Maits Rest Rainforest Walk – A Journey Through Ancient Otways Forest

Wander * Explore * Discover
Dec 7, 2022
3 min read

Updated: Jan 19

Maits Rest Rainforest Walk – A Journey Through Ancient Otways Forest

Maits Rest Rainforest is a beautiful example of an ancient cool-climate rainforest in the Great Otway National Park, offering visitors a peaceful walk beneath towering trees, lush tree ferns and a thick, moss-covered forest floor. Just 17 kilometres from Apollo Bay, this short and easy walk is one of the best places in the Otways to experience rainforest scenery up close.

Rich in wildlife and home to more than 40 species of birds, Maits Rest is a place to slow down, listen to the forest and enjoy the quiet magic of nature.

A Forest Shaped by Time

The rainforest at Maits Rest is dominated by magnificent Myrtle Beech, towering Tree Ferns, and the giant Mountain Ash eucalyptus (Eucalyptus regnans) — the tallest flowering plant in the world. Some of these trees are estimated to be over 200 years old and can grow to heights of up to 100 metres, creating an awe-inspiring canopy overhead.

The cool, damp environment supports a rich understory of mosses, lichens and fungi, giving the forest its distinctive emerald-green appearance.

Wildlife Encounters in the Otways

Maits Rest is an excellent place to spot native wildlife if you take your time and keep your eyes open. The forest is home to wallabies, koalas, ring-tailed possums, and the elusive long-nosed potoroo. You may also see the distinctive black Otways snail, which is unique to the region. During our visit, we were lucky enough to spot a koala resting high in the trees near the carpark, a reminder that wildlife sightings can happen even before the walk begins.

The Story Behind the Name

Maits Rest takes its name from Maitland Bryant, the district’s first state forests inspector, who began his role in 1914. While patrolling on horseback between Apollo Bay and Horden Vale, Bryant would stop in this sheltered patch of rainforest to rest his horse.

Today, the forest still feels like a natural resting place — calm, cool and inviting.

The Maits Rest Rainforest Walk

Distance: 800-metre circuit - Time: Around 30 minutes - Difficulty: Easy

The walk begins at the Maits Rest carpark, where information boards provide insight into the rainforest’s ecology and history. The track is a gentle loop, following a combination of gravel paths and raised boardwalks that protect the fragile forest floor.

As you wander along the trail, you’ll pass beneath towering trees, alongside a small creek, and through dense fern growth. The walk is mostly flat, making it suitable for all ages and fitness levels.

A Place to Pause and Reflect

Benches are positioned along the trail, offering perfect spots to sit quietly, listen to birdsong and take in the atmosphere. Interpretive signage along the way helps visitors understand the importance of preserving these ancient forests for future generations.

Tips for Visiting Maits Rest

Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for the best chance of spotting wildlife
Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the track can be damp
Take your time — this walk is best enjoyed slowly
Keep noise to a minimum to respect wildlife and other visitors
Stay on the boardwalks to protect the delicate forest floor

Facilities and Practical Information

Parking: Medium-sized carpark (can get busy)
Toilets: None available
Seating: Benches along the trail
Dogs: Not permitted (National Park rules apply)

A Must-Do Rainforest Walk in the Otways

Maits Rest Rainforest is one of the most accessible and rewarding short walks in the Otways. With its ancient trees, abundant wildlife and serene atmosphere, it offers a genuine connection to the region’s natural history.

Whether you’re exploring the Great Ocean Road, staying in Apollo Bay or simply looking for a peaceful forest walk, Maits Rest is a timeless Otways experience that leaves a lasting impression.