Don’t Forget These Trail Running Essentials! 🏃‍♂️🌲

🔥 Hey mate! After clocking heaps of kays on the Great Ocean Road tracks, I’ve learnt the hard way what you actually need versus what just weighs you down. This checklist’s gonna save your arvo!

👟 Footwear & Socks

✅ Trail runners with decent grip – The limestone cliffs get bloody slippery when wet! I swear by my Salomon Speedcross for the muddy sections.

✅ Merino wool socks – Blisters are the worst, mate. These babies keep your feet dry even when you’re sweating buckets.

✅ Gaiters – Trust me, you’ll thank me when you’re not picking gravel out of your shoes every 5 minutes.

🎒 Hydration & Nutrition

✅ Hydration vest or belt – 2L minimum for those long coastal stretches. There’s bugger all water out there!

✅ Electrolyte tablets – Crucial for summer runs when you’re losing more than just water.

✅ Energy gels or bars – I prefer natural ones like Clif Bars. Nothing worse than hitting a wall 10km from the car park.

✅ Soft flasks – Way easier to drink from while running than hard bottles.

🧥 Weather Protection

✅ Packable rain jacket – Victorian weather changes faster than you can say ‘where’d that cloud come from?’

✅ SPF 50+ sunscreen – The coastal sun is no joke, even on overcast days.

✅ Buff or hat – Keeps the sun off your neck and sweat out of your eyes.

✅ Sunglasses – Essential for those golden hour runs when the sun’s reflecting off the ocean.

🧭 Navigation & Safety

✅ Fully charged phone with offline maps – Service is patchy as along the Great Ocean Road.

✅ Physical map and compass – Old school but lifesavers when your phone dies.

✅ Personal locator beacon (PLB) – Especially if you’re tackling the remote sections alone.

✅ First aid kit with blister treatment – I always pack Compeed and antiseptic wipes.

⭐ Nice to Have

✅ Trekking poles – Your knees will thank you on the steep sections near the Twelve Apostles.

✅ GoPro or phone mount – The views are absolutely unreal, you’ll wanna capture them!

✅ Lightweight gloves – Perfect for gripping on rocky sections when it’s cold.

✅ Headlamp – Just in case your run takes longer than expected (it happens to the best of us!).

❌ Leave These Behind

❌ Heavy hiking boots – Way too much for trail running, you’ll just get blisters.

❌ Cotton anything – Holds moisture and will give you a nasty chill.

❌ Full-size towel – A small quick-dry one does the job.

❌ Too much food – Pack just enough plus a bit extra, not a whole picnic!

📋 Practical Info

📍 Great Ocean Road, Victoria 3233
🚗 From Melbourne, 2.5 hours via Princes Highway/A1. Best to have your own car to access different trail heads.
💰 Free trail access. Parking $5-15 at popular spots. Gear investment: $300-800 for quality setup.
🕐 Best times: Sunrise (6-8am) or late arvo (4-6pm) to avoid crowds and heat. Avoid midday in summer.
⏱️ Varies from 1-hour quick runs to full-day adventures. Popular trails: 12 Apostles Trail (2-3 hours), Castle Cove Track (1-2 hours)

💡 Tips & Warnings

✅ Check tide times if running beach sections – some paths get cut off at high tide!
✅ Start early to beat the tourist crowds at popular spots like Loch Ard Gorge.
⚠️ Watch out for snakes in warmer months – most are harmless but give them space!
❌ Don’t underestimate the coastal winds – they can make a 20°C day feel freezing!

🚀 What else is on your packing list? 🚀

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