Ryans Den to Moonlight Head Walk

This is a one-way, 5.5 km (3.4 mi) stretch of the Great Ocean Walk from Ryans Den hike-in campground west to the Moonlight Head car-park access. The mapped path takes about three hours, with repeated climbs and descents across a remote coastal ridge. It is a point-to-point leg, not a loop or a drive-up day hike at the start.

Ryans Den is a remote hike-in campground with no vehicle access. The named short itinerary ends at Moonlight Head car park, so arrange a pickup or shuttle before setting out. Treat the campground’s rainwater, and do not rely on the tanks being full; bring enough safe water and all food for the walk. Mobile reception can be unreliable along the broader route.

The path is sharply undulating, with many stairs and short, steep descents. Wet downhill sections can become technical, so take your time and leave room for careful footing. The modest distance still asks for steady legs and a sure step.

Ryans Den sits on a ridge above the ocean, and the walk continues through coastal scrub toward the headland. Look for openings across the cliffs and sea along the way. The mapped line exits at Moonlight Head car park; it does not add a side trip to the separately mapped cape point or continue west to The Gables and Wreck Beach.

Published distances for this named section vary: an official itinerary rounds the car-park-to-campground leg to 5 km, while the connected mapped line is 5.5 km; another listing gives 8.1 km without an equally clear endpoint. Longer totals may describe a different extension or a return along the same corridor. Confirm the exact pickup endpoints before relying on any distance or transfer plan. Dogs are not allowed in Great Otway National Park; assistance dogs are excepted.