I have hiked the Great Ocean Walk organised by a bushwalking group last month. The track is about 105km and we have completed it in 6 days.
Day 1, Sunday, 6 March – (22km) Apollo Bay to Blanket Bay (bypass Elliot Ridge Campground).
The walk started off as a street walk from the Apollo bay, on the foot path along the Great Ocean Road. Soon it turned into a path close to the ocean – sometimes across the grassland, sometimes a short stroll on the beach, other times walking on the rocks near the ocean. There were a few blackberry bushes along the path.
After lunch at Elliot Ridge Campground, the walk entered an ancient forest. I was told that the area might be the place for a crowded koala population. But high density does not make them easy to spot for they usually sit near the very top of those were very, very tall trees. It’s not uncommon to sight trees thicker than a round family dining table.
First I did not notice any koalas, it was not until I noticed poop in the middle of the track, did I look up. And there it was, two koalas sitting right above of me! It was then, we started paying attention to the top of the trees, and in a short period of time we spotted quite a few.
That night, a fox was sighted lurking around near the campsite. My first thought was: it would come over and steal my food when I fall asleep.
Surprisingly, it did not happen.
Day 2, Monday, 7 March – (11km) Walk Blanket Bay to Cape Otway
Blanket Bay campsite is very close to the ocean. I started the day with a short stroll on the beach and was greeted by a couple of sea birds.
GOW Day 2 – 1
It turned out to be a rather hot day with many snakes out on the track sun baking.
Once I had a baby snake literally between my feet, trying to get away. But judging by the speed of how they slithered away, they were more scared of me than I was of them.
GOW Day 2 – Trail
Unlike last day’s route, the track on Monday was close to the ocean. Like the rest of the walk, the scenery changed from section to section, but mostly of stunning ocean, creeks and undulating hillsides.
GOW day 2 – 3
The hike in campsites on the Great Ocean Walk have more or less the standard shelters/kitchens and toilets, this is a natural composite toilet at Cape Otway.
I’m gone to say to my little brother, that he should also
visit this blog on regular basis to take updated from most recent gossip.
This is a topic which is near to my heart… Best wishes!
Where are your contact details though?
You really make it seem really easy along with your presentation however I in find your hiking articles to be very … er, personal instead of for general information for someone who is preparing for the trip.
So how much did camping cost you?
Today, I went to the beach with my children. I
found a sea shell and gave it to my 4 year old daughter
and said “You can hear the ocean if you put this to your ear.” She placed
the shell to her ear and screamed. There was a hermit crab inside and it pinched her ear.
She never wants to go back! LoL I know this is completely off topic but I had to tell someone!
Thanks for finally talking about >Great Ocean Walk – Part
1 – yiz’s blog <Loved it!