Great Otway National Park covers much of the hill country and coast behind the Great Ocean Road, from the Lorne area through Apollo Bay to Cape Otway. The scenery changes sharply from the open ocean views: dense cool rainforest, fern gardens, waterfalls and trees up to 300 years old. The easiest introduction is the Maits Rest rainforest circuit, an 800 metre trail about 20 km from Apollo Bay that most day tours include. Waterfalls such as Triplet Falls and Hopetoun Falls are favourites for slightly longer walks, and winter is considered the best season for water flow and for whale watching along the coast. Lake Elizabeth is a good place to look for platypus at dusk or dawn, and Melba Gully is known for glow worms after dark. Entry to the park is free.
Choosing a walk
If you only have an hour, do the Maits Rest circuit, which is short, well made and suits most ages. For waterfalls, pick Triplet Falls or Hopetoun Falls and allow more time, since the tracks are longer and include steps. Some walks in the park are temporarily closed at times, so check the park manager's site for the latest list before you drive to a trailhead. Bring a rain jacket, because the rainforest is often damp, cool and shaded even on warm days.
Wildlife and seasons
The park is home to koalas, wallabies, echidnas and platypus, and the coastal sections attract whales from May to October. Dusk and dawn are the best times for kangaroos, wallabies and platypus, but they are also when animals are on the roads, so drive slowly. In late spring the forest is lush, though warm days bring bushfire risk. Check the fire danger rating, follow VicEmergency and VicTraffic and be ready to change plans.
Combining it
The park surrounds Cape Otway Lightstation and sits close to the Otway Fly treetop walk, so a day can combine rainforest, canopy and coast. Apollo Bay is the most convenient base, and Lorne is the northern gateway. If you are on a day tour from Melbourne, the rainforest walk is usually a short stop, so base yourself nearby if you want to explore properly.
What to expect
The experience
Self-guided rainforest and waterfall walks of varied length, with the short Maits Rest circuit as the easy option.
Best time
Winter has the best waterfalls, while dusk and dawn suit wildlife, and late spring is green but needs fire awareness.
How long
Allow one hour for Maits Rest, or half a day to a full day for waterfalls and wildlife.
Tips
Check which walks are open, carry a rain jacket, wear shoes with grip and follow fire danger warnings.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Walkers, nature lovers and anyone who wants a cool green break from the coastal viewpoints.
- Families
- Maits Rest is short and suits most children, though waterfall tracks include steps and slippery sections.
- Couples
- Walk the circuit in the morning, then have lunch in Apollo Bay.
- Pair with
- Pair it with the Otway Fly treetop walk, Cape Otway Lightstation and Kennett River koalas.
- Time needed
- An hour for Maits Rest, up to a full day for several walks.
Good questions
Is Great Otway National Park free?+
Yes. Entry to the park is free, though some tours and attractions inside or near it charge their own admission.
What is the easiest walk?+
The Maits Rest rainforest circuit is about 800 metres and takes under an hour. It passes fern gardens and trees up to 300 years old.
When are the waterfalls best?+
Winter is considered the best season for waterfalls, when water flow is strongest. Spring is also green and pleasant.
Can I see platypus or glow worms?+
Lake Elizabeth is a good place to look for platypus at dusk or dawn, and Melba Gully is known for glow worms after dark. Neither is guaranteed.
Are all walks open?+
Not always. Some walks are temporarily closed from time to time, so check the park manager's current list before you set out.
