Otways Local Attractions
A list of local attractions in the Otway Ranges & the Great Ocean Road.
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The Otway Ranges is
one of those places that never fails to surprise and if you're staying
in the Otways during the months of July or August keep your fingers
crossed for a scene like this. This shot was taken near the Otway Fly
and the small township of Beech Forest. |
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The Otway Ranges is classified as a temperate rainforest. And we all know that rainforests require lots of water. Consequently, this can result in numerous and often quite spectacular waterfalls. There is a large number of waterfalls in the Otways - from the spectacular to the sublime. Some are very well known, like Erskine Falls at Lorne and Triplet Falls near the Otway Fly. Others are more off the beaten track but all are easily accessible. Winter will produce masses of thunderous water at these falls while during summer they can be just the place to cool off. To the left is Beauchamp Falls and to the right is Hopetoun Falls - both are near Beech Forest. |
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There really is nothing quite like a sunset
over the ocean. And the Otways has so many beaches to stroll along where
more often than not the only footprints you will see belong to the local
gulls. |
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Another beach which you are almost always guaranteed
to have to yourself is Wreck Beach at Moonlight Head. Make the effort,
turn off at Moonlight Head 16 kilometres west of Lavers Hill, walk
down the 366 steps and venture into an environment you will not soon
forget. Above are the anchors from the shipwrecks Fiji & Marie
Gabrielle. |
If you're keen to see some local aussie wildlife then the
Otway Ranges is the place to be. Large numbers of wallabies, roos and
koalas call the Otways home. For close up views of our cuddly koalas the
lighthouse road to the Aire River is the best spot. |
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The Otways is home to some extraordinary beauty and the
best way to take advantage of it is on foot. There are numerous tracks
scattered throughout the Otway Ranges, some of which will take you along
the coast while others will enable you to walk deep into temperate rainforests.
The Great Ocean Walk extends along the entire coastline of the Otway Ranges.
You will come face to face with the varied and extraordinary flora and
fauna of this magical area. Pack a picnic lunch, put on some good walking
shoes and allow them to take you on a journey you will not quickly forget.
more
info
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If you're not the type of person who
loves hiking long distances then Melba Gully is the perfect alternative.
Melba Gully State Park is situated about 5 kilometres west of Lavers
Hill and is considered a relatively easy walk ( about 30 minutes ) through
some beautiful rainforest. It is well pathed and has boardwalk areas
where they are needed. To the left is the viewing area for Anne's Cascades
and to the right is the 300 year old Messmate known affectionately as
The Big Tree. |
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The Otway Fly tree top walk is this
region's biggest tourist attraction and there is good reason for this.
Located deep in the Otway National Park this 600 metre long elevated
walk is the longest and highest canopy walk of its kind in the world.
Don't forget to Fly when you come to the Otway Ranges. more
info |
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And of course we now have the recently
completed magnificent Triplet Falls venue. A moderately easy walk (
about 50 minutes ) with one steep exception through a forest of Mountain
Ash, Beech Tree & fern laden gullies. This is a world class attraction
and is only 5 minutes further on from the Otway Fly. If you're doing
the Fly then this is a must. |
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The Great Ocean Road closely hugs the Victorian coastline
which allows visitors to the region to have access to beach after beach
after beach. You will find a beach which will allow you to do whatever
it is you like. Swimming, surfing, diving, just relaxing or fishing. And
if it's fishing your after then you have come to the right place. A large
variety of fish inhabit this region and the amateur angler can almost
always take home some supper. The photo to the left is Johanna Beach which
is reknowned for Australian salmon: one of nature's best fighting fish. |
