Great Otway National Park

From Torquay to Princetown and inland to Colac, the Great Outback National Park has rugged coastlines, sandy beaches, rocky platforms and windswept moorlands. In the north are tall forests, fern-covered ravines, magnificent waterfalls and peaceful lakes – 1,000 square kilometres of nature-lover’s paradise!

Explore the park all year round, but locals say the best time to visit Otway is in winter, when spectacular waterfalls and whale watching in the coastal villages and at Cape Otway, as well as comfortable accommodation options, attract many visitors.

Exploring Otway National Park

Great Otway National Park is part of the Aboriginal cultural landscape. Parks Victoria respects traditional owners’ deep and enduring relationship with these lands and waters, and we recognise their ongoing role in protecting the country.

Great Otway National Park stretches from Torquay along the famous Great Ocean Road to the Otway interior. Explore windswept coastlines and breathtaking waterfalls in the highland forests, hike the iconic Great Ocean Trail, immerse yourself in the history of the Otway Lightstation or surf some of Australia’s best surf breaks. Visitors can explore the natural beauty of Great Otway National Park.

Join us on a memorable Great Ocean Road tour and witness the stunning coastal scenery, lush rainforests, and diverse wildlife along the way.

See the magnificent coastline between Apollo Bay and the Twelve Apostles on the Great Ocean Walk, where nature reveals itself with every step. Complete the entire walk in eight days or do it in parts over a weekend. Enjoy the nature on the 44km Surf Coast Walk from Torquay to Airys Inlet.

We also recommend following the legendary Great Ocean Road, constructed by soldiers who had just returned from the First World War. It holds the title of being the longest war memorial globally.

A guided tour will provide you with the vivid maritime history of the Cape Otway Lighthouse. Enjoy stunning views of the Shipwreck Coast from the top of this historic lighthouse. Surf the crashing waves of Johanna Beach and discover the fascinating underwater mini-ecosystems of rock pools at Eagle Rock Marine Sanctuary in Aireys Inlet or the sandy shores and rocky platforms along the Great Ocean Road. Have a refreshing ride through tall eucalyptus forests, dry scrub and dense fern gullies along the Forrest Mountain Bike Trails in nearby Otway Forest Park. You can relax among the gums and have a picnic at Sheoak Picnic Ground near Lorne.

On the way through fern-covered valleys, discover spectacular waterfalls such as Erskine Falls, Sheoak Falls, Triplett Falls, Hopetoun Falls and Kalimna Falls. Walking in the mossy forest of Melba Gully Gorge, you can witness the unique nighttime spectacle of fireflies.

Visit Mates Rest to discover magnificent fern beams or giant beech trees – some up to 300 years old – and wander among the imposing California redwoods hidden in the Otway Ranges. There are great opportunities for more extended stays, whether looking for a family-friendly caravan park or spending a night alone under the stars.

The Best Spots

Anglesey and Eiris Inlet bays

The natural splendour of the Great Outward Bound National Park frames Anglesey and the Isles of Scilly. You will be amazed at the wild ocean, stunning coastal vistas and coastal cliffs. Be open to exploring towering eucalyptus forests, lush valleys and waterfalls. Surf the legendary waves of Bells Beach, discover the delicate kaleidoscope of wildflowers in the Anglesea Marshes or snorkel off Point Addis.

Spring wildflowers are in full bloom in the heathlands around Anglesea, Victoria’s most prosperous and diverse plant community. See for yourself how the heathland bursts into vibrant colour in spring.

Moggs Creek to Anglesea

Moggs Creek is one of the many scenic spots in the park. Picnic, bushwalk, and explore the ocean view trail, which offers excellent views of the Great Ocean Road, Fairhaven, and the ocean. The Distillery Creek Picnic Area is another great picnic spot with wooden barbecues, tables, flush toilets, nature walks and bike paths. Shared trails offer plenty of hiking and biking opportunities in this part of National Park.

Try a more challenging hike or bike ride on the 12km Currawong Falls Circuit public trail, which starts at the Distillery Creek picnic area. The small and delicate Currawong Falls is an infrequent waterfall best viewed after heavy rain.

The stretch from Ironbark Basin to Anglesea on the Surf Coast Walk is an opportunity to immerse yourself in nature. You’ll pass spectacular cliffs, strong winds and views of Anglesea. Discover the traditional owners and their ongoing relationship with the land on the Wadawurrung Cultural Walk and Ironbark Basin Trail.

Surfers frequent the beaches along this coast, including the famous Bells Beach and Addiscombe Beach.

The Point Addis Marine National Park offers spectacular scenery with large sandy beaches. The coastline and outer reefs are home to a fantastic variety of marine life. Visitors can explore the rock pools in calm weather and at low tide, diving and snorkelling to explore the wonderful underwater world. Snorkelling is good on the Jarosite and Ingoldsby reefs. Addiscombe Beach is a great place to swim underwater at low tide.

A perfect place to watch the wildlife and relax is Hammond Campground, which is located 12 km from Eiris Inlet.

Cape Otway and Apollo Bay

Breathtaking coastlines, spectacular cliffs, deep valleys with tall forests and fern-covered ravines, and spectacular waterfalls characterise Apollo Bay and Cape Otway. From firefly watching to cliff walking to fishing, you’ll be delighted with the things to do in this beautiful southwestern part of Great Otway National Park.

The Cape Otway Lighthouse is a well-known place in Australia with various maritime history stories. With a guided tour, learn them and explore the oldest working lighthouse in Australia, which operated between 1848 and 1994. Entrance fee applies.

The Great Ocean Walk is one of the most prominent walks in the country. It connects Apollo Bay and Twelve Apostles Bay and passes through tall forests and coastal swamps along rocky shores and windswept cliffs. The walk can take up to eight days or be quick.

Lorne

Lorne is the coastal town where the bush meets the beach. Here, you’ll find white sandy beaches, cliffs, incredible coastal views, plenty of walks to waterfalls and picnic areas lined with lush fern beams. Hikers have plenty of choice in this corner of Great Otway National Park, with Sheoak Falls and the long Canyon Walk.

There are more than ten waterfalls within 10 minutes of Lorne, so visit Australia’s waterfall capital and discover the lost world of emerald green gorges.

Discover the magnificent year-round Erskine Falls, just a short drive from the city. A short walk of more than 270 steps leads to a viewing platform at the base of the falls. Admire one of the Otway’s highest waterfalls as you watch the water cascade down a mossy cliff and plunge into the gorge below.

The Best Picnic Area

Amongst tall eucalyptus trees, you can find a comfortable Blanket Leaf picnic area. It has picnic tables, fire pits and shelters. Everything you need for a pleasant stay. Hike down to Cora Lynn Falls or follow the Lemonade Creek Walk for a different perspective on Erskine Falls.

The Sheoak Picnic Area is a waterfall destination, with walks leading to Kalimna, Sheoak, Henderson, Won Wondah and Phantom Falls. The tranquil picnic area includes accessible picnic tables, fire pits and tents – the perfect place to spend the day!

In addition, from the Sheoak picnic area, a walk to the Lower and Upper Kalimna Falls requires some preparation. The 8-kilometre route runs along an old wooden tramway through shady fern gullies and extensive eucalyptus forests.

FAQ

What is the best time of year to visit Great Otway National Park?

While the park is open year-round, locals often recommend visiting in winter. This is when the waterfalls are at their most spectacular, whale watching is possible along the coast and at Cape Otway, and cosy accommodation is readily available.

What are some must-see attractions in the park?

Highlights include the Great Ocean Walk between Apollo Bay and the Twelve Apostles, Cape Otway Lighthouse, Erskine Falls near Lorne, the California Redwoods, Melba Gully fireflies, and surfing at Bells Beach or Johanna Beach.

Are there good picnic and camping spots in the park?

Yes. Popular picnic areas include Blanket Leaf Picnic Area, Sheoak Picnic Ground, Distillery Creek Picnic Area, and Shelly Beach Picnic Area. For camping, options include Aire River Campground, Johanna Beach Campground, Blanket Bay, Jamieson Creek, and Allenvale Campground.

Can I enjoy wildlife and marine life in the park?

Absolutely. You can spot koalas, kangaroos, a variety of birds, and marine life such as seals and whales (seasonal). The Point Addis Marine National Park is excellent for snorkelling and exploring rock pools.

What activities can I do besides hiking?

Visitors can enjoy mountain biking in Otway Forest Park, fishing in the Aire and Helliabrand Rivers, surfing, snorkelling, lighthouse tours, and cultural walks such as the Wadawurrung Cultural Walk.