Great Ocean Road Walk, VIC

For SINGLE WALKERS 40 to 59 years
Friday 23 - Tuesday 27 April 2010 (includes Anzac Day public holiday) (5 days)

Itinerary

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HIGHLIGHTS: 

• Views from the Gable - one of Australia's highest sea cliffs
• Wreck Beach - view anchors and remains of shipwrecks: the Fiji and the Marie Gabrielle
• Walk around beaches to Devils Kitchen return to Wreck Beach
• Final section of walk towards the 12 Apostles
• 12 Apostles

FITNESS LEVEL
It is ideal for the walker of a medium level of fitness. One most days some walkers can walk less if they prefer as long as this is negotiated with the guide. Only one section of the walk is rated as Hard by Parks Victoria. As far as preparation goes a general preparatory program for someone who is not a walker would involved a schedule of regular weekly walking for at least 6-8 weeks prior with the aim of gradually walking further each week as well as starting to incorporate some hill walking would be appropriate.

MEAL TIME:
All meals are included and are well catered.

Breakfast:
Everyday bircher muesli, cereals, toast, and a hot meal are on offer. The hot meal may include, baked tomatoes, bacon and eggs, scrambled eggs, home made baked beans etc.

Lunch:
A selection of breads, wraps, salads and meats are laid out and guests make their own. Fruit is also supplied."

Dinner:         
These are some indicative menus for dinners and should be used as a a guide only; home-made marinara, lamb fillets with couscous, baked salmon on country mash and greens, BBQ night with quality meats and salads, chic pea curry, minute steak on BBQ and salads. All meals are served with vegetables or salads, and catering for vegetarians is offered.

WEATHER
For regional average temperatures click here

Day One - Friday 23 April 2010

08:30 Pickup: A Rendezvous clients are collected from a central Melbourne point to travel to accommodation at Cape Otway. A  van is used and it also has a covered trailer for main luggage.

Lunch: provided at accommodation
PM. Drive to Apollo Bay and arrive approximately 1:45pm to start the walk.

Walk: Apollo Bay to Shelley Beach
Distance: 8.0km

Highlights:  

• Fur seals on Marengo reefs
• Sheltered sandy coves and rock platforms
• Views towards Blanket Bay from Grassy Hill
• Forest walk

Shuttle return to Cape Otway accommodation.

Day Two - Saturday 24 April 2010

Walk: Blanket Bay to Accommodation
Distance: 16.0km  Walking Time: 5 - 6 hours
Detours: Crayfish Bay, Rainbow Falls, Station Beach

Highlights:  

• Shipwreck Tour - Parker Inlet to Point Franklin
• Crayfish Bay
• Cape Otway
• Rainbow Falls
• Station Beach

Today we walk directly into our accommodation.

Day Three -  Sunday 25 April 2010

Walk: Accommodation to Johanna to Hiders Access
Distance: 19.4km or 13.4km.   Walking Time: 6 - 7 hours maximum

Today, any walkers who do not want to walk the last six km from Johanna to Hiders Access (apart from the first 2.0km most of this is on roads and is often skipped) may request a pick up for this section.

Highlights:

• Escarpment Lookout over Aire River
• Castle Cove
• Native vegetation
• Cliffs and views
• Johanna Beach and Hikers Camp views

Shuttle return to Cape Otway accommodation.

Day Four - Monday 26 April 2010

Walk: Melanesia Beach to Moonlight Head
Distance: 9.6km   Walking Time: 5 - 6 hours
This is the shortest and most challenging day but also the most stunning.

Highlights: 

• Melanesia Beach - remote sandy beach, cannonball rock faces
• Ryans Den - views to die for
• Stunning coastal views
• Moonlight Head

Day Five - Tuesday 27 April 2010

Walk: The Gable to Wreck Beach
Princetown to 12 Apostles
Distance: 9.4km Time: around 5 hours 

This day is in two sections. Around three to three and a half hours of walking depending on tides. The order is sometimes swapped depending on the tides to ensure anchor viewing at Wreck Beach (the main attraction of Wreck Beach and what many people come to see). The walk currently finishes beside the Great Ocean Rd 1.5km from the 12 Apostles but we always factor in viewing time at the 12 Apostles after the end of the walk.

The group will be returned to Melbourne (Grand Chancellor Hotel) at around 9 - 9:30pm.

WHAT TO PACK:

• HYDRATION;  water bottles or hydration bladder & tube - need to be able to carry 2 - 3 litres per day. 3 litre capacity is recommended
• Swimming costume ( warmer months) - if intending to swim during the day's walking, a small personal chamois is recommended as it can be squeezed dry and will not increase in weight unlike a beach towel
• Small rucksack
• Assortment of small zip lock bags & plastic bags for washing
• Camera & spare batteries, data cards, film, chargers etc
• Watch
• Head torch or hand torch