Explore
Great Otway National Park
Great Otway National Park stretches from Torquay, along the world-famous Great Ocean Road and up through the Otways hinterland. Discover windswept coastlines and breathtaking waterfalls in tall mountain forests, walk the iconic Great Ocean Walk, immerse yourself in the Otway Lightstation's history, or surf some of the best breaks in Australia. Enjoy the great outdoors and explore the wonders of the Great Otway National Park.
See the stunning coast between Apollo Bay and the Twelve Apostles by foot on the Great Ocean Walk, where nature unfolds at every step. Do the whole walk in eight days or tackle it in sections on weekends away. Immerse yourself in nature by walking the Surf Coast Walk over 44km from Torquay to Aireys Inlet.
Or drive the iconic Great Ocean Road. Built by soldiers recently returned from World War 1, it is the world’s longest war memorial.
Take a tour and discover the colourful maritime history of the Cape Otway Lightstation. Climb to the top of the historic lighthouse for dramatic views of the so-called Shipwreck Coast.
Surf the thunderous beach breaks off Johanna Beach and discover the fascinating underwater mini-ecosystems of rockpools in the Eagle Rock Marine Sanctuary at Aireys Inlet or the sandy shores and rock platforms along the Great Ocean Road.
Ride through tall eucalypt forests, dry heathy scrub and dense fern gullies along the Forrest Mountain Bike Trails in the nearby Otway Forest Park, or simply relax among the eucalyptus trees and have a picnic at the Sheoak Picnic ground near Lorne.
Traverse fern-laden valleys to discover picture-perfect waterfalls such as Erskine Falls, Sheoak Falls, Triplet Falls, Hopetoun Falls and Kalimna Falls.
Walk through the mossy forest of Melba Gully and witness the unique night-time spectacle of glow worms.
Visit Maits Rest to discover gorgeous fern gullies or the giant beech trees – some of which are up to 300 years old and walk among the towering Californian Redwoods hidden in the Otway Ranges.
For longer stays, there are excellent camping opportunities whether you are looking for a family-friendly place to park your caravan or a solitary night under the stars.
As beaches and coasts are natural environments, you may encounter hazards. Follow our water safety advice to make sure your day out at Great Otway National Park is a safe and enjoyable one.
Forrest
The Forrest section of Great Otway National Park, along with Otway Forest Park, encompasses a stunning landscape including undulating plains and plateaus of the hinterlands and magnificent Mountain Ash forests.
Great Ocean Walk
The Great Ocean Walk extends just over 100km between Apollo Bay and the Twelve Apostles near Princetown. The spectacular walk weaves its way through tall forests, coastal heathlands, wild rocky shores, river estuaries and windswept cliff-tops presenting amazing views.
Great Otway National Park
Explore the different areas
Explore all of the different areas within the Great Otway National Park.
When you're there
Camping & accommodation
Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park offers excellent camping opportunities whether you are looking for a family-friendly place to park your caravan or a solitary night under the stars.Need to know
Great Otway National Park
Accessibility
The Colac Otway Shire and Surf Coast Shire each have an all-terrain wheelchair, called a Trailrider, that is available for park visitors with mobility difficulties. The chairs can be booked with the respective shires.
Assistance dogs are welcome in Parks Victoria parks and reserves. Entry requirements apply for parks and reserves that are usually dog prohibited, such as national parks.
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Change of Conditions
Nature being nature, sometimes conditions can change at short notice. It’s a good idea to check this page ahead of your visit for any updates.
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Urquhart Bluff Day Visitor Area (Great Otway National Park)
Urquharts Bluff roadworks- Road Closure / Expect Delays
Roadworks are commencing on the access road to Urquharts Bluff Day Visitor Area in Anglesea from 12th May 2021. Works are expected to be completed by 14th May 2021. During this time the road may be required to be closed for works to be performed. These works are required to repair damage to the road following heavy rainfalls.Urquharts Bluff roadworks- Road Closure / Expect Delays
Roadworks are commencing on the access road to Urquharts Bluff Day Visitor Area in Anglesea from 12th May 2021. Works are expected to be completed by 14th May 2021. During this time the road may be required to be closed for works to be performed. These works are required to repair damage to the road following heavy rainfalls. -
Herberts (Wymbooliel) Campground (Great Otway National Park)
Herbert's Campground closed
Herbert’s Campground is closed until further notice due to hazardous trees. -
Cumberland River Beach Access (Great Otway National Park)
Cumberland Beach Carpark Closure
Cumberland Beach Carpark is closed until further notice for public safety as recent high tides and large swell have damaged the carpark and access stairs.Cumberland Beach is still accessible via the walking track directly opposite the Cumberland River Holiday Park. -
Lemonade Creek Walk (Great Otway National Park)
Lemonade Creek Walking Track Closure
Due to an unsafe pedestrian bridge, Lemonade Creek Walking Track will be closed for the foreseeable future. -
Beauchamp Falls Reserve
Beauchamp Falls Reserve Closure
Beauchamp Falls campground, road and waterfall are closed to visitors until further notice due to upgrade works. -
Jamieson Camping Area (Great Otway National Park)
Jamieson Creek campground is closed until further notice
Jamieson Creek campground is closed until further notice due to final planning assessments and requirements. Jamieson Track and Godfrey Track will also be closed during this period to allow for management of the campground closure. -
Currawong Falls Shared Trail (Great Otway National Park)
Currawong Falls shared track closed until further notice
Currawong Falls shared track is closed until further notice due to recent planned burning operations in the area. This closure is in place for public safety reasons, so Parks Victoria urges visitors to adhere to all closures.
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Distillery Creek Nature Trail (Great Otway National Park)
Distillery Creek Nature Trail closed until further notice
Distillery Creek Nature Trail is closed until further notice due to recent planned burning operations in the area. This closure is in place for public safety reasons, so Parks Victoria urges visitors to adhere to all closures. -
Distillery Creek Lower Day Visitor Area (Great Otway National Park)
Distillery Creek picnic ground (lower) closed until further notice
Distillery Creek picnic ground (lower) is closed until further notice due to recent planned burning operations in the area. This closure is in place for public safety reasons, so Parks Victoria urges visitors to adhere to all closures. -
Ironbark Gorge Walk (Great Otway National Park)
Ironbark Gorge walk closed until further notice
Ironbark Gorge walk is closed until further notice due to recent planned burning operations in the area. This closure is in place for public safety reasons, so Parks Victoria urges visitors to adhere to all closures. -
O'Donohue Beach Access (Great Otway National Park)
O'Donohue Beach Access is closed until further notice for public safety
O’Donohue Beach Access is closed from the car park until further notice for public safety due to storm impacts on the stairs. Beach access is still available at The Gap and Point Roadknight back beach.
Tours in the area
Bushwalking, four-wheel driving, horse riding, kayaking, rock climbing and mountain biking are just some of the many activities you can experience in Victoria's parks.
If you want to try something new or meet some like-minded people on your next visit to a park, contact a licensed tour operator.
Parks Victoria licenses tour operators who are experts in these activities and more. They will help you get the most out of your visit.
How we keep it special
