Otway National Park

Shrouded in ancient temperate rainforest and lashed by the Southern Ocean, Otway National Park is one of Victoria’s most dramatic coastal wildernesses. Towering mountain ash and myrtle beech create a cathedral-like canopy, while the Great Ocean Road unfurls along its edge, offering jaw-dropping views at every turn. This is a place for walkers, wildlife lovers and anyone who wants to feel the raw power of the sea meeting the forest.

Highlights & What to See

• Great Ocean Walk – Tackle sections of this multi-day trail that hugs the coastline, passing through heathland and towering cliffs with sweeping ocean vistas.
• Maits Rest Rainforest Walk – A short, elevated boardwalk loop that weaves through ancient myrtle beech and tree ferns, with a quiet, primeval atmosphere.
• Cape Otway Lightstation – Climb Victoria’s oldest surviving lighthouse for panoramic views; the site also offers insights into maritime history and is a prime spot for whale watching (June–October).
• Bimbi Park & Koalas – The eucalypt woodlands around Cape Otway are home to one of Australia’s densest koala populations; keep your eyes peeled for dozing koalas in the treetops.
• Twelve Apostles & Loch Ard Gorge – Just east of the park, these iconic limestone stacks and dramatic sea caves are unmissable – arrive early to beat the crowds.

Suggested Time to Spend

To truly appreciate the park’s diversity, plan at least a full day. If you’re short on time, a half-day can cover the Maits Rest walk and a coastal lookout, but for the Great Ocean Walk sections or a visit to the lighthouse, a full day is essential. Many travellers combine a night in nearby Apollo Bay or Port Campbell to break up the journey.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Apollo Bay – A relaxed seaside town with good cafes and accommodation, ideal as a base for exploring the park’s western side.
• Port Campbell National Park – Home to the Twelve Apostles, London Bridge and the Grotto, all within a short drive east of Otway.
• Great Otway National Park (eastern section) – The park extends east to include the scenic Blanket Bay and the historic Cape Otway Lightstation.
• Sovereign Hill – Inland near Ballarat, this living-history museum re-creates the gold-rush era – a fascinating contrast to the coastal wilderness.
• Lorne – A popular surf town with a beautiful beach and the start of the Great Ocean Walk’s eastern trailhead.

Please check official sources for current details.