Stage 3 – Blanket Bay to Cape Otway

Great Ocean Walk

Blanket Bay to Cape Otway Lightstation

10.0kms

Easy/Moderate

This section of trail is where I start my 2/3 day Great Ocean Walk tours from as it’s all dedicated purpose built hiking trail from Blanket Bay to Johanna Beach 35km’s later. The initial trail from Blanket Bay heads through coastal forest before descending down into the stunning Parker Inlet. At Parker Inlet hikers may have to take their shoes off and walk through a shallow tidal creek that’s usually only 2-3 metres wide. You’ll also have an opportunity to walk the coastal route along exposed rock shelves and beaches to Point Franklin or you can take the inland route which features a long staircase climb out of Parker Inlet up towards where the official GOW campground is at Parker Hill.

Whether hikers take the inland or ocean route, this section of the trail is really exposed to the elements with no shade on offer so it’s important you take regular breaks and keep your fluids up. In terms of difficulty it’s all pretty easy really and a highlight of this section is walking along the coastal route from Seal Point to Crayfish Bay with Cape Otway Lightstation in the distance. If you have time, I highly recommend taking a rest or enjoying a swim at Crayfish Bay as it has to be one of the most gorgeous beaches in Victoria. Once you arrive at Cape Otway Lightstation you can enter the grounds however it’s currently an $18 entrance fee for adults.

**Great Ocean Walk Map showing the trail from Blanket Bay to Cape Otway Lightstation**

Imagery from Blanket Bay to Cape Otway

Blanket Bay - Great Ocean Walk — **About to depart on our tour from Blanket Bay**

Blanket Bay to Parker Inlet - Great Ocean Walk — **The coastal forest section from Blanket Bay to Parker Inlet is a real highlight of the walk.**

**Trying to avoid getting the runners wet at Parker Inlet.**

**Still smiling after a tough short staircase climb from Parker Inlet up to Parker Hill where their is road access and the official GOW campsite.**

**The Google Earth image above shows the exposed rock shelves from Parker Inlet around to Point Franklin for hikers that want to take the coastal route.**

Parker Inlet - Great Ocean Walk — **Taking the coastal route from Parker Inlet.**

Blanket Bay Coastal Walk to Point Franklin - Great Ocean Walk — **The coastal route does have its challenges though as seen above. Walkers need to be careful over the wet rocks.**

Parker Inlet coastal route to Cape Otway Lightstation — **Once you get around the corner from Parker Inlet, the coastal trail gets progressively easier and I’d definitely recommend it over the inland route.**

**On a hot day its pretty hard to resist going for a quick dip! Especially when you have the coastline to yourself**

**Taking the inland route to Cape Otway Lightstation**

Great Ocean Walk in Spring — **Wildflowers on display**

Waves on the Great Ocean Walk — **Epic coastal views are in abundance along this section of trail.**

Great Ocean Walk Tour — **Looking back towards Point Franklin. Approx. 4km from Cape Otway.**

Seal Point with Cape Otway Lightstation in the distance - Great Ocean Walk — **Taking the coastal route with Cape Otway Lighthouse just in picture.**

Coastal route along the Great Ocean Walk from Parker Inlet to Cape Otway Lightstation

Seal Point - Great Ocean Walk — **135mm Sony Mirrorless zoom lens in action.**

Crayfish Bay - Great Ocean Walk — **One of the best beaches in Victoria!**

Explore more of the Great Ocean Walk

Stage 1 – Apollo Bay to Elliot Ridge

Stage 2 – Elliot Ridge to Blanket Bay

Stage 3 – Blanket Bay to Cape Otway

Stage 4 – Cape Otway to Aire River

Stage 5 – Aire River to Johanna Beach

Stage 6 – Johanna Beach to Ryans Den

Stage 7 – Ryans Den to Devils Kitchen

Stage 8 – Devils Kitchen to Princetown

Stage 9 – Princetown to 12 Apostles

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is IMG_20190207_233951_950-1-1024x1024.jpg — **Jono Ingram – Owner & Guide – Good Times Tours**

Choose Good Times Tours For Your Great Ocean Walk Experience

Jono Ingram from Good Times Tours is Melbourne based so can provide return transport for public & private groups.
I setup camp and cook for you. You simply walk with your day pack.
We provide high quality tents, thermarest sleeping pads, pillows, down sleeping bags, camp chairs and a 6x3m waterproof marquee as camping equipment for all of our guests.
I offer an an affordable option for groups up to 11 in size, looking for a no-fuss and flexible experience.
I can cater for groups looking to spend anywhere between 2-4 days on the Great Ocean Walk.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is DSC09532-1024x655.jpg — **Good Times Tours operates a 12 seat Toyota Hiace with trailer for all Great Ocean Walk Tours**

Check Out Our Great Ocean Walk Trip Reports

Great Ocean Walk 4 Day Tour

Great Ocean Walk & Great Ocean Road 2 Day Tour

Great Ocean Walk 2 Day Tour

Great Ocean Walk & Grampians 3 Day Tour

Follow our Adventures

@greatoceanwalktours

Get in touch

We’d love to hear from you, so please contact us on any of the platforms below.

jonoingram@gmail.com

facebook.com/goodtimestoursvictoria

@goodtimestours

Jono Ingram – 0410 341 228 or @jonoingram

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