Otway Fly

High in the ancient cool temperate rainforest of the Otway Ranges, the Otway Fly offers a breathtaking walk among the treetops. This steel-and-wire walkway lifts you 30 metres above the forest floor, where you can wander through a canopy of myrtle beech, blackwood and tree ferns. The experience is both serene and exhilarating — the soft green light filtering through the leaves, the smell of damp earth, and the occasional call of a lyrebird or whipbird. For those who prefer to stay grounded, the forest floor walk reveals giant ferns and mossy logs. It’s a must-do for nature lovers and anyone wanting to feel small in the best possible way.

Highlights & What to See

• Canopy Walkway — a 600-metre elevated path with a 45-metre-high spiral tower offering panoramic views over the rainforest.
• Tree Fern Gully — a short boardwalk through a dense grove of ancient tree ferns, some over 400 years old.
• Otway Fly Zipline Tour — for adrenaline seekers, a separate guided tour flying through the canopy on cables (book in advance).
• Birdwatching — keep an eye out for satin bowerbirds, rosellas and the elusive superb lyrebird.
• Interpretive Signs — dotted along the walkways, they explain the ecology and history of the Otway rainforest.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allow at least 1.5–2 hours for a relaxed visit that includes both the canopy walk and the forest floor loop. If you’re doing the zipline tour, budget another 2–3 hours. The site is open daily (except Christmas Day) and is best visited in the morning when the forest is quiet and the light is soft. Combine with a picnic lunch at one of the nearby picnic spots in the Otway Ranges.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Great Otway National Park — home to stunning waterfalls like Triplet Falls and Hopetoun Falls, plus scenic drives and hiking trails.
• Apollo Bay — a charming coastal town with a beautiful beach, great seafood and access to the Great Ocean Walk.
• Twelve Apostles — about an hour’s drive west, these iconic limestone stacks are a must-see on any Great Ocean Road itinerary.
• Maits Rest Rainforest Walk — a shorter, free boardwalk loop through a similar ancient rainforest, ideal for a quick stop.
• Lorne — a popular seaside town with cafes, shops and the scenic Erskine Falls.

Please check official sources for current details.