Track conditions & alerts
Tailor your Great Ocean Walk (GOW) to conditions along the track. Before you go, read information here on track updates, works on the walk, fire messages and path closures.
Track update
Updated: 20 May 2013
The Great Ocean Walk is passable the entire length of the track.
Works on the walk
Works have commenced on the proposed section of track from Gibson Steps to The Twelve Apostles Visitor Centre and a new pedestrian underpass under the Great Ocean Road.
The Walk currently finishes at Gibson Steps, just short of The Twelve Apostles. There is no pedestrian access to the Twelve Apostles Visitor Centre from Gibson Steps.
Walking track works
Nearly 3 kilometres of new track between Devils Kitchen and Wreck Beach is also now open, taking walkers off sections of Wreck Beach Road, Moonlight Head Road and Old Coach Road. The track winds through Stringybark woodlands and features a 650-metre section of double planking through grass trees and sensitive coastal heathland before arriving at Devils Kitchen camp ground.
Significant walking track upgrades have been completed recently and the following works are in progress:
- Three Creeks Track and Shelly Beach track (works to commence at the end of May)
- Castle Cove Track (Aire River to Castle Cove) (works continue on boardwalks)
- Browns Creek to Johanna Beach (works underway)
These upgrades will ensure that these tracks provide all-weather access for walkers and improve the visitors' experience on the GOW.
Emergency vehicle access track works
Parks Victoria has engaged a local construction company to upgrade two vehicle tracks to provide Parks Victoria staff all year round 4WD access to service the Great Ocean Walk.
The tracks are Ryans Den Track (1.5km) and Milanesia Track (1.5km).
Fire messages
Updated: 1 November 2012
Be aware that the Otways region is a high risk area for bushfire. Consider rescheduling your walk if high fire weather conditions are forecast. This includes days of Code Red Fire Danger, a Total Fire Ban, high winds and extreme weather conditions.
Stay up to date:
- Listen to ABC (check local frequencies online abc.net.au/reception/freq) or local radio, or have other arrangements in place to check if there is a fire in the area.
- Prepare a fire plan for your walk and consider the changing environment and escape routes when planning.
- Be aware that in the event of a fire you will be responsible for your own safety. It may not be possible for emergency services to contact or evacuate you.
- Note that the areas around Ryans Den and Devil's Kitchen are extremely vulnerable in a fire situation, and safe escape routes are minimal or non-existent.
- Note that mobile phone reception may not always be available.
For more information:
- Parks Victoria 13 1963 or parkweb.vic.gov.au
- Information about fires on public land is available from Department of Sustainability & Environment dse.vic.gov.au
- For updated fire information visit CFA website cfa.vic.gov.au
- For closures of public roads visit the VicRoads website vicroads.vic.gov.au
- Victorian Bushfire Information Line (VBIL) 1800 240 667 (free call within Australia).