The Otways – the blend of coast and country
Discover some of Victoria’s most beautiful rainforest scenery in the Otways, located south-west of Melbourne, with two main entry points from Great Ocean Road and Colac. Wander among ancient trees at Maits Rest, view lush ferns at Melba Gully, discover many picturesque waterfalls and cascade, jog along wild Johanna Beach or go canoeing on Lake Elizabeth.
The Otways begin just past Lorne, which is set between the sparkling waters of Loutit Bay and the beautiful forests of the Otway Ranges and boasts a lively café culture, colourful shops and a wide variety of accommodation. Further along the Great Ocean Road the charming seaside villages of Wye River and Kennett River are popular holiday spots on the way to Apollo Bay which nestles in the picturesque green foothills of the Otway Ranges.
A highlight of the region is the Otway Fly Tree Top Walk (near Beech Forest) which is the longest and tallest elevated walk of its kind in the world. It varies between 20-37 metres in height and is over 600 metres in length. The Walk provides wondrous views through the canopy.
For spectacular ocean views, follow the Great Ocean Walk (which opened in January 2006) which stretches 91kms from Apollo Bay to Glenample Homestead (near to the Twelve Apostles).
Foodies will love the Otway Gourmet Food and Wine Trail, a mouth-watering trail down the coast and through the forested hills where visitors can savour a smorgasbord of delights which vary from the freshest seafood to cool-climate local wines and local beer from Otway Estate Winery and Brewery.
The Cape Otway Lightstation, located between Apollo Bay and Johanna, is the oldest sandstone lighthouse on the Australian mainland. The Lightstation has developed a new two-hour discovery tour which includes a 4WD trip into the Great Otway National Park to visit sites which have special significance to the lighthouse. Visitors will learn about the local ecology and the lives and times of the lightkeepers and discover an iconic lighthouse, telegraph station, and the World War Two radar bunker used to track Japanese submarines followed by morning or afternoon tea in the Lightkeeper's Café. For further information, visit www.lightstation.com
Another way to explore the wonders of the Great Ocean Road is with Natural Treasures Tours. The one- and two-day tours along Victoria’s stunning south coast will take you off the beaten track and show you many hidden treasures of this landmark route. See kangaroos bouncing around Anglesea golf course, look for koalas at Kennett River, find glow worms in Apollo Bay, learn about the Otways’ rich Aboriginal heritage, see the iconic Twelve Apostles and find out about the many shipwrecks along this treacherous coastline. Overnight in four-star accommodation set in native forest with ocean views. For further information, visit www.naturaltreasures.com.au
For further information go to visitvictoria.com