GREAT OCEAN FUNDRAISING WALK
Saturday 1/11/25 - Monday 3/11/25
We need your help to raise essential funds to support the ongoing operational expenses of the Inuka Tusonge vocational centre for vulnerable women in Tanzania.
Join us for 3 days meandering this stunning stretch of coast in the company of friends. Starting at Johanna Beach and finishing at the iconic 12 Apostles.
It’s been described as “outstanding”, “the best walk ever” and something to put on your bucket list.
$600 per person - What’s included:
Shared accommodation | Alkina Lodge + 13 Apostles
Group Bus Transfers
12 Apostles to Johanna Beach
$250 Hiker Donation
24 spots - 11 remaining
The Great Ocean Walk is a 104 km walk along Victoria’s incredible coastline, starting from Apollo Bay on the east, running westwards along the edge of Cape Otway until it reaches Glenample, near the Twelve Apostles.
We will be hiking the section of the track from Johanna Beach to the Twelve Apostles.
Highlights include: Milanesia Beach, Gables Lookout, Wreck Beach, Gibson Steps & Twelve Apostles
Saturday
Johanna Beach - Alkina Lodge (20km).
NOVEMBER 1
Alkina Lodge offers luxury accommodation and the ability to self-cater. We have reserved all 3 x 4 bedroom lodges, with each bedroom accommodating flexible bedding configurations.
Each lodge has it’s own BBQ facilities on the balcony and we recommend bringing something for the first night to throw on the BBQ.
Each lodge has tea, coffee, sugar, olive Oil & balsamic vinegar, as well as a small supply of long life milk.
We will meet at Johanna Beach Carpark for a 7.30am departure where you will park and leave your car for the duration of the hike. Our early start will limit sun exposure and allow us time to relax and enjoy beautiful Alkina Lodge.
From Johanna Beach the track rises through rolling hills and farmland as it cuts inland before returning to the coast and one of the walk’s highlights: Milanesia Beach. The walk alternates between farmland and the isolated beach and sea cliffs of Milanesia, then roller coasters up and down the coast to reach Ryan’s Den.
From Ryan’s Den to Moonlight head be prepared for plenty of up and downs downs and some of the most spectacular views on the Victorian coast. The trail traverses along the high sea cliffs to Ryan’s Den with breathtaking distance views way back to Cape Otway and forwards to Cape Volney. We continue through coastal forests and undulating headlands with a few short climbs that lead to Moonlight Head with more breathtaking views.
Summary:
Johanna Beach to Milanesia gate 7.4km
Milanesia gate to Ryan’s Den 6.6km
Ryan’s Den to Moonlight Head Lookout 5Km
Moonlight Head Lookout to Alkina Lodge 1km
*Note: For those wanting a shorter hike it is possible to drive to Milanesia gate and start from there. The hike from Johanna Beach to Milanesia gate is about 7km and takes on average 2 hours.
We are considering offering a fixed menu option for a small extra fee if there is enough interest to avoid having to carry food for the second night.
We will share a menu closer to the time if there is enough interest.
Sunday
Day 2 - Alkina Lodge - Princetown (20km)
NOVEMBER 2
13 Apostles - Budget accommodation overlooking the Gellibrand river. Via a deck walking path you can view the wetlands and join The Great Ocean Walk west to the 12 Apostles or east to Apollo bay.
Planning to depart at 7.30am following the track to the Gables Lookout that provides sweeping panoramas of the rugged coastline. The Gables is one of the most scenic lookouts along the entire Great Ocean Walk. It is one of the highest cliff top lookouts in the country.
We follow beaches and coastal cliffs along some of Australia's most majestic coastline with a visit to Shipwreck beach if the tide permits. Accessed via a well-marked out trail that leads down 350 metres at a mostly level gradient before meeting a cliff staircase of 350 stairs.
Lying on the reef of the aptly named Wreck Beach are two permanent reminders of the danger of the treacherous waters of the Southern Ocean. Two anchors, one from Marie Gabrielle, which sunk in 1869, and Fiji, sunk a in 1891, can be reached at low tide by descending the 350 steps to the beach and walking another 20 - 25minutes along the beach to discover each of these remnants.
Alkina Lodge to The Gables 5km
The Gables to Shipwreck Beach 2.6km
Shipwreck Beach - 800m (carpark - beach return) | Allow another 25mins to walk to the anchors.
It is recommended to thoroughly enjoy Shipwreck beach you need to give yourself at least 1-1.5 hours.
Shipwreck Beach to Princetown 12kms
NOVEMBER 3
Monday
Day 3 - Princetown - 12 Apostles (9.6km)
Princetown to Twelve Apostles is the most iconic, must-do section of the trail. It is a scenic and leisurely half day walk that passes by spectacular coastal scenery with magnificent views over the water and cliffs.
The culmination of our 3-day hike is being greeted by the iconic Twelve Apostles rock formations. These limestone stacks, appearing to rise majestically out of the Southern Ocean, are an awe-inspiring sight – no more so than from our hiking trail vantage point. Seeing these stunning natural wonders up close will be an unmissable experience!
A shuttle will meet us at 12.30pm at the 12 Apostles to return us to our cars at Johanna Beach. It’s a 1 hour drive from the 12 Apostles to Johanna Beach.
Please transfer funds to the account below:
Bank: Bendigo Bank | Account Name: Nina Imani Public Fund
BSB: 633 000 | Acc No: 210 872 891
Pre-hike Accommodation
The drive from Melbourne to Johanna Beach is approximately 3.5 hours
The drive from Apollo Bay to Johanna Beach is approximately 45 mins
The drive from 12 Apostles to Johanna Beach is approximately 1 Hour
Due to the early start for the hike you will most likely need to consider some accommodation the night before the hike starts. Some people already have access to accommodation on the coast, so we have not included this in the hike.
Dianna has reserved a room at the Apollo Bay Waterfront Motor Inn if you are interested in staying at the same location.
WE RECOMMEND BOOKING EARLY TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT.
We will be back in touch to organise a dinner in Apollo Bay the night before for those staying nearby.