GREAT OCEAN WALK - Section #3

Milanesia Beach to the iconic Twelve Apostles offers the most spectacular views. Undulating coastal trails with some steep sections take hikers to the last section of this stunning 110km walk. Possibly the most challenging of sections, however, offers the most incredible, isolated, and picturesque regions of Australia.

Day 1- After our bus ride from Melbourne we start our walk along the isolated beach and sea cliffs of Milanesia, the most isolated of beaches on the GOW. Check out the beachcomber’s cottage before the wildest and most challenging section of the trail rise and falls over sea cliffs until we reach Ryan’s Den. The first day is a 7km moderate/hard walk so we take out time soaking in the sights and spotting local wildlife. With breathtaking views at each step, you will forget about the world you’ve left behind only hours earlier.

Day 2- From Ryan’s Den the trail continues through coastal forests that lead us to  Cape Volney,  Moonlight Head before the track slopes down into a valley and to The Gables Lookout, atop on one of the highest sea cliffs in mainland Australia. Take in the incredible wild Southern Ocean as we walk along coastal cliffs, and along stretches of the famous shipwreck coast. A moderate hike with some challenging section create a rewarding day hike covering 14km, in September we may be lucky to spot the departing Southern Right or humpback whales as they migrate north. Casuarina trees hug the trail as we enter the shipwreck beach, where at low tide we can follow the beach past anchors of shipwrecked ‘The Fiji’ & “Marie Gabrielle’ and onto Devil’s Kitchen for night 2 camping.

Day 3 – An early morning start, we traverse the weather limestone cliffs, across sand dunes and to the picture-perfect Gellibrand River, Princetown. As we pass through the wetlands of Princetown, spot the plethora of birdlife that is supported in this ecosystem. Crossing the bridge and into the coastal scrub, we are on the home stretch, winding through the headlands to Gibson Steps, in clear sight of the iconic Twelve Apostles. A moderate/hard day covering 15km of the undulating coastal trail. Celebrate with an Instagram Travel Inspiring picture in front of the remaining apostles before boarding the bus and relaxing on the way back home.

INCLUDES

• Pick up/Drop off transport service from the following locations: Frankston, Mordialloc, Southern Cross to Great      Ocean Road and return
• All meals, 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
• Head torch
• 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 in 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.

· Explore the Shipwreck Coast;  Wreck Beach and the rusting anchors of the Marie Gabrielle and Fiji shipwrecks.

· Quiet beaches at Blanket Bay and Johanna Beach.

· In winter you might spot Humpback and Southern Right Whales on their annual migration.

Strictly limited to 10 people booking per remote campsite location.

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, and 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, and 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!!