Take steps to regenerate nature and protect endangered species on the WWF Australia - Great Ocean Walk 2025. Challenge yourself to experience the magic of the rugged Great Ocean trail while supporting vital conservation efforts.
Information session
Enter your details here to join our information session being held on 21 January 2025 at 12:30pm AEDT:
Trip notes
Note: As this adventure begins early on Day 1, you will need to arrive in Melbourne the day before the trek starts. Accommodation is NOT included on this night. Please do not book your flight home to depart before 7:00 pm on the last day.
Meet your guides early this morning at the National Gallery of Victoria, from where we will depart. On the way, we will drive a section of the Great Ocean Road which overlies the traditional country of the Watha-wurrung (Watharong), Gadabanud and Girai-Wurrung language groups of the Kulin Nation.
We stop en-route at Anglesea for morning tea and a briefing. We arrive in Krambruk/ Apollo Bay late morning, prepare our lunch, and begin walking. The trail begins in the beach-side suburb of Marengo, which is home to a colony of Australian Fur Seals who hang out on rocks in the bay. Continuing onwards through countryside hills, we witness views along the coast looking south-west towards Bangurac/Cape Otway and north-east over the ranges surrounding Krambruk/ Apollo Bay. The trail enters low forest initially, and then starts to climb into the higher forests of the Great Otway National Park.
From here we’ll head to Apollo Bay for our Dusk Discovery Wildlife Tour. As the sun sets over the hills of the Otways, potoroos, bandicoots, pademelons and more are waking up and starting their active nights of feeding and foraging. We’ll get exclusive insights into the lives of some of the more elusive and rarely seen animals who call this area home. Afterwards, we’ll head off to our accommodation to rest for the night.
Accommodation: Bimbi Park or similar
Transfer time: approx. 3 hours
Trekking distance: 7 km
Meals: L D
The 10km walk from the lighthouse to Aire River winds its way through wind sculpted landscapes of sand dunes, coastal scrub-land and magnificent calcified cliffs. At the Aire River Lookout, there are great views down to the estuary where the Aire River meets the Southern Ocean and Glenaire Beach. The wetlands look quite spectacular from this vantage point and it is a nice steady downhill walk from to the Aire River Bridge which crosses the river to the picnic area and toilets.
A highlight of the day is a visit to Mait's Rest rainforest walk on our return to Bangurac/Cape Otway (if time permits). Maits Rest is a comfortable 800m stroll through cool temperate rainforest, and a welcome temperature change if the weather is warm.
Accommodation: Bimbi Park or similar
Trekking distance: 14 km
Meals: B L D
The walk from Johanna Beach to Ryan’s Den is the wildest and most challenging section of the entire track. From Milanesia Gate we descend to a beautiful and remote beach. Isolated, rugged and hidden, Milanesia Beach receives few visitors and is all the more special for it. From here the trail continues along the high sea cliffs to Ryan’s Den with breathtaking views all the way back to Bangurac/Cape Otway, and west to Cape Volney. This is our lunch spot and it is arguably the most scenic location along the walk. From Ryan’s Den, the track continues through coastal forests that lead over Cape Volney to Moonlight Head.
Accommodation: Bimbi Park or similar
Trekking distance: 12 km
Meals: B L D
Our walk starts above the wetlands around Princetown which support a wide variety of bird life. We’ll walk down through the Gellibrand River Estuary and reconnect with the Great Ocean Walk on a new track section. We are now on the home stretch into Purroitchihoorrong/ Port Campbell National Park and the world famous Twelve Apostles soon come into sight. The last kilometre of the Great Ocean Walk takes you through to the Twelve Apostles Visitor Centre where you can view The Apostles up close. We’ll have our lunch here and then onto Winchelsea where we stop at a local café for a coffee/tea before driving back to Naarm/Melbourne at an estimated arrival time of 5pm.
Trekking distance: 8.5 km
Transfer time: 3 hours
Meals: B L
All information is subject to change and will be confirmed upon your registration.
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
The Difference You'll Make
Since 1961, WWF has been dedicated to protecting the planet’s natural environment and building a future where people live in harmony with nature. But we can't do it alone. Join us on the WWF-Australia Great Ocean Walk in 2025 to step up for nature.
This challenge offers you the chance to join our shared goal to restore and regenerate our planet for everything that calls it home. Your efforts will help regenerate priority areas of Sky, Country, and Saltwater, allowing nature to heal through the knowledge and traditions of First Peoples and local communities. By participating, you'll be directly helping Australia's unique wildlife like the Endangered greater glider and koala.
Australia's alarming deforestation rate - the highest amongst developed nations - is shrinking the vital habitats that koalas and greater gliders depend on, putting their survival at increasing risk. This is on top of the increasing threat of climate emergencies. In a single bushfire season, greater gliders lost almost one-third of their habitat. The 2019-20 bushfires swept through Tallaganda State Forest, one of the last remaining strongholds for Endangered greater gliders. In response, we installed nest boxes to support their recovery and have since successfully petitioned to protect their habitat from logging.
However, climate change and ongoing tree-clearing continue to threaten so many native wildlife including koalas and greater gliders. Your support can help restore and connect crucial habitats, creating vital corridors that provide homes, food and safe passage for koalas and greater gliders alike. Together, we can regenerate nature and create a future that's good for both people and nature.
10 - 13 April 2025
Travel Dates
$390
Registration Fee
$2,995
Trip Cost
3/5
Challenge Grade
$3,000
Fundraising Target
Why you'll love this adventure
- Trek a stretch of iconic Australian coastline, along high sea cliffs and through coastal forests.
Have the chance to see Koalas, bird-rich wetlands and other mystifying wildlife. - Enjoy panoramic views of the world-famous Twelve Apostles, and where the Bass Straight meets the Southern Ocean.
- The opportunity to walk alongside a WWF-Australia conservationist and hear about their work to protect and restore nature.
How it works
FLEXIBLE BOOKINGS
Make a difference
Commit to raising the minimum fundraising target and make a positive difference to worthwhile causes.
You'll be supported by our team of fundraising experts to reach and exceed your fundraising goals.
Be part of a team
Join like-minded travellers, and representatives from the charity, all united in their adventurous spirit and commitment to making a positive impact in the world. Make lifelong friends during a shared challenge experience.
Frequently asked questions
How challenging is this adventure?
This adventure is ranked 3/5. 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 41 kilometres over four 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.
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.
Who is Inspired Adventures?
WWF-Australia has partnered with Inspired Adventures to bring you this adventure of a lifetime. Over the last 19 years, Inspired Adventures has taken over 8,000 people, just like you, on adventures all around the world, raising over $48 million for important causes. When you choose to travel with Inspired Adventures and WWF-Australia, 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 and one bathroom cabins on the Great Ocean Road, but sometimes we use three bedroom cabins or 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.
If you are travelling solo, you will be paired in a room with a teammate of the same gender, in a twin share arrangement.
I’m traveling with a friend, can we stay together?
Absolutely! If you’re traveling 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 traveling 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?
Donations to WWF-Australia of $2 or over are tax-deductible.
How much does it cost to participate in this adventure?
The total cost to participate in this adventure is $3,385 which is inclusive of:
- Registration fee: $390 (non-refundable)
- Travel cost: $2,995 (includes a $950 non-refundable travel deposit)
In addition, you are also committing to raising $3,000 (per person) for WWF-Australia.
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.
- Cancellations more than 90 days prior to departure will receive a full refund minus the $950 deposit.
- Cancellations within 90 days of departure will receive no refund. Please contact us and we can assist with writing you an insurance letter to claim your refund.
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.