Trek from Melbourne to Adelaide via Great Ocean Walk
Replies: 1 - Last Post: Feb 5, 2013 11:48 AM Last Post By: kandet
jump to
Trek from Melbourne to Adelaide via Great Ocean Walk
Hello, my goal is to go from Melbourne to Adelaide. I think the smartest thing to do is to arrange public transport or shuttle service to Apollo Bay, which will be the starting point. From there I plan on following the Great Ocean Walk Trail, which my sister has given me plenty on info on, and also said it was unbelievable. The difference is that I don't like to pre-book where I will end up, as my sister paid for someone to book her campsite and bring the tent & gear each day. Sounds good, but it's not my way of travelling. Is it possible to just turn up to campsites? I'll be carrying my own gear.At the end of the Great Ocean Walk, I would love to just keep going to Adelaide. I just got back from a 5 month travel and the normal working life is boring me! I have been working & saving, and I am only casual, so I was just going to quit. This will mean that time factor on how long it will take is no problem. I was just wondering if my plan is feasible... given that, if the views and surroundings will be worth it as well.
Or should I just keep it simple and do the Great Ocean Walk, then catch a bus to Adelaide? I'm from Sydney, and will be flying to Melbourne and flying out from Adelaide as I don't have a car.
I have trekked in Nepal and India, and also rode a bike through Germany to Austria, so I am experienced and have never gone through a tour company/guide.
Has anyone ever done this? I haven't been able to get information after the great ocean walk, I would just like to weigh up my options beforehand and prepare myself.
Cheers!
Jase
1
Hi JaseI used to run Great Ocean Walk tours so I know a lot about the walk. The walk starts at Apollo Bay and you do need to book the campsites. They are not expensive and you can carry your own gear all the way through. The pdf document from Parks Victoriahas most of the information for you. The campsites all have camp kitchens and toilets. I've never found a shortage of toilet paper there either. Recommended campsites are Blanket Bay, right on the water, Johanna Beach - high up overlooking the surf and Ryans Den. A couple of tips. If you want a hot shower on the way you could camp at [Bimbi Park|http://bimbipark.com.au/ for a night. There is a track up from near Station Beach (after Cape Otway Lightstation). There is a shop at Bimbi Park. If you at staying at Bimbi on the nights he has wood oven fired Pizzas have one. They are fab. Showers are Coin operated. (to conserve water due to rainfall issues). Great place to stay. Then also at Princetown Rec Reserve which is the last camping spot before the 12 Apostles who can get a hot shower and wash your clothes there as well ready for the journey to Adelaide. Once you get to the 12 Apostles you will need a lift to Port Campbell. You either need to ring Abbi of Cape Otway Shuttle or John at Port Campbell Touring, both know the walk very well and know heaps of information. There is a hostel at Port Campbell.
To get further down the road I suggest Vline. Vline from Melbourne to Apollo Bay as well. Make sure you sit on the left side of the bus!
There isn't an actual walk to Adelaide. There is the South West Walk near Portland and Cape Bridgewater but I know little about this one. Hopefully someone else will be able to tell you more or Google some research.
If you use instagram tag your pictures #greatoceanwalk so I can follow and see some of the stunning views you come across.
Have a great walk.
