GREAT OCEAN WALK DESTINATION GUIDE Raw Travel - Destination Guide - Great Ocean Walk 1
The Great Ocean Walk is a spectacular part of Australia. We are known worldwide for our stunning coastline and pristine beaches, you can sometimes forget that this is right in your own backyard. We are so lucky to be able to enjoy such dramatic scenery and diverse wildlife along one track. Windswept cliffs, wetlands, beaches, forests and rivers that are rugged and secluded awaiting your discovery. There is nothing quite like enjoying the ocean breeze on your face while taking in the beauty of our vast Australian coastline. This is one of the most beautiful walks in the world as it also highlights the diverse and rugged landscapes of southern Victoria. Let us show you how amazing our country is. Jodie Great Ocean Walk Specialist jodie@rawtravel.com ph. (03) 5976 3763 Raw Travel - Destination Guide - Great Ocean Walk 2
Experience walking one of Australia's most stunning sections of coastline while enjoying great accommodation, incredible food and the company of new friends. Each day is different in terms of terrain & spectacular views. Breathtaking coastal scenery, deserted wild beaches, sheer cliffs, historic lighthouses and shipwrecks, giant mountain ash forests, pristine river estuaries, abundant wildlife, dunes and coastal heathlands all await the intrepid hiker on this exciting adventure. Travel with our team of guides and drivers who have been escorting groups along the trail since its creation. As well as your regular guide these trips include private sessions with a specialist shipwreck and indigenous guide, so you can discover more about the Great Ocean Walk. We operate guided trips of varying length throughout the year or try self-guided where we look after your accommodation and transfers so you can enjoy the flexibility of walking at your own pace. Raw Travel - Destination Guide - Great Ocean Walk 3
HOW IT WORKS On the Great Ocean Walk RAW Travel offers both guided and selfguided options. Self-Guided Walks Allows you to walk from place to place progressing from one comfortable accommodation to the next. On these self-guided trips, you walk without a guide, following our walk notes and marked maps. No technical expertise is required so anyone who is active and in good health can do it. This is ideal for anyone who is hesitant about group travel or wants to travel with their own friends and set their own pace. It s also great for those who are restricted to travelling at a particular time as you can choose your own departure date (dependant on availability of accommodation of course). Self guided walks can be custom made to suit the requirements of your group.. ACCOMMODATION We stay in comfortable 2 bedroom en-suite cabins at Bimbi Park in Cape Otway, and in twin-share motel accommodation in Port Campbell depending on your trip itinerary. We also use the historical Cape Otway Lightstation for our 4 day trips. Meals are provided by Bimbi Park whilst we are staying there, and in Port Campbell and Apollo Bay (self guides) we have breakfasts and dinners at local eateries. Self guided walks use a mixture of great properties in Apollo Bay, Cape Otway, Aire River, Twelve Apostles and Port Campbell depending on availability on your chosen dates. Note: Accommodation will vary according to availability on your chosen dates. Raw Travel chooses the best properties along the Great Ocean Walk for its trips Guided Walks Allows you to travel with our team of guides and drivers who have been escorting groups along the trail since its creation. As well as your regular guide these trips include sessions with a specialist shipwreck and indigenous guide. MEAL INCLUSIONS All meals are included except breakfast on the first day and dinner on our return journey. All are of a high quality produce, refreshments are also provided at various rest stops along the walk this includes tea, coffee and snack bars. Raw Travel - Destination Guide - Great Ocean Walk 4
You will work up a great appetite from the walk and be well rewarded with delicious meals prepared from fresh regional produce by our local hosts. We can cater for special dietary requirements. Please speak with our destination specialist to discuss further. Yo will be well fed with an emphasis on fresh food and high quality produce thought out all our guided and self guided trips TRANSPORT Guided Walks Private vehicle throughout (minibus). On each walking day we are met by our driver for lunch and guests therefore have the option of skipping sections of the walk and taking the bus to meet the group at the next stop. Self-Guided Walks Our RAW local representative will meet and greet you on Day 1 in Apollo Bay. We will provide you a set of detailed Track Notes which will help to guide you along the walk. Our representative will go over the day to day running of the trip and advise you on how the shuttle service will work. Raw Travel - Destination Guide - Great Ocean Walk 5
You will also receive a map and details on what you expect to see in the area (ie. flora and fauna) and an emergency beacon that you can have for the duration of the trip. This device is part of the trip cost but a security deposit of $175 will be required. We recommend you have Telstra as your phone provider or buy a Telstra sim card as they currently have the best coverage in the area. You will be given your driver s number so if you need to contact him on the walk he will be accessible. A gpx file of waypoints suitable for loading into a GPS unit will be emailed so that you can download onto a GPS device if you have one (it is not compulsory but just an added feature if you have such a GPS unit). Driving own vehicle The walk generally starts at Apollo Bay and this is approximately a 3 hour drive from central Melbourne. If you are doing a walk greater than 3 days and you are staying at different accommodation places along the walk, your driver will meet you at the end of the day s walk and drive you back to pick up your car or to the next accommodation place you have been booked into. Public transport Train/Bus - trains from Melbourne s Southern Cross station travel to Colac and then connect with bus to Apollo Bay. Check the Vline website for timetables to decide on the best connections and current services as they can change depending on season and public holidays. JOINING THE TOUR Guided Walks The pick up point on day 1 is at The Arts Centre, 100 St Kilda Road, Melbourne. Your leader will be wearing a RAW Travel shirt and the bus will be signed. Departure time is 7:30am. We can also arrange pick up from Avalon Airport on the way, this will need to be confirmed before the trip. Self-Guided Walks There are a few options available: If you are from interstate and decide to fly into Avalon Airport then you will need to book a bus that can take you to Apollo Bay. Timetables and booking can be arranged at Avalon Airport. GROUP SIZE We like to keep our groups small and personal, so that each traveller can benefit from the full support and attention of our staff so group sizes are restricted to a maximum of 10 guests. Raw Travel - Destination Guide - Great Ocean Walk 6
As a Self-guide you will need two or more people to choose your own starting date. IS THIS THE RIGHT TRIP FOR ME? It's important that you select a trip that is suitable to your experience abilities and expectations. In order to help you assess whether a trip is the right one for you it's vital that you read our destination guide before booking. In this guide you'll find descriptions of the accommodation, food and difficulty rating for this trip. WHAT S IT LIKE UNDERFOOT? Underfoot you will experience a variety of tracks along the Great Ocean Walk. Along the tracks you will find compact and loose gravel paths, rocks, sand and bare earth. Some sections also include stairs and long sandy beaches. PHYSICAL RATING - GRADE 3 This iconic Australian walk is achievable by people of all ages who have a reasonable level of fitness. The walk is a winding track which follows the contours around the coastal headlands. On occasions we Raw Travel - Destination Guide - Great Ocean Walk 7
walk down to isolated beaches and across soft sand and then walk up the other side over steps on a well marked track that has been constructed and managed with your safety in mind. Some sections involve walking through forested areas where the track is firm under foot, while others can be muddy depending on the weather conditions. Expect to walk between 4 to 8 hours each day with regular stops along the way to take in the natural beauty or for snacks and lunch. Please refer to the Australian walking track grading system for more details. sunscreen is essential. In extreme heat conditions we will shorten the walks. 3. Water You will need to carry at least 1 litre of drinking water with you most days but have the capacity to carry 2 litres on the longer days. We will be able to refill your bottles part way through most days when we meet up with our support crew. Dehydration is the biggest risk when undertaking a physical activity. It is so important to be aware of your fluid intake and to constantly drink water throughout the day (even when you do not feel thirsty). IMPORTANT NOTES 1. Walking boots Walking boots with full ankle support are recommended for this walk. Make sure that your chosen footwear is well worn in & comfortable. We also recommend hiking socks with at least one spare pair, as you will find these minimise the chance of getting blisters. 2. Weather conditions Please note that this is Victoria which is famous for its ever changing and unpredictable weather conditions ( four seasons in one day ). Please ensure you are prepared with the right clothing. A rain jacket, warm top and hat are advisable all year round. A sun hat and 4. Dietary requirements We can cater to most dietary restrictions without any problems. Please notify us in advance of any special meal requirements. 5. Extreme heat Please be aware that sunburn is a risk at any time especially in summer. We recommend you Slip on a shirt, Slop on the sunscreen, Slap on a hat, and Slide on some sunnies. 6. Keeping in touch - Communication while on the road Mobile reception is very sporadic in this area of Victoria given the dense tree cover and steep valleys, particularly on Cape Otway. During the walk there will be mobile reception in certain places. Your leaders will be carrying 2-way radios. At Apollo Bay, Cape Otway, Raw Travel - Destination Guide - Great Ocean Walk 8
Princetown and Lavers Hill there are public phones and mobile reception (carrier dependent). 7. Pull out points Along the route there are various pull out points where you can leave the track early if you do not feel like continuing. You will need to make contact with your driver/shuttle service and give them advance notice along the walk if you want to pull out before the end of the day s walk. PACKING LIST Day pack Water bottle/bladder Walking boots Rain jacket Walking clothes long-sleeve shirt with collar sunhat long-legged pants (or shorts with gaiters) warm jacket & hat Change of clothes It is not necessary to dress for evening meals, casual, comfortable clothing is sufficient Travel Documents Raw Travel - Destination Guide - Great Ocean Walk 9
None required except for Australian tourist visa for overseas visitors High factor sunscreen Blister pads and/or tape for hotspots or blisters on your feet Insect repellent Sunglasses Toiletries Watch or alarm clock Plastic bags for wet or dirty clothing (laundry facilities are available at our accommodation on Cape Otway if needed) Towel and swimwear (summer months) Spending Money Very little spending money is required for this trip, except for dinner on the last night, any alcohol you wish, and an occasional coffee Gaiters (optional) Walking poles (optional) Other Suggestions Camera and adapter for recharging Small binoculars Reading material Torch / head torch Please be prepared for a variety of weather conditions with the possibility of cold, windy & wet conditions whilst on the walk as Victorian weather is notoriously changeable. LOCAL DRESS Australia has relaxed attitudes towards standards of dress; however the extreme sunshine can cause sunburn - particularly in the summer. We recommend that you bring loose, cool, cotton clothing to protect yourself from the harsh sun rays. A sunhat and sunglasses are a must. YOUR FELLOW WALKERS Are from all walks of life and ages, but share a love of the outdoors and a spirit of adventure. People join this trip as both singles and couples, so you are likely to enjoy good company from like-minded people with similar interests. We have made the walk as flexible as possible to cater for different walking abilities and wishes and your tour leader will consult with you to determine what you d like to get from your walk. If you wish to vary from the standard program, your leader will do his or her best to accommodate your wishes, within the limits of the groups needs. We have found this arrangement works well to satisfy everyone s aims from the tour. Raw Travel - Destination Guide - Great Ocean Walk 10
GROUP LEADER All guided RAW Travel trips are accompanied by one of our experienced group leaders who are trained in first aid and knowledgeable about the activity undertaken and area you are visiting. Your group leader is also accompanied by a driver, taking you from the start to finish in a minibus which also acts as the support vehicle. The aim of the group leader is to direct you through the walk safely and to help you have the best time possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the areas visited on the trip which is supplemented by the local experts we bring in to talk on the historical and environmental aspects of the Great Ocean Walk. RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL RAW Travel practices leave no trace outdoor ethics on all our trips, aiming not only to minimise the environmental impact of our visit but also to leave a positive contribution. You will often see your leader collecting litter left by other walkers and a donation is made towards local wildlife conservation from your participation on this trip. Raw Travel - Destination Guide - Great Ocean Walk 11
We aim to support local producers, hotels and the economy as much as possible and most of our food is bought locally. We also employ local people to help run our trips in the region and try to ensure that a good proportion of the cost of your trip stays in the local economy of the Otways and Great Ocean Road. That way local people stand to directly benefit from the tourism that comes in their region. Our leaders are first aid qualified and will be carrying a first aid kit. In the event of an incident or medical emergency on the walk, the default mode of evacuation is by helicopter. All guests must have travel insurance, medical insurance or ambulance insurance that will cover the cost of helicopter evacuation. RAW Travel has taken an active approach to helping communities in destinations that we visit and raising money for grassroots projects aimed at alleviating poverty and conservation of the natural environment. For more details please visit our website where we have a downloadable document detailing our responsible travel practice and philosophy. HEALTH & SAFETY All RAW travellers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully in a group travel experience. If, in the opinion of our group leader, any guest is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, RAW Travel reserves the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund. We therefore ask you to read the itinerary in this destination guide thoroughly and then realistically self-assess your physical ability to complete the trip as described. Please consult with your doctor if you have any doubts. Your safety is our primary concern once you join the tour. Your leader may vary the walk itinerary when required due to track conditions, severe weather, sea or tide conditions. VISA Most international visitors will require a visa in order to visit Australia. As the requirements vary widely by country we recommend contacting your local Australian embassy to find out more. List of Australian embassies and consulates. ELECTRICAL Australia uses 240 volts and 3 pin plugs. Raw Travel - Destination Guide - Great Ocean Walk 12
TRAVEL INSURANCE Travel insurance is required for all non-australian residents on this tour. Your travel insurance should include emergency evacuation and medical. We do recommend that you take out insurance at the time of booking as your insurance will cover you in instances of cancellation that are out of your control. READING SUGGESTIONS The Long Walk - Kerry Greenwood What do you do when your mother falls ill and is sent to rest at home, and your father is away working on the Great Ocean Road? How do you survive when the only things you have are the clothes on your back and the promise you made to keep your family together? Raw Travel - Destination Guide - Great Ocean Walk 13
RAW TRAVEL NEWSLETTER We have a free email newsletter full of traveller s stories and experiences as well as news on new trips that we are running. Please send us an extract from your travel journal at the end of the trip. If you have any suggestions to add more information to our destination guide that you think other walkers would find useful please email: info@rawtravel.com. And of course email us if you have any questions leading up to your trip. We hope you will love the Great Ocean Walk as much as we do and we look forward to you joining us on other RAW experiences. The information in these trip notes has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and RAW Travel. Raw Travel - Destination Guide - Great Ocean Walk 14
Tear off section to take with you on your travels. This section contains information that will come in handy on the road and is optimised for travel and printing. Simply print from this page until the end of this guide and pack with your other RAW Travel - Great Ocean Walk Notes For The Road Money Exchange Australia uses the Australian Dollar. This is accepted Nation wide. The exchange rate at the time of writing is: $1USD = 0.76 1GBP = 1.72 ATM availability: There are a large number of ATM cashpoints that accept Visa and MasterCard in Melbourne and Apollo Bay Spending Money Very little spending money is required for this trip, except for dinner on the last night, any alcohol you wish, and an occasional coffee Tipping Local Staff: service is included in Australian restaurants, although it is polite to tip 10% if the service has been very good. Bar staff and café waiters expect a small tip or loose change. Local Trek Leader: At your discretion you might also consider tipping your Trek Leader in appreciation of the efficiency and service you receive. About $50 per person is recommended. Emergency Funds Please also make sure you have access to an additional $300 to be used when unforeseen incidents or circumstances outside our control (e.g. a natural disaster, or an outbreak of bird flu) necessitate a change to your planned route. This is a rare occurrence but it is well worth being prepared! Communications You will be out of contact for a large part of this walk but when we are in the towns there will be phone and e-mail access. Mobile coverage is intermittent and cannot be relied upon. Global roaming charges are generally very expensive and pre-paid cards such as Travel Sim are a good idea (www.travelsim.net.au). Raw Travel - Destination Guide - Great Ocean Walk 15
Emergency Contact In the case of a genuine crisis or emergency, our Melbourne HQ can be reached on 03 5976 3763 Outside of office hours please call: 0478 649 848 Other Sightseeing Activities Melbourne There is loads do see and do in Melbourne if you are staying extra days, we suggest visiting broadsheet.com.au/melbourne. You will find up to date activities and what s on in Melbourne. Useful Phrases G day - Hello Bottle-o : liquor shop Ambo : ambulance, ambulance driver Barbie : barbecue Billy : teapot. Container for boiling water. Brekkie : breakfast Cockie : cockatoo Good onya : good for you, well done Esky : large insulated food/drink container for picnics, barbecues etc. Transport Connections Public transport Train/Bus - trains from Melbourne s Southern Cross station travel to Colac and then connect with bus to Apollo Bay. Check the Vline website for timetables to decide on the best connections and current services as they can change depending on season and public holidays. Food We are spoilt in Australia with the types of cuisine available. Melbourne is know for its laneway eateries and cool sophisticated bars, we highly suggest staying a night or two in Melbourne to complement this trip. And while you are there spoil yourself with some of the best restaurants in Australia. For what s hot check out: broadsheet.com.au/melbourne Raw Travel - Destination Guide - Great Ocean Walk 16