Down Syndrome Victoria - Great Ocean Walk 2026
Explore the highlights of the Great Ocean Walk in Victoria over three stunning days, taking in the iconic ocean scenery whilst walking with other dedicated Down Syndrome Victoria supporters.
13-15 November 2026
Travel Dates
$1,870
Trip Cost
Paid upfront or in instalments
*Minimum numbers apply
31.5km
Trekking Distance
2/5
Challenge Grade
$2,500
Fundraising Target
Separate to Registration fee and Travel Cost
The Difference You'll Make
For people with Down syndrome, opportunities in employment, housing and healthcare often fall short. That is why the support and advocacy of Down Syndrome Victoria (DSV) is vital for the creation of an inclusive future, enabling everyone to reach their potential and live the life they choose.
By taking part in the Down Syndrome Victoria - Great Ocean Walk 2026, you will not only be connecting with an incredible community of DSV supporters, you will also be joining forces to raise critically important funds that will help to advocate for the needs of Victorians with Down syndrome and their families.
Your funds can make a tangible difference:
- $96 can cover one hour of phone support for a person with Down syndrome or their family.
- $500 contributes towards the cost of a home or hospital visit.
- $1,600 enables DSV to provide a targeted, life-stage workshop for individuals or professionals about a pertinent topic.
- $4,480 allows DSV’s Education Support Service to support a child in a Victoria school for one year.
Your walking with DSV will support people with Down syndrome in Victoria and help us work towards a society where people with Down syndrome are valued, and enjoy social and economic inclusion.
How it works
Secure your place
Start Fundraising
Using the fundraising page we build for you, and book a call with your fundraising coach.
Meet the team
Meet like-minded travellers and hear from the charity about the difference you're making.
Your Adventure Begins
Set off on your adventure! Make lifelong friends during a shared challenge experience.
Trip notes
Meet your guides at 11:30am at Bimbi Park from where we will have our briefing for the day before we depart for Apollo Bay.
The trail begins in the beach-side suburb of Marengo. Marengo is home to a colony of Australian Fur Seals who hang out on rocks in the bay. Continuing onwards the countryside becomes more rural farmland. The trail continues up a small hill with a stile to climb over a fence. There are good views along the coast looking south-west towards Bangurac/Cape Otway and north-east over the ranges surrounding Krambruk/ Apollo Bay. There is a conveniently placed rest bench, followed by a steep descent past The Blowhole. We descend down to a beach for a rest before heading into a small section of Otway rainforest.
The trail enters low forest initially, and then starts to climb into the higher forests of the Great Otway National Park just above Shelly Beach. From here we will head off to our accommodation before sharing in our first team dinner.
Accommodation: 3-star cabins
Trekking distance: 7 km (4 hours)
Meals: L D
Our day begins with a 10-kilometre walk from the lighthouse to Aire River. The track winds through landscapes shaped by the wind, with sand dunes, coastal plants, and tall, rocky cliffs. At the Aire River Lookout, we will see wide views of the estuary, which is where the Aire River flows into the Southern Ocean at Glenaire Beach. The wetlands are also visible from here and are stunning. From the lookout, the path gently slopes downhill to the Aire River Bridge. The bridge takes you to a picnic area with toilets. This is also a pickup point if you wish to stop walking for the day.
The next section is a 6-kilometre walk from Aire River to Castle Cove. The track goes inland at first and climbs through tea-tree forests. It then returns to the coast, where you can enjoy views of the cliffs and ocean. There are some uphill and downhill parts before we reach Castle Cove. This beach sits on a wide bend of the Great Ocean Road near Glenaire. It is surrounded by high cliffs, where dinosaur fossils have been found. This makes it an important place for archaeology.
If time allows, the day may finish with a visit to Maits Rest rainforest walk near Cape Otway. This is a short and easy 800-metre loop. It takes you through cool, shady rainforest and is a nice break if the day has been warm.
Accommodation: 3-star cabins
Trekking distance: 16 km (8 hours)
Meals: B L D
It’s the last day of our adventure, and we’ve saved one of the most iconic sights in Australia for today. We set out today near Princetown, home to a wide variety of bird life in the surrounding wetlands. We reconnect with the Great Ocean Walk on the home stretch into Port Campbell National Park and the world-famous Twelve Apostles. Soon, the famous landmarks come into view with the last kilometre of the Great Ocean Walk taking us through to the Twelve Apostles Visitor Centre. We’ve done it! With the Apostles welcoming us, we celebrate the end of an incredible adventure. We’ll have our lunch here and then head back to Bimbi Park where we will part ways.
Trekking distance: 8.5 km (2.5-3 hours)
Meals: B L
Package Inclusions: Transfers as per itinerary • Accommodation in 3-star holiday cabins based on twin-share, shared bathrooms • Meals as per itinerary • Local guide(s) • Entrance fees as per itinerary
Package Exclusions: Airfares • Airport transfers • Pre & post tour accommodation in Melbourne • Travel insurance (highly recommended) • Personal expenses such as laundry, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages • Tips and gratuities
Fundraising for good
New to the wonderful world of fundraising, or worried you won't hit your fundraising goal? Don’t worry, we’re here to help. The Inspired Adventures team will support you with a personalised plan, regular coaching, and plenty of resources. From online campaigns to trivia nights, bake sales and creative ideas, we’ve got tried-and-tested tips to help you reach your goal.
Meet Jillian - your personal fundraising expert, who will be with you every step of your fundraising journey!
Sample Fundraising Plan
Online Direct Donations
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Send out personal emails to your network with a clear, specific ask. For example: “My goal is to have 50 people donate $20 each to my cause. Can you help by donating $20?”
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Use the Grassrootz fundraising platform to share your page on social media, copy your unique URL, and download your QR code in just one click, it’s that easy!
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Ask your family and friends to reach out to their networks and help spread the word.
Sausage Sizzle
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Host a BBQ at your local Bunnings, Woolworths, sports club, or workplace.
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Advertise in your local newspaper and invite everyone you know to come along.
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Offer vegetarian or gluten-free options to maximise your sales.
Why you'll love this adventure
- Walk 31.5 km over three exhilarating days, connecting to the coastline of Victoria.
- Witness some of the most dramatic and iconic scenery in Australia, from sheer limestone cliffs to deserted beaches, and mountain ash forests.
- Look out for fur seals, echidnas and koalas as you wander through the nature of the Great Ocean Walk.
- Be a part of the DSV team and raise funds for advocacy and support of Victorians with Down syndrome so that everyone can reach their potential and live the life they choose.
Frequently asked questions
Can't find the answer to your question? Get in touch via email (info@inspiredadventures.com.au
How challenging is this adventure?
This adventure is ranked 2/5. While no extensive trekking experience is required prior to registering, our adventures are specifically designed for people who are relatively fit and willing to train. The Great Ocean Road Trek is a physical challenge, involving trekking approximately 31.5 kilometres over 3 days. The fitter you are, the more you will enjoy the experience.
You will be well supported on the adventure, with the guides and your team all cheering you on. You are free to move at your own pace and we will take frequent breaks.
How many people will be on my adventure?
We believe small group travel is better for the planet, and better for you. Our adventures average between 10 - 20 participants, connected by their commitment to the greater good.
Can I join an Inspired Adventure on my own?
Of course, most people do! Throughout your adventure journey, we will connect you with your fellow adventurers so you can get to know each other before you hit the road.
What is the general age range of participants?
The minimum age for this adventure is 18, however younger ages are considered on application. We have had participants aged 16–84+ take part in our challenges, all united by their sense of philanthropy and adventure.
I have dietary requirements, will I be catered for?
Of course, we will happily arrange for any dietary requirements you’ve noted during booking to be catered for. Please advise your local guide on Day 1 as well. You will be fed very well while you’re on the adventure, but if you have a very specific dietary requirement or severe allergies, often it’s best to pack some extra things as back-up.
Do I have to carry my own bag?
You'll only need to carry a day bag with essentials for your day of activities. Your luggage/big backpacks will stay at your accommodation.
Who is Inspired Adventures?
Down Syndrome Victoria has partnered with Inspired Adventures to bring you this adventure of a lifetime. Over the last 20 + years, Inspired Adventures has taken over 8,000 people, just like you, on adventures all around the world, raising over $51 million for important causes. When you choose to travel with Inspired Adventures and Down Syndrome Victoria, you can be confident you’re in the best hands.
How do I train for this adventure?
We will provide you with information on how to prepare for your adventure when you register. In addition, we recommend that you consult your GP and a personal trainer to develop a training plan that will prepare you for the challenge.
As part of your training, we recommend making use of your free time to complete several day hikes. You should aim to be able to walk in hilly terrain for 5+ hours comfortably and get up and do it again the next day.
It is sensible to start training as early as possible before you go on your trek.
What is the accommodation like?
On this trek, you’ll be staying in 3-star cabin style accommodation. We usually use two bedroom, one bathroom cabins on the Great Ocean Road, but sometimes we use three bedroom cabins and sometimes one bedroom cabins.
Each room is based on twin share. In the two bedroom cabins, there is a double bed in one room and a twin bunk in the second room along with a shared bathroom and lounge area. You will be sleeping on the bottom bunk only. In the three bedroom cabins there is a double bed in one room, two single beds in the second room and a bunk in the third room. You will be sharing your cabin with other team members.
Will I be sharing accommodation?
Yes, you will be sharing your cabin with other guests. You may be in a two or three bedroom cabin. Each has separate bedrooms, a bathroom and lounge area.
With twin share arrangements, if you are travelling solo, you will be paired in a room with a teammate of the same gender.
I’m travelling with a friend, can we stay together?
Absolutely! If you’re travelling with a friend, please make note of this and we will pair you in a room together. You will be in a two or three bedroom cabin, sharing the cabin with other guests on the adventure.
How do I fundraise?
Never fundraised before? Not sure where to start? No worries, we don’t expect you to do it alone. You will have regular support from the Inspired Adventures fundraising team, who will help you make a fundraising plan to meet your target. Alongside personalised coaching, we will also send you lots of ideas and resources on how to fundraise. From online fundraising to trivia nights, to bake sales and out-of-the-box ideas, we have years and years of tried and tested tips to make your fundraising a success.
What happens if I don’t meet my fundraising target?
It’s normal to worry you won’t meet your fundraising target, but we know you can do it. In fact, with the support of Inspired Adventures, almost everyone goes on to raise far more than they imagined.
By registering for the adventure, you agree to raise the minimum fundraising amount specified. Like you, we are looking to make a significant impact for our charity partners, so the goal is for each person to have met their fundraising target before departure. If you fail to raise the minimum fundraising target by this time, we will review the situation on a case-by-case basis.
I’m travelling with a friend, can we fundraise together?
Absolutely! Fundraising with a friend is a great idea. Just remember the fundraising target is per person, so you will each need to meet the minimum fundraising goal to participate. We know you can do it.
Is my donation tax-deductible?
The funds raised for Down Syndrome Victoria are tax-deductible (conditions apply).
How much does it cost to participate in this adventure?
The total cost to participate in this adventure is $1,870 which includes a $475 non-refundable travel deposit.
In addition, you are also committing to raising $2,500 (per person) for Down Syndrome Victoria.
What happens if I need to cancel?
If you find yourself unable to attend, please notify us as soon as possible.
- Cancellation within 5 days of registration will receive a full refund (less card transaction fees).
- If you cancel some or all portions of your booking after 5 business days of registration, no refunds will apply. Inspired Adventures will provide a credit voucher to you for the travel cost, if used for another challenge within 12 months, and for one half of the amount if used after 12 months.
- Cancellation will only be effective when we receive written confirmation of the cancellation.
Do I need to have insurance?
Travel insurance is highly recommended for domestic adventures to cover cancellation, hospital, emergency evacuation and lost luggage. We recommend purchasing your policy as soon as possible. It is up to you to ensure you have fully comprehensive travel insurance and you will need to share these details with our team before departure. For more information, please visit www.inspiredadventures.com.au/travel-insurance-information.
What happens if there is a medical emergency?
Providing the safest possible environment is our highest priority and we have an outstanding safety record. All Inspired Adventures guides are first aid trained and well-equipped to handle any medical emergencies.
Take this new and exciting corporate social responsibility initiative and see your staff and brand take on this adventure as a team.
An Inspired Adventure with Down Syndrome Victoria offers the following benefits:
- Employee engagement opportunities to attract and retain staff
- Long-term partnership with Down Syndrome Victoria and increased community engagement
- Improved employee wellness through the impact of paying it forward
- Increased brand value through unique PR opportunities
- Improved workplace mental and physical health with a focus on fitness and training for the challenge
- Increased visibility through an innovative approach to corporate social responsibility
- Team building opportunities across departments through the achievement of a common goal
- Great networking opportunities
Find out more by downloading our corporate sponsorship pack HERE.
All information is subject to change and will be confirmed upon your registration.
Testimonials
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