The Great Otway National park and surrounding towns are some of the most scenic and beautiful parts of Australia. Here ancient and lush rainforests with tall timber, huge fern gullies and waterfalls, heath lands and the rugged cliffs and spectacular coastline of Bass Strait.
The National Park covers 103,000 hectares and is one of the must sees on many international visitors itinnery. With many taking organised day trip bus tours from their hotels in Melbourne taking in the Otways, Great Ocean Road and the 12 Apostles sandstone outcrops of the coast near Port Fairy.
Some of the magnificent camping areas include Johanna, Aire River and Blanket Bay, all with amazing walking tracks, access to the pristine beaches and seclusion.
Many interesting townships are dotted throughout the Otways region including Birragurra, Beech Forest, and Forrest. These towns are small farming communities with dairy cattle the major focus, but in recent years many have tried their hand at organic and specialty meat and vegetables.
Some of the states most spectacular waterfalls are found in the Otways including Triplet Falls, Stevenson’s Falls, Beauchamp and Hopetown Falls, all offering incredible displays of water after rains. The Otways is a major water catchments area for much of the Geelong area and the starting point to the Barwon River which snakes its way through Geelong to Barwon Heads. Triplet Falls has a new multi million dollar redevelopment complete with bollards and new 2 km walking track improvements. Here visitors can walk around the tall mountain ash, blackwoods, myrtle beech trees and incredible tall tree ferns. The track gives great views of the falls and is the perfect place for some fresh air and a picnic.
Little Falls which is close by offers a 8 metre high viewing platform and follows what was an old logging track here you get a very different perspective on the beautiful trees and lush ferns. The walk takes about 2 hours to complete and you are likely to see some of Australia’s beautiful and unique wildlife including parrots, finches and might even see a koala or wallaby.
For one of the most spectacular and different experiences the Otways Fly is the latest major tourist attraction in the area. The 600 metre long tree top walkway takes visitors 25 metres above the grownd offering breathtaking views amongst the tree canopy. There is also a 45 meter high tower where the brave can climb to above the forest. The Otway Flie is near Triplet Falls about 50 minutes drive from Apollo Bay or 40 Minutes from Colac.
The Gellibrand river’s upper waters are very popular for trout bream fishing. Ensure you check where fishing is permitted in the Otways and surrounding ocean, as much of it is protected under the Marine National Parks and Sanctuaries act. Fishing licences are also required for much of the fishing in the area.
Like much of the bush land along the Great Ocean Road fires are a major threat and the Otways has suffered badly from devastating wild fires. The worst in recent times was the 1983 Ash Wednesday fires, but there have been many since and they will come again. Visitors should be aware at all times in this region that fires can and do occur. It is important to ensure that you do not accidentally start a fire and that you are safe if you come across a fire. Regular controlled burns of the Otways take place to help safe guard against major catastrophes.
