Great Otway National Park

Stretching from the surf-beaten coastline of Victoria's Shipwreck Coast deep into the cool temperate rainforest of the Otway Ranges, Great Otway National Park is a landscape of dramatic contrasts. Here, the Southern Ocean crashes against towering sea stacks, while inland, mossy fern gullies and towering mountain ash trees create a prehistoric atmosphere. This park is a must for nature lovers, offering a raw, untamed beauty that's easily accessible from the Great Ocean Road.

Highlights & What to See

• Twelve Apostles & Loch Ard Gorge – The iconic limestone stacks rising from the ocean are just the beginning; explore the dramatic gorge and its shipwreck history.
• Maits Rest Rainforest Walk – A short, elevated boardwalk through ancient myrtle beech and tree ferns, with a canopy that feels like a green cathedral.
• Otway Fly Treetop Adventures – Walk among the treetops on a suspension bridge or zip-line through the forest for a bird's-eye view of the ecosystem.
• Cape Otway Lighthouse – Australia's oldest surviving lighthouse, perched on dramatic cliffs with sweeping ocean views and a chance to spot migrating whales.
• Great Ocean Road Waterfalls – Triplet Falls, Hopetoun Falls, and Beauchamp Falls are stunning cascades hidden in lush rainforest, each with short walks.

Suggested Time to Spend

To truly appreciate the park's diversity, plan at least two days. Spend the first day exploring the coastal highlights from the Twelve Apostles to Cape Otway, then dedicate the second day to the inland rainforest walks and waterfalls. If you're short on time, a full-day drive from Apollo Bay or Port Campbell can cover the key coastal sights, but you'll miss the magical interior. For hikers, the Great Ocean Walk (multi-day) traverses the park's best sections.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Apollo Bay – A charming seaside town with a lively café scene and gateway to the park's southern section.
• Port Campbell National Park – Adjacent to the west, home to the Twelve Apostles and more dramatic coastal formations.
• Lorne – A popular beachside resort with great dining and access to the park's eastern rainforest walks.
• Great Ocean Road – The entire drive from Torquay to Warrnambool is a scenic masterpiece, with the park as its centerpiece.

Please check official sources for current details.