Great Otway National Park wilderness guide
National Park · Victoria
Hiking Guide

Great Otway National Park

Great Otway National Park in Victoria offers a diverse landscape of rugged coastlines, lush rainforests, and serene waterfalls, making it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.

National Park261,2934+ Trails

Designation

National Park

Total Wilderness Area

261,293

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Great Otway National Park

Great Otway National Park in Victoria offers a diverse landscape of rugged coastlines, lush rainforests, and serene waterfalls, making it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Great Otway National Park, located in Victoria, Australia, spans over 250,000 acres and boasts an impressive variety of landscapes. The park is renowned for its striking coastal cliffs, hidden beaches, and lush rainforests, providing a rich habitat for unique flora and fauna. Historically, the area has been inhabited by the Gadubanud (Katabanut) people before Europeans arrived. The park's diverse ecosystems offer numerous recreation opportunities, including hiking, mountain biking, and wildlife viewing. Cape Otway Lightstation, built in 1848, stands as a significant landmark where visitors can explore maritime history. The park's captivating landscapes, combined with its historical and recreational offerings, make it an appealing destination for adventurers and nature lovers alike.

Notable Landscape Features

Iconic geological landmarks, alpine vantage points, and distinctive ecosystems in Great Otway National Park.

Feature 1

Cape Otway Lightstation

A significant historical site offering insight into 19th-century lighthouse operations.

Feature 2

Triplet Falls

A picturesque waterfall accessible by a short loop walk through lush forest.

Feature 3

Otway Fly Treetop Walk

A canopy walkway providing a unique view of the rainforest from above.

Key Wilderness Highlights

Cape Otway Lightstation, a historical landmark providing panoramic coastal views.Native wildlife such as koalas, kangaroos, and numerous bird species in their natural habitat.Maits Rest Rainforest Walk, an accessible trail through the ancient rainforest.The Great Ocean Walk, offering 65 miles of diverse and scenic hiking trails.
Iconic Trails & Natural Landmarks

Top Trails & Sights in Great Otway National Park

Discover summit paths, alpine loops, and natural wonders within this protected wilderness.

Challenging65 Miles

Great Ocean Walk

A challenging trek offering sweeping coastal views and diverse terrain.

Easy1 Mile

Maits Rest Rainforest Walk

A short loop trail through ancient rainforest, accessible for most visitors.

Moderate1.2 Miles

Triplet Falls Walking Track

A scenic loop leading to a beautiful waterfall, surrounded by ferns.

Easy2.5 Miles

Redwoods Track

A gentle walk through towering California redwoods and native wildlife habitat.

Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Great Otway National Park

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Activity Spotlight

Hiking in Great Otway National Park

View Full Park Guide

Great Otway National Park offers exceptional terrain and routes for hiking, featuring established access paths, scenic vistas, and protected wilderness territory.

Other Activities in Great Otway National Park:CampingWildlife ViewingMountain BikingPhotography
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Great Otway National Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Free access

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Great Otway National Park

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Great Otway National Park

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic desert basecamps surrounding the park.

Apollo Bay, Victoria, Victoria
Gateway Basecamp

Apollo Bay, Victoria, Victoria

Apollo Bay is a vibrant coastal town on Victoria’s Great Ocean Road, offering hiking through lush rainforests, surfing reliable waves, and paddling peaceful waters. It’s a perfect base for exploring the Great Otway National Park and nearby beaches.

Spring to Early AutumnExplore Town
Mount Lorne, Yukon Territory, Victoria
Gateway Basecamp

Mount Lorne, Yukon Territory, Victoria

Mount Lorne offers outdoor lovers quiet access to hiking, backcountry skiing, mountain biking, and paddling in Yukon’s boreal forest. Just south of Whitehorse, it’s an ideal spot to connect with nature away from crowds.

Late Spring to Early FallExplore Town
Ofcolaco, Limpopo, Victoria
Gateway Basecamp

Ofcolaco, Limpopo, Victoria

Ofcolaco is a quiet rural town in Limpopo offering river paddling, fishing, and bush hiking in a serene setting. It’s an ideal base for travelers seeking off-the-beaten-path outdoor adventures near the Olifants River.

April to September (dry and mild winter months)Explore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Great Otway National Park

Explore with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and wilderness outfitters.

Sunset Trail Ride: A Two‑Hour Horseback Passage into the Great Otway Dusk
Certified Outfitter

Sunset Trail Ride: A Two‑Hour Horseback Passage into the Great Otway Dusk

A 2‑hour, 70‑minute riding experience from Spring Creek Horse Rides in Bellbrae that culminates in a complimentary beer or wine at sunset—useful for planning logistics, clothing and eligibility.

Local Outfitter
Book Experience
Across the Bay to Cutting Through Time: A ferry trip and gallery day in Geelong
Certified Outfitter

Across the Bay to Cutting Through Time: A ferry trip and gallery day in Geelong

A bundled Port Phillip Ferries crossing plus timed entry to Geelong Gallery exhibitions — this guide lays out departure windows, session bookings and the on-the-ground flow for a single-day art outing.

Local Outfitter
Book Experience
Horseback to the Winery: An Afternoon Through the Great Otway
Certified Outfitter

Horseback to the Winery: An Afternoon Through the Great Otway

A five-hour, all‑inclusive horseback outing from Bellbrae that pairs forest riding through Great Otway National Park with wine tasting and wood‑fired pizza at Moshulu Estate.

Local Outfitter
Book Experience
Nine-Hour Express: A Private Run to the 12 Apostles, Razorback and Loch Ard Gorge
Certified Outfitter

Nine-Hour Express: A Private Run to the 12 Apostles, Razorback and Loch Ard Gorge

A private, nine-hour express tour from Melbourne that reaches the 12 Apostles and nearby coastal highlights via the inland route—designed for travelers short on time.

Local Outfitter
Book Experience
Two hours on horseback through the hidden forests of the Surf Coast
Certified Outfitter

Two hours on horseback through the hidden forests of the Surf Coast

A two-hour guided trail ride from Spring Creek Horse Rides that takes experienced-beginner riders aged 12 and up into the Great Otway National Park—this guide explains what to expect, what to pack, and who can ride.

Local Outfitter
Book Experience
A Three‑Hour Social Dining Carriage Through the Bellarine Peninsula
Certified Outfitter

A Three‑Hour Social Dining Carriage Through the Bellarine Peninsula

A moving restaurant aboard The Q Train: a seasonal five‑course degustation served in a social dining carriage while the train traverses the Bellarine Peninsula.

Local Outfitter
Book Experience
Cellar doors and limestone: A six‑hour pilgrimage through Moorabool Valley’s boutique wineries
Certified Outfitter

Cellar doors and limestone: A six‑hour pilgrimage through Moorabool Valley’s boutique wineries

A focused 6‑hour tour from Torquay that guides you through family‑run cellar doors for tastings, platter pairings and a primer on a cool‑climate region shaped by limestone and basalt.

Local Outfitter
Book Experience
Waist‑deep waves and first stands: 90 minutes to surf confidence on Apollo Bay
Certified Outfitter

Waist‑deep waves and first stands: 90 minutes to surf confidence on Apollo Bay

A 90‑minute, beginner‑friendly lesson with qualified instructors at Apollo Bay that teaches surf safety, paddling and standing on soft G‑boards.

Local Outfitter
Book Experience
Gothic Market Among Bluestone Walls: The Geelong Gaol Dark Arts Expo
Certified Outfitter

Gothic Market Among Bluestone Walls: The Geelong Gaol Dark Arts Expo

A two-hour, one-day event inside the Old Geelong Gaol that pairs over 30 alternative vendors with a self-guided exploration of the gaol’s history—this guide explains what to expect and how to plan.

Local Outfitter
Book Experience
Stand-Up Paddle the Waters of Apollo Bay: a two‑hour, all‑ages outing
Certified Outfitter

Stand-Up Paddle the Waters of Apollo Bay: a two‑hour, all‑ages outing

A two‑hour Stand Up Paddle session at Apollo Bay Harbour that’s family‑friendly, great for couples and requires no prior experience—this guide explains what to expect and why the activity builds balance and core strength.

Local Outfitter
Book Experience
A Moving Table of Local Flavors: First‑Class Private Dining on The Q Train
Certified Outfitter

A Moving Table of Local Flavors: First‑Class Private Dining on The Q Train

A three‑hour private dining compartment experience aboard The Q Train featuring a local five‑course degustation paired with five local beverages as the train travels the Bellarine Peninsula.

Local Outfitter
Book Experience
Pony Patrol at Spring Creek: a short, steady pony walk across Bellbrae’s pastoral paddocks
Certified Outfitter

Pony Patrol at Spring Creek: a short, steady pony walk across Bellbrae’s pastoral paddocks

A 20–25 minute supervised pony ride for very young children on Spring Creek Horse Rides’ scenic Bellbrae property; this guide distills what families need to know before they arrive.

Local Outfitter
Book Experience
Trots through Otway scrub: a focused 1.5‑hour trail ride from Bellbrae
Certified Outfitter

Trots through Otway scrub: a focused 1.5‑hour trail ride from Bellbrae

A concise guide to Spring Creek Horse Rides’ 1.5‑hour Bellbrae outing — what to expect on the trail, who can ride, and what to bring.

Local Outfitter
Book Experience
Glide Jan Juc’s Cliffs: A Tandem Paragliding Flight Over the Great Ocean Road
Certified Outfitter

Glide Jan Juc’s Cliffs: A Tandem Paragliding Flight Over the Great Ocean Road

Ages 10 and up; a single 20–25 minute tandem flight with a qualified instructor along the Great Ocean Road—this guide explains what to expect, where flights launch, and what to bring.

Local Outfitter
Book Experience
Paddle Out to Marengo Reef and Meet a Colony of Australian Fur Seals
Certified Outfitter

Paddle Out to Marengo Reef and Meet a Colony of Australian Fur Seals

A 90-minute guided kayak from Apollo Bay to the Marengo Reef Marine Sanctuary with instruction, all gear supplied, and guaranteed seal encounters — this guide explains what to expect and how to prepare.

Local Outfitter
Book Experience