Great Otway National Park

Stretching from the surf coast of Torquay to the shipwreck coast near Princetown, Great Otway National Park is a lush, temperate rainforest wonderland where towering mountain ash and ancient myrtle beech trees create a cathedral-like canopy. The air is thick with the scent of damp earth and eucalyptus, and the soundtrack is a symphony of bird calls and crashing waves. This is a place where you can stand beneath a waterfall one moment and gaze at a dramatic coastal cliff the next—a quintessential Victorian wilderness that rewards those who take the time to explore.

Highlights & What to See

• Maits Rest Rainforest Walk – An easy boardwalk loop through ancient myrtle beech and tree ferns, with interpretive signs explaining the ecology. Go early to avoid crowds and catch the soft morning light filtering through the canopy.
• Triplet Falls – A stunning three-tiered waterfall accessed via a short, well-maintained walk with viewing platforms. After rain, the flow is powerful and the spray is refreshing.
• Great Ocean Walk – A multi-day hiking trail that traverses the park’s coastal section, offering dramatic views of the Southern Ocean and the iconic Twelve Apostles. Even a short day hike from Apollo Bay to Marengo is rewarding.
• Cape Otway Lightstation – Australia’s oldest surviving lighthouse, perched on dramatic sea cliffs. The site includes a museum and is a prime spot for whale watching (June–October) and sunset photography.
• Bimbi Park & Kennett River – Top spots for spotting wild koalas in the eucalypts. Kennett River is especially reliable; look up in the trees along the roadside.
• Hopetoun Falls – A dramatic 30-metre waterfall that plunges into a fern-lined gorge. The steep staircase to the base is not for the faint-hearted, but the view from the bottom is unforgettable.

Suggested Time to Spend

To experience the park’s diversity, plan at least a full day—ideally two. A single day allows for a morning rainforest walk (Maits Rest or Triplet Falls), a lighthouse visit, and a coastal walk or koala-spotting session. With an overnight stay in Apollo Bay or at a campground like Blanket Bay, you can add a longer hike on the Great Ocean Walk, explore more waterfalls, and enjoy the sunset from a secluded beach. The park is best visited between October and April when the weather is mild, but winter brings dramatic, moody skies and fewer crowds.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Apollo Bay – A charming seaside town with excellent cafés, a lively fishing harbour, and easy access to the park’s western trails. It’s the perfect base for exploring.
• Twelve Apostles & Loch Ard Gorge – Just east of the park, these iconic limestone stacks and dramatic sea cliffs are a must-see, especially at sunrise or sunset.
• Port Campbell National Park – Adjacent to the Otways, this park features the Twelve Apostles, London Bridge, and the Grotto—a compact area for coastal wonders.
• Great Ocean Road – The scenic drive itself is a highlight, with viewpoints at Lorne, Wye River, and along the winding road through the park.
• Otway Fly Treetop Adventures – For a different perspective, walk among the canopy on a steel walkway 30 metres above the forest floor. Combine with a zipline tour for an adrenaline kick.

Please check official sources for current details.