🔥 What if I told you the Great Ocean Road has way more to offer than just the Twelve Apostles and crowded tourist lookouts? After spending countless weekends exploring the coast, I’ve found some absolute rippers that most tourists miss completely. Let me give you the lowdown on which secret trails are worth the sweat and which ones you can probably skip this trip.
✅ Definitely Recommend: The Surf Coast Walk (Jan Juc to Bells Beach)
Look, if you only do one run, make it this one. Starting near the Jan Juc cliffs and heading towards the famous Bells Beach, you get the best of both worlds—ocean views and that fresh sea air. The trail is well-maintained, and you might even spot some local surfers carving up a wave. It’s about a 7km one-way trip, but you can turn it into an out-and-back depending on how much energy you’ve got. The wildflowers in spring are a total bonus.
✅ Definitely Recommend: Maits Rest Rainforest Walk
This spot is pure magic. Tucked away just past Apollo Bay, it’s a super lush, ancient rainforest that feels like stepping into a dinosaur movie. It’s a short loop (about 800m), but the boardwalk makes it perfect for a recovery run or even a brisk walk to stretch the legs after a long drive. The moss-covered trees and ferns are stunning, and it’s sheltered, so it’s top-notch even if the weather’s a bit dodgy elsewhere.
✅ Definitely Recommend: Melba Gully Walk
Fancy running through a ‘Jungle of the South’? Melba Gully near Otway is known for its glowworms at night, but in the day, it’s a cracking spot for a trail run. The ‘Big Tree’ walk is a highlight, and the track is generally quiet. It’s a bit hilly, which is great for building stamina, and the canopy keeps you cool. Just watch out for slippery roots after rain—it can get a bit slick!
✅ Definitely Recommend: Castle Cove Lookout Track
Mate, the views here are next level. The track descends from the Great Ocean Road down to the beach at Castle Cove. It’s a bit of a grunt coming back up (hello, quad burner!), but the scenery is 100% worth the pain. You get sweeping views of the coastline that you just don’t see from the car park. It’s usually quiet, making it a serene spot to get your rhythm going.
❌ Skip These: The Main Lookouts (Twelve Apostles Car Park)
I know it’s iconic, but trying to get a decent trail run in near the main Twelve Apostles car park is a nightmare. It’s packed with tourists, buses, and you’ll spend more time dodging people than enjoying your stride. If you want to see them, go early for a look-see, but don’t plan a serious run here. Head inland or further west for better peace and quiet.
❌ Skip These: Lorne Main Beach Foreshore (Peak Season)
Don’t get me wrong, Lorne is beautiful, but the foreshore path gets absolutely chockers in summer. You’ll be weaving through prams, dogs, and ice-cream cones. If you’re after a genuine trail experience rather than a casual boardwalk stroll, give this a miss during the holidays and stick to the higher tracks around Teddy’s Lookout instead.
🤔 Depends on Your Needs: Erskine Falls Track
This one’s a bit of a wildcard. The run to the falls is steep and technical, with loads of stairs. If you love a hardcore hill session and want to finish with a breathtaking view of a waterfall, it’s brilliant. But if your knees are playing up or you want a flat, cruisy recovery jog, give it a hard pass. Pro tip: go early morning before the tour buses arrive to beat the crowds.
📋 Practical Info
📍 Great Ocean Road, Victoria 3231 (Specific starting points vary by location)
🚗 From Melbourne, drive approx. 2-2.5 hours via M1 and B100 (Great Ocean Road)
💰 Free access to all trails (Parking fees may apply at main tourist spots)
🕐 Daylight hours (Best time: Early morning for sunrise or late arvo for golden hour)
⏱️ Ranging from 30 mins (Melba Gully) to 2+ hours (Castle Cove return)
💡 Tips & Warnings
✅ Pack a hydration vest or carry water—there aren’t many taps along the hidden trails!
✅ Check the weather forecast before heading out; coastal conditions can change quickly.
⚠️ Watch out for snakes in the warmer months, especially in the long grass near the tracks.
❌ Don’t forget your sunscreen—even on cloudy days, the UV down here can be brutal!
🚀 What would you add to either list? 🚀
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