Great Otway National Park ‒ Apollo Bay, Cape Otway and surrounds Visitor Guide Breathtaking coastlines, dramatic cliff faces, deep valleys of tall forest and fern-clad gullies embracing spectacular waterfalls all feature here. From glow worms to fishing, you will be delighted with things to see and do in this incredibly beautiful part of the state. Getting there Triplet Falls Walk – 2km, 1 hour circuit Great Otway National Park is south of Melbourne via Geelong or Colac. From the east, approach Apollo Bay and Cape Otway along Enjoy the history and story of this rainforest, as told by the signs the Great Ocean Road (B100) by taking either Anglesea Road or Surf that lead you around the circuit walk. Look for the giant Mountain Coast Highway from Geelong. Ash trees along the way. Some of these trees are estimated to be From Colac, approach through Lavers Hill (inland route C155). more than 200 years old and have generated from a seed the size of From the west, pick up the Great Ocean Road by approaching via a grain of sand. Port Campbell (inland route C164). Listen for the falls as you walk through the ancient forest on a series A daily bus service between Geelong, Lorne and Apollo Bay connects of elevated walkways. Platforms provide you with spectacular views with train services to Melbourne. of Triplet Falls’s lower and upper cascades. Things to see and do Youngs Creek flows to the falls from Weeaproinah, which has the state’s highest average annual rainfall of almost two metres. The Walking falls are even more spectacular after rain. The Cemetery – 2.8km, 40 minutes return Stay on the path while looking for the different mosses and fungi growing on the forest floor. They play an important role in Starting at the far end of Lightstation Carpark near the information maintaining this rainforest. board, a gravel path leads uphill past a highpoint with a view of surrounds. Continue downhill, following the sandy track for Little Aire Walk – 2.5km, 2.5 hours return approximately 10 more minutes to visit the historic cemetery. This walk leads off the Triplet Falls track and passes through Station Beach/Rainbow Falls – 8km, 3.5 hours return spectacular rainforest along an old logging winch line. View the falls from an eight metre platform. Walk through sand dunes and then down along Station Beach to the colourful cliff that is Rainbow Falls, which is spring-fed and trickles Madsen's Track Nature Walk – 1.2km, 35 minutes through algae to the rock platform on the beach below. Return the circuit same way. This is an unpatrolled beach and swimming is not This 35-minute loop walk is an adventure into a world of ancient, recommended. mossy trees and cool fern gullies. Start at the Melba Gully Picnic There are no litter, toilet or camping facilities. The unspoilt nature of Area and follow the information signs along the track and listen for this area depends on you to stay unpolluted and beautiful. the soothing sound of Anne’s Cascades. Cape Otway Lightstation Parker Hill Campground and Stringybark Loop Walk Cape Otway Lightstation is a wonderful place to visit with many – 3km, 1 hour circuit reminders and stories of Australia’s maritime history. It is Australia's This walk can begin from Parker Hill or Point Franklin. The inland oldest working lighthouse operating since 1848. The lightstation was Stringybark Track to Parker Hill has high views above Parker Inlet. If decommissioned in January 1994 after being the longest continuous time permits, take the steep steps down to explore the sheltered operating light on the Australian mainland. inlet. Today the lightstation operates as a business and visitors can Return to Point Franklin via the Great Ocean Walk along the clifftop explore the lightkeeper’s house, accommodation, café, telegraph track, taking in distant views of Cape Otway Lightstation. station displays and walks. Take a tour and explore this unique site. An entry fee applies. Great Ocean Walk – 104km, 8 days one way Picnicking www.greatoceanwalk.com.au for detailed planning There are many beautiful places to picnic so plan your visit to get Weave your way through tall forests, coastal heathlands, beside wild the most out of your day. Picnic areas with facilities include Shelly rocky shores and along windswept clifftops with amazing views. Beach Picnic Area, Blanket Bay, Aire River, Johanna Beach Day Hike up to eight days or choose a day walk along this incredible one- Visitor and Camping Area, Melba Gully Picnic Area and Sabine Falls. direction walk from Apollo Bay to the Twelve Apostles. Parks Victoria Phone 13 1963 www.parks.vic.gov.au Great Otway National Park Apollo Bay and Cape OtwayPV Upper C155 Gellibrand Sabine Falls Beauchamp Falls Little Aire Falls Camping Area Day Visitor Area D S (Walker access is from R U N N Triplet Falls Picnic Area) K YS E ID Melba Gully BE FOREST E E E CH R R C D R D C159 Picnic Area D R S E Beech N L E I L Hopetoun Falls K H Forest S D S BROWN Picnic Area R Aire Valley Reserve R E TOWN S V INN (Redwoods) C119 LA B - LAC Day Visitor Area Lavers C O TRK PH C155 ILLIP Hill S T R Triplet Falls K K RD R M T Picnic Area A R G RIDGE R C156 I O N D E R D L R I Skenes HALLS I D W G E Creek Great Otway K R T T R RD K B100 B100 National Park R E RD AT B I W E N RD K R N G I A S D L E I L JOAHANNA R Aire Crossing L A C L R R A OCEAN D E Camping Area CAL D BLUE (Seasonal camping closure) R D C A D N GREAT R N B100 D E A ANS R N N A H T JO R K Maits Rest Apollo Bay GREAT OCEAN Hordern Visitor Area RD Glenaire Vale Marengo Reefs Johanna Beach Marengo S L Marine Sanctuary A I ND G R Day Visitor Area D H T and Camping Area H O U P S A E R Castle Cove K E R R Shelly Beach Picnic Area D S Lookout P U R C157 RD Aire River (West) Camping Area Cape Blanket Bay Camping Area Otway Blanket Bay Day Visitor Area Rainbow Falls (Algal Spring) Aire River (East) Point Franklin Camping Area Parker Hill Camping Area Cape Otway Lightstation See Apollo Bay $ and Cape Otway inset Parking BBQ (gas) Entry fee Main road Great Otway National Park Horse riding Sealed road Information Fireplace Other park Toilets Walking track Unsealed road Visitor Information Marine National Park Centre Shelter Dogs permitted 4WD Gate Waterbody Walking track Picnic table Camping Great Ocean Walk Other public land Boat ramp Lookout Great Ocean Walk - Mgmt. vehicles only alternate route Waterfall Lighthouse www.parks.vic.gov.au Disclaimer: Parks Victoria does not guarantee that this data is without flaw of any kind and therefore disclaims all liability which may arise from you relying on this information. Cartography by Parks Victoria May 2018. 0 5 10 Kilometers For mobile App search for Avenza PDF Maps Great Otway National Park Apollo Bay and Cape Otway Inset PA R K K RED E R R T S Y P A U B R T HILL E R K D N A L C157 Great Otway B National Park TRK G M D U A R M N NA DRV Y A B ET B NK R BLA A Cape Otway C K S A C C E S BLAN S KE WALK T BAY RD P ARKER H TRK Rainbow Falls ILL D R CR K B A R (Algal Spring) Y A Y R A W Y F A B L IS H Y T NG Parker Hill R TRI RD K S SE HTHOU Camping Area LIG Cape Otway Lightstation Point Franklin Crayfish Carpark Bay Point $ Franklin www.parks.vic.gov.au Disclaimer: Parks Victoria does not guarantee that this data is without flaw of any kind and therefore disclaims all liability which may arise from you relying on this information. Cartography by Parks Victoria May 2018. 0 1 2 Kilometers Camping appreciated at night. No torches please as this will disturb and shut Some excellent national park camping opportunities include: down their glowing display. Four wheel driving, trail and mountain bike riding Aire River (East) and (West) Campgrounds Licensed drivers and riders with registered vehicles will find a range Located on opposite banks of the Aire River Estuary are two of formed vehicle tracks and roads on offer throughout the national campgrounds. and forest parks. This includes mountain bikes which are not The estuary is home to a magnitude of native and migratory bird permitted on walking tracks in this section of the park. species as well as an abundance of fish species making it a great Seasonal track closures apply to many tracks in Great Otway place to go bird watching, fishing, swimming and canoeing. National Park. For more information go to www.parks.vic.gov.au A boat ramp is available to launch small boats, canoes and kayaks. A Remember to always stay on the tracks and avoid muddy areas to short walk to the ocean beach follows the banks of the river. This is reduce damage to the environment. Be considerate, slow down or an unpatrolled ocean beach and not recommended for swimming. stop for horse riders, cyclists or hikers.