Maits Rest

Maits Rest is a serene pocket of ancient rainforest on Victoria's Great Ocean Road, just a short detour from the main highway. A boardwalk loop winds through a cathedral-like grove of towering myrtle beech and tree ferns, where the air is cool and damp and the only sounds are birdsong and dripping leaves. This is one of the best places on the coast to experience the lush temperate rainforest that once covered much of the region.

Highlights & What to See

• Ancient Myrtle Beech Trees – Gaze up at these centuries-old giants, their trunks draped in moss and lichen, creating a primeval atmosphere.
• Tree Fern Gully – The elevated boardwalk threads through a dense understorey of soft tree ferns, some reaching over 10 metres tall.
• Interpretive Signs – Learn about the ecology of the Otway Ranges, including the role of fungi and the life cycle of the forest.
• Birdwatching – Listen for the calls of lyrebirds, rosellas, and whipbirds; early morning or late afternoon are best for sightings.
• Photography – The dappled light and verdant greens make this a dream spot for nature photographers, especially after rain.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allow 30–45 minutes to walk the 800-metre boardwalk at a leisurely pace, stopping to read the signs and soak in the stillness. The loop is flat and wheelchair-accessible, making it a perfect quick stop on a driving day. Combine with a picnic at nearby Blanket Bay or a hike at Cape Otway Lightstation for a half-day nature immersion.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Great Otway National Park – Extensive walking trails, waterfalls like Triplet Falls, and coastal lookouts.
• Cape Otway Lightstation – Australia's oldest surviving lighthouse, with history and views of the Southern Ocean.
• Apollo Bay – Charming seaside town with cafes, a beach, and access to the Great Ocean Walk.
• Great Ocean Road – Continue west to the Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge, or east to Lorne and Torquay.
• Otway Fly Treetop Walk – A different perspective on the rainforest, with a steel walkway 30 metres above the forest floor.

Please check official sources for current details.