Retina Australia - Eyes on the Horizon Walk 2027

9-11 April 2027

Travel Dates

~~$290~~ $140

Registration Fee

$2,225

Trip Cost

Paid upfront or in instalments
*Minimum numbers apply

Up to 31.5km

Walking Distance

2/5

Adventure Grade

$3,000

Fundraising Target

Separate to Registration fee and Travel Cost

Early bird offer: sign up before 20 November 2026 and save $150 on your registration fee!

The Difference You'll Make

An inherited retinal disease diagnosis can raise difficult questions about what comes next. Retina Australia makes sure people living with IRD and their families have access to information, connection and advocacy.

Since 1989, Retina Australia has invested more than $6.8 million in more than 150 research projects focused on better detection and treatments for IRD. But research is only part of the journey. Retina Australia also provides trusted information, peer support and advocacy for Australians living with IRDs and their families, while advocating for access to testing, clinical trials and emerging therapies.

By taking on the Eyes on the Horizon Walk 2027, you'll raise funds for research, information, peer connection and advocacy for people living with IRD.

From diagnosis to breakthrough, no one walks alone.

Trekkers walking along a coastal trail overlooking the ocean

How it works

Secure your place

Register by clicking the "Register now" button, and choose your payment plan for the travel cost. For more details, see our FAQs.

Start Fundraising

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

Accessibility on the trail

This walk includes a mix of surfaces — sealed track, boardwalk, natural forest floor and some uneven, rocky sections. Guides are briefed to give verbal terrain updates throughout, and the group moves at a pace that works for everyone on the trail. Specific obstacles for each day are listed below so you can plan ahead, whether you're walking with a cane, a guide dog, or simply want to know what's underfoot.

Day 1, Friday, 9 April 2027: Depart Melbourne - Marengo Bay to Shelly Beach

Note: As the trekking portion of this adventure begins early in the morning on Day 1, you will need to arrive in Melbourne the day before. Accommodation is NOT included on this night. Please do not book your flight home to depart before 7:30pm on the last day. You will meet at 7am in Melbourne’s CBD so pre-purchase any breakfast supplies the day before.

Our adventure begins! Meet your guides early this morning at the National Gallery of Victoria, from where we will depart. As we travel from Melbourne towards Apollo Bay, we journey through the traditional lands of several First Nations peoples, including Wadawurrung Country and the Country of Gadubanud people of the Eastern Maar Nation.

We stop en-route at Anglesea for morning tea and a briefing of the first day of walking. We arrive in Krambruk / Apollo Bay late morning, prepare our lunch, and start our first walk. The trail begins in the beach-side suburb of Marengo. Marengo is home to a colony of Australian Fur Seals who haul out on rocks in the bay. Continuing onwards the countryside becomes more rural farmland. The trail continues up a small hill. The trail opens out along the coast, with the Southern Ocean to the south-west and the ranges surrounding Krambruk / Apollo Bay to the north-east. 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’ll head to our accommodation to rest for the night, unwind and continue building connections as a team.

Trail conditions and accessibility

Approximately 2km into the track, trekkers will encounter a grated plastic boardwalk about 50cm wide, which runs for several hundred metres. Guide Dogs can comfortably walk beside or just ahead of their handler, depending on the available space. The most significant challenge of the route appears at the 2km mark, a rocky section with variable terrain approximately 50 metres long. Some natural steps in this area range from 30-40cm high. For this section, the recommended approach is for handlers to work their dog on the harness while also using a hiking pole or all-terrain cane in the opposite hand for stability. Verbal guidance and assistance from guides and your support person will be required. At approximately 3km and again at 5km, trekkers will encounter narrow and uneven staircases consisting of about 30 steps each. When going up narrow staircases, the Guide Dog should walk in front of the handler. When going down, the dog should be on lead, heeling behind the handler, while the handler uses a cane or hiking pole to safely navigate the steps.

Accommodation: 3-star cabins
Transfer time: approx. 3 hours
Trekking distance: 7 km (4 hours minimum. This is a guide only and may vary depending on an individual's pace).
Meals: L D

Day 2: Saturday, 10 April 2027: Cape Otway to Castle Cove

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. We’ll reach the Aire River Lookout, overlooking the estuary where the Aire River meets the Southern Ocean at Glenaire Beach. The lookout also takes in the surrounding wetlands and coastal landscape. From here, 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 optional section is a 6-kilometre walk from Aire River to Castle Cove. The track goes inland at first and climbs through tea-tree forests. The trail then returns to the coast, following the cliffs with the sounds and fresh air of the Southern Ocean alongside you. Castle Cove 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 palaeontology. If time allows, the day may finish with a visit to Maits Rest rainforest walk near Cape Otway. This is a short 800-metre walking loop. It takes you through cool, shady rainforest and is a nice break if the day has been warm.

Trail conditions and accessibility

Today's walk includes a few sections that require extra care. Approximately 500 metres into the trail, you'll encounter a downhill staircase with uneven steps. This section should be manageable with the support of a hiking pole or all-terrain cane, taken at a steady pace. Around the 3km mark, you'll come across a stretch of rocky terrain. While uneven in parts, this section is also manageable if taken slowly, with guidance from your support person and the use of a hiking pole or all-terrain cane.

Accommodation: 3-star cabins
Trekking distance: Choice of 10km or 16km (8 hours minimum. This is a guide only and may vary depending on an individual's pace).
Meals: B L D

Day 3: Sunday, 11 April 2027: Princetown to Twelve Apostles - return to Melbourne

It’s the last day of our adventure, and we’ve saved one of the most special landmarks in Australia for today. We set out today near Princetown, home to a wide variety of birdlife 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, we approach the famous Twelve Apostles, with the last kilometre of the Great Ocean Walk taking us through to the Twelve Apostles Visitor Centre. We’ve done it! At the Twelve Apostles, we celebrate completing the Great Ocean Walk together. We’ll have our lunch here and then head back to Melbourne via Colac where we stop at a local café for a coffee or tea. We arrive back at the National Gallery of Victoria at approximately 5.30 pm.

If you are planning to fly out tonight, please book flights departing Melbourne after 7:30pm.

Trail conditions and accessibility

At approximately 6.5km, you'll cross a wooden plank platform about 40cm wide and under 50 metres long. Guide Dogs will need to walk ahead of the handler for safe navigation. Shortly after, around the 7km mark, you'll encounter a very narrow and relatively steep staircase going up. Dogs should again lead in front of the handler. This section is manageable with care and a slower pace.

Trekking distance: 8.5 km (2.5-3 hours minimum. This is a guide only and may vary depending on an individual's pace).
Transfer time: approx. 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 (mandatory) • Personal expenses such as laundry, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages • Tips and gratuities

Route Map

map that shows route from Marengo to Shelly Beach — Map that shows route from Marengo to Shelly Beach

Map that shows route from Cape Otway to Castle Cove

Map that shows route from Princetown to Twelve Apostles — Map that shows route from Princeton to Twelve Apostles

Group of trekkers standing among ferns and tall trees

Limestone stacks of the Twelve Apostles beside a sandy beach

Tall rainforest trees surrounded by ferns

Trekkers at a coastal lookout beside a bench

Forested coastal cliffs above a rocky shoreline

Group of trekkers at the Twelve Apostles lookout

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 Sam - your personal fundraising expert, who will be with you every step of your fundraising journey!

Sample Fundraising Plan

$1,000 > $2,000 > $3,000 > A few extras

$1,000 >

Online Direct Donations

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?”
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!
Ask your family and friends to reach out to their networks and help spread the word.

Sausage Sizzle

Host a BBQ at your local Bunnings, Woolworths, sports club, or workplace.
Advertise in your local newspaper and invite everyone you know to come along.
Offer vegetarian or gluten-free options to maximise your sales.

$2,000 >

Trivia night

Reach out to a local pub, club, community centre or hotel to host a trivia night.
Charge for entry, or offer group discounts to encourage attendance.
Prepare a fun and varied set of questions, or choose a themed night (e.g. 90s, movies, travel).
Organise prizes for winners!

Morning or Afternoon Tea

Host at home, work, or a local community venue.
Charge a ticket price that covers costs and supports your fundraising goal (e.g. $15–$20 per person).
Ask friends, family, or local businesses to donate baked goods or drinks to help reduce costs.

$3,000 >

Workplace Donations

Ask your employer if they’d be willing to support your challenge with a one-off donation or a sponsorship.
Many workplaces have CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) or community giving programs - check if yours does and see if they can support your fundraising.
Get your workplace involved through internal promotions, posters in the office, or see if they can share your fundraising challenge in their newsletter or on their website to boost visibility.

Auction or Raffle

Reach out to local businesses, friends and family, or corporations for prize donations.
Run it online or as part of an in-person event.
Make it easy for people to purchase tickets by offering payment options.
Be mindful of local raffle permit requirements depending on your state or territory.

A few extras

A Few Extras

Garage Sale: Sell unused items at a garage sale or on platforms like Facebook Marketplace and donate the proceeds.
Virtual Fitness Challenge: Get active! Ask for donations based on reps or distance (e.g. $2 per push-up or $5 per km).
Donation Boxes: Place collection tins in local cafés, gyms, or shops to encourage community support.
Guess-the-number jars: Jars of jelly beans or lollies are a great way to engage office staff, schools or community centres.

Two trekkers posing above turquoise water and coastal cliffs

Why you'll love this adventure

Explore the Great Ocean Walk, from Cape Otway to the Twelve Apostles, and experience one of Victoria’s most spectacular coastal trails.
Take on an adventure with purpose, raising funds for Retina Australia’s research, information, peer connection and advocacy for people living with inherited retinal disease.
Explore secluded beaches, coastal forests and dramatic sea cliffs, with opportunities to see koalas, native birdlife and other local wildlife along the way.
Connect with fellow adventurers before you depart, then get to know each other and share the experience on the trail.

Frequently asked questions

Can't find the answer to your question? Get in touch via email (info@inspiredadventures.com.au) or phone (1300 905 188). We’re always here to help!

About the adventure

How challenging is this adventure?

This adventure is ranked 2/5. While no extensive hiking 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 Walk is a physical adventure, involving walking 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 adventures, 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?

On most adventures, you'll only need to carry a day bag with essentials for your day of activities. Your luggage/big backpacks will either stay at your accommodation or be transferred to your next accommodation.

Who is Inspired Adventures?

Retina Australia is working 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 $52 million for important causes. When you choose to travel with Inspired Adventures and Retina Australia, you can be confident you’re in the best hands.

Fitness and training

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 adventure.

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 walk.

Accommodation

What is the accommodation like?

On this walk, 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 is my luggage transported?

You will only need to carry a day-pack with you each day. Your main luggage will stay at the accommodation.

Fundraising

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?

Yes, the funds raised for Retina Australia are tax-deductible (conditions apply).

Payments, cancellations and refunds

How much does it cost to participate in this adventure?

The total cost to participate in this adventure is $2,515 which is inclusive of:

Registration fee: $290 (non-refundable after 5 days)
Travel cost: $2,225 (includes a $950 non-refundable travel deposit)

In addition, you are also committing to raising $3,000 (per person) for Retina Australia.

What happens if I need to cancel?

If you find yourself unable to attend, please notify us in writing as soon as possible.

If you cancel within 5 days of registration, your registration fee and travel deposit (if applicable) will be refunded in full, less card transaction fees.
Cancellations made more than 5 days after registration are non-refundable. However, Inspired Adventures will issue a credit voucher for the full travel cost, valid for use on another adventure within 12 months of the original departure date. If the voucher is used after 12 months, it will be valid for 50% of the original travel cost.
For cancellations made 90 days or fewer prior to departure, no credit voucher will be payable.

Travel insurance

Do I need to have insurance?

Travel insurance is mandatory 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.

Corporate sponsorship

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 Retina Australia offers the following benefits:

Employee engagement opportunities to attract and retain staff
Long-term collaboration with Retina Australia 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 adventure
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

Download the Corporate Sponsorship Pack (PDF)

All information is subject to change and will be confirmed upon your registration.

Testimonials

“The accommodation and meals were excellent, guides were great and looked after us well and the bus plus driver was also very good. Can't see how that could be improved.”

– Diana, WWF - Great Ocean Walk 2025

“It was a fantastic opportunity, fun group of people and well put together. I am very glad I had the opportunity to participate in the trek.”

– Sarah, Ovarian Cancer Australia - Great Ocean Walk 2024

Find out more

Enter your details to find out more and hear directly from our team about how this adventure makes a difference.