National Park · Victoria

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

2004NATIONAL PARK

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.

Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Great Otway National Park

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.

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.

Wilderness Visuals & Gallery

Visual Guide to Great Otway National Park

Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Great Otway National Park

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

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Great Otway National Park

Park Recreation

Camping

Available in Great Otway National Park

Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Great Otway National Park

Park Recreation

Mountain Biking

Available in Great Otway National Park

Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Great Otway National Park

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.

Johanna Beach Campground

Located near the beach, popular among surfers and tranquility seekers.

Reserve on Recreation.gov

Aire River East Campground

Nestled by the river, perfect for fishing and calm camping experiences.

Reserve on Recreation.gov

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Great Otway National Park

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

⌖ 7.08 miles

Gateway Basecamp

Beech Forest, Victoria

Beech Forest, Victoria offers mountain biking, hiking, and serene camping in the heart of lush rainforest. With iconic trails and peaceful waterfalls, it’s a perfect destination for outdoor lovers seeking a quiet yet thrilling nature escape.

Autumn and Spring

Explore Town

⌖ 8.00 miles

Gateway Basecamp

Lavers Hill, Victoria

Lavers Hill is a quiet town offering direct access to the lush Great Otway National Park. Ideal for hiking, wildlife watching, and camping, it’s the perfect base to explore nearby waterfalls and the scenic Great Ocean Road.

Spring to Autumn

Explore Town

⌖ 8.00 miles

Gateway Basecamp

Apollo Bay, 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 Autumn

Explore Town

⌖ 8.11 miles

Gateway Basecamp

Marengo, Victoria, Australia

Marengo, Victoria, offers a perfect blend of coastal adventure and serene forest trails just minutes from Apollo Bay. From surfing and kayaking to wildlife watching and cycling, it’s an outdoor playground on the Great Ocean Road.

Summer and early Autumn

Explore Town

⌖ 13.87 miles

Gateway Basecamp

Wongarra, Victoria, Australia

Wongarra is a rugged coastal town along Victoria’s Great Ocean Road offering hiking, surfing, bird watching, and coastal camping in a breathtaking natural setting. Ideal for adventurers seeking raw ocean views and quiet wild escapes.

Autumn and Spring

Explore Town

⌖ 18.76 miles

Gateway Basecamp

Kennett River, Victoria

Kennett River is a quiet coastal town on Victoria’s Great Ocean Road famed for wild koalas, peaceful hiking trails, and stunning ocean views. It's ideal for wildlife watchers and those seeking relaxed outdoor adventures.

Spring to Autumn

Explore Town

Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Great Otway National Park

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

Verified Outdoor Outfitters

Suit Up on Apollo Bay: Long‑leg, Long‑arm Wetsuits Available for Short‑ or Day‑Long Hire

ADVEXPEDITION

Apollo Bay, Victoria

SurfADV Bookable

Suit Up on Apollo Bay: Long‑leg, Long‑arm Wetsuits Available for Short‑ or Day‑Long Hire

Hire long‑leg, long‑arm wetsuits from Apollo Bay Surf and Kayak for 2–24 hours — a practical solution when you turn up without your own gear.

SurfPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

Borrow a Board on Apollo Bay: Practical surfboard hire for quick sessions and post-lesson practice

ADVEXPEDITION

Apollo Bay, Victoria

Water ActivitiesADV Bookable

Borrow a Board on Apollo Bay: Practical surfboard hire for quick sessions and post-lesson practice

Surfboard rentals in Apollo Bay run from 2 to 24 hours — this guide explains how to hire, what you need to bring, and the operator’s on-the-day rules.

Water ActivitiesPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

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

ADVEXPEDITION

Apollo Bay, Victoria

Water ActivitiesADV Bookable

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.

Water ActivitiesPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

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

ADVEXPEDITION

Apollo Bay, Victoria

KayakADV Bookable

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.

KayakPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

Dusk Among the Fur Seals: Kayaking the Marengo Marine Sanctuary at Sunset

ADVEXPEDITION

Apollo Bay, Victoria

KayakADV Bookable

Dusk Among the Fur Seals: Kayaking the Marengo Marine Sanctuary at Sunset

A dusk kayak tour from Apollo Bay that pairs glassy seas and calmer winds with Australian Fur Seals and the sky’s shifting colors—this guide explains what to expect and why the timing matters.

KayakPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

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

ADVEXPEDITION

Apollo Bay, Victoria

Water ActivitiesADV Bookable

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.

Water ActivitiesPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

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

ADVEXPEDITION

Melbourne, Victoria

PrivateADV Bookable

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.

PrivatePT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

Coastal Sentinels: A Private Full‑Day Along the Great Ocean Road to the 12 Apostles

ADVEXPEDITION

Melbourne, Victoria

PrivateADV Bookable

Coastal Sentinels: A Private Full‑Day Along the Great Ocean Road to the 12 Apostles

A private, full‑day outing from Melbourne that follows the Great Ocean Road to Bells Beach, the Otways rain forest and the towering limestone stacks of the 12 Apostles — useful for planning a single, focused day of coastal landscapes and wildlife.

PrivatePT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

Private Surf Lessons at Lorne — A Premium 1:1 Surf Coaching Session

ADVEXPEDITION

Lorne, Victoria

Water ActivitiesADV Bookable

Private Surf Lessons at Lorne — A Premium 1:1 Surf Coaching Session

A focused 1.5-hour, one-on-one lesson in Lorne with expert instructors and all learn-to-surf equipment provided; this guide explains what to expect and how to prepare.

Water ActivitiesPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

Lorne SurfGroms: Four Short Sessions That Build Lifelong Ocean Confidence

ADVEXPEDITION

Lorne, Victoria

Water ActivitiesADV Bookable

Lorne SurfGroms: Four Short Sessions That Build Lifelong Ocean Confidence

A 4-session school-term program of 1.5‑hour lessons in Lorne that teaches children aged 5–12 surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, ocean awareness and beach-safety skills.

Water ActivitiesPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

Throttle the Great Ocean Road: Eight Hours on a Harley to Apollo Bay

ADVEXPEDITION

Geelong, Victoria

Bike TourADV Bookable

Throttle the Great Ocean Road: Eight Hours on a Harley to Apollo Bay

An 8-hour Harley Davidson motorbike tour from Geelong along Victoria’s Great Ocean Road to Apollo Bay with a scenic lunch break—this guide explains the route, timing, and what to expect.

Bike TourPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

First Waves, Firm Coaching: Learning to Surf at Anglesea with Go Ride A Wave

ADVEXPEDITION

Anglesea, Victoria

Water ActivitiesADV Bookable

First Waves, Firm Coaching: Learning to Surf at Anglesea with Go Ride A Wave

Two-hour Surf Experience or a three-lesson progressive course — personalized instruction, all equipment provided, and a beginner-friendly beach make this a reliable introduction to surfing.

Water ActivitiesPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip