Saturday 2nd May 2026

Melbourne Airport – Apollo Bay 

Our adventure starts when we assemble at Melbourne Airport ready for our Private Transfer to Apollo Bay via the “official” Great Ocean Road.

This bus ride is a great way to finally meet your fellow adventurers in person. And of course, there is a built in stop for coffee along the way.

After picking up a few last minute supplies, we head to our accommodation at the Cape Otway Lighthouse. A charming and unique way to start our adventure.

Tonight we gather round to talk about the week ahead, have our briefing and enjoy a special Welcome Dinner.

Accommodation: Cape Otway Lighthouse: Twin Share

Meals: Dinner

Sunday 3rd May 2026

Hike Shelley Beach – Apollo Bay

It’s a late start for todays hike so this morning we can linger over breakfast and coffee before taking a wander around the Cape Otway Lighthouse. Immerse yourself in the amazing history of this iconic location.

Then it’s time to head out for our first hike of the adventure starting with a short transfer to  Shelley Beach. Here we take the first steps on this amazing journey.

We meander from Shelly Beach carpark and into the rainforest of the Great Otway National Park before ending up back in Apollo Bay later in the afternoon.

Distance: 8km / 3 hours

Accommodation: Cape Otway Lighthouse: Twin Share

Meals:  Breakfast | Lunch  | Dinner

Monday 4th May 2026

Shelley Beach – Parker Hill

Today our hike departs again Shelley Beach, this time heading west, with the ocean on our left for the remainder of the adventure.

We hike through beautiful forests full of gums and native wildlife – lookout for  king parrots, kangaroos and of course, koalas.

As we hike along old forestry tracks we find ourselves immersed amongst giant gums and prolific tree ferns.

The landscape changes with every turn, from forest to beach and back again. Our lunch stop at Blanket Bay is a great place for a rest and recharge before continuing our journey on and up to Parker Hill.

Distance:  Approx 19 kilometres / 7 hours

Accommodation: Cabin based, Twin or triple share

Meals: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Tuesday 5th May 2026

Parker Hill – Aire River

This morning we hike out from Parker Inlet towards Victoria’s oldest lighthouse, the Cape Otway Lighthouse – the location of our accommodation earlier in the week. From the cliff tops we have fabulous views of Bass Strait.

All the while on our hike, we must pause and look up into the Manna Gums, as they are home to the local koalas.

En route to our lunch location atop the wild and wonderful Station Beach, we stop in at the old light station cemetery. The tombstones reflect the hardships experienced by the early settlers here.

Our post picnic lunch hike is along the cliff tops with every step the opportunity for spectacular views as far as the eye can see, before dropping down to meet our transfer at Aire River.

Distance: approx 16.5 kilometres / 7 hours (approx.)

Accommodation: Cabin based, Twin or triple share

Meals:  Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Wednesday 6th May 2026

Aire River –  Johanna Beach

Every day brings a different experience with new views and new terrain.

Todays hike features rocky escarpments and coastal views, passing through heath land, wild flowers and magnificent grass trees.

The final section of today is along the magnificent stretch of Johanna Beach. Keep an eye majestic wedge-tailed eagles and white bellied sea eagles.

Upon arrival at Johanna Beach we have a picnic lunch.

Distance:  Approx 12km / 5 hours (approx.)

Accommodation:  Cabin based, Twin share

Meals: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Thursday 7th May 2026

Milanesia – The Gables

The trail today descends onto the rugged shoreline of the secluded and beautiful Milanesia Beach.

As the track rises back to the cliff tops you are presented with outstanding views from the coastal forests, high on the sea cliffs.

We hike on through the blue gums, ending amongst the heath at the breathtaking Gables Lookout.

Distance:  approx 18 kilometres / 7 hours (approx.)

Accommodation: Cabin based, Twin share

Meals:  Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Friday 8th May 2026

The Gables – The Twelve Apostles

There is anticipation in the air today as the lure of the Apostles and our finishing point pull us along.

We start our final days  hike amongst the Sheoak trees and continue towards the Gellibrand estuary.

As the track climbs up to the last section of the hike we see the iconic Twelve Apostles in the distance.

Here we take a celebratory group photo from the official 12 Apostles viewing platform.

Late afternoon we transfer to Port Campbell to our accommodation and for our Traditional Women’s Fitness Adventures Celebration & Awards Dinner.

Distance:  approx 19.5 kilometres / 7 hours (approx.)

Accommodation:  Motel based, Twin share

Meals: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Saturday 9th May 2026

Port Campbell return to Melbourne Airport

After a leisurely breakfast we farewell the beautiful coast.

Our 3 hour transfer takes us to Melbourne airport to make our early afternoon flights and head for home.

Meals: Breakfast

On our Great Ocean Road Fitness Adventure all our accommodation supports local businesses and is a combination of comfortable style rooms and cabin style accommodation to rest, relax and recharge after a days hiking.

With hot showers, comfortable beds and communal dining/lounging areas, you will be refreshed and ready to hike again the following day.

Our adventure offers 7 nights in twin / triple share, cabin style or house accommodation.

Note there is no single supplement available for this adventure.

Our Great Ocean Road Hiking Adventure goes hand in hand with great food.

From arrival in Apollo Bay to return to Melbourne Airport, all delicious food and snacks are included.

We have designed delicious and nutritious meals to satisfy the hungry hiker along with snacks and treats to suit all taste buds. Our meals cater for food allergies and intolerances where applicable.

Our Traditional Celebration and Awards Dinner is held at an iconic location unique to the Great Ocean Road. A perfect way to recognise achievement and end the adventure.

7 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 7 dinners and all delicious snacks on the trail.

Please note that dietary allergies and intolerances may incur a surcharge. Please contact us for further information regarding your specific requirements.

Transfers from Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine) to Apollo Bay and return are included.

All of our transfers occur in Commercially Operated and Transport Department Approved Vehicles.

Your experienced Women’s Fitness Adventures C.R.E.W. Leader is with you all the way.

From the moment you arrive in Melbourne (or if you are travelling there together) until the time you leave she will be your ultimate fan and support.

Your C.R.E.W Leader is fully trained in Remote Area First Aid and is your first point of call once you are on the adventure.

Within a few weeks of your booking being confirmed, you will have access to your Gear and Packing list.

By sticking to the list, you will be well prepared for Great Ocean Road Fitness Adventure

Each day you will be required to carry your own day pack.

If you are new to adventures and do not have the gear, we recommend you watch the Masterclasses on topics such as boots, backpacks and raincoats.

Additionally, make contact with us via the Facebook Group or by contacting the office.

Your membership gives you access to a discount with our Adventure Store partner based in Brisbane. This generous discount is available for use in store, online or over the phone – so can be accessed wherever you live.

Your C.R.E.W Leaders are carrying Emergency Communications Equipment and a group first aid kit.

Our Great Ocean Road Fitness Adventure comes complete with its very own private Facebook Group.

This is designed specifically for maximum interaction and communication to ensure you never miss a moment in the lead up.

Additionally there is an online meeting designed to bring the group together, check in on your training and provide any updates.

Safety is our number one priority.

Your Women’s Fitness Adventures Leader is fully trained in Remote Area First Aid and holds current CPR Qualifications.

In addition, we carry a group first aid kit and emergency communications equipment

In the event of extreme weather conditions or conditions beyond our control, the adventure may vary from the itinerary. Please be aware of this and accept this as part of the adventure. Your personal safety is our highest priority.

Your C.R.E.W Leader will share the highlights, points of interest, scenic viewpoints and more.

Supported by local business, you will come away with a greater understanding of why this is one of Australia’s iconic trails.

Your C.R.E.W Leader brings with her extensive knowledge in training women for multi day hikes.

From the moment you book on to the Great Ocean Road Fitness Adventure, you will begin to make new friends.

Our adventurers tell us that they love the opportunities of meeting others before the adventure in the Closed Facebook Group or in person at training.

Many of our members have gone on to become great friends. You can read some of the friendship stories by clicking here.

Our multi day hikes are transformational. Some kind of “magic” happens with the group.

Here is what our members had to say…

” For me the highlight was participating! I had been longing to do a multi day hike since joining Women’s Fitness Adventures 2 years ago. I jumped at the opportunity to take a risk and commit. Being physically able to complete the walk without too much difficulty was also a highlight. Having never done back to back walks I wasn’t sure if my legs would co-operate with my heart and mind! It just shows what can happen when you put one foot in front of the other and begin. 100km! “  Peta, Great Ocean Road Hike

“It’s hard to describe the highlight of the Great Ocean Road hike as I enjoyed every moment of the hike – the scenery, the terrain, the smell of the bush, the crashing of the waves, the sand between my toes, the cold ocean water on my feet, the fauna, the flowers, the animals, the challenges, the company and friendships made on the hike”.  Sandy

And on our adventures in general…

“Thank you very much for a great weekend. I was anxious that I would not be up to the challenge but with the help of everyone’s support and confidence I was able to complete it. I also enjoyed the great camaraderie between all of us. Hoping I will see everyone on another Women’s Fitness Adventure one day.” Carol

This is a MODERATE multi day adventure.

As the Great Ocean Road is an oceanside location much of our hiking involves hills as we navigate around headlands and gullies.

A MODERATE level of fitness is required.

What this means is:

• There are consecutive days hiking where we are out “all day”, so having a good level of endurance (the ability to be out hiking all day) is necessary
• The hiking consists of hills, and paths that are  uneven underfoot. You need good balance & stability.
• A good level of cardio fitness is required – so being able to recover your breath after hiking hills; hiking up hills / stairs without stopping.
• Strength in your legs is required so that you can handle the distance over time.
• You will need to keep an average pace of 4km/hour over each and every day for the duration of the hikes.

The Great Ocean Road Fitness Adventure is graded MODERATE.

The hiking is moderate with daily hikes ranging from 10 – 20km

The terrain is undulating and it continually is either ascending or descending.

One of the most common asked questions is “Will I be fit enough?”

As soon as you book into the Great Ocean Road Fitness Adventure you can get started with training.

Through booking into the adventure early and allowing time to train, those with a current introductory plus level of fitness will find this an achievable goal – provided you put in the training.

Here’s what you get:

• A FOUR MONTH hike training plan relevant to your adventure.
• A structured ONLINE Adventure Meeting that covers fitness motivation, gear & equipment, logistics and more. AND introduces you to the rest of the group.
• Access to the closed Great Ocean Road Fitness Adventure Facebook Group – which provides your fitness accountability.

Your ONLINE training program has been developed by Women’s Fitness Adventures, based on years of experience and qualifications in both the fitness industry and hiking in the outdoors.

By following (that is “doing”) our training programs and actively moving “toward” your adventure you will become Adventure Ready.

You will be required to carry a day pack of approximately 5 – 7kg.

Your pack will include the following items: minimum of 2 litres water, sunscreen, raincoat / rain pants, warm top, lunch, camera, hat and any items of a personal nature, including personal first aid/medications.

A comprehensive gear list will be supplied and explained once your booking is confirmed.

This adventure is graded as MODERATE. Please use this table as a guide and contact us if you have any questions regarding your current or future fitness level. We are here to help!!

If you are unsure as to your current fitness level please use this handy resource: How to find your hiking fitness level

It is important to come along with an open mind ready for an awesome experience whatever the weather, whoever the group. It is very important you bring the right gear for the conditions. Coastal Victoria weather can be unpredictable, storms can arise quickly and heavy rain can fall at any time of the year.

Daytime temperatures may vary from low teens to mid 20’s. Night time temperatures can get cold.

As it is a coastal region on the southern part of Australia, temperatures can vary and the weather can change quickly.

In the event of extreme weather conditions, the adventure may vary from the itinerary. Please be aware of this and accept this as part of the adventure.

Your personal safety is our highest priority.

The following items are INCLUDED as part of the adventure

• Transfers from Tullamarine Airport to Apollo Bay and return from Port Campbell
• All transfers that form part of the daily activities whilst on the adventure
• 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners and all delicious snacks on the trail
• Nightly accommodation – twin or triple share in cabin style accommodation
• Entrance fees to Cape Otway lighthouse
• One Women’s Fitness Adventures C.R.E.W Leader
• All necessary permits and licences
• Public Liability Insurance
• Comprehensive First Aid kit and emergency communications equipment
• Hike Training Plan

The following items are NOT INCLUDED as part of the adventure

• Tips and gratuities
• Travel Insurance
• Transfers other than specified
• Alcohol
• Airfares if required to and from Tullamarine airport
• Souvenirs, gifts
• Meals & food not specified on the itinerary
• Entrance fees unless specified

Great Ocean Road Adventure 2nd-9th May 2026

A Quick Guide to Our Booking Terms and Conditions

We’re thrilled you’re considering joining us for the Great Ocean Road Fitness Adventure! Here’s a simple breakdown of what to expect when you book:

1. Payments: Start your adventure with us by securing your spot with a 35% non-refundable payment. We’ll provide the specific payment deadlines below for your convenience.

   Payment Due Date	Amount
   On Booking (35% non-refundable payment)	$1679 (35% non-refundable payment)
   January 5th 2026	$2400
   February 20th 2026	$720

2. Cancellation Policy: Life happens, and we understand. If you need to cancel, just let us know in writing. Below you’ll find important dates and the associated cancellation fees.

   Notification Received by Women’s Fitness Adventures	Cancellation Charge
   Before January 5th 2026	Total loss of initial payment
   Between January 5th and February 20th 2026	85% of full adventure cost
   Between & Including Fenruary 20th 2026 & Departure Date	100% of full adventure cost
   After Scheduled Adventure	100% of full adventure cost

3. Travel Insurance: To ensure everyone has peace of mind, travel insurance is required shortly after your booking—within five days. Your policy should cover everything from medical emergencies to trip cancellations.

4. Itinerary Changes: Adventures are full of surprises! Sometimes, external factors may necessitate itinerary changes. While we can’t offer refunds for these changes, we strive to ensure every adventure is as amazing as planned.

5. If you have specific dietary requirements (including dairy-free, gluten-free, or vegan), please inform us prior to booking, as additional charges may apply based on requirements from our suppliers. We’ll do our best to accommodate your needs, but some requests may require prior discussion and approval.

Once you make your first payment, we’ll send you a document with all the details of these terms. Please read it carefully, sign via DocuSign, and return it to us to confirm your spot.

For all the details and to read our full terms, Please read the pdf for this adventure

We can’t wait to have you on this adventure!

Our fabulous adventures allow you to create memories and friendships that last a lifetime. At Women’s Fitness Adventures we are also committed to sustainable adventures so that the places and spaces we go will also last well beyond our lifetime and the many generations to follow. Sustainability starts when you join our community and never ends.

We are committed to the principles of minimal impact, leave no trace, tread lightly  and give back to the local community. Here’s how we do that for all of our adventures (short and long)

Consumables

• We encourage “no plastics” so bringing refillable water bottles, reusable cups and cutlery where applicable and using lunchboxes where plastic can be minimised
• It’s a leave no trace principle, so all food scraps, toilet waste and rubbish items are carried out. (See our Masterclass on Toileting for the Trail)
• We are committed to reducing paper waste inside our organisation and have implemented a paperless booking system.

Transport

• For this adventure, once in country, we use either foot or public transport as our mode of movement.
• When flying, we encourage you to offset your emissions by purchasing carbon offsets.

Minimal impact

• We have a “tread lightly” policy where we stay on known tracks and paths, minimising our impact to bush, plants and wildlife.
• Before we embark on an adventure or trail, we brief you on the flora, fauna and any other considerations that form the uniqueness of the environment so that you understand and appreciate the minimal impact approach.

Accommodation & Adventure Partners

• Where possible we partner with Eco Certified businesses who follow the same eco philosophies
• Our adventures have all the applicable National Park permits and licenses to operate (or International equivalents)
• Our “give back” policy also applies to the locations we stay – choosing local operators, businesses and townships where funds spent go directly to small business owners – doing our part to create sustainable communities.