Otway National Park, Victoria

It’s hard to believe that two such beautiful, but contrasting areas of natural beauty can be found side by side.  That’s what we have here in Victoria with the coastline of the Great Ocean Road and the equally Great Otway National Park.  Lucky, huh?

A lot of people miss the Great Otway National Park though. Their Great Ocean Road tour is focused on the coast.  That’s the bit that gets all the press.  For those doing the Torquay to Warrnambool stint, it’s a long drive and admittedly, there are plenty of places to entice along the road without taking any detours at all.

If you have the time, it’s absolutely worth adding the Otway ranges to your agenda.  Heck, they’re worth a trip in their own right!

Beautiful rainforests & waterfalls abound

And I mean beautiful.  Tall, tall trees sheltering tree ferns, streams bubbling over rocks, tranquil lakes, secret gullies where you feel like you’re the only ones in the world – it’s just magnificent.  The temperate rainforests of the Great Otway National Park receive some of the highest rainfall in Victoria, keeping the spectacular waterfalls gushing year round.

Stevensons Falls, Triplet Falls & Little Aire Falls are all easy-medium walks and all end with viewing platforms where the beauty of the falls can really be appreciated.

Walks

In addition to the waterfall walks, there are many family friendly walks in the area including some sections of the Great Ocean Road Walk.  The Old Beechy Rail Trail takes in the northern side of the Otway ranges from Colac.  Again, only some sections are suitable for families, so be sure to check it out first.  For a birds eye view of the towering forests try The Otway Fly.  A walkway gradually climbs to 25m above the forest floor giving a totally new perspective.

The Great Otway National Park is accessible from the Great Ocean Road in the south and the Princes Highway in the north.  It’s approximately 2 1/2 hours south west of Melbourne – a good day trip.  Alternatively, there are accommodation options to suit every taste ranging from bush camping to luxury hotels for a longer stay.

Happy travels,

Image by M Hedin