surf coast walk
torquay to lorne - much more than the famous great ocean road!

• INN-to-INN walking holiday

• Self guided or Guided departures 

• 7 day itinerary  (includes 5 days of walking)

highlights

• Walk amongst the tallest flowering plants in the world - Mountain ash

• Learn about the indigenous way of life on the Koori Culture Walk

• Hand-feed colourful parrots

• Hike to the Split Point Lighthouse, known to locals as the "White Lady"

• Waterfalls abound - Wonwondah Falls, Sheoak Falls, Henderson Falls, Phantom Falls, Splitters Falls, Erskine Falls

Auswalk's Surf Coast Walk is an INN-to-INN accommodated walking holiday.  You progress along a scenic section of the Great Ocean Road area, walking along beaches and through National Parks from one delightful accommodation to the next.  We move your luggage for you while you are out walking.  This holiday can be done Self-Guided. Guided trips are also available every week, subject to demand, for a minimum of 2 people booking together.

Note that we also have an INN-to-INN walking holiday on the Great Ocean Walk. This is the section from Apollo Bay to the Twelve Apostles. Click here for more information on this trip. Or if you want to do the Great Ocean Walk in a guided group, click here for more information.

The "White Lady" sits proudly on the cliff top

Located close to Melbourne, the Surf Coast Walk traverses a scenic stretch of the famous Great Ocean Road coastline - one that offers a kaleidoscope of experiences for the explorer on foot. Walk along sheer cliff tops with dramatic ocean vistas. Stroll along the clean, white, sandy beaches of the Southern Ocean. Head inland through majestic forests, past cascading waterfalls, fern gullies and the brilliant wildflower displays of winter and springtime. In stormy weather, experience the exhilaration of the wind in your hair as the huge rollers relentlessly pound the coast. On hot, summery days, enjoy a refreshing dip along the way. Wildlife lovers will not be disappointed - there are plenty of native animals to see including kangaroos, koalas, colourful birds and many nocturnal animals. With its enormous variety, this holiday is a delight at any time of the year.

The coastal waters here are one side of the notorious Bass Straight – a turbulent and dangerous waterway between Australia and it’s southern state, Tasmania. Though the ocean is sometimes calm with hardly a ripple, during stormy weather it is whips into a boiling mass of energy as the huge rollers relentlessly pound the coast. Giant waves appear to tower above, as if they might completely sweep over the beach. The relentless pounding of the ocean gouges the coast into unusual shapes and features. Sandy beaches are common. So too are steep cliffs, sand dunes and other sections of coastline that are rapidly eroding away. As evidence of the nature of the area, over 150 ships have been wrecked along 300 kilometres of this coast, a section of which is incorporated into this walk.

There are also many safe swimming beaches where you can enjoy a refreshing dip on hot, sunny days.

Click here to see clients' photos of this holiday.

Ancient tree ferns are found on temperate rainforest walks

As well as walking along cliff tops and along clean, white, sandy beaches, this holiday will also take you deep into the majestic inland forests. Much of this mountainous coastal region is covered by tall forests and local high rainfalls ensures the forest tracks feature lush vegetation, ancient fern gullies and delicate cascading waterfalls.

One of many magnificent waterfalls on this walk 

Wildlife lovers will not be disappointed – there are plenty of native animals to see including kangaroos, koalas, colourful birds and many nocturnal animals. Winter and springtime coax the cliff top heathlands into brilliant wildflower displays.

Click here to read a client's story about her Surf Coast Walk.

location
The Surf Coast Walk commences in Torquay, a sea-side town about 2 hours SW of Melbourne. There are daily train/coach services from Melbourne. 

grading
Sandy beaches, cliff top and forest walking tracks. Mostly gentle terrain with a few short climbs. 60% easy, 35% moderate, 5% harder. Longest day has 5.5 hours walking (can be reduced).

accommodation
Typical accommodation includes comfortable B&Bs, a home-stay and cottages - private rooms with ensuite bathrooms.

regional wine & food
The area is noted for Bellarine Peninsula wines and freshly caught seafood.

what's included
6 nights accommodation, 6 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners, luggage transfers, vehicle transfers as required for itinerary, information pack, insulated lunch bag, map case, National Park fees, walking notes, maps (and guiding on guided trips).

not included
Alcohol, meals not listed in itinerary.

The "White Lady" sits elegantly on the cliff top

the best time to go 
December through February is usually warm to hot with excellent swimming weather. Book well in advance for January due to the summer school holidays. March through May is usually cooler, with long sunny days, perfect for walking. The winter months (June and August) are cool and sometimes stormy, providing exhilarating walking along the beaches. In winter the hills are covered with pink heath, Victoria's floral emblem. September and November are usually cool to warm and this is when most of the colourful wildflowers appear.

Walkers taking a short cut across the Anglesea River!

departure dates
Self guided "INN-to-INN" - any day of the year year, with a minimum of 2 people booking together. 

Guided "INN-to-INN" - every week, with a minimum of 2 people booking together.

Ferny creek in the rainforest

itinerary guide - 7 days
(includes 6 nights accommodation & 5 days walking)