Great ocean walk guided packages

[Mutley]

I have a newbie showing some interest in bushwalking. I wish to nurture this interest, by starting with something very easy, rather than destroying her on her first hike. I really don't want her first experience to end in tears.

I was thinking about doing a few sections of the great ocean walk, with nightly accommodation somewhere relaxing. In this way, transport is taken care of each day, we only need carry a small day pack and still get the full experience of this beautiful part of coastline.

There are a LOT of companies who offer this service and my head is spinning with the choices. Can anyone recommend a particular package? I would prefer a self guided walk but am not averse to a guided group. We are looking at 3-4 nights, with maybe two different accommodation properties.

If this is successful, I might have a new bushwalking partner, ( means green light to spend all holidays hiking woohoo), but if it turns sour, I might be sleeping in the garage for the next 12 months...

[peregrinator]

Not exactly a recommendation, but see http://www.bimbipark.com.au/

I haven't had any dealings with them, but they are generous enough to make their track notes available to the public, so interpret that how you will. I didn't find the notes all that useful, but perhaps your "newbie" might. I hope it goes well.

[Hallu]

I just did some walks in the Otways this week end. Most are fairly easy : I would recommend doing Triplet Falls (quite a few steps though), Lake Elizabeth near the town of Forrest (do the full loop, it takes about 1h30) and on the coast Rainbow Falls walk was nice, it can start from Bimbi Park (although navigation for a newbie may be confusing with all the horse tracks) or from the Lighthouse (time it at low tide, DO NOT do it around high tide). Bimbi Park is nice and quiet, but apart from the koalas, there's not much to see. You have to drive elsewhere for the forest walks, falls walks, lake walks etc... I stayed at Aire River East. It's full of koalas, but of mosquitoes too (and some bogans), but it's free and next to the river and you can go to the coast from here. Next time I'll try the West campground.

[sim1oz]

+1 Bimbi Park for their generosity with walk notes

We are doing the GOW for the first time in a few weeks and taking the independent, camping option so I can't give a personal recommendation on guided walks. I did try to get accommodation at Bimbi Park but they are already booked out when we are walking. They seem like really nice people and the meals shown on the website look scrumptious. If you are trying to impress her with the beauty of the region then the most luxurious option I have found for a supported walk is Both Feet (http://www.bothfeet.com.au/). Check out their website!

Personally, I would go for a few day walks on weekends before I took someone on a multi day walk, even if I was staying somewhere really special each night. Feet get tired, and while day packs are light, shoulders and neck muscles may need time to adjust.

[Hallu]

By the way for the region you've got this great map : http://meridianmaps.com.au/products_ima ... _guide.asp with every attraction and road. Too bad it's 6 years old and some petrol/gravel road infos aren't up to date, but nothing major.

[rimair]

If you are looking for some photos of the GOW so your friend can see what an enjoyable walk it is then the Melbourne Bushwalkers have some from their recent trips. http://mbw.org.au/zenphoto/page/search/ocean