Cerulean waves crash into limestone cliffs and plump koalas doze in ghostly white gum bushes on the wild southwestern coast of Victoria, a rugged pure wilderness inside straightforward attain of Melbourne.
This windswept stretch of the Australian shoreline is greatest referred to as the house of the Nice Ocean Street. Certainly one of Australia’s most iconic street journeys, the scenic 243 km (151 mile) coastal route weaves by means of a patchwork of nationwide parks and kangaroo-dotted farmlands in the direction of the surreal limestone stacks referred to as the Twelve Apostles.
Nevertheless, that is not the one means to take in the chic views: the area can also be residence to the Nice Ocean Stroll (GOW), a 110km (68-mile) one-way mountaineering path that hyperlinks Apollo Bay to the Twelve Apostles.
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Regardless of its shut proximity to the Nice Ocean Street in some sections, the GOW is a splendidly wild stroll that feels additional faraway from civilization (and visitors on the driving route) than it really is. Hugging the shoreline extra carefully than the Nice Ocean Street, the GOW rewards hikers with extra dramatic vistas and a deeper immersion into the area’s magnificence.
The excellent news is that you just don’t have to have tenting gear or a full week put aside to expertise it. Whereas the GOW takes six to eight days in its entirety, it’s attainable to sort out a lot shorter sections, making it accessible to these with restricted time, health or mobility. With the assistance of a rent automobile and native shuttle companies that cater to hikers, it’s even attainable to get a GOW repair and be again in Melbourne in supper time.
Right here’s our decide of the perfect day, and half-day, hikes alongside the Nice Ocean Street from east to west.
1. Marengo to Shelly Seashore
Finest for a straightforward ramble
4.4km/2.7 miles, 2 hours, straightforward to average
This comparatively mild hike gives an ideal style of the Nice Ocean Stroll for vacationers staying in Apollo Bay, the place the GOW formally begins. There are three seaside strolling sections on this path ending on the Shelly Seashore picnic space, tucked up within the coastal forest behind the seaside, making it important to embark at low tide. If situations permit, there are a number of extra spots you possibly can decide to stroll alongside the sand and rock platforms as an alternative of sticking to the principle path tracing low cliffs. Swimming is feasible in calm situations.
Methods to do it: If you happen to don’t have time or vitality to do the stroll each methods, go away your automobile at Shelly Seashore picnic space and organize for a shuttle to Marengo (3km/1.9 miles from Apollo Bay), the place you’ll start your stroll. If you happen to don’t have a car, shuttles might be organized at both finish.
2. Blanket Bay to Cape Otway
Finest for wild swims and historical past
11km/6.8 miles, 3-4 hours, average
This author’s favourite part of the GOW takes you deep (or no less than it feels prefer it) into the plush coastal forest of Nice Otway Nationwide Park earlier than coming out onto the seaside at fairly Parker Inlet – an ideal spot for a swim. After crossing the inlet and rounding Level Franklin, the path hugs the cliffs, providing stirring Southern Ocean views en path to Cape Otway, with one other swimming possibility at Crayfish Bay.
Goal to reach at Cape Otway effectively earlier than 4pm to discover the Lightstation precinct (AU$10/grownup), the place you possibly can study the tales of the Cape and go to heritage buildings together with the putting 1848 lighthouse as soon as identified to seafarers because the “Beacon of Hope”.
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Methods to do it: If you happen to don’t have a automobile (or two) to depart at both finish of this path (Blanket Bay is 36km/22 miles from Apollo Bay), prebook a shuttle drop-off/pick-up.
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3. Cape Otway to Aire River
Finest for chasing waterfalls
9.8km/6 miles, 3-4 hours, average to tough
The ability of the Southern Ocean comes into dramatic focus when this path opens up on the eroded cliff tops after about 2km (1.2 miles). If the ocean is calm and the tide is low, you possibly can decide to drop all the way down to sea degree and stroll alongside the gentle (learn: difficult) sand of Station Seashore for 2km (1.2 miles) earlier than rejoining the principle path. There’s additionally an elective 2km (1.2-mile) return detour to Rainbow Falls, the place colourful algae blooms alongside the vertical path of a spring-fed waterfall. Don’t miss the Nineteenth-century Lightstation cemetery firstly of the path.
Methods to do it: Prebook a shuttle drop-off/pick-up, or go away a automobile at both finish of the path. Cape Otway is 27km/16.8 miles from Apollo Bay.
4. Fort Cove to Johanna Seashore
Finest for koala recognizing
6.3km/4 miles, 2 hours, average
It’s attainable to identify koalas and different native wildlife together with wallabies, kangaroos and echidnas alongside your complete GOW, however sightings of Australia’s most iconic marsupial are significantly widespread on this leg, which begins with an outstanding lookout in the direction of the cliffs of Rotten Level. The path winds alongside cliffs and thru prime koala habitat (don’t neglect to lookup!) earlier than dropping down onto the golden sands of Johanna Seashore for the ultimate 2km (1.2 miles), which may really feel like double that size within the gentle sand. Highly effective waves and powerful currents make swimming dangerous – the most secure spot is usually in entrance of the vehicle-accessible Johanna Seashore GOW campground.
Methods to do it: If you happen to don’t have a automobile (or two) to depart at both finish of this path (Fort Cove is 33km/20.5 miles from Apollo Bay), prebook a shuttle drop-off/pick-up.
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5. Wreck Seashore
Finest for maritime relics
2km/1.25 miles, one hour, average
Practically 700 vessels are regarded as submerged alongside the 130km (81 miles) stretch of shoreline between Cape Otway and Port Fairy, often known as the Shipwreck Coast. This quick stroll (low tide solely) takes you down 350 steps to the rocky seaside the place the rusting anchors of the Marie Gabrielle (wrecked in 1869) and the Fiji (wrecked in 1891) are haunting reminders of how treacherous the Southern Ocean might be. If situations allow, you can also make this stroll a circuit by scrambling over the rocks previous the Fiji anchor and connecting with the GOW path for the return stroll to the automobile park. Go away your swimwear behind – this rocky seaside isn’t perfect for a dip.
Methods to do it: Drive to Wreck Seashore automobile park or e book a return shuttle to this distant space, 38km (23.6 miles) from Port Campbell, the closest city to the top of the GOW.
6. Princetown to Twelve Apostles
Finest for admiring the Twelve Apostles
7km/4.3 miles, 2 hours, straightforward to average
It received’t be lengthy earlier than you get your first glimpse of the Twelve Apostles on this gently undulating, uncovered clifftop path. Set off as early as attainable to beat the warmth, and the day-tripper crowds from Melbourne. Whereas solely seven of those golden limestone pillars might be seen rising from the coastal shallows right this moment, it’s an superior sight that will get higher as you hike nearer. A viewpoint simply east of Gibson Steps makes for a nice place to pause for a snack. Then take a brief detour down the steps to savor the sea-level views earlier than persevering with onto the principle Twelve Apostles viewing platforms (together with the putting new Saddle Lookout) on the finish of this path – the terminus of the GOW.
Methods to do it: Base your self in Port Campbell and drive or e book a shuttle to the trailhead close to Princetown (17km/10.6 miles from Port Campbell). It’s 11km (6.8 miles) to Port Campbell from the Twelve Apostles Customer Centre.
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7. Loch Ard Gorge Walks
Finest for epic and accessible views
5.5km/3.4 miles, 2 hours, straightforward
It’s not technically a part of the GOW (which formally ends 3km/1.9 miles east on the Twelve Apostles), but when time is tight or you might have restricted mobility, this trio of interconnecting, wheelchair-accessible trails in Port Campbell Nationwide Park takes you to a few of coastal Victoria’s most memorable lookouts. The Geology Stroll (900m/0.6 miles return) results in the Razorback, a jagged hulk of limestone rivaling the Twelve Apostles. The Shipwreck Stroll (1.4km/0.8 miles return) takes you alongside the rim of the principle gorge, the place the one two survivors of the Loch Ard shipwreck in 1878 dragged themselves onto its seaside (not presently accessible); the cemetery the place a few of their shipmates have been buried; and a lookout to Mutton Hen Island, the place the Loch Ard met its destiny. Hear the roar of the water surging into Thunder Cave on the Edge Stroll (3.2km/2 miles return), which takes you additional alongside the cliffs.
Methods to do it: Loch Ard Gorge automobile park is 8km (5 miles) from Port Campbell; self-drive or get a taxi.
Ideas for day mountaineering on the Nice Ocean Stroll
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The V/Line bus runs from Melbourne to Apollo Bay day by day, however native public transport is rare and taxis are briefly provide; e book shuttles upfront.
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If you happen to’re hiring a automobile, guarantee you possibly can take it on unsealed roads, though a 4WD is just not important.
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All trails with unavoidable seaside sections needs to be undertaken at low tide.
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Anticipate patchy cellular (cell) service on all trails.
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The GOW is distant – verify the climate forecast earlier than you go, however be ready for all situations.
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Deliver loads of consuming water and snacks; the one store/cafe on the GOW is on the Cape Otway Lightstation.
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All one-way trails on this article might be accomplished as out-and-back hikes in a day.
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All three native snake species are venomous. Give these shy creatures house to maneuver off on their very own when you encounter one basking on the path.
The author traveled as a visitor of Adventures in Good Firm, which incorporates day hikes on the Nice Ocean Stroll, operated by AusWalk, on its Adventures Down Beneath tour. Lonely Planet writers don’t settle for freebies for optimistic protection.
