Single Supplement: Available (limited – own bedroom in shared cottage/cabin)

Accommodation
• 3 nights at Cape Otway Lightstation Cottages or Bimbi Park – stay in either historic 1848 lightstation houses or comfortable deluxe cabins nestled among tall manna gums
• Cape Otway cottages – fully self-contained with 2 or 4 bedrooms, mix of king and single beds, shared bathrooms, wood heaters, kitchens or kitchenettes, and garden or ocean views
• Comfortable modern touches including heating, TV/DVD, books and games; no WiFi or TV reception – perfect for a digital detox

Meals
• All meals provided – breakfasts, lunches, two-course dinners plus heaps of snacks, fresh fruit and non-alcoholic beverages on and off the trail
• Hearty regional produce – guides prepare fresh, energy-balanced meals each evening with pre-dinner nibbles to unwind
• Daily structure keeps you fuelled for the trail while evenings feel relaxed and communal around the table

✅ What’s Included
• Two experienced and accredited guides
• Return transport and all tour transfers from Melbourne
• 3 nights accommodation
• All meals: breakfasts, lunches, two-course dinners plus daily snacks, fruit and non-alcoholic beverages
• All National Park entry fees
• Carbon offset program

🚫 What’s Not Included
• Alcoholic beverages
• Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
• Single supplement
• Personal items and toiletries

The Great Ocean Road enjoys mild coastal weather, but conditions can change quickly with sea breezes and showers.
Summer (Dec–Feb) • Typical daytime: 20–26 °C • Conditions: warm and sunny with occasional afternoon breezes • Practical note: pack layers and a light rain jacket.
Autumn (Mar–May) • Typical daytime: 17–23 °C • Conditions: calm and colourful with fewer crowds • Practical note: excellent walking conditions.
Spring (Sep–Nov) • Typical daytime: 18–24 °C • Conditions: green and fresh with wildflowers • Practical note: pack for variable mornings.
Winter (Jun–Aug) • Typical daytime: 13–18 °C • Conditions: cooler and wetter but dramatic • Practical note: waterproof gear essential.

Documents & Essentials
• Photo ID and booking confirmation
• Any personal medications
• Reusable water bottle

Clothing (layered for coastal conditions)
• Worn-in walking boots or shoes with good grip
• Quick-dry walking pants and long-sleeve shirts
• Lightweight fleece or warm layer plus waterproof rain jacket
• Wide-brimmed hat, beanie and spare socks

Toiletries & First Aid
• Personal toiletries, sunscreen, lip balm and insect repellent
• Basic first-aid kit, blister plasters and any prescription medication

Electronics
• Charged phone with camera
• Portable power bank (optional)

Accessories & Nice-to-Haves
• Comfortable camp/evening shoes
• Binoculars for wildlife spotting
• Small daypack and walking poles if you use them

Luggage note: Soft bag only – main luggage stays at accommodation each day.

Great Ocean Walk traces one of Australia’s most dramatic coastlines where the Southern Ocean meets ancient rainforest and towering cliffs.

Cape Otway Lightstation dates back to 1848 and sits 90 metres above Bass Strait – one of the most spectacular settings along the route.

Australian fur seals have a permanent colony at Marengo Beach right where the walk begins.

Ryan’s Den offers some of the most breathtaking clifftop views back toward Cape Otway.

Moonlight Head was named by Matthew Flinders in 1802 after a break in showery weather at night.

Bimbi Park sits among tall manna gums and is home to koalas, echidnas, wallabies, kangaroos and over 70 bird species.

Gibson’s Steps allow you to descend to sea level for close-up views of Gog and Magog near the Twelve Apostles.

Digital detox is natural here – limited mobile reception and no WiFi at the cottages encourage you to simply be present.

Carbon Footprint & Offset Report: Twelve Apostles Trek: 4-Day Great Ocean Walk

Quick Snapshot

Estimated CO₂e footprint per participant: 950 kg CO₂e
(higher-end conservative estimate – covers all on-tour impacts plus average travel to/from Melbourne)

Our 200% offset commitment per booking: 1,900 kg CO₂e
Funded through genuine landscape restoration in climate-vulnerable developing regions (reforestation, mangroves, soil regeneration, etc.). This creates real net-positive impact beyond neutrality.

Tour summary

• 4 days / 3 nights
• Max 10 guests
• Starts and ends Melbourne (return CBD transfers)
• Comfortable mini-coach (~600 km total road)
• 3 nights twin-share eco-lodge (private ensuites)
• 3 breakfasts, 4 picnic lunches, 3 dinners + daily snacks
• 46 km guided Great Ocean Walk (7–16 km/day) with clifftops, beaches, Cape Otway Lightstation and Twelve Apostles

Overview

This report estimates the carbon footprint for one individual participant on this tour using higher-end data from trusted sources. We intentionally choose upper-range figures to fully cover every impact – including hard-to-measure parts like supply chains and indirect effects.

We then double it (200%) and fund genuine landscape restoration projects in developing and climate-affected regions worldwide. This goes beyond standard offsetting to deliver real, lasting benefits for ecosystems and communities.

All figures in kg CO₂e (carbon dioxide equivalent – the standard measure that includes all greenhouse gases).

Tour Details

• Duration: 4 days / 3 nights
• Key locations: Melbourne start/end, Marengo to Twelve Apostles via Cape Otway and Moonlight Head
• Travel style: Moderate guided coastal trek with luggage shuttled (day-pack only)
• Assumptions: Average participant, standard behaviours, higher-impact choices where uncertain. Travel to/from Melbourne is factored into the higher-end footprint for completeness.

Calculation Approach

• Sources: UK DEFRA 2025 conversion factors, Australian National Greenhouse Accounts 2024, UNWTO tourism data, IPCC guidelines, and peer-reviewed studies.
• Higher-end scale: Upper-range emission factors everywhere, plus well-to-tank fuel effects, +20% uncertainty buffer, and conservative assumptions for mini-coach and eco-lodge operations.
• Per person, full tour experience.
• Excludes only purely personal extras (e.g. souvenirs).

Detailed Emissions Breakdown (per participant)

Transportation – 320 kg CO₂e

• Average travel to/from Melbourne (higher-end domestic/international): 260 kg
• On-tour mini-coach (~600 km shared): 60 kg – higher-end diesel factor

Accommodation – 105 kg CO₂e

• 3 nights eco-lodge (ensuites, heating): 35 kg per night – higher-end estimate

Meals & Food – 80 kg CO₂e

• 4 days of included meals + snacks: 20 kg per day – higher-impact estimate

Activities & Excursions – 445 kg CO₂e

• 46 km guided coastal walking, Lightstation visit, wildlife spotting and interpretation

TOTAL ESTIMATED FOOTPRINT PER PERSON: 950 kg CO₂e

Our 200% Offset Commitment

• Amount we will offset:2 × 950 kg = 1,900 kg CO₂e per individual booking
• How: Direct funding of landscape restoration projects – reforestation, mangrove protection, regenerative agriculture, wetland and soil carbon restoration
• Where: Developing countries and regions most affected by climate change (e.g. Pacific Islands, Southeast Asia, Africa, Latin America) for maximum global benefit and community co-benefits
• Why 200% and higher-end estimates: To guarantee coverage despite any measurement discrepancies and to create genuine extra positive impact

Important Notes

• Numbers are deliberately conservative (higher) so we over-deliver on restoration – real footprint may be lower
• The tour already has strong sustainability practices; our independent higher-end analysis adds extra certainty
• Carbon accounting has natural uncertainties – doubling it is the responsible way
• This directly supports long-term carbon-sequestering landscapes and local communities

Where is the pickup/drop off location & time?
Depart from outside the National Gallery of Victoria in Melbourne at 7:30 am (meet 7:15 am). Return to Melbourne around 5:00 pm on Day 4.

What do you recommend for accommodation pre/post tour?
Plenty of options near the National Gallery of Victoria. We can share a special rate at Hotel Grand Chancellor if needed.

What can I expect during the walk and each day?
Relaxed paced days with varied coastal walking, plenty of stops, wildlife viewing and return to comfortable accommodation each night.

When’s the best time to do this walk? How’s the weather?
Departures are timed for the best walking months. Check the BOM forecast for Melbourne and Cape Otway before travel.

Is the walking difficult?
Grades range from easy (Grade 2) to moderate (Grade 3). Guides set a comfortable pace and offer vehicle support on longer days if needed.

Are meals suitable for dietary needs?
Most requirements can be accommodated if you let us know at booking. Menus use fresh regional produce.

Do I need to carry my main luggage?
No. Your main bag travels with the vehicle and stays at each night’s accommodation. You only carry a daypack.

What is the group size?
Maximum 10 guests with two guides, ensuring personal attention and a genuine small-group feel.

Can I shorten any day’s walk?
Yes – on Day 2 a second guide can meet the group at Aire River Bridge so you can finish early if needed.

Is travel insurance required?
Strongly recommended. Please check your policy covers adventure activities and cancellation.