Things to do around The Otways Victoria: Adventure, Nature & Relaxation
Things to do around the Otways in Victoria offer an outdoor lover’s paradise, blending adventure, nature, and relaxation. Stretching from just south of Geelong to the South Australian border, this stunning region is famous for its lush rainforests, towering eucalyptus trees, and majestic waterfalls. Whether you’re seeking adrenaline-packed activities or a peaceful escape, there’s something for everyone in the Otways.
Explore scenic hiking trails that wind through pristine forests, spot unique native wildlife, or cycle along thrilling mountain bike tracks. If you’re after a peaceful escape, enjoy a serene picnic surrounded by nature or go canoeing on the quiet rivers. For an unforgettable road trip, drive along the iconic Great Ocean Road and marvel at its dramatic coastal views. Charming towns like Colac make an excellent base for your Otways adventure.
From outdoor adventures to tranquil moments in nature, the Otways is the ultimate destination for anyone seeking to connect with the wild beauty of Victoria. Whether you’re hiking, cycling, or simply soaking in the views, there’s no shortage of ways to experience this breathtaking region.
Wellness & Pampering around the Otways
- Saltair Day Spa – Treatments for all genders, couples and prenatal pampering.
- Award winning and highly reviewed Miss Kit in Colac offers a full range of beauty services.
- Adore Skin and Body Therapy offer a range of skin treatments
- Salon 7 One in Colac, beauty therapies and hair
- Port Fairy Day Spa, Shipwreck Coast. Best known for the healing massage hands
- Otway Botanicals Apollo Bay, using natural and chemical free
Explore & Discover: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Trails around the Otways
Cape Otway Light Station – Things to do around the Otways
Climb Australia’s oldest surviving lighthouse for panoramic views of the coastline.
Dinosaur Cove & Coastal Cretaceous Sites – Things to do around the Otways
Discover fossils from the Cretaceous period and learn about the region’s prehistoric past. Guided walks recommended for ‘Dinosaur Cove’. Visit Inspiration Outdoors
The Otway Ranges Coastal Cretaceous site extends all the way from Lorne to Moonlight Head. Most of the locations were found by luck with someone spotting a bone sticking out of a weathered rock as they walked past. One of the best sites is called Eric The Red West (after a shipwreck back in the 19th Century) located near the Cape Otway Light station.
Wildlife Spotting in the Otways
See kangaroos, wallabies, and over 100 species of birds. Don’t miss the elusive platypus at Lake Elizabeth at dawn or dusk, a short drive from Forrest. Nestled deep in the Otways, this serene lake is surrounded by timbered hills and calm waters, dotted with the trunks of trees submerged when the valley was flooded over 50 years ago. Be aware of snakes in summer and don’t miss the glow worms at night. Here’s a Lake Elizabeth walking map.
Aboriginal Heritage and Indigenous Sites – Things to do around the Otways
The Otways hold deep cultural and historical significance for the Gadubanud people, the traditional custodians of this land. Visitors can explore Aboriginal heritage sites and learn about the rich history, culture, and customs of the region. Guided experiences and responsible travel tours provide insight into ancient traditions, storytelling, and connection to country, which is a really unique way to experience the Otways. Visit Aboriginal Sites and Experiences or Responsible Travel.
Walking Trails & Otways Waterfalls
- Stevensons Falls – with walking track among the Gellibrand River through Forrest and down to the edge of the river and the trail ends at a viewing platform at its base.
- Beauchamp Falls south west of Forrest, near Beech Forest. A beautiful 20-metre waterfall rewards a reasonably challenging walk from a picnic area just off the Aire Valley Road from Beech Forest Road.
- Hopetoun Falls, south west of Forrest near Beech Forest. A 30m drop into the Aire River. Take in the falls from an upper platform a short walk from the car park, or descend about 200 stairs to the falls base – a 1 km round trip.
- Triplet Falls – 3 kms from Otway Fly.There’s a small picnic area, car park and public toilets, and the waterfall walk is a 2 km round trip.
Walking Trails and Scenic Adventures – Things to do around the Otways
The Otways are a walker’s paradise. Here’s some great trails:
- Melba Gully Walk: It’s the Jewel of the Otways and one of the wettest places in the state. It’s most fascinating inhabitants are glow worms (take a torch for night time) seen at night along the walking tracks.
- The 35 min Madsen’s Track Nature Walk departs from the picnic area, on an adventure into a world of ancient, mossy trees and cool fern gullies.
- The Forrest History Trail is an easy one hour walk that delves into Forrest’s past.
- Hiking Trails:Take a scenic 17 km drive through lush rainforests, perfect for nature lovers.
- Turton’s Track: Experience a rainforest drive with tight turns and breathtaking views. It’s a true rainforest driving (or riding) experience between Beech Forest and Tanbryn in the Otway Ranges near Apollo Bay. It is 17km long and you’ll travel at 40km per hour due to the sometimes loose surface, tight turns and low visibility, but it’s well worth the trip.
- Great Ocean Walk: Stretching from Apollo Bay to Glenample Homestead, this 104 km walk offers stunning coastal views and diverse wildlife.
- Redwood Forest Walk: Walk among the towering Otway Redwoods from native California. This 500-meter loop trail is easy and takes just 15 minutes.
- West Barwon Reservoir: A peaceful location for picnics and walks with stunning views of the surrounding nature.
- Len Sprague Reserve: Located near Forrest, this reserve offers BBQ facilities and scenic walking tracks.
Cycling and Mountain Biking
- Forrest Bike Hire: Rent high-quality mountain bikes or e-bikes and explore the Forrest Forest Trails network.
- Cycling enthusiasts – beginners or advanced – can rent a bike and get on the trails. Try one in Forrest in advance through Rent My Bike who offer a range of high quality bike rentals including mountain bikes and e-bikes or Forrest Bike Hire. Biking in the Forest Trails Network range from easy to more difficult is well worth while.
- Mountain Biking enthusiasts (MTB) – Enjoy new MTB trails in Forrest, including the Northern Loop (Yaugher) and Southern Loop. New trails opened in 2023 to suit all levels of fitness and expertise. For up-to-date information about the trails or information about events visit Ride Forrest.
Ziplining and Adventure
- Tree Tops Adventures: in Yeodene. Soar through the messmate trees of the Otway Forest! Ride through the air on a pegasus or relive your playground days on the 15m high monkey bars. This zipline tour comes complete with obstacle courses. Great fun!
Vineyards, Breweries & Distilleries around the Otways
- The “Heroes” Vineyard – 495 Murroon Rd, Murroon with 8 acres under vine. Pinot Noir, Shiraz, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. using slightly unconventional techniques making wines with minimal intervention
- Blake Wines in Deans Marsh is family owned and only 12Kms from Lorne.
- Otways Distillery near Apollo Bay, showcases native and farmed botanicals and foods of the region in small batch spirits and gin.
- Railway Shed Timboon Distillery 60 min whisky tours with tastings, plus restaurant. Inspired by great single malts of Scotland, distiller Josh Walker offers a taste of fine craftsmanship. Open 7 days and serving a menu designed for sharing. Lunch sittings at 11am, noon, 1pm, and 2pm and bookings on (03) 5598 3555. (The macadamia and whisky tart is delicious!) Each tour includes a Timboon Tote bag, an etched whisky glass, and a bottle of water.
- Alt Wines is a family run vineyard hand-crafting wine in the Otway Hinterland, located in Winchelsea South.
- Babenorek Estate – a boutique vineyard and olive grove situated in the beautiful Pennyroyal Valley
- Brown Magpie Wines at Modewarre, in the hinterland of the Great Ocean Road.
- One of a handful of families pioneering grape and wine production in the Otway Hinterland, Dinny Goonan Wines have won numerous awards since the first commercial release in 2001.
- Keayang Maar Vineyard in Dixie is a family-run, vine-to-bottle operation, that’s passionate about delivering unique experiences. Open Wed to Sun 11:00am to 5pm. Events can be hosted there.
- Great Ocean Road Brewhouse for craft beer, beer garden, live music. Family friendly.
Good Eats & Local Flavours in the Otways
- The Forrest Brewing Company: Offers local, handcrafted beers made using traditional brewing methods. Open Fri-Mon for breakfast, lunch, and dinner (Friday/Saturday nights). Booking recommended. Serves bar snacks, crowd favourites, kids’ menu, and signature brews.
- Terminus Hotel: hearty food, cold local beers, and famous Forrest Pale Ale. Family friendly
- Roost at The Perch: Lavers Hill, just 30 min from the Twelve Apostles and a newly renovated winery offers panoramic views of the Otway Ranges. Perfect for outdoor dining or takeaway.
- Cafe La Hoot: Winchelsea and overlooking the Barwon River – a popular stop for snacks or picnic supplies.
- The Beechy Hotel: Beech Forest with cold beer and a warm welcome.
- The Gellibrand River Hotel has an interesting menu has all the standard fare until you caste your eyes over the “Parma Wall”!
Foodies: Gourmet Flavours And Providores
- The Forrest General Store is cuisine on steroids. Sells fine local delicacies, a range of bread, pastries, pies, cheeses, ready made meals and some groceries plus nature, wildlife and artisan crafts and souvenirs. Open 8am to 4 pm.
- Otway Artisan Gluten Free Birregurra, Victoria. A small bakery, dedicated to producing the finest handmade gluten free bread products. What a find! Enough to make you convert.
- Dar Tèta: Serves authentic Middle Eastern meals in a relaxed setting. Be sure to book ahead to avoid missing out. Dar Tèta (means ‘Grandma’s House)
- The Otway Kitchens a not for profit enterprise producing a wholesale range of traditional and gourmet jams, chutneys, pickles and relishes hand made in small batches to retain flavour and quality. Their products are free from artificial colours and additives, and avoid gluten if possible. The freshest seasonal produce and locally sourced ingredients are used.
- Brae Restaurant: A fine dining experience with an ever-changing menu. Features produce from Brae Farm and local, sustainable sources. The property includes walking paths and interpretative signage. Booking essential due to limited hours.
- Connoisseurs of tea, here’s your mecca. @Otway_Chai in Dean’s Marsh – making, brewing, sharing, drinking and loving Chai Tea for over 10 years.
- Graze Dining: A hidden gem in Apollo Bay offering contemporary dining with a focus on regional wines, beers, and spirits. in the back streets of Apollo Bay. Fully licensed with a focus on regional wines, beers, liqueurs and spirits
- The Sandy Feet Cafe & Health Foods: A great stop in Apollo Bay for wholesome food and beverages, perfect for a healthy break along the Great Ocean Road
- Yield in Birregurra – a providore and restaurant.
- Otway Blueberries in Gellibrand. Turn up with containers and pick your own. From late Dec to April, 9am to 5pm daily, 7 days a week even public holidays. Frozen blueberries available.
- The Little Organic Paddock next to Otway Blueberries in Gellibrand, and grows blueberries and strawberries, and are certified organic and are certified with AusQual.
- Sweet Thyme Cafe at 33, Main Street Winchelsea. A great little coffee stop with home baked goodies. Vegan, vegetarian, gluten free and meat dishes, with breakfast available all day, using Zoetic Loose Leaf Teas, Blend Co “Ants Pants” coffee, Caravan Eggs, Goddard’s Olive Oil, Meredith Dairy and Zeally Bay Organic Sour Dough.
- Apostle Whey Cheese – Champion Whey Cheeses in Cooriemungle for a $1.00 cheese tasting. Toasties and coffee available all day. Watch the cows being milked daily!
- Sweet View: Iconic sweet shop in Apollo Bay, offering a variety of confectionery and Great Ocean Road Rock.
- Buukaar Waaruung Apiary & Artisans. Apiarist, Dr Anna Carrucan is a second-generation beekeeper. The Beekeeper offers on-site & online consultations to create a garden haven for bees and avid or budding apiarists. Find the finest single-origin, limited-edition raw honey here.
- Hot Chilli Mama a boutique chilli business in Deans Marsh.
- The Perch combines natural beauty, exquisite cuisine, and warm hospitality.Unforgettable experience at 3238 1-15 Great Ocean Rd, Lavers Hill, Victoria
Markets around the Otways, Victoria
- The Deans Marsh Market – Deans Marsh Reserve at 10 Pennyroyal Valley Rd, Deans Marsh, VIC. First Sunday of each month, 8am-1pm.
- The Birregurra Markets – Main St Birregurra every second Sunday from 9am-2pm, between November & May.
- The Kawarren Markets – Echidna House, Kawarren Reserve, East Rd Kawarren. Every fourth Sunday each month, from 9am – 2pm
- Winchelsea Makers & Growers Market – in the historical Bluestone Town Hall opposite Winchelsea Shopping Centre. Every first Sunday of the month except January at the Old Shire Hall, 9am-1pm.
- Camperdown Rotary Market – Manifold Street, Camperdown, Vic. Spruiks the usual local produce and offers something special. Climb the Gothic style clock tower to inspect the clock mechanism and enjoy panoramic views of the town before heading to the heritage centre to learn more about the area and its history.
Retail EscapesRetail Escapes in the Otways
- Farm Fudge: Homemade fudge made locally with minimal sugar and no preservatives. A delicious indulgence from the Otways.
- Apollo Bay Surf Shop: Your go-to spot for surfing gear and apparel. Located at 91 Great Ocean Road, Apollo Bay.
- SilknSilver: Handmade jewellery and natural fibre clothing for unique fashion finds.
- Ziibo: Beautiful homewares store in Colac, offering sustainable, functional, and stylish products.
- Moontide: Stylish clothing store located at 21 Nelson St, Apollo Bay.
- Just Lovely: Specialises in beautiful, everyday lingerie. Comfortable and elegant pieces for all needs.
- Hodgy’s : Known as where the surf meets the Otways. A must-visit for surf enthusiasts.
- Hawkeye Homewares: 147 Great Ocean Road, Apollo Bay
- FOUND:ling Reusery: Circular economy boutique in Colac featuring reused, repurposed, and reimagined goods.
- Fern and Gum Otway Artisan Hampers: Curated gift boxes showcasing local Otway region producers. Sustainable and beautifully presented.
- Tarndwarncoort Woolshop: on a heritage-listed sheep farm
- Rae Street Relics: Located at 23 Rae St, Colac. Antiques, collectibles, and vintage treasures
- How Bazaar: Colac’s ‘Aladdin’s Cave’ of vintage items, collectibles, and oddities. Explore 800m² of fascinating finds
- She Hunts: A quirky op shop in Lorne, just two hours from Melbourne. A hidden gem for vintage finds.
Overall, the Otways are a nature lover’s paradise, offering a perfect blend of wilderness, adventure, and tranquillity. Whether you’re interested in hiking through ancient forests, marvelling at cascading waterfalls, or simply relaxing amidst nature, the Otways have something to offer for every traveller.
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