*Pricing is for twin share. Limited single rooms available for an additional single supplement of $500. PLEASE NOTE: This trip requires a minimum of 8 guests to book before it is guaranteed to run. In the highly unlikely case that we do not have 8 confirmed guests 35 days prior to departure, we will refund any payments made by guests booked onto this trip and cancel or postpone the journey.
Thereâs something magical about riding through the Great Ocean Road RegionâŠ
The raw beauty of the place somehow sucks you in, tickles your senses and ignites a primal sense of joy.
Maybe itâs the luminescent greens of the rainforest, the expansive turquoise views, the silver haze of mountain mist⊠or the âchampagne gravelâ that twists through it all.
Whatever it is, this is, without doubt, one of the best gravel-riding playgrounds in the world.Weâre proud to call it our home â and we canât wait to share it with you!
In this 5-day, all inclusive (guided) gravel journey, youâll pedal through the largely undiscovered heart of the Otways National Park. And youâll see, feel, taste and marvel at the best this area has to offer.
Trip highlights
Stunning landscapes and ânatural wondersâ at every turn â like the towering mountain ash, The 12 Apostles, the rugged coastline of Johanna, Otway Fly, Cape Otway lighthouse, the wildflower heath⊠the list goes on and on.
QUIET roads. Youâll be hard pressed to find a car on the gravel sections of this trip.
Close encounters with local wildlife â weâll see plenty of local wildlife including koalas, yellow-tail-black cockatoos, echidnas, wallabys, kangaroos and more.
Ride fast (25km/h+) â OR â slow (<15km/h) â OR â anywhere in-between. Weâll make sure you get the riding experience youâre after (and wonât leave you riding alone!).
Tailor your daily distance to suit your endurance You can cut any day short and be shuttled to accommodation. Or do âextrasâ if youâre feeling strong. Weâll support you either way.
All logistics, safety & mechanical support done for you â just turn up and push the pedals!
Nourishing & healthy âfamily-styleâ meals for breakfast, lunch & dinner (we aim to tickle your tastebuds with local food while fueling big days in the saddle.)
Huge range of on-the-bike nutrition provided (Rule #1: thou shall not bonk!).
Unique 4-star accommodation â rest and recuperate in one-of-a-kind, âquintessentially Otwaysâ hotels, coastal cottages & glamping.
Like-minded, fun & friendly co-riders â we know that the PEOPLE are what make or break a group trip like this. Luckily the âbirds of a feather flock togetherâ and these trips tend to attract people that are bound to get along.
Local trip leaders and guides who know the area backwards â these are âourâ roads, we ride them daily, and we canât wait to share them with you.
“This tour had everything – picturesque gravel roads, ocean views, stops at must-see local attractions, quiet accommodations with meals and snacks provided â all delivered by an experienced crew who made our journey amazing.“
Meredith, GOR journey – March 2024
Your Journey Day-by-Day
Lorne to Sugarloaf
via Mount Cowley
67 km 1,615 m
Our first ride is a relatively cruisy 67 km â and there’s no better place for a leg opener! After coffee and meet and greet in the picturesque coastal town of Lorne, we’ll warm up the lungs on one of the region’s most famous and scenic road climbs â Benwerrin (or “Benny” as the locals know it). The climb is 10 km at an average gradient of only 4.3%, and with very few cars and speccy rainforest setting, the vertical metres pass by almost effortlessly (it’s almost like being teleported to the top of the Otways!). Before we know it, we’ll be at ~440 m and we’ll turn off the bitumen and into the wild. The first bit of gravel undulates across the top of the range with a mix of farmland, thick forests and sneaky vistas through the trees. At the 34km mark we “top out” for the day before descending back to the turquoise waters of Bass Strait. Finally, we hug the coastline on the famous Great Ocean Road, through the quaint township of Wye River (great coffee!), and over Cape Patton (spectacular!) all the way to our nightâs accommodation â a refurbished monastery complete with private, panoramic ocean views. Itâs the perfect location for a well earned beer and some sustenance with new friends!
Sugarloaf to Forrest rtn
via the rain forest
60-110 km 2,400 m
Day 2 is âQueenâs Stageâ of the trip! 110 km of magic gravel with a solid dose of climbing (donât worry, there are plenty of shortcuts and bailouts). From Kennett River, youâll enjoy a steady climb past the resident koalas as the ocean recedes into the background and the clean forest air fills your working lungs. Youâll zip underneath towering Eucalyptus, Giant Beech and Blackwoods as the climbing continues. Then, after âtopping outâ at a high-point of 630m, itâs time to release the brakes and let out a âwahooooâ as you float your way passed the still waters of Lake Elizabeth and into the township of Forrest â time for a refuel at the local brewery. (Thereâs also a shorter, ~58 KM option that bypasses Forrest.) After lunch itâs back over the main range (via a new, Western route this time) before a thrilling, flowy descent down to the charming seaside town of Apollo Bay â famous for its succulent seafood (we ride so we can eat more, right?).
Sugarloaf to Johanna
via Cape Otway
70-100 km 2,000 m
If youâve seen Lord of the Rings, Day 3 is a bit like riding through the rolling green hills of The Shire â if only The Shire was surrounded by white beaches and crystal clear sapphire water! Weaving our way through the hinterland, weâll get off the beaten path and see sites that most regular-travellers never see like the expansive fern trees on Turtons Track and the winding catchment of the Aire River. Weâll then emerge from the rainforest at the Cape OtwayLighthouse (the most Southern point of the park) and soak up the awe-inspiring views of Bass Strait, before heading back into the little-known network of gravel roads that meander towards our accommodation in Johanna â a ruggedly-beautiful hamlet surrounded by wild beaches and fertile lands.
Johanna to Port Campbell
via 12 Apostles
55 km 730 m
After 3 big days of riding, we ease the feet off the pedals on Day 4 with a flat-ish 55 km. And what a place it is for a recovery cruise! Weâll ride some beautiful gravel roads beside the Gellibrand River before passing all the major Victorian coastal icons like The 12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge & The Grotto on the way to the quaint coastal town of Port Campbell for a feed with a view over the bay.Then itâs into the bus for a short shuttle back along the Great Ocean Road to Johanna, so we can rest the legs and take in the sweeping views from a different angle.
Johanna to Lorne
via the Otway Fly
107 km 1,948 m
On Day 5, itâs a change of scenery as we head inland. The rugged beaches fade into the background as we spend a morning weaving through rolling dairy farmland. Then, the paddocks will give way to tall trees as we enter the heart of the old-growth forests as we climb to the sleepy hamlet of Beech Forest. Throughout the morning we’ll visit some more natural wonders like , Triplet Falls and the Redwoods. And if youâre feeling really adventurous thereâs the option to climb into the treetopsthrough the rainforest at the Otway Fly! After morning tea weâll enjoy a hoot of a descent (20 km downhill) on a scenic rail trail. Weâll arrive in the quaint town of Gellibrand for lunch at the well-stocked local store before the final push up and over the main Otway range (again) and down to the coast at the cliff-lined, Cumberland River. Finally, it’s a 9km cruise back into Lorne on the Great Ocean Road â time for a celebratory beverage and high-five before a (hopefully not too teary) goodbye.
4 x breakfasts, 3 x lunches, 4 x dinners and 4 x appetisers (plus a small selection of beer & wine).
Full tour service, including Rapid Ascent guides.
On-the-bike nutrition and hydration stations (set up approx. every 20 km)
On-route mechanical support & nightly bike maintenance.
Support vehicle, for tired cyclists and luggage transfers.
Transfer on scheduled arrival day from Lorne or Geelong.
Transfer on scheduled departure day to Lorne or Geelong.
Secure storage of bike box and other equipment while on the tour.
Entrance fees to Otway Fly & Cape Otway Lighthouse.
What’s Not
Bike rental (we ask you to please BYO gravel bike or MTB).
Flights and charges for getting to and from pickup & drop-off points (Geelong & Lorne).
Single room (available at extra cost if required).
Travel insurance.
Meals not stated in the itinerary (Lunch @ Port Campbell & Gellibrand).
Personal clothing and equipment.
Personal expenditure (souvenirs, bar bills, hotel facilities etc).
Add on activities other than Otway Fly/Lighthouse eg zipline.
Transfers other than scheduled arrival/departure days.
“An epic gravel adventure in the Otways! This tour had all the goods from adventurous and challenging routes to awesome accommodation & delicious food! The vibe was super fun and inclusive and we saw parts of this spectacular region that you would otherwise be hard pressed to see. The support, transport and the whole team were exceptional.”
Eve, Meredith, GOR journey – March 2024
What We’ll Eat
Weâre big believers in providing food that:
Fuels your cycling (repairs your muscles and leaves you feeling healthy and nourished)
Tastes frickinâ amazing!
We use a variety of local caterers and venues along the route to ensure all meals are prepared with those two principles in mind. Youâll get bucket-loads of food that not only sustains you, but becomes a highlight of the trip!
Youâll also get a standard selection of beer, wine and non-alcoholic beverages each evening (enough for approx 1-2 per person per day). We also normally do a âdrinks runâ on the first day if youâre keen to stock our eskies with additional drinks of your choosing.
Got a dietary? Let us know and weâll make sure youâre looked after.
Where We’ll Stay
As you can see we do not move accommodation every night (donât worry, each riding route is unique day-to-day. In fact, thereâs very few times where youâll ride the same stretch of road more than once!). The reason we stay multiple nights in Johanna and Sugarloaf is so you can soak up the landscapes and so you donât have to pack up your gear each day (you can well and truly unwind into âholiday modeâ). We find itâs a much more pleasant experience.
Mantra Lorne
Lorne, VIC
NIGHT 0 & 5 (OPTIONAL): The only beachfront property in Lorne, Mantra Lorne offers wonderful accommodation in one of Australia’s most spectacular coastal villages on the Great Ocean Road. Built around the oldest guesthouse in Victoria, Mantra Lorne is right in the centre of Lorne and the ideal launch pad for our Journey. This is an optionalstay (not included in trip price) for night 0 and night 5 of the trip. (There are countless other places to stay in Lorne – choose one that suits you and your budget).
An Eclectic Seaside Monastery
Sugarloaf, VIC
NIGHT 1 & 2: This former monastery turned one-of-a-kind retreat centre is where the âtrueâ Otways experience kicks off. Set on 25 acres overlooking the Great Ocean Road, The Sugarloaf Estate will form our private home-base for the first 2 nights of the trip. Youâll feel like youâve stepped into another world with the cosy rooms, 180 degree ocean views, and eclectic mix of luxury and old-school charm. Only problem is, after a few drinks on the front lawn, you might not want to leave!
Coastal Cottages
Johanna, VIC
NIGHT 3 & 4: Nestled amongst the rolling green hills of Johanna, this place give you the perfect balance of lush farmland and rugged Victorian coastlines. The rooms are modern and spacious and the central living areas are perfect for sharing tales from the trails with new friends. Time moves differently down here (itâs not uncommon to forget all your worries after just a few hours!).
Meet Your Guides
John Jacoby
“The World Champ”
Age: 59, Lives: Jan Juc VIC
John is probably one of the most experienced & accomplished adventurers in the world â but heâs far too modest to tell you about it!
He was awarded the Keys to the City of Melbourne in 1987 after being crowned World Marathon Kayak Champion for the 3rd year in a row (he ultimately wonthe title 4 times)⊠heâs competed in over 30 international adventure races in 16 different countries⊠and he was the first Australian to win the coveted Coast to Coast âMultisport World Championshipâ title in NZ. To say heâs âcapableâ in the outdoors would be a massive understatement.
Now heâs retired from racing, he still travels the world doing crazy things. In the past 5 years heâs summited Makalu in the Himalayas (27,838 ft!); Paddled around South Georgia Island; been skiing in the back country of Alaska and heâs a bit of a regular on the waves in Indonesia. In fact, itâs probably worth coming on this trip just to hear some of his stories!
Sam Maffett
“The Jack of All Trades”
Age: 49, Lives: Anglesea VIC
You know those annoying people that are good at EVERYTHING? Sam is one of those.
Heâs run plenty of sub 3hr marathons (2:39 is his PB!), heâs won the prestigious âAlpine Challengeâ ultra marathon in Victoriaâs high country, heâs kayaked some of the worlds gnarliest white water rivers, skied plenty of steep sided mountains and he regularly disappears into the wilderness for epic 5hr+ gravel & MTB rides on his âdays offâ. Not to mention heâd easily challenge for âdad of the yearâ â spending 3 years as cub/scout leader and taking his 2 boys (Tom & Ollie) on as many adventures as he can. What a jerk.
Seriously though, Sam is a guy you want by your side on any adventure. He knows the entire Otways like the back of his hand, heâs reliable and great for a yarn.
Jez Baker
“The Barista”
Age: 36, Lives: Anglesea VIC
What Jez lacks in sporting prowess, he certainly makes up for in âenthusiasmâ…
Heâs OBSESSED with cycling (his fiance, Sarah, has banned him from mentioning âwattsâ or âcycling podcastâ at home). And he probably spends more time on his gravel, mountain and road bikes riding through the Otways than he does at work!
He’s also dabbled in his share of sea kayaking and multi-sport. He’s paddled the rugged coastline of South West of Tassie, fast-packed many of the great walks in Australia and participated in plenty of events like the Red Bull Defiance and Coast to Coast in NZ.
However, on these trips he’s more popular for his morning lattes than his passion for adventure. Get on his good side if you’re a coffee lover… he’ll keep you caffeinated to the eyeballs all week long.
Sarah Park
“The Carb Machine”
Age: 33, Lives: Anglesea VIC
We challenge you to catch Sarah without a smile on her face (she finishes most rides with bugs and mud smeared on her teeth thanks to her perpetual grin!).
Sarah is another Anglesea local who lives for all things adventure. Whether itâs a bike packing trip squeezed into a long weekend, an impromptu âfell raceâ in the hills of the Lake District, or forcing her partner (Jez) to run the 42km Three Capes Track in a single morning with zero training â her zest for outdoors is rivalled only by her love of carbs. Sheâs usually has a frame bag full of baked goods and has been known to claim that âeating is my secret weaponâ.
Bikes
We could write an entire novel on the topic of âbest bikes for Otway gravelâ. But, letâs be honest â youâll be perfectly fine on a gravel bike, CX bike or even cross-country mountain bike (preferably hardtail) and/or E-bike.
The big things to consider are:
Weight: Thereâs quite a bit of climbing in this course, so the lighter the better.
Tyres: We suggest running bigger tyres than you would on your roadie (38-45mm recommended). We also recommend tubeless (so you can run lower pressures for traction and comfort).
Comfort: Long days on the bike mean youâre best suited on a bike that fits you well.
Brakes: What goes up must come down. Thereâs a lot of descending in the Otways so youâll be best served with disc brakes (although weâve seen plenty of people run rims brakes just fine).
Your engine! This is an Grade 3 trip (see âSpice Scaleâ here). And while weâll do our best to cater for all ability levels, youâll have most fun if you ride 5-8hrs per week in preparation for this journey.
It is pretty straight forward to fly with your bike – here is a little instructional video on how to pack your bike into a free bike box from your local bike shop. Get it to Lorne and then we’ll help you put it together and make sure it’s ready to ride.
Can I ride an e-Bike?
You betcha. If you feel more comfortable with an electronic boost, by all means bring it along. Just remember that youâll want something capable of riding on dirt roads. Also, depending on your battery range, you might want to put a second (and maybe third!) battery in the support van so you can change it mid-ride.
Do you hire gravel bikes?
YES! We have partnered with Serk Cycling and currently have 2x titanium adventure gravel bikes available to hire during the Tour. Specifications HERE:
Collect / return to Anglesea (where the Journey starts) and rented for $600 for the tour’s duration. Contact us to discuss rental and we’ll help facilitate thinks with Serk Australia. If you need an alternative size then let us know and we’ll do our best to find you something.
What about Riding Ability?
The Great Ocean Road Gravel Tour is rated âGrade 3” on the âGravel Spice Scaleâ (Read the full scale here.)
SPICE LEVEL: đ¶đ¶đ¶
At-home training load: 5-8+ hrs per week
Daily on-trip distance: 60-110km
Daily on-trip elevation: 500 – 2500m
Daily on-trip hours on bike: 4-8 hrs
If you’ve got decent fitness, intermediate off-road skills, and a taste for (some) hardship, youâll eat this trip up and go home grinning from ear to ear. The gravel trails come in all shapes and sizes, from wide hard packed âhighwaysâ to the occasional stretch of moderate double track.
You’ll need to pick your line carefully, shifting left and right to find the smoothest route â so some tech skills are required. Youâll also need to be comfortable spending 4-8 hours in the saddle each day (with plenty of breaks for food and coffee, of course).
Having said that, we can easily accommodate a wide range of levels and abilities, so we can give you more or less (speed, distance, elevation) to adapt the trip to your needs. If youâre in doubt about your ability, or worried you donât have what it takes, please donât hesitate to give us a call to discuss(03) 5261 5511.
Final note on fitness/ability: If youâre reading this and thinking âI wonder if I can make itâ, chances are, youâll be totally fine!! Back yourself. Booking a trip like this is a great way to goad yourself onto the bike for some training!
“Brilliant course, fantastic meals, 1st class support and outstanding accommodation. This was a wonderful experience riding the Otways. I will be back for the next tour.”
Mick, GOR journey – March 2024
Nitty Gritty Details
Arrivals and shuttles
Whether youâre flying from interstate, traveling from Melbourne or staying on the Surf Coast the night prior to the trip, we will help you arrange transport to and from start point in Lorne. Once you book your spot, weâll arrange a âmeet and greetâ phone call to discuss the trip and iron out all the details about how to get here.
Pre and post ride accommodation (Lorne)
We will be leaving Lorne quite early on Day 1 (26th Nov), and getting back mid-to-late afternoon on Day 5 (30th Nov), so we recommend booking local accommodation in Lorne on one or both of those nights (Night 0 and/or Night 5).
The Mantra is our recommended place to stay in Lorne – but there are HEAPS of other places in Lorne so check out the listings here or give us a call to discuss ideas if easier.
Climate, packing & gear
This journey is taking place at the perfect time of year⊠the countryside is fresh and vibrant from spring but its not too hot and dry that you suffocate. The gravel roads will be in mint condition. The daytime temperatures should be 20-27deg and weâre unlikely to see any rain at all. However â this is the OTWAYS so itâll still be possible to get 4 seasons in one day so come expecting sunshine but ready for (slightly) worse.
We will send around a recommended packing list nearer the journey.
Is this trip guaranteed to run?
This trip is very likely to go ahead, however, thereâs a small chance that if we donât get enough people (we only need 8!), weâll have to pull the pin. In that very unlikely and unprecedented case, we will refund your entire deposit (OR you can elect to put it towards one of Rapid Ascentâs future Journeys or events).Â
In any case, we will confirm the trip a minimum of 35 days prior to the the departure date.Â
What happens if I have to cancel?
We know that plans change and life can throw unexpected curveballs, so if you need to cancel your booking, you can do so up until 35 days prior to the departure date and receive a refund of your deposit (less a 20% admin fee).Â
Here’s How to Secure Your Spot…
If youâre still reading, and youâre excited to join the journey then weâd love to share it with you!
To secure your spot, all you need to do is click the button below, tell us a bit about yourself and pay a small deposit to lock it all in.
We ask for a $1,000 deposit to secure your spot. This is refundable (less a 20% admin fee) up until 35 days prior to the trip. The balance of $2,395 will be payable 35 days prior to the trip.
Once youâre confirmed, weâll arrange a âmeet and greetâ phone call via Zoom. On this call, weâll get to know you, answer any questions and help you make a plan to get all your âducks in a rowâ prior to the trip (things like booking flights, additional accommodation, transfers to and from start point etc). Of course, if youâd prefer to chat to us before booking â thatâs great too. Just hit the âAsk Us Any Questionsâ button below and weâll be in touch.
Rapid Ascent Journeys