Exploring the captivating route from Melbourne to Otways, filled with numerous exciting activities to engage in.
Embrace the Magic of the Great Otway Road Trip:
Explore one of Australia's most spectacular natural wonders with this unforgettable road trip through the enchanting Great Otway National Park. From lush forests to thundering waterfalls, this stellar coastal adventure guarantees romance, adventure, and breathtaking beauty.
Discover the Great:
- The Essential Grampians Travel Guide
- Gippsland's Best: Experiences and Places to Visit
- Uncover Victoria's Coolest Small Towns
- The Most Charming Country Towns to Visit
Join us as we reveal the very best stops for a mind-blowing road trip around the mystical Great Otway National Park in Victoria.
Planning Your Ultimate Otway Road Trip:
Melbourne to Forrest (159km, 2 hours)
The journey begins in Melbourne, as the M1 swiftly sweeps you away from the city's hustle and bustle. The trail transforms from busy streets into picturesque rolling countryside once you pass Geelong. You'll then ascend through eucalyptus-covered hills, indicating your arrival at the charming town of Forrest. Known for mountain biking trails, wildlife, and surprisingly great coffee, Forrest is your perfect pit stop.
Forrest Activities:
Drive just a stone's throw to serene Lake Elizabeth, an eerily beautiful lake formed by a landslide in 1952. Embark on a leisurely 1.5km forest walk to reach the picturesque lake and spot elusive platypus critters. For something more adventurous, schedule a dawn canoe tour with Otway Eco Tours to observe platypuses gliding across the lake's stunning surface.
Hop on a mountain bike rented from Forrest MTB Hire and explore the more than 60km of tailor-made mountain bike trails surrounding the area, or embark on a 12km mountain bike loop that links Forrest with Lake Elizabeth.
Sink your teeth into hearty, comforting fare at the cozy Forrest General Store Café. While you munch on delicious meals, indulge in artisanal gifts you can find in the store. Nab a tipple at the Forrest Brewing Company and enjoy their tasty pub grub with a locally-brewed beer while taking in the cool mountain air.
For the perfect lodging, consider the secluded Otways Loft, a hand-built log house near Forrest, or the quaint Forrest Guesthouse featuring self-contained suites. Campers can pitch a tent at the beautiful Lake Elizabeth Campground nestled beside the Barwon River or enjoy the convenience of the Forrest Holiday Park offering camping sites and cabins close to town.
Forrest Brewing is a popular sunset gathering spot. Image: Visit Victoria
Forrest to Cape Otway (71km direct, 136km with recommended stops, 1.5 hours direct, 3 hours with recommended stops)
Prepare to be entranced as you leave the damp forest behind and approach the iconic Great Ocean Road. Along the way, soak up the stunning waterfall walks, forest trails, and enticing koala encounters. The landscape transforms again as you arrive at Cape Otway and its dramatic, windswept coastline.
Activities Between Forrest and Cape Otway:
Dive into the beauty of Stevensons Falls, one of Victoria's most impressive waterfalls. A 3.8km return walk from a well-equipped campground and picnic area takes you through captivating forest trails to the 37m-tall cascades.
Stroll the short Redwoods Boardwalk and marvel at the towering Californian Redwoods punctuated by a babbling creek. Here, you can find picnic tables and toilets conveniently located near the parking lot.
Next up, find Beauchamp Falls offering a refreshing 2.7km return trek through dense mountain ash forests and dense ferns to the 20m tall falls.
Venture onto the Treetop Walk at Otway Fly Treetop Adventures and explore the area's lush rainforest treetops from 25-30m above the ground. Daredevils can embark on the Zipline Tour, a thrilling 2.5-hour guided aerial adventure.
Embark on the 2km loop Madsen's Track beginning at the Melba Gully Picnic Area. This trail meanders through mossy trees, fern gullies, and soothing Anne's Cascades. Keep your eyes open for elusive glow worms as night descends.
Stand witness to Australia's oldest surviving lighthouse, the Cape Otway Lightstation, built in 1848. Climb the 199 steps to the top for a panoramic view of the jagged coastline known as the Shipwreck Coast. Keep your eyes peeled for southern right whales, humpback whales, blue whales, and orcas.
Food and Accommodation Near Cape Otway:
Pack a picnic or stop by the Lightkeeper's Café for delicious scones baked fresh daily. The café overlooks the famous lighthouse and is open from 10:30 am to 4 pm.
Rest your head at the Cape Otway Lightstation offering three accommodation options: the Lightkeeper's Cottage with room for 6-10 guests, the Lighthouse Lodge accommodating 8-10 guests, and the Lightstation Studio designed for two.
Other nearby, intriguing lodgings include the Sky Pods featuring luxurious tiny houses with stunning views and the aptly-named Bimbi Park, featuring cabins and campsites surrounded by a forest of wild koalas, kangaroos, and native birds.
Cape Otway Lightstation is the oldest surviving lighthouse on mainland Australia. Image: Visit Victoria
Cape Otway to Lorne (79km, 1.5 hours)
This picturesque stretch of the Great Ocean Road boasts dramatic cliffside curves, frothy waves, and a blanket of lush greenery. Soak up the views at Teddy's Lookout and keep your eyes open for migrating whales during the winter months.
Activities Around Lorne:
Explore the charming seaside town of Lorne, known for its art galleries, boutiques, and buzzing café culture. Take a dip in the seaside Lorne Sea Baths before sliding down the therapeutic hydro baths or renting an aqua roller. Engage in thrilling high ropes courses and ziplines at Live Wire Park.
Food in Lorne:
Munch on delightful rustic Italian fare at Totti's, or indulge in mouthwatering Greek dishes at Ipsos. Fancy French-Balinese fusion cuisine? Look no further than Coco Café & Restaurant.
Lodging Near Lorne:
Unwind at the historic Lorne Hotel, offering beautifully renovated rooms and two onsite eateries. For a more family-friendly stay, consider Lorne Bush House Cottages & Eco Retreats set amongst the surrounding nature. Cumberland River Holiday Park caters to campers with its unpowered campsites, free gas BBQs, laundry facilities, and well-stocked kiosk.
Lorne's Live Wire Park is brimming with amazing high ropes courses. Image: Visit Victoria
Lorne to Aireys Inlet (19km, 20 minutes)
Prepare for a short, awe-inspiring drive along the coast, showcasing daring cliffside curves, waves dubbed "paint-worthy," and a blanket of greenery.
Activities in Aireys Inlet:
Drop by the palpably iconic Split Point Lighthouse, affectionately known to generations of Australians as the setting of Round the Twist. Don't miss the guided tours to reach the top and admire the outstanding views from the famous lighthouse. Appreciate the charming artwork at the Eagles Nest Fine Art Gallery in town.
Discover the magic of the Moggs Creek Picnic Area with its trails catering to various skill levels, including the short 1.5km loop Moggs Creek Nature Trail.
Food in Aireys Inlet:
Sink your teeth into delicious woodfired pizzas at The Captain of Aireys. Delight in healthy, eco-conscious wraps, toasties, coffee, and more at Onda Cafe. Tantalize your taste buds with fresh seafood and Greek dishes at A La Grecque, or indulge in pub fare at Aireys Pub.
Lodging Near Aireys Inlet:
Stay at the enchanting Sunnymead Hotel in Aireys Inlet, making for the perfect getaway with a stunning ocean view. If you prefer to stay nearer to Torquay, Torquay offers a wide range of accommodations to suit travelers of all kinds.
The Otway Redwoods are truly an awe-inspiring sight. Image: Visit Victoria
Aireys Inlet to Melbourne (123km, 1 hour 45 minutes)
After leaving Aireys Inlet, listen to the M1 whisk you back to Melbourne, where urban skyscrapers emerge on the horizon. Along the way, you can choose to make detours in Anglesea, Torquay, and Geelong.
Activities En Route to Melbourne:
Indulge in the pristine waters and stunning beaches in Torquay, home to world-famous Bells Beach and popular for surfing and swimming. Make a point to visit the Australian National Surfing Museum to delve into the world of surfing and beach culture.
Food En Route to Melbourne:
Satisfy your sweet tooth and indulge in thousands of chocolates at the massive Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie just past Anglesea. Before returning to the city, pitstop at Little Creatures Brewery in Geelong. This quirky venue, nestled in a former wool mill, is renowned for its beer garden, expansive bar, and delicious food.
Lodging En Route to Melbourne:
From the free Allenvale Mill Bush Campground near Lorne to accommodation in Torquay, the Great Otway Road Trip offers a variety of choices to suit families, foodies, and friends alike.
Happy Travels! 🎉
Bonus Tips:
- Seasonal Activities: Marvel at whale migration during the winter months, or witness the vibrant blooms of heathlands in the spring (Education.com.au, n.d.).
- Best Time to Visit: Embark on your adventure midweek or in February and March when the crowds are smaller and the fees are lower (Bailey, 2019).
- Travel Plans: For travelers seeking an unforgettable road trip around the Great Otway National Park, plan a stop at the Beauchamp Falls trail, where a 2.7km return trek takes you through dense mountain ash forests and bold ferns to a 20m tall waterfall.
- Accommodation: For a unique lodging experience near Cape Otway, stay at Bimbi Park, a forest dwelling of wild koalas, kangaroos, and native birds that also offers cabins and campsites for overnight stays.
