Eat. Stay. Play. Otways

Otway National Park. Image by Michael Raynor

A trip to the Otway Ranges allows visitors to truly immerse themselves in nature: tall trees, ancient plant life and lush ferns offer some of Australia’s best rainforest scenery. There is plenty of choice for walkers – from the coastal beauty of the Great Ocean Walk to the treetops of the rainforest on the Otway Fly Tree Top Walk. Coupled with a tantalising selection of food options and accommodation that ranges from camping pods to boutique guesthouses, the Otways offer all the essentials for a weekend of feeling at one with nature.

EAT

Forrest BreweryEqual parts microbrewery, restaurant and mountain biking hang-out, this popular brewery is a great place to grab a coffee, a meal using local produce and some hand-brewed local Australian boutique beers. Located in a historic weather board building in the centre of Forrest, the ambience is warm and inviting, making it a popular spot for locals, cyclists and visitors to mix. 26 Grant Street, Forrest. +61 3 5236 6170.

Lightkeeper’s Café Delicious home-made food and local delicacies with a Mediterranean influence are served all day in the licenced Lightkeeper’s Café. Visitors can enjoy a meal, or snack on cakes or scones with cream and jam whilst enjoying the view of Bass Strait and the Cape Otway Lightstation. Cape Otway Lightstation, via Great Ocean Road, Cape Otway. Tel: 03 5237 9240. 

Beechy Pub Epitomising the expression “Cold Beer, Warm Welcome”, The Beechy Hotel offers a hearty pub menu with and good old fashioned country hospitality. A favourite haunt of locals and visitors alike it is located on the main road through Beech Forest, approximately 6 kms from the popular Otway Fly. 35 Main Street, Beech Forest. +61 3 5235 9220.

STAY

Forrest Guesthouse Set in the heart of the Otway Ranges, the Forrest Guesthouse is a boutique country getaway that encourages guests to relax in nature and soak up the fresh country air. With an onsite restaurant serving up local fare from its own kitchen garden as well as nearby walks, waterfalls and mountain bike trails that run near the property, it is the ultimate city escape for either an active weekend away or to just switch off from it all. 16 Grant Street, Forrest. +61 3 5236 6446.

Bimbi Park Located in Cape Otway along the Great Ocean Walk, Bimby Park camping area is set amidst magnificent forests, beaches, secluded bays and spectacular coastline. Sheltered among tall manna gums, the Park offers a range of accommodation from unpowered camp sites, to camping pods and 4-star deluxe cabins. 90 Manna Gum Dr, Cape Otway. +61 3 9237 9246.

Johanna River Farm & Cottages Johanna River Farm & Cottages is a 280 acre working farm with four self-contained cottages located at the foot of the Otway Ranges just off the Great Ocean Road. Also on the route of the spectacular Great Ocean Walk, it is the perfect stay for families or hikers alike. 420 Blue Johanna Road,  Johanna.  +61 3 52374 219.

PLAY

Great Ocean Walk The Great Ocean Walk is a spectacular one-way, long-distance walk shadowing the Great Ocean Road. Beginning at the seaside town of Apollo Bay and finishing 104 kilometres later at the iconic Twelve Apostles, the track passes through the Great Otway and Port Campbell National Parks. There are plenty of options for short walks and day walks along the way, each offering a different experience in nature – from lush national parks teeming with wildlife, deserted beaches and historic shipwreck sites, views over pristine marine sanctuaries and plenty more besides.

Otway Eco ToursThese fully guided tours in the Great Otway National Park and along the Great Ocean Walk are perfect for adventurers and nature lovers alike. In addition to tailored tours for guests to discover the Otways on foot, by canoe or mountain bike, it is also the only tour company in Victoria that runs guided Platypus tours for participants to see these special little creatures in their natural habitat.

Otway Fly Located in the magnificent Otways, the Otway Fly provides visitors with a unique opportunity to view the forest from a bird’s eye view through its two eco-adventure experiences. The Tree Top Walk is the longest and tallest elevated walk of its kind in the world towering above the treetops, 30meters above ground level. The Zip Line Tour allows the more adventurous to clip onto a network of cables to traverse between tree-top platforms above the forest floor. 360 Phillips Track, Weeaproinah. +61 3 5235 9200.