Great Otway National Park: Waterfalls, Forests and Beaches

Nestled along Victoria’s dramatic coastline, Great Otway National Park is a sprawling mosaic of ancient forests, cascading waterfalls and sweeping beaches. This is a place where mossy fern gullies meet towering myrtle beech trees, where rain-kissed vines frame powerful waterfalls, and where sunlit shorelines roar with ocean energy. Whether you are after a gentle rainforest stroll, a multi-hour waterfall hike, or a wind whipped beach day, Great Otway National Park offers a world of natural wonders just a short drive from Australia's beloved Great Ocean Road.

If you are planning a nature-forward getaway that lets you slow down, inhale the scent of eucalyptus and rain, and discover landscapes as varied as they are photogenic, Great Otway National Park should top your travel list. In this guide you will find what to see, where to go, and how to make the most of your visit to this iconic corner of Victoria.

Why Great Otway National Park deserves a place on your travel list

Great Otway National Park is famous for three iconic experiences in one stop: waterfalls, forests and beaches. The park spans rugged coast, tranquil rainforest valleys, and sunlit sand by the sea. Here is what makes it stand out:

• Diverse ecosystems in one park, from ancient forests to open heath and coastal dunes
• A concentration of spectacular waterfalls that flow year after year, especially after rain
• Easy-to-moderate trails that suit families, couples and solo travelers
• Proximity to the Great Ocean Road, making it an excellent add-on to a coastal road trip
• Rich wildlife experiences, including birdlife, wallabies and koalas in certain pockets of the park

Top experiences in Great Otway National Park sit at the intersection of accessible beauty and wilderness serenity. It is a place where you can walk among giant ferns, watch an emerald forest come alive after a drizzle, and end the day with a sunset over the ocean.

Waterfalls: the cascading heart of Great Otway National Park

Waterfalls are a signature draw in Great Otway National Park. Each falls offers a different temperament: Erskine Falls hugs a cliff edge with a crystal-clear plunge, while Hopetoun Falls spills over a wide curtain of water that can seem endless on a wet day. Triplet Falls and Beauchamp Falls add a sense of rainforest theatre with boardwalks winding through mossy understory and fern glades.

Here are four standout waterfall experiences to put on your itinerary:

Erskine Falls

• Location: A short drive inland from Lorne along the Great Ocean Road
• Walk: A solid stair climb brings you to a viewing deck that frames the 30-40 meter waterfall with a lush backdrop of rainforest
• best time to visit: After rainfall or during late morning light when the spray catches the sun
• what to expect: A swift, dramatic drop with a narrow, scenic gorge; easy access makes it perfect for families

Erskine Falls is one of the park’s most photographed cascades. The short, well-maintained path makes it an ideal first stop for travelers who want a quick, memorable hit of Otway power before moving deeper into the forest.

Hopetoun Falls

• Location: Near Beech Forest, along a quiet inland track
• Walk: A gradual descent along a wooden boardwalk leads to a viewing platform above the falls; there is a smaller path to the base if you’re up for a steeper challenge
• best time to visit: Late afternoon when the light can turn the water to sheets of silver and green
• what to expect: A tall, elegant curtain of water that looks particularly dramatic after rain

Hopetoun Falls offers a classic rainforest waterfall experience with a slightly longer walk than Erskine. The combination of tall trees, ferns, and the creak of the boardwalk makes it a sensory highlight of a Otway waterfall circuit.

Triplet Falls

• Location: Beech Forest area, within the Otways
• Walk: A relatively easy loop that winds through lush rainforest on boardwalks and track sections
• best time to visit: Morning for cooler temperatures and better light for photography
• what to expect: A three-stream cascade that creates a layered, cinematic effect as water splits and merges along its journey

Triplet Falls is a favorite for nature lovers who want a rainforest immersion with a payoff of stunning viewpoints after a gentle stroll.

Beauchamp Falls

• Location: Beech Forest area
• Walk: Short and family-friendly boardwalk that leads to a viewing platform with a sweeping view of the falls
• best time to visit: Spring and early summer when the falls run well and the forest is lush
• what to expect: A serene, broad curtain of water set against a mossy forest backdrop, ideal for photography and quiet reflection

Beauchamp Falls gives visitors a sense of quiet, mossy calm that contrasts beautifully with the more dramatic Erskine and Hopetoun falls.

Tip: If you plan to explore multiple waterfalls in a day, start early and set a relaxed pace. Weather in the Otways can be changeable, and a drizzle can enhance the mood but reduce visibility for long-distance photos.

Forests and the living cathedral of Otway rangers

Beyond waterfalls, Great Otway National Park protects one of the most striking temperate rainforests in Australia. The forest is a living cathedral of ancient trees, shimmering ferns, and a soundtrack of distant birdsong.

• Myrtle beech and Antarctic beech trees form towering canopies that have stood for centuries
• Fern gullies and shaded ravines create microclimates where moss and lichens flourish
• The understorey is a mosaic of tree ferns, mosses, and a variety of bryophytes that glimmer after rain
• Wildlife is plentiful in the cooler, damp forest zones, with kangaroos, wallabies and a chorus of birds often spotted along tracks

Two forest experiences are especially beloved by visitors:

• Maits Rest Rainforest Walk: A sheltered, wheel-chair accessible boardwalk that leads through a lush, fern-filled valley. The route is short, informative, and a perfect introduction to the Otway forest. Look for glow in the moss as light filters through the canopy.
• Melba Gully and the Glow Worms: At night, the Melba Gully area comes alive with glow worms. If you are visiting during longer evenings, a guided night walk can reveal a shimmering thread of light along the forest floor and cave-like rock crevices.

For those who love botany and birdlife, the Otways deliver. The forest is a sanctuary for diverse flora, and the quietness of walking among ancient trunks can feel almost timeless. It is a place to slow down and soak in the scent of damp bark, earth and eucalyptus.

Beaches and coastlines: where the forest meets the sea

The Great Otway National Park boundary stretches to the coast, delivering some of Victoria’s most evocative beach scenes. The combination of wind-swept headlands, long sandy beaches, and dramatic cliffs makes for unforgettable coastal days.

• Johanna Beach: A long, sandy stretch popular with surfers and walkers alike. The beach is backed by dunes and wild coastal vegetation, offering dramatic sunrises and sunsets on calmer days
• Moonlight Head and the Shipwreck Coasts: From elevated viewpoints you can survey the rugged coastline where the Southern Ocean meets high cliffs and sea stacks
• Princetown and the Shipwreck Coast access points: The park connects with areas along the Great Ocean Road that are famous for shipwreck history and dramatic sea views
• Apollo Bay and nearby beaches: A short detour from some Otway trails, Apollo Bay offers a friendly town base with more beach options and easy dining

Johanna Beach is a highlight for many visitors who want to pair a waterfall or forest walk with a beach experience. It offers a sense of remoteness without being overly difficult to reach, and on a clear day the horizon seems to stretch endlessly.

Coastal walks in the Otways can be breezy and open to the weather. Pack a windbreaker or light rain jacket, even in warmer months, and always check the day’s tide and wind conditions before heading out.

Practical planning: how to make the most of your Otway adventure

A successful visit to Great Otway National Park blends nature immersion with comfortable pacing. Here are practical tips to help you plan:

• Access points: Use Lorne, Beech Forest, Apollo Bay, and Princetown as base hubs. From Melbourne, a typical route is along the Princes Highway to Colac, then onto the Great Ocean Road toward Lorne or Apollo Bay.
• Timing: The park shines after rain, when waterfalls are full and forest streams sing. However, a sunny day is perfect for long coastal walks and beach time.
• Trails and difficulty: There are short, easy walks suitable for families and longer circuits for more enthusiastic hikers. Always check the trail details at the visitor information points.
• Safety: Stay on marked tracks, beware of uneven surfaces, and watch for wildlife. Coastal winds can be strong; bring a light jacket for ocean air. In forested areas, there can be insects and ticks in spring and summer.
• Wildlife etiquette: Do not feed wildlife, keep a respectful distance from koalas if you encounter them in tree canopies, and follow local guidelines for encounters with birds or reptiles.
• Phone coverage and maps: Some parts of the park have limited mobile reception. Carry a map or download offline maps to avoid getting lost on bush tracks.

Accommodation options range from rustic campgrounds to cozy lodges in nearby towns. If you are planning a longer stay, consider a multi-day itinerary that balances forest walks, waterfall experiences and beach time.

Sample itineraries: make the most of your Great Otway visit

To help you plan, here are two sample itineraries that cover waterfalls, forests and beaches in a balanced way.

• One-day Otway sampler

  • Morning: Start at Erskine Falls for a quick, dramatic forest-waterfall experience
  • Midday: Maits Rest for a gentle rainforest stroll
  • Afternoon: Johanna Beach for a relaxed coast walk and a picnic
  • Evening: Return along the Great Ocean Road with a seaside dinner in Lorne or Apollo Bay

• Two-day Otway immersion

  • Day 1: Walk Erskine Falls and Hopetoun Falls in the morning, then drive to Beauchamp Falls for a tranquil forest view
  • Afternoon: Short coastal stop at Johanna Beach; sunset at a lookout along the coast
  • Day 2: Triplet Falls morning loop in Beech Forest, followed by a longer rainforest walk or glow-worm night visit at Melba Gully
  • Optional third day: Combine a sunrise at Moonlight Head with a relaxed day in Apollo Bay or Princetown for a shipwreck history fix and coastal photography

• Family-friendly Otways plan

  • Choose level trails like Beauchamp Falls and Maits Rest
  • Focus on short walks, wildlife spotting and a beachfront break
  • Plan meals in Lorne or Apollo Bay and keep a flexible schedule for weather changes

Getting there: your route to the Great Otway National Park

• From Melbourne: The drive typically takes around 2.5 to 3.5 hours to reach the park depending on your entry point. A common route is along the Princes Highway toward Geelong and then continuing to the Great Ocean Road through Torquay, Anglesea, Lorne, and on to Apollo Bay or Beech Forest.
• From Geelong: A shorter journey that lets you start your Otways exploration with a coast-first experience along the Bellarine Peninsula before turning inland to the forest.
• By air: The nearest regional airports offer connections to Melbourne and Avalon, from which you can hire a car for the final leg.
• Getting around: The park is big enough that a car is the most convenient way to access the major waterfall and forest trails. Some trails are close to towns like Lorne or Beech Forest, while others require a short drive from the main roads.

Tip: Plan a loop if you have a few days, layering in a waterfall walk, a forest walk and a coastal day. This approach minimizes backtracking and maximizes your time with Otway scenery.

Seasonal considerations: what to expect throughout the year

• Spring (September to November): A lush, green boom; ideal for waterfall flows after winter rains. Wildflowers begin to appear in forest clearings and along some coastal tracks.
• Summer (December to February): Warmer days with opportunities for beach time, but some trails can be hot and exposed. Start early to catch cool mornings and sea breezes.
• Autumn (March to May): Quiet trails, changing leaf colors, and comfortable hiking conditions. Waterfalls may still flow well after autumn rains.
• Winter (June to August): Cooler temperatures with a higher chance of rain. Waterfalls look dramatic in overcast weather, and the forest can feel pristine and chilly. Pack layers and waterproof footwear.

No matter when you visit, Great Otway National Park rewards travelers with a vivid sense of place where rain-cooled air, emerald canopy, and ocean spray come together in a memorable experience.

Where to stay: bases for your Otways adventure

• Lorne: A lively seaside town well within reach of Erskine Falls, beneath a canopy of tall trees, with plenty of dining and accommodation options
• Beech Forest: A calm, forest-forward base for those focusing on the inland waterfall circuit, such as Hopetoun, Triplet and Beauchamp Falls
• Apollo Bay: A classic Great Ocean Road stop with beaches, restaurants and a gateway to coastal Otway tracks
• Princetown: A quieter option close to the Shipwreck Coast landscape and easy access to a range of park trails

Staying in these towns gives you a balanced mix of nature immersion and convenient dining and shopping. For travelers who want to stay even closer to nature, there are campgrounds within the park that let you wake up to forest birds and the scent of pine and rain.

Responsible travel: how to protect Great Otway National Park

• Stay on designated trails to protect delicate ecosystems and avoid disturbing wildlife
• Carry out all rubbish and respect wildlife by observing from a distance
• If you encounter a koala, wallaby or bird, observe without chasing or feeding
• Use reusable water bottles and eco-friendly products to minimize waste
• Check park alerts for trail closures or weather warnings before heading out

Responsible travel helps ensure Great Otway National Park remains pristine for future visitors and for the wildlife that calls it home.

A note on photography and memory making

Great Otway National Park offers countless photo-worthy moments. To maximize your shots:

• Visit early or late in the day for softer light and fewer crowds
• Bring a sturdy tripod for waterfall long-exposure shots if you enjoy water in motion
• Use a lens with wide focal length for landscapes and a macro for forest details
• Respect the trails and protect your gear by carrying it securely as you move across uneven ground

Whether you are an avid photographer or simply a traveler who wants to capture the memory, Otway landscapes reward patience, preparation and a willingness to linger.

Conclusion: a destination that blends adventure, serenity, and natural beauty

Great Otway National Park stands out because it offers a rare trifecta: waterfalls that command attention, forests that invite mindful wandering, and beaches that reward with expansive horizons. It’s a place to slow down, take long walks through ancient trees, and feel the coast wind on your face as the sea speaks in rhythmic echoes.

If you are planning a Victoria trip that balances nature and coastline, Great Otway National Park should be on your map. The park’s accessible trails, dramatic waterfalls, and pristine beaches provide a depth of experiences that can be enjoyed in one weekend or stretched into a longer journey along the Great Ocean Road. Whether you seek a family-friendly day of forest and waterfall exploration, an intimate sunset stroll by the beach, or a photographic expedition through fern gullies and cliffside vistas, Otway delivers.

Ready to start planning? Build a flexible itinerary that combines Erskine, Hopetoun, Triplet and Beauchamp Falls with a coastal day at Johanna Beach. Pair a forest stroll with a beach walk, then take a sunset drive back along the coastline to your comfortable base. Great Otway National Park invites you to step into a world where rain, trees and sea meet in spectacular fashion, and where every turn reveals a new landscape waiting to be discovered.