If you’re heading to Melbourne and craving a rainforest escape, the Great Otway National Park should be on your hit list.
In Victoria’s Barwon South West region, it’s a three-hour drive from the city, and worth every minute on the road.
Spanning over 1,000 square kilometres, The Great Otway National Park is a temperate rainforest and a dream for nature lovers, history buffs and adventurers alike. The rainforest itself is around 10 million years old, blanketing the Otway Ranges in a rich tapestry of ancient greenery, cascading waterfalls and secret walking trails.
Long before European settlers arrived, the land was known as Gadubanud country — home to the Gadubanud people, who lived in harmony with the coast and forest. Their deep connection to the land is still felt today, though their story took a tragic turn in the 19th century when British colonisation led to the loss of their community. A walk through the park is not only a journey through natural beauty but also a reminder of the First Nations history embedded in every fern and gum tree.
A Nexus of nature in Great Otway National Park
Thanks to its coastal location and southern latitude, the Otways are known for their cool, wet climate. Winter brings dramatic downpours that fuel the region’s spectacular waterfalls — perfect for those who don’t mind donning a rain jacket to chase that moody rainforest magic. Autumn and spring, though, are especially gorgeous times to visit, with vibrant foliage and wildlife in full swing.
Speaking of wildlife — get ready for a parade of Aussie icons. The park is teeming with koalas, kangaroos, wombats, echidnas and more than 160 bird species. Keep your eyes peeled for the cheeky grin of a kookaburra or the flash of the rare orange-bellied parrot. And if you time it right, you might even spot the enchanting glow worms lighting up Melba Gully after dark — like tiny stars scattered across the forest floor.
Plant life here is just as diverse, with towering eucalyptus and ancient tree ferns creating a canopy that feels almost prehistoric. The Myrtle Beech, one of the tallest flowering trees in the world, adds a majestic presence to the forest landscape.
The Great Otway National Park has something for every kind of explorer
For those keen to really get amongst it, the Otway Fly TreeTop Walk is a must-do. Suspended 30 metres above ground, this 600-metre steel walkway winds through the treetops, offering jaw-dropping views and a new perspective on the rainforest below. Adrenaline junkies can also tackle the zipline tour, or test their skills mountain biking through the winding trails of Forrest or Anglesea — both known for their stunning scenery and pulse-racing descents.
History buffs will love a visit to Cape Otway Lightstation — Australia’s oldest surviving lighthouse. Standing tall on the rugged cliffs, it’s a poignant spot to soak up stories of early exploration and shipwrecks. If you’re lucky, you might spot whales on their annual migration along the coast — up to 25 species pass by this part of Victoria each year.
For those up for a bit more of a challenge, the hike down to Wreck Beach rewards you with hauntingly beautiful sights — the rusted anchors of the Fiji and Marie Gabrielle ships, remnants of a treacherous past that serve as a sobering contrast to the romantic tales of seafaring adventure.
Where to eat and drink in the Great Otway National Park
Exploring all that natural beauty sure works up an appetite. Luckily, the Great Otway National Park are peppered with cosy cafés, rustic breweries and local gems worth the stop.
Forrest Brewing Company is a favourite among visitors and locals. This small, sibling-owned craft brewery in the tiny town of Forrest serves up top-notch ales and hearty meals with a paddock-to-plate ethos. Grab a tasting paddle, settle in by the fireplace, and tuck into something warm and satisfying after a day on the trails.
The Perch at Lavers Hill is another great pit stop, especially if you’re heading towards the coast. Perched (literally) on a ridge with views over the rainforest, this laid-back eatery serves up classic pub fare, cracking local wines, and cold craft beer. It’s got that perfect balance of “country charm meets cool Aussie tavern.” And for a good coffee and something sweet? Hello Coffee in Apollo Bay roasts their own beans and does a brilliant brunch, in a relaxed, industrial-style setting. Great for grabbing a caffeine fix before hitting the road again.
