minimum 4 guests / maximum 10 guests.