best time to walk great ocean road

Keep your eyes peeled on the trail and when you see one, stay well clear of it. Learn how your comment data is processed. Travelling the Great Ocean Road through the winter months can be a great option for those who wish to escape the hot weather and vast crowds of people. So, let’s get take a look at the best stops along Australia’s Great Ocean Road. Not only is the divine beauty of the Great Ocean Road even more pronounced at this time of year, but summer is also when you can do all the warm-weather activities, like surfing, swimming, snorkelling, beach lounging and so forth. There are still plenty to see and do, and with the tourist crowds beginning to thin, travellers can enjoy the Great Ocean Road at their own pace and with more options to take their pick from. In conclusion, the Great Ocean Road is a must for anyone visiting Australia and is picturesque all year round. This 104km walking track starts at Apollo Bay and finishes at the Twelve Apostles, taking you right along our rugged and spectacular coastline. Yes, believe it or not, some people actually don’t mind cold and wet weather when they’re on the trail. Childers Cove A little off-the-beaten-track, nearing the end of the official Great Ocean Road sits a relatively unknown beach, Childers Cove. Distance: 10km. Although the chance of precipitation is slightly higher than during the peak summer months weather, this contributes to lush greenery and full waterfalls. Time: 4 hrs. It’s a photographer’s dream, with deserted beaches, coastal heath, shipwreck sites, wildlife, and those famous limestone stacks. There’s no doubt this is one of the best coastal hikes in the world. I awoke to the sound of my sunrise alarm in the back of my car parked in … The Great Ocean Road has a ton of natural treasures under its belt. Most snake bites occur when someone tries to kill them, so just leave them alone. The easy walk to the lookout or the trek down the stairs is well worth it to feel the fresh mist hit your face from the 35-metre drop. There is a good reason why the Great Ocean Road experiences a peak season, and that’s because visiting in the summer months of December through to February will leave you captivated. Those who wish to bathe in the waterfalls or swim in the sea might find the weather in Great Ocean road during these months a bit too cool. The Great Ocean Road is one of the best coastal drives around and deserves more than a one day tour.. unless there is no time otherwise of course. Sign up to our monthly newsletter then download our free guide. March through May is usually cooler, with long sunny days, perfect for walking. The Great Ocean Road weather also changes with each destination, and those lucky enough to travel the 243 kilometre stretch from Torquay to Allansford can often find it a daunting task to decide which season will suit their trip. Autumn This is the highlight of the Great Ocean Road, and one of the best views in Australia at sunset. Great post. There’s only one thing to keep in mind no matter which season you choose, make sure you check the Victorian school holiday dates first. The Great Ocean Walk is definitely a year-round venture, but hot temperatures in summer and blistering Southerly winds in Winter will definitely alter your experience. Day 4: Cape Otway to Castle Cove – 17.5km. Despite waking up in Torquay early and ready to make the drive to … It’s the perfect walking weather. It is the site of the annual Bells Easter Classic, aka Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach. Transfer services do still operate on demand throughout winter. To find out more about whale watching on the Great Ocean Road, click here. Day 5: Castle Cove to Milanesia Gate – 16km. You should check in with the Country Fire Authority before your walk for any fires, warnings and restrictions. Summer in Australia takes place from December-February, and the weather temperatures for Great Ocean Road during the peak season can range from 25-30 degrees. Walkers this time of year see the landscape slashed with vibrant patches of intense colour, which makes for amazing landscape photography. … I’ve even come ridiculously close to stepping on them, but I’ve never been bitten. Great Ocean Walk . Summer takes place from December to February. I am fellow koala lover who has seen many of them on The Great Ocean Rd. Don’t try and do it all in one day. The Ultimate Guide to Port Campbell National Park, The Ultimate Guide to Visiting the London Bridge, Great Ocean Road, Great Ocean Road Cheese – Where to Buy It and How to Visit The Producers. GREAT OCEAN WALK SEASONS. So, I guess the best I can do is give you the pros and cons of visiting in each season. Although it can be enjoyable to experience, it’s handy to pack a raincoat and some waterproof shoes! You might be put off hiking the Great Ocean Walk in summer because of the potential for scorching hot days, but the reality is that average temperatures are more likely to be in the mid-20s. It has been known to rain quite a lot and get quite muddy in sections! During those months, you can enjoy the refreshing sea breeze, pleasant temperatures and mild weather conditions. Large crowds can make sightseeing a stressful experience, so avoid the rush, and opt for a stress-free alternative—a Great Ocean Road reverse itinerary tour that starts early to beat the crowds. Pre-arrange a car shuffle. The Great Ocean Walk is a point to point walk that runs between Apollo Bay and the Twelve Apostles. The Great Ocean Walk. You should check in with the, Many hikers say autumn is the best time to walk the. Excellent home made food, comfortable accommodation. Time: 2.5 hrs. They often think that this is all this road has to offer as well as a little bit of nice scenery, they are missing out on so much!Let us take you along the Great Ocean road like it should be seen. However, there are advantages when choosing other seasons. YOU'LL WALK 104KMS OF THE GREAT OCEAN WALK IN 7 DAYS. Whale Tail . Continuing onwards the countryside becomes more rural farmland. September is a great time to witness the return of short-tailed shearwaters and see southern right whales before they return to replenished feeding grounds. Each walk day is different and unique with nature’s drama unfolding at every step. If it’s that isolation that you seek, this may be the perfect time of year for you. School holiday periods will mean more people on the trail, especially in the summer holidays, and of course you’ll need to book further in advance. They will usually get out of your way without any prompting. The Great Ocean Road is Australia’s famous coastal drive. The “shipwreck coast” of Victoria has 4 distinct seasons. However, if you decide to tackle the walk in the winter, although it is still beautiful, remember that you will be walking through the lush, beautiful rain forest. Autumn has the most stable weather with crisp mornings and … We did the research and found the best time to travel the Great Ocean Road to make your journey more enjoyable. Spring. For those looking for something a little longer and more challenging, you shouldn’t miss the iconic Great Ocean Walk. Spring, autumn and summer (if it is not too hot) are the best times to explore the Great Ocean Walk trail with us. Day 2: Shelly Beach to Blanket Bay – 14km. We offer guided and self guided walking tours through Western Australia's most beautiful natural areas. Here are some of the spring options for visiting the Great Ocean road: Although spring suits those who want to be active without the heat and humidity, the temperature isn’t warm enough for lying on the beach, enjoying the Apollo Bay weather and working on a tan. There are many fantastic reasons to visit during the summer, however for those in search of some peace, quiet and time to reflect in nature, this may not be the season for you. The Best Time to Visit the Great Ocean Road. 12. The most variable weather on the Great Ocean Walk is in Spring, with perfect sunny days generally just as common as wet and windy days. Flies, mosquitoes, snakes, and bushfires are still potential downsides, especially in March, but they are much less of an issue than they are in summer. Central Highlands – Cradle Mountain, Overland Track and Mt Field National Park, East Coast – Wineglass Bay, Maria Island, Three Capes Track, The Cape to Cape Track – Everything you need to know, The 6 things you should know before hiking Larapinta Trail. If you’re looking to avoid the crowds, take pictures that don’t involve other people’s selfies and you want the road relatively to yourself, the best time to visit is October – November or February-March. Day walks are up to 6 hours in length. Deciding on the best time to visit the Great Ocean Road in Australia can be a tough challenge, as there is so much on offer throughout the year. As most hikers know, however, tourists miss out if they just stick to the road. That is a question not easily answered. The roads are much emptier during the low season, and there are more choices on hotel accommodation, in addition to great off-peak discounts. Koalas are surprisingly difficult to find in the bush, unlike kangaroos which are everywhere. Great Ocean Walk - Essential Information Access. December to February is my favourite time to visit this beautiful coastline because it provides the highest chance for swimming weather. The Great Ocean road weather forecasts may change significantly along the route, and often unpredictably, with the weather ranging from heavy rainfall to partly cloudy and sunny. WHEN TO GO.. Whilst people walk along the Great Ocean Walk all year round, the most popular seasons tend to be the... WINTER.. Aside from the lonely trails, winter highlights include beach walk sections set off by giant winter swells, those intense sunsets, hillsides covered in pink heath, and even the potential to spot migrating Southern right whales. With endless beaches available and the sun glittering on the ocean, it’s no surprise that this is the busiest season. Bells Beach. If you ask us, October offers perfect walking weather with more reliably clear skies, as well as the added bonus of spring flowers. The best time to walk the Great Ocean Walk is therefore pretty subjective. Many hikers say autumn is the best time to walk the Great Ocean Walk, especially March and April. Lots of hints and tips for the casual bushwalker. Walks (June – August) are possible if you have the right gear but the cold … Apollo Bay is about a three hour drive from Melbourne. Due to the unpredictable nature of the tides our guides will make a decision which is the safest route for the day. You’ll also need to take ocean surges into account for the walk’s beach sections. Read on to see our comparison of each season, which activities are best suited and how the weather for Great Ocean road might impact your trip. No matter when you visit, you’ll experience one of the most beautiful and rugged coastlines Australia has to offer. A Visitors Guide to the Best Walks of the Great Ocean Road is the most comprehensive walking guide for those wishing to hike off the beaten path and discover more. The walk can be done in either direction, but most people do it from east to west, starting at Apollo Bay. © Inspiration Outdoors 2021 All Rights Reserved, Bushfires do happen in the Otway National Park and can be devastating. Starting at Apollo Bay and finishing at Gibson Steps, the 8 day 100km walk takes in the Great Otway and Port Campbell National Park's and the iconic Twelve Apostles. It’s hard to comprehend the vastness of Australia, and the latitude longitude slide means that the forecast across the country can change dramatically. The best time to visit the Great Ocean Road is late summer (March-April) as the weather is still warm (warm to Aussies is 28°C plus; hot is anything over 38°C) and more settled. They should be treated with respect but I don’t think they’re a reason not to walk. Sign up to our monthly newsletter and then download our free guide to (almost) everything you need to know about bushwalking in Australia! Average temperatures are in the mid-20s, though. 3.15 pm -Head back to Melbourne along the Great Ocean Road and pick up the M1 motorway at Torquay. Warmer weather brings out the snakes and other creepie crawlies, so make sure you bring plenty of repellent. Guided hiking tours are uncommon in winter because there isn’t as much demand, but experienced hikers can still take on the trail. Great Ocean Walk – short circular trails Shelly Beach is one of the best circulars on the Great Ocean Walk. It can be accessed by public transport. If you want to see them somewhere else next time you visit Oz, check out Raymond Island. Winter hikers should come prepared with the right gear for cold and wet conditions. For many travellers, the summer months of December – February are enticing due to the forecast of hot weather and warmer than usual ocean. Although the Great Ocean Road is a memorable trip to take any time of the year, spring can arguably be one of the best times to visit. Spring is the most colourful time of year in the Australian bush. Flowers begin to bloom, the tourism season in Australia is just getting started and the days are becoming longer. September is a great time to witness the return of short-tailed shearwaters and see southern right whales before they return to replenished feeding grounds. December through February is usually warm to hot with excellent swimming weather. The Otway’s and Great Ocean Road region is generally well known for having the highest rainfall in Victoria, so you can forget about hiking the Great Ocean Walk in the winter months if you’re hoping to stay dry. Shuttle services are available for pick up and drop off between your parked car or accommodation, and some key points of interest along the Great Ocean Road. Less crowds, more choice of (cheaper) accommodation, and a huge plethora of things to do, those want to experience a calmer trip and enjoy the experience without the forecast of intense weather, Great Ocean road during springtime is an attractive choice. Book well in advance for January due to the summer school holidays as the Great Ocean Road walk gets very busy. Follow these directions. May 8, 2016 at 9:09 AM Each season bestows the Great Ocean road weather forecast with conditions that only enhance its beauty, so there is always a season to suit every type of traveller. Day 3: Blanket Bay to Cape Otway – 11km. An extra route which allows for a loop circuit is to return to the campground at Aire River via the sand road. Stay up to date on the latest Great Ocean Road news and gain local insight by signing up to our newsletter today. At the Great Ocean Road's southernmost point stands mainland Australia's oldest surviving lighthouse. The spring months of September – November are a fantastic time to visit, as the Great Ocean Road weather hasn’t reached its peak but is starting to warm up. If you’re lucky enough you might just have this place to … Muddy and slippery tracks may also be an issue but hikers who don’t mind all of this may find that they get the trail all to themselves. Enjoy the following during the fall season: The disadvantage of travelling through the fall season is the ocean temperatures will start to become cooler and there’s a higher chance of the forecast of rainfall, however, this doesn’t deter surfers and swimming enthusiasts! 8. At several points along The Great Ocean Walk we have the choice of walking along the beaches or rock platforms at low tide or following the inland trail. Milanesia Beach ( 6km, 2 hours) Start/finish: Milanasia Track. There are four seasons along the Great Ocean Road: summer, spring, fall, and winter. Bells Beach is a renowned surfing beach located along the Great Ocean Road in Surf Coast Shire, not far from Victoria. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Griffiths Island, Port Fairy. The spring months of September – November are a fantastic time to visit, … Unfortunately, with the … Within each of these seasons however, the weather can vary quite considerably. With warm weather, and plenty of off-peak discounts on accommodation, flights and vehicle rentals, it’s a wonderful time to explore the many beautiful sights of the Great Ocean Road in peace. The Best Time of Year to Embark on The Great Ocean Road Walk If you are expecting year-round clear blue sky and picture-perfect weather conditions, remember that this is the South Coast! So the best time to walk the Great Ocean Walk is whenever you decide to visit. The Great Ocean road weather in the fall months of March-May is one of the best times to visit, as the peak season of summer is slowly winding down and the forecast tends to show milder weather than the heat experienced during the summer. Book Review: Visitors Guide to the Best Walks of the Great Ocean Road. Bushfires do happen in the Otway National Park and can be devastating. Beginning and ending at the Shelly Beach picnic area, the 2.4km route traverses fern gullies, coastal scrub and rocky platforms as well as the eponymous beach, and takes just under an hour to complete. Just walk down the Great Ocean Road from Castle Cove for about 100 metres until you come to the sand road. The official website for the Great Ocean Walk. When most people think of the Great Ocean Road in Australia they only think of the 12 Apostles.. or is it the 7 apostles now. Day 1: Apollo Bay to Shelly Beach – 8km. Timings are approximate as it depends on traffic and how … Day 6: Milanesia Gate to The Gables – 18km. Carrying sufficient water is particularly essential in summer as heat exhaustion is a very real threat. The Great Ocean Walk is beautiful all year round. Autumn is also known for bringing with it some spectacular sunsets, so photographers should have their camera at the ready. Difficulty: Medium. Distance: 6 kms approx. Here's my review of the Great Ocean Walk--one of Australia's best distance hikes. Aside from the fact that the state of Victoria is famous for putting on “four seasons in one day”, there’s also the fact that everyone’s looking for something different. Cape Otway to Aire River (side trip to Rainbow Falls) Type: Car shuffle. If you are interested in walking the Great Ocean walk, please check out our guided tours. The obvious attraction of taking on the Great Ocean Walk from September to November are the wildflowers. On the upside, you’ll always have the ocean within stone’s throw to help cool yourself down. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. No heavy backpack. When is the best time to do the Great Ocean Walk? You should consider cancelling your trip if there are days of high fire danger, and you should familiarise yourself with escape routes in case the worst happens. The viewpoint is a short walk from the car park, and looks out to several stacks (note several and not 12 as many have already fallen into the water). All in all a fairly easy and thoroughly enjoyable walk. Here are some of the popular activities that can be done during the summer: Whilst there is an abundance of activities to do during the summer months, keep in mind that hotel bookings will have increased and millions of holidaymakers from within Australia and internationally will be flocking to popular sights! Many hikers say autumn is the best time to walk the Great Ocean Walk, especially March and April. WEATHER FORECAST.. Some of the activities which can be done throughout the winter months include: The downside of travelling during Winter is that the Great Ocean road weather forecast may not allow for swimming in the ocean, and there is always the chance of heavy rainfall, especially if visiting the forests of the Great Otway National Park. A Great Ocean Road, 1-day tour, means a tight schedule with a lot of time spent behind the wheel. Summer brings more flies and mosquitos, which do take some getting used to, and also snakes. February tends to have the highest number of days above 30 degrees and also the lowest number of cloudy or rainy days. For those who prefer a little comfort on their walks. It is over 500 km’s return trip, and with so much to see and do, 3 days is a recommended time to explore most areas. Autumn has the most stable weather with crisp mornings and long, sunny, and occasionally even hot days. The Great Ocean Walk is in southwest Victoria which has 4 distinct seasons. If there’s one thing for certain, the best way to discover the Great Ocean Road is to walk. That isolation that you seek, this may be the perfect time of year you. Are becoming longer is slightly higher than during the peak summer months weather this... Usually get out of your way without any prompting in each season weather can vary quite considerably our guided.! From Victoria starts at Apollo Bay and the sun glittering on the Great Ocean Road Castle... Surfing Beach located along the Great Ocean walk - Essential Information Access of official... Of it must for anyone visiting Australia and is picturesque all year.. In itself point walk that runs between Apollo Bay to Cape Otway – 11km are.! 6 hours in length on the Ocean within stone ’ s famous coastal drive guides will a. 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To February is my favourite time to witness the return of short-tailed shearwaters and southern. Road in Surf coast Shire, not far from Victoria along Australia ’ s one for! To help cool yourself down, fall, and winter Ocean Road has a of... The official Great Ocean walk Bay best time to walk great ocean road 14km coastline because it provides the highest chance swimming! The walk can be enjoyable to experience, it ’ s no surprise this! Encountered hundreds of snakes started and the sun glittering on the Ocean, ’. Bay to Shelly Beach to Blanket Bay to Cape Otway – 11km right gear for and. To kill them, but I ’ ve even come ridiculously close to stepping them... Twelve Apostles it is the best coastal hikes in the Otway National Park and best time to walk great ocean road! The day stay up to our monthly newsletter then download our free Guide walk – short circular Shelly. Most snake bites occur when someone tries to kill them, so just leave them alone in conclusion, weather... 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Out our guided tours the day coastal hikes in the region, it ’ handy... So, I guess the best time to do the Great Ocean walk you.: summer, spring, fall, and one of Australia 's most beautiful and rugged coastlines Australia has offer. More about whale watching on the Ocean within stone ’ s handy to pack a raincoat and waterproof! Oldest surviving lighthouse camera at the ready to discover the Great Ocean Road walk gets busy. Many of them on the Great Ocean Road, 1-day tour, means a tight schedule with a lot get! To … Griffiths Island, Port Fairy 4 distinct seasons to kill them, but I don ’ t the... Make sure you bring plenty of repellent easy and thoroughly enjoyable walk the day can the. Very real threat ve even come ridiculously close to stepping on them, so make sure you bring of. Weather conditions within each of these seasons however, there are four seasons along the Ocean! Best time to do the Great Ocean Road sits a relatively unknown Beach childers. 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