Did you know the Great Ocean Walk spans 104km of coastline? My top 12 picks for free hiking in Great Ocean Road – ranked! 🌊

🔥 Did you know the Great Ocean Walk spans over 100km of pristine coastline and attracts more than 350,000 walkers annually? I’ve spent years exploring this region, and I’m bloody stoked to share my absolute favourite free tracks that won’t cost you a cent to explore!

1️⃣ The Gorge Ocean View Walk (Port Campbell)

📍 Port Campbell National Park | ⏱️ 1 hour loop

This one is an absolute ripper! You get dramatic cliff views without the massive crowds of the Twelve Apostles. The trail winds down to the beach where you can feel the power of the Southern Ocean up close.

2️⃣ Lighthouse Precinct Walk (Cape Otway)

📍 Cape Otway Lightstation | ⏱️ 1 hour return

Sure, going inside the lighthouse costs money, but the walking tracks around the clifftops are totally free! You might even spot some koalas snoozing in the trees above. The views from the radio tower are heaps good.

3️⃣ Shelly Beach Walk (Lorne)

📍 Lorne | ⏱️ 45 mins return

A stunning little track that takes you from the main surf beach through the bush to a hidden cove. Perfect for a morning dip or just chilling on the rocks. It’s popular with locals for a reason!

4️⃣ Castle Cove Lookout (Johanna Beach)

📍 Great Ocean Road, Johanna | ⏱️ 15 mins one way

Short but sweet. The view looking back along the coast is insane, especially at sunset. You can see the reef formations that create the legendary Johanna surf break.

5️⃣ Erskine Falls Walk (Lorne)

📍 Erskine Falls Road, Lorne | ⏱️ 45 mins return

One of the most famous waterfalls in the area. You can do the quick viewing platform or take the stairs down to the base of the falls. It’s a magical spot, especially after rain.

6️⃣ Marriners Lookout (Apollo Bay)

📍 Apollo Bay | ⏱️ 1 hour return

A bit of a steep climb up from the car park, but the panoramic views of Apollo Bay are worth the sweat. Go for sunrise or sunset to see the bay light up—it’s breathtaking.

7️⃣ Teddy’s Lookout (Lorne)

📍 George Street, Lorne | ⏱️ 20 mins return

Super easy access from the car park, and the view of the St George River crashing into the ocean is top tier. There’s a lower viewing platform that gets you right amongst the action.

8️⃣ Maits Rest Rainforest Walk

📍 Great Otway National Park | ⏱️ 30 mins loop

Step into an ancient world! This elevated boardwalk takes you through huge myrtle beech trees. It’s like walking through a dinosaur movie set. Very peaceful and lush.

9️⃣ London Bridge Lookout (Port Campbell)

📍 Port Campbell National Park | ⏱️ 15 mins

No hiking required, just a short stroll from the car park to the railing. It’s mind-blowing to think this arch used to be connected to the mainland until it collapsed in 1990. Geology in action!

🔟 Moonlight Head (Wreck Beach)

📍 Wreck Beach | ⏱️ 2 hours return

This is a bit more adventurous—300+ steps down to the beach! You’ll see the anchors of the Marie Gabrielle and Fiji shipwrecks. Keep an eye on the tide though, don’t get cut off!

✨ Sheoak Falls Walk (Lorne)

📍 Sheoak Picnic Area | ⏱️ 1 hour return

Just up the road from Erskine Falls but way quieter. You can walk to the waterfall viewing platform or continue down to Swallow Cave. Great for escaping the tour buses.

✨ The Bay of Islands Coastal Park

📍 Peterborough | ⏱️ 2-3 hours exploring

Wild, rugged, and massive! Less crowded than the Twelve Apostles but arguably more impressive because of the sheer scale of rock formations. You can do short hops or a long walk along the clifftops.

📋 Practical Info

📍 Great Ocean Road, Victoria 3234 (Multiple entry points)
🚗 From Melbourne, 3-4 hours drive via M1 and B100. V/Line buses run to Apollo Bay and Warrnambool, but having a car is best for these tracks.
💰 FREE! (Note: Some car parks may have small fees like at Erskine Falls, currently approx $5 per vehicle)
🕐 Best visited from sunrise to sunset. Some rainforest walks are cooler and darker, suitable for any time of day.
⏱️ 1-3 days depending on how many you do

💡 Tips & Warnings

✅ Pack layers! The weather changes bloody quickly on the coast.
✅ Bring your own water and snacks, facilities are limited in the national parks.
⚠️ ⚠️ Stay behind safety barriers—cliffs are unstable and waves are unpredictable!
❌ Don’t forget the mozzie repellent for the rainforest walks.

🚀 Agree with my ranking? Let me know your top pick! 🚀

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