Great Ocean Walk Destination Guide 2018

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GREAT OCEAN WALK DEST IN ATION GUIDE

TRACK DESCRIPTION Port Campbell

Great Otway National Park

GREAT

Twelve Apostles

Princetown

OCEAN

Melbourne (2.5 hrs drive)

Apollo Bay

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Great Otway National Park

Great Otway National Park

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Section 1 – 8.8 km GREAT OCEAN WALK Apollo Bay to Shelly Beach.

Easy grade 2. Forest and short beach walks.

Section 6 – 8.8 km Johanna Beach to Milanesia.

Easy grade 2. Open track.

Section 3 – 10.2 km Blanket Bay to Cape Otway.

Easy grade 2. Forest walk and sandy cliff top track.

Section 4 – 10.3 km Cape Otway to Aire River.

Moderate grade 2. Cliff top track and beach walk.

Section 5 – 12.7 km Aire River to Johanna Beach.

Easy grade 3. Sandy, cliff tops and beach walk.

Section 7 – 12.3 km Milanesia to Moonlight Head.

Moderate grade 3. Steeper narrow cliff top track.

Section 8 – 5.8 km Moonlight Head to Wreck Beach.

Easy grade 2. Forest walk.

Section 9 – 10.5 km Wreck Beach to Gellibrand River.

Easy grade 3. Beach, rock scramble and sandy track.

ELEVATION PROFILE 300m

Shelley Beach Track

Parker Blanket Parker Cape Spur Bay Inlet Otway

Aire River

Castle Cove

Johanna Beach

Milanesia Beach

Moonlight Head

Gellibrand River

200m 100m Sea

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8.8km

13.7km

10.2km

10.3km

Kilometres

GREAT OCEAN WALK

Section 2 – 13.7 km Shelly Beach to Blanket Bay. Moderate grade 2. Forest walk, wide foot track.

Apollo Bay

5

12.7km

8.8km

12.3km

5.8km

10.5km

www.greatoceanwalk.info

GREAT OCEAN WALK AUSTRALIA’S WILD AND WONDERFUL COASTAL TRAIL The Great Ocean Walk in Victoria is one of the most beautiful and iconic walks in the world. Extending east to west between Apollo Bay and the Twelve Apostles near Port Campbell, this 104km stretch of stunning Australian coastline is remote, dramatic and full of surprises.

We offer the most variety and flexibility of tours and itineraries than anyone else on the Great Ocean Walk. Our guided trips include bus transfers from Melbourne, carefully planned itineraries (including the best coffee stops!) and wonderful accommodation and food.

The variety of experiences along the walk make it unique: deserted wild beaches, sheer cliffs, shipwrecks, giant mountain ash forests, pristine river estuaries, abundant wildlife, dunes and coastal heathlands all await you on this exciting adventure. It truly is a walk that offers something for everyone.

Some trips feature informative talks from a local shipwreck historian born in the Cape Otway lighthouse and a local Indigenous cultural guide. The insights they provide to our customers are a highlight of our trips along the Great Ocean Walk and make this adventure even more worthwhile.

The Great Ocean Walk is one of the few walk‑on, walk-off tracks available in Australia, which means you have access to accommodation en route.

We are the Great Ocean Walk experts. Our dedicated team of mature, experienced eco-certified guides and drivers have been escorting groups along this trail since it opened in 2006. They are fun, friendly and very helpful, and well suited to looking after you.

Are you ready for a walk of wild and wonderful discovery? Call me today to find out more.

Jodie Great Ocean Walk Destination Expert jodie@rawtravel.com | Phone: (03) 5976 3763

www.greatoceanwalk.info

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www.greatoceanwalk.info

WHAT MAKES OUR GREAT OCEAN WALKS DIFFERENT? RAW Travel are the Great Ocean Walk experts! We are the most experienced company in the region and offer the most flexibility and support for your walk, plus we use the best located and most interesting accommodation.

•B iggest range of guided options of any company, as well as self-guided walks.

Check out TripAdvisor for outstanding customer reviews.

• 2 guides and local drivers on all tours – supportive, mature, well-suited to looking after you and the most experienced local team in the region!

• I nsights from a local shipwreck historian born in the Cape Otway lighthouse and a local Indigenous cultural guide.

• Full cooked breakfast provided every morning.

• We don’t miss any of the ‘must do’ sections of the walk.* • Walking options on all days to suit the ability of individuals.

• Advanced eco-accreditation.

•A ccommodation booked along the route to reduce transfer times.

•P ersonalised, friendly service – call us to discuss your travel plans. * Blanket Bay, Parker Inlet, Crayfish Bay, Otway Lighthouse, Aire River, Castle Cove, Johanna Beach, Milanesia Beach, Ryans Den, Moonlight Heads, The Gables, Wreck Beach, Rivernook, Gibson Steps and The Twelve Apostles.

www.greatoceanwalk.info

OUR TEAM We are the Great Ocean Walk experts.

Our team of experienced guides and drivers has been escorting groups along this iconic walk since it opened.

They are experienced, mature, helpful and very well-suited to looking after you. They know the best places to go, where to look for wildlife, and the best photo opportunities. They have excellent local knowledge and bring this walk to life.

Eric Ward Leader

Richard Collopy Indigenous Guide

Lee Bryant Driver/Guide

Mark Brack Shipwreck Expert

Jodie Mayo Destination Expert

Disclaimer The information in this Destination Guide has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith.

However, it is subject to change and does not form part of the contract between the client and RAW Travel.

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SO MANY OPTIONS As well as self-guided walks, RAW Travel offers the biggest range of guided options, including these awesome adventures: Camino Training Trips If you are planning to walk the iconic Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route, our 3-day guided Camino Training Trip along the Great Ocean Walk will give you valuable experience for your longer walk. You’ll have full access to a RAW Travel Camino Specialist who can help you fully prepare for your Camino adventure.

These trips are lots of fun and there is always a distinctly Camino theme, with Spanish wine, talks, movies and more.

Visit our website for more info and departure dates.

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Yoga & Hiking Adventures Yoga and hiking offers the perfect combination of spectacular sights and meditative reflection.

Our 4-day guided Yoga & Hiking Trip on the Great Ocean Walk is a great opportunity to connect with nature, de-stress your body, clear your mind and meet new friends.

To complement your daily wilderness explorations on foot, we offer energising and restorative yoga and meditation sessions, along with delicious homemade meals, using organic, free-range, locally sourced produce, and you’ll stay in luxury accommodation like no other, with stunning ocean views.

Limited places available. Visit our website for more info and departure dates.

www.greatoceanwalk.info

SECTION 1:

INSPIRATION

PAGE 9

SECTION 2:

TRAVEL ESSENTIALS

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SECTION 3:

ON THE TRAIL PAGE 27 SECTION 4:

RAW TRAVEL

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The RAW travel great ocean walk end-to-end was one of the best walking experiences I’ve ever had!

– Lile, New South Wales

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www.greatoceanwalk.info

SECTION 1:

INSPIRATION Origin of the walk 10 Is this the right trip for me? 10 What’s it like underfoot? 10 Geological rock formations 11 Wildlife, sealife and plantlife 11 Eco-certified guides 11 What we offer 13 Guided walks 13 Self-guided walks 13 Great Ocean Walk information website

14

RAW Travel Insights (blog)

14

Recommended on TripAdvisor

14

Suggested reading

14

Responsible travel

15

Extending your holiday

15

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SECTION 1: INSPIRATION WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS WALK 3 Flexibility Escape for a long weekend or take on the whole walk over a week.

3 Solitude and serenity Crashing waves and the many moods of the Southern Ocean.

3 Dramatic coastline Spectacular and ever‑changing views.

3 Food Delicious meals made from fresh regional produce by our attentive local hosts.

3 Land and ocean Tall forests, coastal heathlands, wild rocky shores, river estuaries, windswept cliff-tops and wild deserted beaches.

3 Vibrant seaside towns Charming Apollo Bay and colourful Port Campbell.

3 Lighthouse and shipwrecks Immerse yourself in the region’s seafaring history.

3 Local knowledge Experienced eco-certified guides share insights and stories, bringing the Great Ocean Walk to life.

3 Unique geological formations Worldfamous limestone cliffs and spectacular natural wonders.

3C amaraderie Share your love of the outdoors and spirit of adventure with new and old friends.

ORIGIN OF THE WALK

experience required, steps, gradient, path quality and signage.

The idea for a coastal walk along the west coast of Victoria was first mooted (and rejected) in 1974. It was, however, rumoured to have been resurrected by local accommodation providers in the early 1990s, with planning beginning in 1994. Development did not start until 2001, with the Great Ocean Walk finally opening in January 2006. RAW Travel has been running trips along it ever since. The signage near the Apollo Bay Visitors’ Centre states that the route is 91km, yet a more commonly given distance is 104km. The track has been re-routed a few times since that sign was first put up.

RAW Travel can offer shorter options each day. Along the route there are various pullout points where you can leave the track early if you do not feel like continuing. Talk to our guides and they will outline what is possible based on individual needs.

It’s important that you select a trip that is suitable to your experience abilities and expectations. Read this Destination Guide and the specific trip itinerary on our website before booking.

IS THIS THE RIGHT TRIP FOR ME?

WHAT’S IT LIKE UNDERFOOT?

People of all ages complete the Great Ocean Walk. Whether you’re 8 or 80, this iconic Australian walk is achievable by people of all ages who have a reasonable level of fitness. If you’ve walked the Overland Track in Tasmania or the Larapinta trail in the Northern Territory, for example, you’ll have no problems with the Great Ocean Walk as it is less remote and less challenging than either of these walks.

The walk is a winding track that follows the contours around the coastal headlands. On occasions you will walk down to isolated beaches and across soft sand and then walk up the other side over steps on a well-marked track that has been constructed and managed with your safety in mind. Some sections involve walking through forested areas where the track is firm under foot, while others can be muddy depending on the weather conditions.

This walk has a physical grading of 3. For more information see the Australian Walking Track Grading System, which assesses a walk’s difficulty based on several criteria, including PAGE 10

You can expect to walk between 4 and 8 hours each day with regular stops to take in the natural beauty, and for snacks and lunch.

www.greatoceanwalk.info

GREAT OCEAN WALK GEOLOGICAL ROCK FORMATIONS It is the unique and dramatic geological formations that attract people to this amazing coastline. The magnificent Miocene limestone cliffs of the Shipwreck Coast are overlaid by calcarenite and ferricrete and under-laid by a clay-limestone rock called Gellibrand marl.

Along sections of the walk such as in between Cape Otway and Castle Cove there are giant calcified sand dunes and if you look upwards on the section before Castle Cove you’ll see fantastically eroded shapes at the top of these sand dunes.

In the springtime, look out for the wax lip orchid. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot this diminutive flower by the side of the path, often on the sections between Castle Cove and Johanna beach. You’ll see lots of other vivid and outlandish native wildflowers too, as well as thick forests of grasstrees, mountain ash, myrtle beech, stringybark and manna gums.

Limestone layers have eroded at different rates to create tunnels and caves as well as spectacular natural structures like The Twelve Apostles and the Loch Ard Gorge. The awesome power of the sea causes erosion to occur at a rapid rate, so the southern coastline is always changing shape.

WILDLIFE, SEALIFE AND PLANTLIFE An iconic walk such as the Great Ocean Walk would not be complete without seeing one of Australia’s national icons – the koala! Cape Otway is one of the best places in Australia to see koalas up close in their preferred manna gum environment.

The marine environment in this region of Victorian coastline is home to many unique plant and animal species. Kelp forests are unique to the south-east waters and provide food and shelter for the abundant marine life, including fish, Australian fur seals and dolphins. Look out for the endangered hooded plover and the southern right whales (July to September).

The Great Otway National Park is home to diverse wildlife, including the spot-tailed quolls, native bush rats, swamp wallabies and possums. You are likely to see cockatoos, rosellas, sea eagles, and a variety of colourful small birds, including fairy-wrens, yellow robins, grey shrike-thrushes and rufous fantails.

ECO-CERTIFIED GUIDES The guides who lead our Great Ocean Walk trips are eco-certified. The EcoGuide program provides individuals with a credential, endorsing the recipient as a guide who will deliver an authentic, environmentally responsible and professional experience.

RAW Travel itself is also eco-certified.

The ECO-Certification program assures travellers that certified products are backed by a strong, well managed commitment to sustainable practices and provides high quality nature-based tourism experiences.

The ECO Certification Program is a world first and it has been developed to address the need to identify genuine nature and ecotourism operators.

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We loved the fabulous scenery, the trees, the beaches, the birds and the perfect weather!

All complemented by super tasty food and wonderful hosts. – Bronwyn, Canberra

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www.greatoceanwalk.info

GREAT OCEAN WALK WHAT WE OFFER RAW Travel offers fully supported guided and self-guided options on the Great Ocean Walk.

Our 3, 4 and 6 day guided trips depart every week throughout the season from October until May each year. For those who prefer to walk under their own direction, we offer catered self-guided walking packages.

S ee the individual Great Ocean Walk trips and itineraries on our website.

GUIDED WALKS All guided RAW Travel trips are accompanied by an experienced group leader who is trained in first aid and knowledgeable about walking in the area you are visiting. The group leader will support and assist you through the walk safely and to help you have the best time possible.

The camaraderie of a guided walking group is often the highlight of a trip. New friends are made, and you can socialise and share your experiences with them at the end of their day.

Female walkers also appreciate the feeling of security that comes with a group.

On a guided walk you can expect to walk between 4 and 8 hours each day with regular stops to take in the natural beauty, and for snacks and lunch.

Group size Groups are restricted to a maximum of 10 guests. We like to keep our groups small and personal so that each traveller can benefit from the full support and attention of our staff.

Our group leader, along with our experienced private minibus driver, bring the Great Ocean Walk to life, passing on interesting knowledge about the unique features of the environment that independent walkers will most often miss.

They know the best places to take you, where to look for wildlife and the names of plants and flowers along the way.

Your fellow walkers On guided trips, your fellow walkers come from all walks of life and share a love of the outdoors and a spirit of adventure. People join this trip as both singles and couples, so you are likely to enjoy good company from like-minded people with similar interests. We have made the walk as flexible as possible to cater for different walking abilities and wishes and your tour leader will consult with you to determine what you’d like to get from your walk.

They bring a measure of certainty to each day’s walk and make sure everything goes to plan. For some walkers,the educational aspect that a guide can bring to their walking makes it all worthwhile.

If you wish to vary from the standard program, your leader will do their best to accommodate your wishes, within the limits of the groups’ needs. We have found this arrangement works well to satisfy everyone’s aims from the tour.

Our group leader knows and understands the local conditions, tide times and how the wave and swell size can alter decisions to walk the beaches. Fast changing weather and current track conditions can determine when to walk and what to see or avoid. This can make a big difference to an enjoyable walk.

They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, and introduce you to our local friends. We also bring in specialist local guides to complement the group leader to talk about the historical and environmental aspects of the Great Ocean Walk.

SELF-GUIDED WALKS Some people crave solitude and the ability to appreciate nature quietly and unobtrusively, not to mention the adventure factor of exploring on their own terms. On our selfguided walks you walk without a guide, following our trail notes and marked maps.

If you enjoy the challenge of doing your own exploration and relying upon your own knowledge and abilities, a self-guided walk will give you the important back-up from RAW Travel in case anything goes amiss, but the freedom to walk your own way.

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SECTION 1: INSPIRATION A self-guided walk is ideal if you are hesitant about group travel or want to travel with your own friends and set your own pace. It’s also a great option if you are restricted to travelling at a particular time: you can choose your own departure date (dependant on availability of accommodation, of course).

Self-guided walks can be custom-made to suit the requirements of your group. Luggage transfers are included on all walking days, meaning you will only walk with a day pack. No technical expertise is required, so anyone who is active and in good health can do the Great Ocean Walk.

You will need 2 or more people in order to choose your own start date.

GREAT OCEAN WALK INFORMATION WEBSITE On our dedicated Great Ocean Walk website you’ll find all you need to know about the Great Ocean Walk, beyond the tours. It includes photo galleries of inspiring images, videos, nearby attractions, route information, safety, history and lots more. www.greatoceanwalk.info

RAW TRAVEL INSIGHTS (BLOG) Check out the Great Ocean Walk Insights on our website. Written by our Destination Experts and Group Leaders, they are great background reading. You’ll find a wide range of topics, from shipwrecks and sea life to the Princetown wetlands, forest walking and Cape Otway lighthouse.

RECOMMENDED ON TRIPADVISOR

Don’t take our word for it. Check out what our happy customers say about walking the Great Ocean Walk with us. www.tripadvisor.com.au/

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SUGGESTED READING Life on the Rocky Shores, Victorian National Parks Association (2010) Essential pocket guide to any rocky shore or intertidal rock platform in Victoria, SA, Tasmania or NSW. Completely revised, full colour edition describes 96 intertidal plants and animals.

The Great Ocean Road: Sea Breeze and Surf, Bryce Dunkley (Ides Publishing, 2015) This book invites readers to enjoy photographs of this spectacular coastline, taken from the both ground and air, meet some of the people who passionately call it home and marvel at the exciting activities that tempt the adventurous.

The Long Walk, Kerry Greenwood (Hachette, 2004) A wonderful story of survival.

Reads beautifully, educates and enthralls. The historical detail is meticulously researched and seamlessly woven into the plot.

Demons, Wayne Macauley (Text Publishing, 2014) “We’ll cook some food and drink some wine and each tell a story.” Part novel, part story collection, this book depicts a group of 40-something innersuburban types, holed up over the weekend in a house on the Great Ocean Road.

www.greatoceanwalk.info

GREAT OCEAN WALK RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL RAW Travel practices “leave no trace” outdoor ethics on all our trips, aiming not only to minimise the environmental impact of our visit but also to leave a positive contribution.

You will often see your leader collecting litter left by other walkers, and we make a donation towards local wildlife conservation from your participation on this trip.

We aim to support local producers, hotels and the economy as much as possible and most of our food is bought locally. We also employ local people to help run our trips in the region and try to ensure that a good proportion of the cost of your trip stays in the local economy of the Otways and Great Ocean Road. That way local people stand to directly benefit from the tourism that comes in their region.

RAW Travel has taken an active approach to helping communities in destinations that we visit and raising money for grassroots projects aimed at alleviating poverty and conservation of the natural environment.

EXTENDING YOUR HOLIDAY Local attractions The Great Ocean Road and surrounding area offers an amazing amount of attractions, scenic towns and national parks to explore, including Torquay (Victoria’s surfing capital), Lorne (Victoria’s premier seaside town) and Port Fairy (a charming fishing village at the end of the Great Ocean Road).

Explore Melbourne Melbourne is great city to explore before or after your Great Ocean Walk. It is packed with attractions, from laid-back laneways and lush parks to grand libraries and museums, all wrapped up in a vibrant atmosphere.

Broadsheet is the authority on the cultural life of Melbourne and showcases the best the city has to offer.

City break We can tailormake a city break to your requirements and usually include an arrival transfer, 2 nights’ accommodation and a city sightseeing tour.

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A very comfortable and safe way to complete the Great Ocean Walk. No big packs to lug around! The Great Ocean Walk is a beautiful experience. I felt challenged by parts of the walk and felt good about my result – grateful that I trained!

– Janice, Perth

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www.greatoceanwalk.info

SECTION 2:

TRAVEL ESSENTIALS When to walk

18

Getting fit for this walk

18

Accommodation

18

Food and drink 19 Transport 19 Maps 21 Recommended Apps 21 Health 21 Travel insurance 22 Visas 22 Smart Traveller 22 What to pack 23 Specialist gear for this walk

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How to book your trip

25

Participation conditions

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SECTION 2: TRAVEL ESSENTIALS WHEN TO WALK

GETTING FIT FOR THIS WALK

People walk along the Great Ocean Walk all year round, but the most popular seasons tend to be the springtime from late September to late November and autumn from early February to mid-May.

Walking is one of the most natural things to do, so you may feel that you are already in good enough shape. However, you will be walking for many hours over successive days carrying a daypack, which is likely very different to your current walking schedule.

Spring September to November offers mild temperatures and the best time to see wildflowers along the track. October and November tend to be the busier months, though busy is a relative term as you’ll often have the track to yourself even during these months. You could be walking in mellow sunshine or wet gales. November tends to be a little drier and warmer.

Summer By early December it is very quiet along the track and a great time to visit – the calm before the storm of Christmas campers to come. In past years the onset of warm temperatures produced some flies but these seem to have abated in recent years and now just the odd fly – nothing to worry about. This time of year is a wonderful time to have a splash in the ocean at one of the safe beaches, our guides know when and where it’s safe Autumn March to May is the best time to walk because there are beautiful clear sunny days (18–22 degrees), making it ideal weather for walking, though of course this is not guaranteed! If you’re lucky enough you can see amazing sunsets at this time of year with ocean mists from pounding surf spray.

Winter Walking in winter (June–August) can be amazing and very dramatic. With the right gear it’s a true adventure. The Roaring Forties blowing across the Southern Ocean and predominantly grey skies make this a season mainly for the hardy and well-equipped bushwalker. See also ‘Weather’ on p29.

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We recommend that you undertake a training program according to your level of fitness for at least 3 months leading up to your departure. Regular exercise prior to the trip will allow you to build your fitness steadily so that you will enjoy and complete the trip with a smile and energy left over.

Moderate activities such as walking pose little health risk but before starting any new exercise program we recommend that you see your doctor for a check-up, particularly if you have a medical condition, are aged over 40 years, are overweight or haven’t exercised in a long time.

G et Walking Fit for the Great Ocean Walk

GETTING WA LKING FIT FO R THE GREAT OCEAN WA LK How to prepa

re for your multi-

day trek

ACCOMMODATION RAW Travel chooses the very best properties along the Great Ocean Walk.

Guided walks Our 4-day guided walk is based at the historic Cape Otway Light Station, where you can immerse yourself in the seafaring history of Australia’s most significant and recognisable lighthouse, which dates back to 1848.

Rooms have a shared common area and shared bathrooms.

For our 3-day guided walk we use very comfortable private cabins in Cape Otway.

Our 6-day walks use private cabins at Cape Otway and waterfront lodgings in the colourful seaside village of Port Campbell.

www.greatoceanwalk.info

GREAT OCEAN WALK Self-guided walks Our self-guided walks offer great properties in Apollo Bay, Cape Otway, the Twelve Apostles and Port Campbell.

Check out the Great Ocean Walk for more information.

website

FOOD AND DRINK Meal inclusions On all our trips you will be well fed with delicious meals made from fresh regional produce by our local hosts. We don’t skimp on the quality of the food we provide because we know the importance of plentiful, good nutrition when you are hiking. Our guests regularly comment on the high quality of the evening meals RAW Travel provides.

Guided walks On our guided trips all meals are included in the trip cost, except breakfast on the first day and dinner on our return journey. A cooked breakfast is always available, as well as a delicious selection of toast, spreads, cereals and fruit. For lunch there is plenty of trail mix, fruit, wholesome fresh rolls and sandwiches, plus tea, coffee and cool drinks at most lunch stops. On our guided walks our leader will introduce you to a local hotel with great food, combined with country atmosphere and hospitality.

On guided trips, rest stops include hot and cold beverages, fresh fruit and snacks, all included in the trip cost.

TRANSPORT Guided walks Our guided walks use a private minibus.

On each walking day you will be met by our driver for lunch. This give you the option to skip sections of the walk and take the bus to meet the group at the next stop. Your leader will explain these options each evening and if you are worried about being able to walk a full day they can explain the details for you.

Self-guided walks For self-guided walks, a RAW Travel representative will meet you on Day 1 in Apollo Bay. You will have been sent a set of detailed Track Notes about 8 weeks before your departure date that will help guide you along the walk. They explain the day-to-day running of the trip and advise you about the shuttle service.

You will also receive a map (8 weeks before your departure date) and details on what to expect to see in the area (eg wildlife and native plants) and an emergency beacon for the duration of the trip.

You will be given the driver’s number so that you can contact him during your walk. Phone coverage during the walk and some locations is weak and unreliable. Telstra has the best coverage in the area, so we recommend using them as your phone provider or buy a Telstra SIM card.

Self-guided walks Our self-guided trips are fully catered. You will enjoy amazing breakfasts, lunches and dinners with generous portions and flavours.

Special dietary requirements We can cater for special dietary requirements.

Please discuss your needs with our Destination Expert.

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Eric, Lee, Mark and Richard made the experience. They were fun, caring, encouraging and a pleasure to get to know, and became a part of our group. I loved every minute of the trip.

Thank you. – Deleah, NSW

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www.greatoceanwalk.info

GREAT OCEAN WALK MAPS On self-guided trips we highly recommended that all walkers carry a map (see p19) with them on the Great Ocean Walk. While the trail itself is reasonably well marked there are a few points at which a map is invaluable to make sense of the listed trails, particularly on Day 2 in the Otways forest, and of the low- and high-level options on sections that are tidedependent. Maps also are vital in the event of having to exit the trail unexpectedly – you’ll need to get your bearings and perhaps work out where the nearest road or shelter is.

The definitive map for the Great Ocean Walk is published by Parks Victoria. It is a detailed topographic map on a 1:25,000 scale and shows all the surrounding area and useful route notes and information on campsites, altitude profiles, etc. w ww.greatoceanwalk.info/maps-page/

RECOMMENDED APPS Strava www.strava.com/mobile Millions of people use Strava to record their activities, compare performance over time, connect with their community, and share photos, stories and highlights of their adventures with friends. You can start tracking your walk as a run and then – when uploading the data – choose from a drop down list of activities, including walking. If you upload automatically or track it as a run by accident you can always edit the activity on the website later to make it a walk. Strava is free to use and available for both iOS and Android.

MapMyWalk www.mapmywalk.com/app/ When you use the MapMyWalk app while walking it tracks where you are going and then produces a map. You can share that map publicly or with just your friends or not at all. It’s the maps that make this app stand apart from something like Fitbit. You can see the distance and elevation of each walk

and any notes that might have been added.

MapMyWalk requires a GPS connection.

The app is free and available for both iOS and Android.

HEALTH To participate fully in a group travel experience you need to be in good physical health. If, in the opinion of our group leader, any guest is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, RAW Travel reserves the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund. We therefore ask you to read the itinerary on the website thoroughly and then realistically self-assess your physical ability to complete the trip as described. Please consult with your doctor if you have any doubts.

Our leaders are first-aid qualified and will be carrying a first aid kit. In the event of an incident or medical emergency on the walk, the default mode of evacuation is by helicopter. It is recommended that all guests have travel insurance, medical insurance or ambulance insurance that will cover the cost of helicopter evacuation.

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SECTION 2: TRAVEL ESSENTIALS Dehydration is the biggest risk when undertaking physical activity. It is so important to be aware of your fluid intake and to constantly drink water throughout the day, even when you do not feel thirsty.

Your safety is our primary concern once you join the tour. Your leader may vary the walk itinerary when required due to track conditions, severe weather, sea or tide conditions.

TRAVEL INSURANCE If you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel! We sell Cover-More travel insurance and you can easily get a quote over the phone. No one plans for anything to go wrong, but if it does we want to make sure that you have adequate cover.

Your travel insurance should include emergency evacuation and medical. We do recommend that you take out insurance at the time of booking as your insurance will cover you in instances of cancellation that are out of your control.

VISAS Most international visitors require a visa to visit Australia. Requirements vary widely by country so contact your local Australian embassy to find out more.

A ustralian embassies and consulates overseas

SMART TRAVELLER Be informed. Be prepared. Stay smart while you are travelling. Smartraveller is provided by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. It provides up-todate travel advice for Australians travelling overseas. You can subscribe to receive free updates, including about widespread health or security issues. www.smartraveller.gov.au

1 0 things you need to know about travel insurance

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www.greatoceanwalk.info

GREAT OCEAN WALK WHAT TO PACK

SPECIALIST GEAR FOR THIS WALK

Victorian weather is notoriously changeable.

Be prepared for a variety of weather, with the possibility of cold, windy and wet conditions.

It is not necessary to ‘dress’ for evening meals; casual, comfortable clothing is sufficient.

Walking boots Waterproof walking boots with full ankle support are recommended for this walk.

Make sure your footwear is well worn in and comfortable. We also recommend hiking socks with at least one spare pair, as you will find these minimise the chance of getting blisters.

The key to preventing blisters and avoiding unnecessary pain is to eliminate friction.

Essential items • Day pack • Water bottle/bladder • Walking boots • Rain jacket • Long-sleeve shirt with collar (for sun protection) • Sunhat • Long-legged pants (or shorts with long gaiters) • Warm jacket and hat • High factor sunscreen • Blister pads and/or tape for hotspots or blisters on your feet • Insect repellent • Sunglasses

Blister prevention strategies W hat boots should I buy and how do I look after them?

Trekking poles Trekking poles are not essential for the Great Ocean Walk. However, there are some steeper sections where they can be useful. If in doubt, talk to the Destination Expert. If you have never used trekking poles before, then we definitely recommended them if you have – or have had – any issues at all with sore knees, ankles or hips.

D o I need trekking poles and which ones should I buy?

• Toiletries • Watch or alarm clock • Towel and swimwear (summer months) • Travel documents Optional items • Waterproof walking boots • Long gaiters • Walking poles • Camera • Small binoculars • Torch / head torch

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A powerful and unique experience that will remain with me for the rest of my life. – Earl, Queensland

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www.greatoceanwalk.info

GREAT OCEAN WALK HOW TO BOOK YOUR TRIP

PARTICIPATION CONDITIONS

Before making a booking, please read this Destination Guide thoroughly to make sure that the Great Ocean Walk is right for you. We have compiled lots of important information about accommodation, food, fitness required, weather and what to expect so that you can make an informed decision. On our website, you’ll also find detailed itineraries and other important information.

To travel with RAW Travel you must accept the booking conditions (online at the time of booking), which include the following ‘participation conditions’:

A deposit of $500 per person is due at the time of booking and balance of payment is required 8 weeks prior to travel. All quotes are subject to availability at the time of booking and valid for 7 days.

When you submit your booking form, you are committing to an itinerary and travel dates.

When arrangements are confirmed, nonrefundable deposits are paid to suppliers to secure these bookings. Any changes to the itinerary and/or travel dates after arrangements have been confirmed will incur additional charges.

When booking on one of our trips the applicant understands that RAW Travel operates adventure holidays worldwide.

In developing countries, the standards of accommodation, transport, safety, hygiene, telecommunication facilities, level of infrastructure development and medical facilities are not equivalent to those familiar to the applicant’s usual living arrangements, or would find on a conventional holiday. This type of trip inherently involves a higher level of personal risk, which the applicant agrees to fully assume. The applicant acknowledges that travel on a RAW Travel trip requires a degree of flexibility, and understands that the trip’s route, accommodation and modes of transport are subject to change without prior notice due to local circumstances. Should RAW Travel deem it advisable to amend an itinerary for any reason, it may do so by shortening, varying or re-routing any trip. These changes are binding and additional expenses will be charged to the applicant if the reason for any major alteration is outside RAW Travel’s control.

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This is a great way to get right away from civilisation and get close to nature. We did not want this experience to end. This was a great walk well-run by RAW Travel.

– Gavin & Marie, Gold Coast

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www.greatoceanwalk.info

SECTION 3:

ON THE TRAIL Joining the tour

28

Buying supplies

28

Weather

29

Mobile phone coverage

29

Wifi and internet coverage

29

Electricity

29

Money 29 Safety 31 How much water to carry 31 Emergency contact

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SECTION 3: ON THE TRAIL JOINING THE TOUR Guided walks The pick-up point for our guided trips is 7.15am on Day 1 at The NGV, 180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne. Your leader will be wearing a RAW Travel shirt and the bus will be signed.

Departure is at 7.30am. We can also pick-up from Avalon Airport on the way, but this will need to be confirmed before the trip.

Self-guided walks Driving your own vehicle The walk starts at Apollo Bay, which is a 3-hour drive from central Melbourne. If you are walking for more than 3 days and staying at different places along the walk, your driver will meet you at the end of each day’s walk and drive you back to pick up your car or to the next accommodation you are booked into.

By public transport (train and bus) Trains from Melbourne’s Southern Cross Station travel to Colac and then connect with a bus to Apollo Bay on the Great Ocean Road. Check the V/Line website (the largest provider of regional public transport in Victoria) for timetables to work out the best connections and current services; they can change depending on the season and public holidays.

airport to Southern Cross Station. The Gull Airport Service connects to Geelong train station to meet the V/Line bus to Apollo Bay. It needs to be booked in advance.

Note: There is no public transport from the Twelve Apostles so, at the end of your trip with us, for an additional cost, we can organise a transfer for you to Colac. We recommend that you pre-book your train ticket from Colac to Melbourne prior to starting your walk.

BUYING SUPPLIES RAW Travel provides just about everything you will need to eat and drink, except alcohol and soft drinks. The options for purchasing supplies or dinner drinks once you have commenced your walk are limited, so you will need to purchase what you need in Apollo Bay because your next resupply point is Cape Otway and Lavers Hill, then Princetown and Port Campbell. Limited supplies are available from the general stores/cafes at Lavers Hill and Princetown.

Alternatively, you could travel from Melbourne to Geelong via V/Line and then take a regular bus from Geelong along the Great Ocean Road to Apollo Bay.

From Avalon Airport If you are coming from interstate and fly into Avalon Airport (20km from the Geelong CBD and 55km from Melbourne CBD) you will need to book a bus to Apollo Bay. Timetables and booking can be arranged at Avalon Airport. You can also hire a car at the airport.

From Tullamarine (Melbourne International Airport) Catch a taxi from the airport to Melbourne’s Southern Cross Station, then the V/Line to Apollo Bay (see above) or take the SkyBus (which leaves every 15 minutes) from the

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www.greatoceanwalk.info

GREAT OCEAN WALK MOBILE PHONE COVERAGE Mobile telephone coverage is intermittent along the Great Ocean Walk. Coverage depends on your carrier and your location on the walk. Signal will wane, drop out and come back again as you walk in and out of gullies and thicker forest cover along any section of the Great Ocean Walk.

The area where coverage is least reliable is Cape Otway due to the dense forest cover.

Telstra has the best coverage in the area, so we recommend using them as your phone provider or buy a Telstra SIM card.

At Apollo Bay, Cape Otway, Princetown and Lavers Hill there are public phones and mobile reception (carrier dependent).

Your leaders will be carrying 2-way radios.

WIFI AND INTERNET COVERAGE

WEATHER Victoria is renowned for its unpredictable weather patterns and the Great Ocean Walk shares this attribute, possibly even magnified. Rain and cold conditions are a possibility at any time of year and conversely hot temperatures can occur at any time from October to April. But for the most part the weather in the popular months is fine for walking and it would be a rare day indeed that you couldn’t walk along the track in the months from October to May. In extreme heat conditions we will shorten the walks.

Check the weather forecast before you go on your walk and make sure you are adequately equipped. See also: When to Walk (p18).

For more information on tides, weather zones and warnings, see our Great Ocean Walk information website: www.greatoceanwalk. info/current-weather/

Wifi and internet coverage at accommodation along the Great Ocean Walk is generally not available. There are some limited locations along the walk were SMS and emails may come through.

ELECTRICITY Most of the world, including Australia, uses the 220-240V range. Fortunately, most modern portable electronic equipment (laptops, phones, tablets) can handle both 120V and 240V. The plugs in Australia have two flat metal pins shaped like a ‘V’ and some may contain a third flat pin in the centre.

MONEY ATMs There are a large number of ATM cashpoints in Melbourne and Apollo Bay. Spending money Very little spending money is required for guided walks on the Great Ocean Walk. You will need money for dinner on the final night of the trip, drinks for dinner, and perhaps an occasional coffee.

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Our group (50-year-old girls) completed the full walk in 6 days. The walk is well marked, so easy to self-guide. We used RAW Travel, who were excellent.

You need to train as some of the mountains are challenging, but do-able. – Sally, Brisbane

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www.greatoceanwalk.info

GREAT OCEAN WALK Emergency funds Please make sure you have access to an additional $300 to be used for unforeseen incidents/circumstances outside your control (e.g. a natural disaster) that necessitate a change to your planned route. This is a rare occurrence but we recommend being prepared.

a Tiger or Brown Snake on your walk you need to be alert but not panic. You might also come across spiders, ants, bees, European wasps and leeches. This is all a part of the experience of being out in the bush. If you have any allergies, please ensure you have appropriate medication.

SAFETY

You will need to carry at least 1 litre of drinking water with you most days but have the capacity to carry 2 litres on longer days.

We will be able to refill your bottles part way through most days when we meet up with our support crew. Dehydration is the biggest risk when undertaking a physical activity. It is vital to be aware of your fluid intake and to constantly drink water throughout the day, even when you do not feel thirsty.

Bushfires The Great Ocean Walk is in a high bushfire risk area. On days rated Severe and Extreme fire danger, all walkers are advised to consider safety along their planned walking route. If temperatures and winds are high, escape routes need to be considered as many sections of the walk have no safe refuge due to impenetrable heathland vegetation, thick fuel-laden forest, steep cliffs or a combination of these.

Snakes and other critters The warmer months bring snakes out onto the track, although it is rare to come across

HOW MUCH WATER TO CARRY

EMERGENCY CONTACT In the case of a genuine crisis or emergency, RAW Travel HQ (Mornington Peninsula) can be reached on 03 5976 3763. Outside office hours, phone 0478 649 848.

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RAW Travel were great and our trek staff, Eric and Lee, were efficient, easy going and hugely personable.

– Annabel, UK

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www.greatoceanwalk.info

SECTION 4:

RAW TRAVEL About us 34 Follow us on Facebook 34 Discover more with RAW Travel 34 RAW Adventures Newsletter 34 Travel Information Nights 34 ‘Walk and talk’ days 34

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SECTION 4: RAW TRAVEL ABOUT US

DISCOVER MORE WITH RAW TRAVEL

RAW Travel specialises in iconic walks worldwide. We are a small family owned operator on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula that is highly regarded for great value, outstanding customer service and reviews, experienced tour guides, and excellent accommodation and food.

At RAW Travel we don’t just plan your travel; we take our clients on a journey. From your research and ideas we work with you to plan your dream travel experience. We consider your fitness, your achievements and your motivations and then together we map out your personalised adventure.

We provide a friendly, personal and trusted service. We pride ourselves on the intimate knowledge we have of our chosen walking destinations, which allows us to create exciting journeys for our clients while taking meticulous care of all the details.

We offer walks for complete beginners through to demanding treks that will satisfy and thrill even veteran adventurers.

Over the years, we have organised countless trips to far flung corners of the globe and introduced many thousands of happy travellers to their first long distance walk or ride. The spirit of RAW Travel remains the same – creating inspiring active journeys that offer genuine interaction with the people and cultures we visit, backed by a personal but expert service.

Come and visit us at our beachside location in the coastal town of Mornington. Make an appointment with one of our Destination Specialists and afterwards browse the many shops, cafes, beaches or nearby vineyards of the Mornington Peninsula.

FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK

www.facebook.com/rawtravel/

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RAW ADVENTURES NEWSLETTER It’s easy to stay up-to-date on all things RAW with our free monthly e-newsletter. It’s jampacked with travellers’ stories and information about new trips and insights. If you’re not already a subscriber, it’s easy to register. www.rawtravel.com

TRAVEL INFORMATION NIGHTS We love meeting our clients face-to-face and getting to know them. Twice a year we travel around Australia and New Zealand to talk about a selection of our iconic walks. If you have ever wanted to experience an iconic walk with RAW Travel then you will want to attend one of these events. We guarantee you’ll be inspired by trip insights, videos and stunning images from our staff. www.rawtravel.com/talks/

‘WALK AND TALK’ DAYS We regularly offer great opportunities to walk with our Destination Experts and ask questions about your chosen destination, pre-departure preparation and gear. We limit these walks to 20 people and the pace in generally relaxed so there is plenty of time to chat. www.rawtravel.com/talks/

www.greatoceanwalk.info

CAMINO De SANTIAGO Spain’s epic pilgrimage trail

PORTUGUESE COASTAL CAMINO

KUMANO KODO Hiking ancient paths in traditional Japan

EUROPEAN ALPS

A stunning walk from Porto to Santiago de Compostela

The breathtaking Tour Du Mont Blanc, Italian Dolomites & Swiss Alps

GREAT OCEAN WALK

COAST TO COAST

A walk of wild and wonderful discovery

Wild England – Moors, Fells, Dales and Tarns

YOGA & HIKING TRIPS

HIMALAYAS

Renew your spirit

Nepal and Bhutan – magical and intriguing

LE PUY CAMINO

CINQUE TERRE

Walk through the most beautiful medieval villages of France

Food, wine, walks & stunning Italian villages

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Every aspect of the holiday was professionally conducted: delicious meals, comfy beds, timely transport in our van, interesting guides (I particularly appreciated the input from our Aboriginal expert) and optional withdrawal times when I needed a break.

The ‘icing on the cake’ was the delightful company of my fellow travellers.

– Rae, Sydney

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www.greatoceanwalk.info

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Australia’s most innovative and inspiring walking company 1300 208 245 | info@rawtravel.com | www.rawtravel.com | We donate 10% of our profits to give back to the planet at no additional cost to you.

Our trips are 100% carbon neutral.