Stage 4 of the Great Ocean Walk continues from Elliot Ridge to Blanket Bay. This section is known for its scenic transformation. The initial part offers beautiful vistas of Parker Inlet, followed by a shift to drier coastal forests. Here, keep your eyes peeled for echidnas and the vibrant flash of king parrots.
The trail then leads you towards Cape Otway Lightstation, where breathtaking views of Bass Strait unfold from the clifftops. Be sure to look up as well, as Manna Gum trees, a favorite food source for koalas, are abundant in this area. This moderately easy hike takes approximately 3-4 hours to complete, with a distance of roughly 10 kilometers.
Blanket Bay Campground
Nestled on the eastern coast of Cape Otway, Blanket Bay Campground offers the perfect escape for you. This seaside haven allows campers and day-trippers to soak up the sun and explore the surrounding beauty. Build sandcastles on the beach or venture inland to spot koalas - Blanket Bay Campground caters to a variety of interests.
Be prepared for Blanket Bay Campground's popularity! Due to high demand, especially during school holidays, peak season (summer, Labour Day, and Easter), and year-round bookings are required to secure your spot. Don't wait until the last minute to make your reservation.
Blanket Bay Campground offers 22 unpowered campsites, all perfect for pitching your tent. Some sites can even accommodate camper trailers, campervans, or small recreational vehicles. However, keep in mind that caravans are not allowed.
Since Blanket Bay Campground is a basic campground, you'll need to come prepared. Be sure to pack your own water for drinking and cooking, and firewood if you plan on enjoying a campfire under the stars.
Grade 3 (Moderate) - Walks for Most Fitness Levels: Grade 3 on the
AWTGS represents moderate walking tracks. These are ideal for walkers with some fitness who are comfortable with some hills and uneven terrain. While suitable for most ages, some bushwalking experience is recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Tracks may have short, steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps. The total distance of a Grade 3 walk can be up to 20 kilometers.
Total distance: 9579 m
Max elevation: 103 m
Min elevation: 6 m
Total climbing: 397 m
Total descent: -330 m
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Blanket Bay campground is accessed off the Otway Lighthouse Road off the Great Ocean Road. The turn off into Otway Lighthouse Road is about 17km west from Marengo in Victoria. Once on Otway Lighouse Road, follow for about 9km and follow the signs onto Blanket Bay Road.
If you’ve got some great shots from this hike, I’d love to see them! Please upload your .jpg files here to help inspire other hikers and show off the beauty of the trail.
A quick note: Uploading your photos doesn’t mean you lose ownership. You’ll be credited for any photos you share, and you can request to have them removed at any time.
The Great Otway National Park stretches from Torquay, along the world-famous Great Ocean Road and up through the Otways hinterland. Discover windswept coastlines and breathtaking waterfalls in tall mountain forests, walk the iconic Great Ocean Walk, immerse yourself in the Otway Lightstation's history, or surf some of the best breaks in Australia. Enjoy the great outdoors and explore the wonders of the Great Otway National Park.
The Great Otway National Park is in southern Victoria, Australia. It covers rugged coastland, beaches and the mountains of the Otway Ranges. Waterfalls dot the park, including the 3 cascades of Triplet Falls. Boardwalks lead through temperate rainforest at Maits Rest. The 1848 Cape Otway Lightstation perches on cliffs overlooking Bass Strait. Great Ocean Walk leads through the park to the Twelve Apostles rock formations.
Spotted a change on this trail? Maybe there are new features, the route has shifted, or the trail is permanently closed. Whatever the update, I’d love your input. Your feedback helps fellow hikers stay informed and ensures that our trail info stays fresh and reliable.
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Adventure with Confidence: Register Your Trip Plans
Before you hit the trail, take a moment to fill out our trip intentions form. It’s a simple way to share important details about your hike with family or friends. If things don’t go as planned and you’re not back on time, they can easily notify emergency services, helping to ensure a quick response and reducing worry. Enjoy your outdoor adventure knowing that you’ve taken a smart step for your safety.
What you carry in your pack will depend on the weather, terrain, time of year, type of adventure, and personal preferences. Having trouble deciding what gear’s right for you? My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.Â
While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.
1 Review on “Blanket Bay to Cape Otway Hike (10km)”
This was a fantastic 10km hike with a nice mix of scenery. The views of Parker Inlet at the beginning were stunning, and the change to drier forests kept things interesting. The final stretch towards Cape Otway Lightstation was the highlight. The clifftop views of Bass Strait were incredible, and it was cool to see so many Manna Gum trees – perfect koala food. Overall, this was a moderately easy 3-4 hour hike that I would recommend to anyone looking for a scenic coastal walk with a chance to see some wildlife. Just be sure to book your campsite at Blanket Bay well in advance – it seems like a popular spot.