_edited.png)
The Otways Top 10 Things to Do: Rainforests, Waterfalls and Coastal Icons
- Wander * Explore * Discover
- Dec 30, 2022
- 4 min read
Updated: 2 hours ago
The Otways Top 10 Things to Do: Rainforests, Waterfalls and Coastal Icons
The Great Otway Ranges are located in south-west Victoria, stretching inland from the iconic Great Ocean Road and around 220 kilometres south-west of Melbourne. This lush and diverse region is one of Victoria’s most enchanting natural landscapes, where cool-climate rainforests meet rugged coastline. Towering trees, moss-covered gullies, cascading waterfalls and abundant wildlife make the Otways a must-visit destination for nature lovers, hikers and road trippers alike.
Otway Fly Treetop Adventures offers a unique way to experience the rainforest from above. The two-kilometre Treetop Walk winds through the forest and along a raised steel walkway beneath the canopy, allowing you to walk among towering trees and giant ferns.
Allow around one hour to complete the walk at a relaxed pace, taking time to enjoy the elevated views and interpretive signage along the way. It’s suitable for most fitness levels and is a fantastic introduction to the Otways’ rainforest environment.
Hopetoun Falls is one of the most photographed waterfalls in the Great Otway National Park. This 30-metre cascade tumbles into a fern-filled gully along the Aire River, surrounded by lush rainforest.
You can easily view the top of the falls from a lookout just metres from the carpark, or descend the steps to the base for a closer and more immersive experience.
Melba Gully is one of the wettest places in Victoria and feels like stepping into another world. The cool, dense rainforest is filled with Myrtle Beech, Blackwood trees and towering tree ferns, all set above a moss-covered forest floor.
The short walking track loops through the gully and is perfect for spotting birds and soaking up the quiet beauty of the forest. At night, Melba Gully is also known for glow worms along the track.
Tucked deep within the forest, Triplet Falls is a beautiful three-tiered waterfall cascading through a fern-lined gully along Youngs Creek. The falls are framed by towering Mountain Ash and Myrtle Beech trees, creating a classic Otways rainforest scene.
The walk to Triplet Falls is well worth the effort, especially after rain when the water flow is strongest.
Spot a Koala
The Otways are home to an abundance of wildlife, and spotting a koala in the wild is a highlight for many visitors. Some of the best places to look include Maits Rest Rainforest Walk, Kennett River, and areas around Cape Otway National Park.
Look up into the eucalyptus trees and take your time — koalas are experts at blending in.
Erskine Falls is one of the most popular and easily accessible waterfalls in the Otways. The 30-metre waterfall plunges into a rocky pool below and can be viewed from two different platforms.
The upper lookout is close to the carpark, while the lower platform requires a steep walk down to the base, rewarding visitors with a dramatic view of the falls from below.
Cape Otway Lighthouse
Built in 1848, the Cape Otway Lightstation is the oldest surviving lighthouse on mainland Australia. Known as the Beacon of Hope, it sits atop towering sea cliffs 90 metres above Bass Strait.
Visitors can explore the lighthouse precinct, learn about maritime history and enjoy sweeping ocean views along one of the most rugged stretches of coastline in Victoria.
Hidden along the Aire River, the Redwoods are a peaceful and enchanting grove of 60-metre-high Californian Redwood trees. Surrounded by lush ferns and forest, it’s a lovely spot to wander, take photos and enjoy the stillness of the Otways.
This area is easily accessible and perfect for a quiet break between bigger adventures.
Maits Rest is an ancient cool-climate rainforest featuring towering Myrtle Beech trees, tree ferns and a thick moss-covered forest floor. The short loop walk is one of the best easy rainforest walks in the Otways and is suitable for all ages.
It’s also a great place to spot wildlife and birds, with more than 40 bird species recorded in the area.
Beauchamp Falls is a spectacular 25-metre waterfall set within a fern-filled gully along Dappeler Creek. From the lookout, you can view the top of the falls or continue down to the base for a more dramatic perspective.
The walk is a little longer than some others in the Otways, but the reward is one of the region’s most impressive waterfalls.
Tips for Visiting the Otways
Wear sturdy footwear, as tracks can be wet and slippery
Allow extra time after rain, when waterfalls are at their best
Pack layers — the Otways can be cool even in summer
Drive carefully at dawn and dusk due to wildlife
Respect the rainforest by staying on marked tracks
Why the Otways Belong on Your Bucket List
The Great Otway Ranges offer an incredible mix of lush rainforests, spectacular waterfalls, wildlife encounters and coastal history. Whether you’re wandering among giant trees, chasing waterfalls or soaking up ocean views from historic cliffs, the Otways deliver unforgettable experiences at every turn.
With so many diverse attractions packed into one region, it’s no wonder the Otways remain one of Victoria’s most loved nature destinations — and a place you’ll want to return to again and again.
Comments