Travel Video: Great Ocean Walk | We walked from Apollo Bay to the Twelve Apostles!
Two weeks ago, Jesse and I hiked the Great Ocean Walk — an unforgettable eight-day adventure that gave us the perfect break from our busy Melbourne life. For an entire week, we traded city noise for crashing waves, forest trails, and the sound of koalas in the night.
As always, I shared each day through my blogs and vlogs, and the response was incredible — thank you to everyone who followed along and supported us during the walk! This time, I decided to put everything together in one full after-movie. It captures the full journey — from our first steps in Apollo Bay to the emotional moment we reached the majestic Twelve Apostles — and all the laughter, blisters, and “wow” moments in between.
The Idea
The Great Ocean Road is one of Australia’s most iconic drives, winding along the stunning western coast of Victoria. But while most backpackers explore it by car, I wanted something different — something slower, quieter, and more immersive. That’s when I discovered the Great Ocean Walk, a 104 km trail that follows the coastline from Apollo Bay all the way to the Twelve Apostles.
The more I read, the more it sounded like the perfect adventure: coastal views, pristine beaches, eucalyptus forests, hidden koalas, and total disconnection from the outside world. No traffic, no notifications — just our footsteps, the wind, and the ocean beside us.
Getting Ready
Preparing for eight days of remote hiking was no joke. Jesse and I both took time off from the hostel where we worked and spent days planning meals, checking gear, and stocking up on supplies (since there are no shops along most of the trail). Our backpacks were heavy — filled with food, camping gear, and camera equipment — but the excitement easily outweighed the extra kilos.
When everything was finally packed, we boarded a train to Geelong, then a bus to Apollo Bay — the start of it all. After a final coffee and one last “real meal,” we stepped onto the path that would be our world for the next eight days.
Walking the Coastline
Those first days were tough! My legs weren’t used to long distances again, and neither of us had done any training. The 10 km from Apollo Bay to Elliot Ridge felt more like 20, especially once we hit sand and slippery rocks. But the views — wild cliffs, empty beaches, and dense forest — made every step worth it.
By the second night, we were fully settled into trail life. We fell asleep to the sound of koalas, hiked through eucalyptus forests to Blanket Bay, and followed the coastline toward Cape Otway, where we visited the historic lighthouse and treated ourselves to coffee and cake in the small shop. From there, every day felt smoother — our packs got lighter, our legs stronger, and our spirits higher.
The campsite at Aire River was a dream, set next to water and surrounded by wildlife. Walking from there to Johanna Beach was one of my favourite parts — hilly, wild, and full of stunning ocean views. We even met Claire, a solo hiker from the U.S., who joined us for the rest of the trail. Our “hiking family” was complete!
Trail Magic and Perfect Days
Each day on the Great Ocean Walk brought something new. One morning we woke to unexpected sunshine after a night of heavy rain. Another day we found a surprise “trail magic” box — a small roadside exchange where hikers leave treats for each other. It’s a small gesture, but out there, it meant so much.
Day seven from Ryan’s Den to Devil’s Kitchen might have been the best. The weather, the views, the company — everything aligned perfectly. We hiked through open coastal trails and golden beaches, swam in the ocean, and enjoyed the simple rhythm of life on the trail. It felt like the very essence of what hiking is about.
The Final Steps
We spent our last night at the famous “dunny with a view” before the final stretch to the Twelve Apostles. The morning mist lifted as we walked, revealing the cliffs and crashing waves ahead. Reaching the Apostles after eight days felt surreal — part triumph, part disbelief that it was already over.
We took photos, laughed with Claire, and eventually hitchhiked to Port Campbell for a well-earned meal and cold beers. It was the perfect ending to a perfect trip.
The next day, getting back to Melbourne was an adventure of its own — several hours of hitchhiking, one spontaneous dinner at IKEA, and plenty of laughs at how quickly we’d undone eight days of walking in just a few hours of driving.
The whole journey — the effort, the freedom, the stillness — reminded me exactly why I love travelling this way. When you slow down, the places you visit become part of you.
The Great Ocean Walk — Full Video
After editing all the daily clips into one full after-movie, I can confidently say this video captures the heart of the experience — the landscape, the people, and the quiet moments that made it unforgettable. You can watch it below:
00:00 – Day 1 – Apollo Bay to Elliot Ridge – 10 km
00:45 – Day 2 – Elliot Ridge to Blanket Bay – 12 km
01:07 – Day 3 – Blanket Bay to Cape Otway – 11 km
01:40 – Day 4 – Cape Otway to Aire River – 10 km
02:20 – Day 5 – Aire River to Johanna Beach – 14 km
03:00 – Day 6 – Johanna Beach to Ryan’s Den – 14 km
03:58 – Day 7 – Ryan’s Den to Devil’s Kitchen – 13 km
04:50 – Day 8 – Devil’s Kitchen to Twelve Apostles – 16 km
05:30 – Day 9 – Back to Melbourne
It’s hard to put this walk into words — but I hope this video does it justice. If you ever find yourself in Victoria, make time for the Great Ocean Walk. It’s not just a trail; it’s a journey through untouched beauty, quiet moments, and the joy of slowing down.
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