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Written by Savi, 50 Comments

Somewhere between Apollo Bay and Port Campbell a baby kangaroo hops to the middle of the road – we stop our car as it scurries across the road. Woodlands surround us. Tall trees sift kaleidoscopic sunshine into patterns, lending an enchanting halo to the proceedings.

 

Vid and I are on our way to the Twelve Apostles Lodge, nestled deep in the Australian Hinterland. Both of us have driven along our fair share of stunning coastal roads (Croatia, Spain, Portugal) so we didn’t want to stop at driving the Great Ocean Road. Instead, we wanted to take this opportunity to really sink our teeth in and acquaint ourselves with some of Australia’s most iconic landscapes in depth and up close. The experience we’ve booked includes gourmet food, wine, and a 4 day walk through some of the prettiest and most remote sections of the 100 kilometer walking trail known as the Great Ocean Walk – a chance to explore some of the world’s most spectacular terrain without foregoing creature comforts.

Great Ocean Walk kangaroo
Kangaroos in the Australian wilderness

 

Great Ocean Walk Twelve Apostles Lodge Walk
The Great Ocean Road and glamping? I’m in!

 

An unpaved road leads to the Twelve Apostles Lodge in a clearing in the woodlands. Vid parks the car but I’m already examining the floor to ceiling windows of our cabin in the woods. It’s been a long drive, so a quick meal and round of introductions later, we pass out. Early next morning, we wake up to sunbeams glinting through cabin windows, the gentle hum of mosquitoes and twittering of birds. I can even see baby kangaroos(Joeys) scampering around the bush!   After a quick breakfast full of laughs with 8 members of the Angus family, who form the rest of our walking group, we’re ready for our quintessential Australian bushwalking experience. We grab our walking poles, fill our bottles with water and our snack boxes with an array of sugary snacks, strap on our gaiters to protect us from snakes and leeches, and hop into a mini-bus with our guide.

 

Great Ocean Walk Australia Lodge
Our cabin at The Twelve Apostles Lodge in the remote Australian hinterland

 

Great Ocean Walk Australia Twelve Apostles Lodge Room
Waking up to birds and kangaroos scampering in the bush – priceless!!

 

Great Ocean Walk Twelve Apostles Lodge Walk
Ready for Day #1 of hiking 🙂

 

Hiking essentials for Great Ocean Walk Australia
Hiking essentials: Sunscreen, water, snacks, packed lunch, walking poles, and gaiters

We’re dropped off at a section of the Great Otway National Park. So starts Day #1. It’s a long yet easy walk through Australia’s windswept hinterland. On Day #2 the walk picks up pace. The 20 km stretch is full of hills, uphill climbs, staircases, rugged forest trails, and more. It’s tiring and rewarding in equal measures – we have access to sensational cliff-top panoramas as we sip on coffee and devour lunch. We walk past even more rivers, secluded bays, and rolling hills after lunch. By the end of the walk on Day #2, I’m devoid of energy but I feel truly immersed in the landscape. Melbourne’s urbanity seems like a distant memory.

Hiking in Great Ocean Walk
Day #2 involved lots of climbing, walking, and hiking through stunning landscapes

 

Great Ocean Walk Koala Bear
Is there anything cuter than baby koalas?

 

Twelve Apostles Lodge Walk
Long long walks through surreal woodlands and the Australian bush

 

Panoramic view great ocean walk
Stunning views at lunch

Day #3 takes us past high cliffs, gorgeous forests, wide beaches, rivers, and secluded bays. The scenery changes dramatically as we get closer to the coast. We spot bits of rugged coastline at most bends and by the end of the third day; we even get a glimpse of the mighty Twelve Apostles. I begin to realise that the term ‘Great Ocean Walk’ is a bit of the misnomer – sure there are coastal panoramas aplenty but the 70 km stretch through the Great Otway and the Port Cambell National Parks has many secrets up its sleeves. There are otherworldly forests dotted with intriguing paper bark trees, vibrant daisies and tiny pink lilies. Kangaroos and koalas peer out of the bush to introduce themselves to walkers. Every once in a while snakes and leeches make an appearance. I will admit; we opted for the walk because of its coastal connection. But it surprises us at every step. I find myself falling more and more in love with Australia’s woodlands. The verdict amongst our group of 10 is unanimous: the Twelve Apostles Lodge Walk gives us the opportunity to commune with nature, far away from the maddening rhythm of the city.

 

Coffee break at Great Ocean Walk
Coffee break like no other – The Great Ocean Walk is a great hiking route 🙂

 

Paperbark trees Great Ocean walk
Paperbark trees in the forests – notice how the bark resembles thin sheets of paper!

 

Wild Forests Great Ocean Walk
We went for the coastal connection but LOVED the wild forests along the Great Ocean Walk

We might be in a remote location but creature comforts are at hand. Every evening we come back to invigorating foot spas, li’l bubble baths for our weary feet. Following this we adjourn to the cozy dining room for canapés and dinner with our new travel companions. The Angus family makes us feel like we’ve known them for years. Within hours we’re introduced to inside jokes, childhood tales, and the banter just doesn’t stop 🙂

Foot spas after long walks - YES please! :-D
Foot spas after long walks – YES please! 😀

 

Twelve Apostles Lodge Walk dinner
The cosy dining room – we met a great bunch of people on the walk 🙂

 

Except when dinner is served. A silence descends upon the table for the food here is something else: Chef Zane showcases the local produce of Victoria to perfection. On the first day we’re served a sumptuous pesto-infused chicken dish with fennel and orange salad. This feast is followed by his velvety smooth crème brulee. I choose the vegan option and get a scoop of fresh berry sorbet topped with caramelized sugar. All day next day, the ten of us fantasise about dinner all day and we’re not disappointed. On walking back to the lodge, we’re pampered with sensational tuna canapés, nibbles topped with freshly caramelized onions, and an opulent cheese board that disappears within seconds between 10 people who’ve been hiking all day!   Soon enough dinner is served: pan-seared salmon on a bed of carrot mousse with large bowls of creamy mash, beetroot and arugula salad with shavings of parmesan cheese, and roast potatoes for everyone to share. Every bite is followed by oohs and aahs. Almost everyone at the table is full by the time dessert is served but the thought of skipping one of Zane’s delightful creations is alarming. So all of us opt for dessert – a warm date and walnut pudding with homemade ice cream.   I wish I could make all of you taste his food but since I can’t I will say this: he spins magical tales on the plate with local ingredients, all the more impressive when you consider the remote location.   Breakfasts are simple and tasty, targeted to fuel us walkers for the day: blueberry porridge bowls, poached eggs, warm breads, and chia puddings. Tiring days are dotted with snacks. The lodge provides snack boxes that can be filled with chocolates, dates, homemade trail mix, or gummy worms. Then there are fresh snacks made by Zane: flapjacks, coconut and cacao balls, and biscuits warm out of the oven. Lunches are healthy and rich in protein: marinated tofu with rice noodles; cous-cous with chorizo, shrimps, and roasted pumpkin seeds; stir-fried chicken and wild brown rice. One thing is for sure; you will not be losing much weight despite all that exercise.

 

Great Ocean Walk food
Canapés and nibbles were served every evening – the food is even more impressive when one considers the remote location

 

Twelve Apostles Lodge Walk
Pan-seared salmon – nom!

 

Yummiest creme brûlée ever!
Yummiest creme brûlée ever!

 

Great Ocean Walk lunch
Protein-laden packed lunches for us walkers 🙂

On our fourth and last day on the track, I watch the scenery change dramatically. Coastal panoramas abound and it’s hard not to feel overwhelmed at the stretch we’ve covered over the past few days. We walk for a couple of hours before reaching a viewpoint that beats them all: yes we can finally see The Twelve Apostles. All of us excitedly click a few photos, marvel at the wonders of Mother Nature, and surge ahead in anticipation. Soon enough we’re at the Gibson Steps, the stairway that leads to a wide sand beach overlooking the Apostles. It’s the end of our walk – there are hoots, whistles, and Vid can’t stop taking photos. We couldn’t have asked for a better day to be here – the sky is a stunning shade of blue. I close my eyes, breathe the moisture-laden air, and let the romance of the place sink in.

Great Ocean Walk
Almost the end!

 

The Twelve Apostles - Great Ocean Walk
Coastal scenery and THE Twelve Apostles on the fourth day!

 

Twelve Apostles Lodge Walk
60 kms later, we made it to The Twelve Apostles

 

Great Ocean Walk glamping group
As you can probably tell, we became great friends with our fellow walkers, the Angus Family. A LOT of fun was had 😉

Soon enough we’re ushered to the neighbouring helipad for a flight over the iconic Great Ocean Road to commemorate our adventure. Before we know it we’re boarding a helicopter with our walking buddies. Within minutes we are floating above ocean. I can see the Apostles surrounded by glistening waters and The Great Ocean Road snaking past it. This is our third chopper ride in the past few months but it’s definitely the smoothest. Vid and I hold hands to take in the moment and all it has to offer. I don’t want it to end. But end it does!  

Great Ocean Walk Twelve Apostles Lodge Walk
Aerial view of the Great Ocean Road

Somehow I find my way back to the beach for one last look at the Apostles. As I dip my toes into the Ocean right in front of the mighty 12 Apostles, I realize this is it – the end of a carefully curated experience. Over the past 4 days we walked through windswept forests, hiked to the top of high cliffs and relished cliff-top lunches, marvelled at rivers and secluded bays. We saw days morph into evenings in front of our eyes, spent lazy evenings making new friends and relishing meals made from Victoria’s fresh produce, and sampled wine produced in the Australian state famous for its reds. We woke up to the sun glinting through our cabin windows and baby kangaroos scampering in the bush.   It’s quite a dichotomy: an active adventure in the Australian bush in comfort and luxury lubricated by banter, exquisite surroundings, foot spas, and gourmet food. To us, at Bruised Passports, it’s a match made in heaven!    🙂

Great Ocean Walk Melbourne
Gorgeous panoramas, hiking, and creature comforts 🙂

 

FACT FILE:  

  • The Twelve Apostles Lodge Walk provides the perfect opportunity to connect with nature and it’s ideal if you’re craving an active holiday, garnished with gourmet food and wine. It is for you if you, like us, enjoy adventure and remote wilderness lubricated by creature comforts, small luxuries, gourmet food and wine.
  • We walked a 70 Km stretch of the Great Ocean Walk that goes through Great Otway National Park and Port Campbell National Park
  • If you’re visiting Australia, then this is a good introduction to the great Aussie tradition of a bushwalk and a unique way to see the Great Ocean Road. You get to walk a stretch of the Great Ocean Walk everyday and you’re driven back each day. Next day, you start from where you left.
  • The group is small and intimate and the size never exceeds 10-12 people. If you’ve scrolled through the photos you probably know we made great friends on the hike.
  • The food at Twelve Apostles Lodge is definitely one of the highlights – from cheese platters and dainty tuna canapés to hearty roasts and sumptuous breakfasts, we were truly spoilt for choice.
  • As I mentioned in the article, there are plenty of vegan and vegetarian options for all meals – just make sure you specify your dietary requirements beforehand.
  • The experience includes transfers from Melbourne, accommodation at a luxury lodge for 3 nights, all meals, hiking equipment, and the helicopter ride over The Twelve Apostles. The entire experience costs approximately £1000. More information on their website twelveapostleslodgewalk.com.au.
  • Fitness: You can choose your own pace on the walk. There’s no rush to complete the walk. But you have to be fit. There’s a lot of hills, climbs, descents, especially on the second day of the Twelve Apostles Lodge Walk.
  • Packing: Just take 3-4 sets of comfy clothes, hiking shoes, hat, and mosquito repellent. Everything else including sunscreen, walking poles, waterproof jackets, backpack, water bottles, plenty of snacks, refreshments, and meals is provided onsite.
  • Getting There: Transfers from Melbourne are included in the experience but if you, like us, are on a bit of a road trip in Australia then you can drive down to the lodge independently as well. We combined a road trip along the Great Ocean Road with the Twelve Apostles Lodge Walk.
  • Wifi: You know how it is with fast wifi and me? I’m pleased to report that despite its remote location, wifi is available at the Twelve Apostles Lodge. I don’t know about you but that makes this digital nomad very happy.

 

Great Ocean Road Walk
We combined a roadtrip along the Great Ocean Road with The Twelve Apostles Lodge Walk

 

 

 

50 thoughts on “Twelve Apostles Lodge Walk: Luxe Glamping in Australia

  1. Wow, now that’s the sort of glamping I could cope with! If you are hiking then you need your comfort and good food in the night. I’m a big foodie so I would definitely do this if I was in the area.

    1. Thanks Mellissa – this is definitely next level glamping. It would definitely have to be one of our favourite experiences from our month-long trip to Australia 🙂

    1. Thanks a ton – Glamping holidays are definitely some of my favourites and The Great Ocean Road has surreal coastal scenery, so it’s a match made in heaven 🙂

    1. Our WordPress plugin moderates all comments on all articles and they have to be approved before they show up on our website, which is probably why you had trouble posting. Glad you enjoyed our photos. Unfortunately there are no “free” lunches in the world – curating experiences and capturing them is our job. We spend hours of work writing nuanced articles and editing photos so we could bring unique holiday ideas to our readers and help them see travelling in a new light. Travel magazines and newspapers have been working on this model for ages 🙂 Cheers!

  2. Interesting, you walk for say 20 kms to point A and then are driven back to the lodge in the evening. Next working you’re driven to point A again, from where you walk to point B, and in the evening you’re driven back to the same lodge again. Next day again driven to point B, from where you walk only to return again in the evening…hmmm, wondering if that in any way dilutes the whole experience of hiking 70kms to the twelve apostles. What did you guys think

    1. Hello again Sangeeta/Mark – no we enjoyed that aspect because as you probably know, we’re not hardcore trekkers or adventurers. We love our creature comforts, so relaxing evenings were really appreciated 🙂

  3. wondeful, quite an experience and very well written. Did you spot any snakes? Is Australian bushwalking in any way dangerous/risky? I’m moving to Sydney soon, love mountain hikes but super scared of snakes.

    1. Hey Anand – bushwalking is absolutely safe. However there can be snakes in the Australian hinterland, so it’s always advisable to wear protective gaiters to protect ankles and legs. We wore them for the length of this walk 🙂

  4. Wow wow, what an experience ! food looks delicious. How is Newzealand going, please start posting more daily pics from NewZealand, like 5 pics a day maybe. it’s so beautiful, want to see more.

    1. Hey Rhea – thanks a ton 🙂 Been posting loads of photos from NZ on our Facebook and Instagram pages

  5. Wow! Beautiful pictures and an amazing post! Had a lot of fun reading it!!!
    Cheers to many more travels! 🙂

  6. The photos look fantastic! And the lodge looks like a sanctuary at the end of all that hiking 🙂 Hiking is fun but even better when you return to comforts at the end of the day 🙂

  7. Superub article as usual , I am currently travelling in Australia and its splendid , esp the great ocean drive is mind blowing 🙂 *also there is a typo in the article its gibson steps and not givson 🙂

    1. Thanks Priyadarshini – just corrected the typo, thanks for pointing it out 🙂 Glad you’re having a good time in Australia – the countryside around Melbourne is stunning!

    1. Thanks Sarah – hope you go glamping soon. Creature comforts and remote panoramas go surprisingly well together 😉

  8. I can’t get enough of your blog!! Your travels always sound so amazing and your photos are perfect!! You’ll have these memories for ever how amazing!

    1. Thanks a ton Francesca – always love hearing from you. So happy to know you enjoy reading Bruised Passports 🙂

  9. Hi Savi / Vid – Gorgeous pics! Definitely looking into this. What’s the best way to combine with the GOR drive – instead of going back to Melbourne on Day 4 can you hire a car near the lodge and drive the rest of the GOR? Thanks for your tips!

    1. Hey Neha – We rented the car in Melbourne and parked it at the Twelve Apostles Lodge because we found a great deal. However you can definitely opt for the pick up/drop off facility, do the hike, and then rent the car in Melbourne to drive the Great Ocean Road. Do send us photos from Australia 🙂

    1. Hey Radhika,

      We did this walk in the first week of January and it wasn’t too hot. It should be absolutely fine in mid December.

      Hope you have a great time!

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