The Great Ocean Road region is renowned for its beaches in summer but dig a little deeper and you will find iconic hikes and walking trails and experiences for the adventurous.
Autumn is the perfect time to head outdoors and hit the trails while the weather is mild. Here are some of our favourite ways to have fun outdoors this Autumn.
If winding your way down the trails is your thing, look no further because the Great Ocean Road region is home to many trails just waiting to be explored. Choose from a multi-day hike along the rugged coastline, spending the day on two wheels, or a leisurely lookout walk – there is something for every age and ability. You’re only problem will be deciding which one to do first!
The Great Ocean Walk traverses 104 kms along the coast between Apollo Bay and the 12 Apostles and is recommended to take 8 days if you decide to walk it in full. If multi-day hikes are not your thing don’t worry there are plenty of short walk options to choose from too.
If you are short on time check out Twelve Apostles Lodge Walk for a guided experience and a luxurious stay in a private eco-lodge. On the Twelve Apostles Lodge Walk, everything is taken care of for you from day packs and walking sticks to a relaxing foot soak at the end of each day.
Head into the 12 Apostles Hinterland and you will find the 34 km historic Camperdown to Timboon railway line. The trail traverses volcanic lakes, open farmland, forest, and spectacular trestle bridges.
Didn’t bring your bike? No worries, the team at Ride With Us will have you kitted out and headed down the trail in no time. Ride With Us have a wide range of bikes available to hire from Timboon or Cobden or you can even arrange to meet them along the trail. With 12 Apostles Food Artisans Trail Tours also available all the hard work has already been done for you.
Whether you are walking, biking, or traveling by car there are some absolute must-see and do experiences this Autumn.
The Cape Otway Lightstation is considered one of the most important in the country, perched atop precipitous 90-metre cliffs, at the meeting point of Bass Straight and the Southern Ocean. If you are lucky enough you might even spot a whale or two.
While you are there be sure you check out the historic telegraph station and the Lightkeeper’s Cafe and if time permits consider staying in one of the onsite accommodation options to enjoy the spectacular sunset and sunrise views of the Lighthouse.
For those a bit more adventurous a helicopter flight with 12 Apostles Helicopters provides a spectacular bucket list moment.
There are multiple scenic flight options available for you to choose from with flights over the iconic 12 Apostles, the Bay of Islands via London Bridge, or treat yourself to the beauty of the entire coast all the way to the Cape Otway Lightstation.
Budj Bim is a long-dormant volcano and is central to the history of the Gunditjmara people. The Budj Bim Cultural Landscape has formally been recognised on the UNESCO World Heritage List and is the only Australian World Heritage property listed exclusively for its Aboriginal cultural values.
The best way to explore this expansive National Park is to join a tour with Budj Bim Cultural Landscape Tourism. Multiple tour options are available and visit Budj Bim National Park, Kurtonitj IPA, Tyrendarra IPA, and Tae Rak Aquaculture Centre.
Not to be missed is the state-of-the-art Aquaculture Centre giving visitors the opportunity to learn about ancient freshwater eel farming techniques practiced by Gunditjmara people. On-site you will also find a Bush Tucker cafe, a retail space and a tour desk.
So, where will you visit first?
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Great Ocean Road Regional Tourism acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the Great Ocean Road region the Wadawurrung, Eastern Maar & Gunditjmara. We pay our respects to their Elders, past, present and emerging. We recognise and respect their unique cultural heritage and the connection to their traditional lands. We commit to building genuine and lasting partnerships that recognise, embrace and support the spirit of reconciliation, working towards self-determination, equity of outcomes and an equal voice for Australia’s first people.
