Great Otway National Park

1. Otway Fly

There is no better introduction to the Otway rainforests than at Otway Fly Treetop Adventures which takes your rainforest experience to new heights in the lush surrounds of the magnificent Otway Ranges. Great for kids and the young at heart, visitors can experience the rainforest from a different perspective by doing the Treetop Walk or Zipline Tour.

2. Johanna Beach

One of the campgrounds for the Great Ocean Walk, Johanna Beach is a popular attraction in itself due to its location along the coast. This is a great place to camp for the night or to pay a visit during the day as the beach is beautiful with lovely views out to sea.

3. Maits Rest

One of the more popular walks in Cape Otway, Maits Rest is an easy 20-30 minute circuit walk which takes you through magnificent sub-temperate rainforest in Apollo Bay. The mountain ash trees, ancient tree ferns and bubbling creek make this a truly beautiful walk and one not to be missed.

4. Melba Gully

A few kilometres past Lavers Hill, Melba Gully is well-known for its large colony of glow worms which is best seen after dark. Take a walk among ancient mossy trees and giant tree ferns at Melba Gully and experience the unique spectacle of the glow worms. With picnic tables and an amenities block, Melba Gully is also a great place for a picnic.

5. Cape Otway Lightstation

The Cape Otway Lightstation stands out like a beacon at the tip of Cape Otway and is worth a visit for its views alone. This is the oldest lighthouse on mainland Australia, playing an important role in Australia’s maritime history. Take a tour of the lighthouse or engage in one of the walks that take in the lighthouse, nearby cemetery and lookout.

6. Cape Otway Koalas

One of the best places to spot koalas in the wild is in Cape Otway, where hundreds of koalas can be seen sitting in the eucalypt trees that line the roads along Kennett River. Park your car by the side of the road and take a walk through the area for one of the best wildlife viewing opportunities. If you’re spending a night at Blanket Bay campgrounds, chances are you’ll see a koala or two in the trees located within the grounds too.

7. Otway Waterfalls

Great Otway National Park is famous for its many waterfalls and a visit to the Otways is incomplete without seeing one or two waterfalls during your time here. Marriners Falls, Beauchamp Falls, Hopetoun Falls, Triplet Falls, Little Aire Falls, Stevensons Falls and Carisbrook Falls are the top waterfalls in the area. Visit after the rains for the best views.

8. Otway National Park Walks

Being a national park, there are numerous walking tracks that traverse the Otways taking you to hidden forest retreats and showcasing the nature and beauty of this fertile landscape. While Melba Gully and Maits Rest are two of most popular walking trails in the Otways, there are so many more walking tracks waiting to be explored.

9. Blanket Bay Otways

Another popular campground in the Cape Otway region, Blanket Bay is a great spot to hang up your boots and spend a night or two soaking up the relaxed atmosphere. Located next to a beach, this secluded campsite allows you to get away from the crowds.

10. The Redwoods Otways

See a spectacular forest of giant Californian Redwoods (Sequoia trees) planted in 1939 in Beech Forest. The Redwood forest is a great place to take a picnic, go for a stroll or simply laze under the tall Redwood trees.