GREAT OCEAN WALK - Section #1

Explore the iconic Great Ocean Walk and its stunning coastal landscapes starting with a long weekend in March to complete section 1: Apollo Bay to Cape Otway Lightstation. An all-inclusive trip designed to educate and empower. Carrying what you need on your pack, our adventure tours will give you the confidence to explore more outdoor!

Day 1 – An early morning pick up from various locations in Melbourne, our tour bus heads to Apollo bay where we grab a coffee/lunch before we head off on our first-day hike. Your Great Ocean Walk adventure starts with a moderate 10km walk into camp for night one will take us through rural farmlands, beautiful stretches of beaches and into the sheltered forest of Elliot Ridge campground. Settle in for an early night after setting up tents, enjoying a group dinner and starlight show.

Day 2- This section of the Walk traverses the beautiful forested hinterland of the Great Ocean Road via 4WD tracks. The easy graded 12km walk takes us through giant Mountain Ash forests and lush fern-strewn valleys before descending towards the stunning coastal scenery of Blanket Bay with the soundtrack of rolling, thunderous waves of the Southern Ocean.

Day 3- Rising with the sun, we pack up for our last easy-moderate 9km walk out to Cape Otway Lighthouse. Following the coastal bushland around the head of Blanket bay and descending into Parker Inlet.   With the lighthouse in the distance, we hug the undulating coastline with regular breaks to soak it all in before we get back on the bus.

Departing from the Cape Otway Lighthouse and heading back to Melbourne, our bus will drop you off (designated locations) and the evening is yours to rest in your own bed.

INCLUDES

· Pick up/Drop off transport service from the following locations: Frankston, Mordialloc, Southern Cross to Great Ocean Road and return

· All food, snacks and teas/coffee etc for 3 days/ 2 nights

· Lightweight tent & sleeping mat

· Lightweight Jetboil cookware/dinnerware including cutlery, bowl, etc

· Water filtration systems

AVAILABLE FOR HIRE

· Backpack

· Hiking poles

· Ponchos

· Headtorch

· Sea 2 Summit dry packs & / or compression packs

A full comprehensive packing list is provided upon booking and training guide.

**Please note that due to hygiene precautions, sleeping bags are NOT provided. We can recommend the best to purchase if you can't borrow from a friend. It is important to factor weight when overnight hiking. Please contact us for additional assistance with any gear requirements. **

What are you likely to see on this epic hike? All or some of the below:

• Koalas sleeping or chewing meditatively in the eucalypt trees.
• Cape Otway Lighthouse, where you can explore the stories of the Shipwreck Coast.
• Wreck Beach and the rusting anchors of the Marie Gabrielle and Fiji shipwrecks.
• Camp at the heritage-listed Aire River
• Quiet beaches at Blanket Bay and Johanna Beach.
• In winter you might spot Humpback and Southern Right Whales on their annual migration.

$300 deposit is payable to secure your place. Strictly limited to 10 people booking per remote campsite location.

Balance is due 10th FEB 2022 including any additional hire costs.

If you require a payment plan, arrangements can be made by contacting Amanda 0416 583 075  or amanda@holistichikes.com

Learn what products we have road-tested over 30 years of experience, what the best investments are, and what you shouldn’t skimp on. Immersive experiences where we teach you how to cook with limited provisions, why you want lightweight meals, and how to maximize flavour and nutrition from food. Enjoy the simplicity of hike-in camping with 3 meals a day and snacks provided.

Challenging terrain will test your mental aptitude, we hike in all-weather to build strength, resilience, and to empower through collective comradery and fortify your sense of accomplishment. Of course, there will be rest stops to enjoy the terrain we cover.

Whilst the days cover no more than 14km, the trail is undulating and packs add to the resistance. There are plenty of breaks, time to wind down; however, having a good level of fitness will ensure enjoyment for the entire group.

If you’ve ever wanted to hike in camp but didn’t know where to start, what to bring/buy or do it alone, this weekend is for you!!