Otway National Park

Stretching along the dramatic southern coast of Victoria, Otway National Park is a wild tapestry of ancient rainforest, windswept beaches, and rugged sea cliffs. The Great Ocean Road traces its edge, offering one of Australia's most iconic drives, but the park itself rewards those who venture deeper. Here, you can stand beneath towering mountain ash and myrtle beech, smell the salt spray at remote coves, and spot koalas dozing in eucalypts. It's a place where the power of the Southern Ocean meets the quiet majesty of temperate rainforest.

Highlights & What to See

• Maits Rest Rainforest Walk: An easy boardwalk loop through lush, fern-filled forest with towering trees and a canopy walkway that makes you feel tiny among giants.
• Twelve Apostles: Just east of the park, these limestone stacks rising from the ocean are the region's most famous sight – visit at sunset for unforgettable colours.
• Loch Ard Gorge: A dramatic cliff-lined cove with a powerful story of shipwreck and survival; walk down to the beach and explore the caves.
• Otway Fly Treetop Walk: A steel walkway suspended 25 metres high in the rainforest canopy, offering bird's-eye views of the ancient trees and possible sightings of lyrebirds.
• Great Ocean Walk: A multi-day hiking trail that weaves along cliffs and through forest, with shorter sections perfect for day walks – try the stretch from Apollo Bay to Cape Otway.
• Cape Otway Lightstation: Australia's oldest surviving lighthouse, perched on dramatic sea cliffs; the surrounding area is prime koala-spotting territory.

Suggested Time to Spend

To experience the park's essence, allow at least two full days. On day one, drive the Great Ocean Road from Torquay, stopping at the Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge, then overnight in Apollo Bay or nearby. Day two, explore the rainforest walks – Maits Rest and the Otway Fly – and head to Cape Otway for lighthouse views and koala encounters. If you're a keen hiker, add a third day for a longer section of the Great Ocean Walk. The park is compact enough for a whirlwind day trip from Melbourne (3 hours' drive), but you'll miss the quiet magic of early mornings and late afternoons.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Apollo Bay: A charming coastal town with a lively café scene, great seafood, and the start of the Great Ocean Walk – a perfect base for exploring the national park.
• Port Campbell National Park: Adjacent to Otway, this park is home to the Twelve Apostles, London Arch, and the Gibson Steps – easily combined in a single day's drive.
• Great Otway National Park: Technically the broader park name, but often used to refer to the inland rainforest sections – don't miss the waterfalls like Triplet Falls and Hopetoun Falls.
• Torquay: The surf capital of Australia, with Bells Beach and great surf shops; a fun stop before or after your park visit.
• Lorne: A stylish seaside town with a beautiful beach, waterfalls (Erskine Falls), and a lively arts scene – worth a detour along the Great Ocean Road.

Please check official sources for current details.