Great Otway National Park ‒ Forrest and surrounds Visitor Guide
This section of Great Otway National Park, along with Otway Forest Park, encompasses a stunning landscape including the undulating plains and plateaus of the hinterlands and the magnificent and towering mountain ash forests. Mountain bike riding and birdwatching along the peaceful walk at Lake Elizabeth are among a range of pursuits to be enjoyed here.
Getting there Mountain bike riding Two major roads connect Colac with Great Otway National Park and The Forrest area caters for all levels of mountain bike riders with Otway Forest Park including Colac-Lavers Hill Road and Colac-Forrest more than 60km of formed tracks and a 12km mountain bike loop Road. From the west, approach via Port Campbell along the Great linking Forrest, West Barwon Reservoir and Lake Elizabeth. Ocean Road. Visit www.delwp.vic.giv.au for more information. Things to see and do Four wheel driving Lake Elizabeth A range of formed tracks and roads provide four wheel drive access Explore Lake Elizabeth and enjoy the beautiful forest surrounds. This throughout the parks. Seasonal track closures apply to many tracks lake was created in 1952 when one of the heaviest rains on record in the park. For more information call Parks Victoria on 13 1963 or resulted in a massive landslide that dammed the East Barwon River go to www.parks.vic.gov.au and turned a remote forested valley into a lake. Fishing and hunting Walking A number of streams and rivers which flow through the parks provide great opportunities for keen anglers. Adults generally Lake Elizabeth – 2km, 1 hour return require a Victorian Recreational Fishing Licence, available from the Victorian Fisheries Authority at www.vfa.vic.gov.au, or your local A colony of platypus resides at Lake Elizabeth. Tread lightly and you fishing licence outlet. may spot one. Usually the best time for this is at dawn or dusk. Recreational hunting of game species in the Otway Forest Park This tall forest walk ambles alongside the river and leads to the lake. requires a game licence issued by DELWP, contacted on 136 186, Dog owners should keep dogs on leads when visiting this area to and is only permitted during officially notified seasons. reduce incidents of snake bite. Picnicking Recreational hunting of pest animals in the Otway Forest Park does not require a permit. Hunters must be aware of restrictions. Ideal and beautiful picnic areas include Lake Elizabeth Visitor Area, Otway Forest Park, Dandos Campground, Birnham Station and Dogs in the Otways Stevensons Falls Campground. In this area of Great Otway National Park, dogs are permitted on leads only in the Lake Elizabeth Camping Area and the Lake Elizabeth Camping Day Visitor Area and its adjoining walking tracks. Lake Elizabeth Campground is tucked beneath tall eucalypts and sits Dogs are permitted in all areas of Otway Forest Park. on the bank of the east branch of the Barwon River. It is separate to the Day Visitor Area and 1km from the lake. This section of the park Be prepared and stay safe offers excellent dogs on lead camping opportunities. For more Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park are in the South information and to book go to www.parks.vic.gov.au/stay West and Central fire district. Bushfire and severe weather safety is Otway Forest Park is another great option for dogs on lead camping a personal responsibility. Anyone entering parks and forests during opportunities nearby. the bushfire season or severe weather such as strong winds needs For information about Otway Forest camping areas including to stay aware of forecast weather conditions. Check the Fire Danger Dandos Campground, Stevensons Falls Campground and the Rating and for days of Total Fire Ban at www.emergency.vic.gov.au, mountain bike trailheads visit www.delwp.vic.gov.au on the VicEmergency smartphone app or call the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226. No fires may be lit on Total Fire Ban days. Horse riding However, gas stoves may be used under certain conditions for food Experience and enjoy the natural environment on horseback. preparation. Be aware that strong winds can occur anytime, which Permits may be required for some sections of the park. can be hazardous with falling timbers on walking tracks. The Wonga and Barongarook areas in the Otway Forest Park are On Code Red Fire Danger Rating days and days of severe weather ideal for horse riding as there are a number of wide, slashed this park will be closed for public safety. Closure signs will be roadsides. For more information, see the Horseriding in the Otways erected but do not expect an official warning. Check the latest Parks fact sheet at www.parks.vic.gov.au conditions at www.parks.vic.gov.au or by calling 13 1963. For emergency assistance call Triple Zero (000). If there is a green emergency marker sign near you, read the information on the marker to the operator.
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Wimba Barwon River Cumberland Information Camping Horse riding Walking track GreatRD Otway Great Otway WYE Charleys Creek National Park NationalRIVER Park Toilets Seasonal camping Gate (seasonal Great Otway Mountain bike track Other park RD closure) National Park KENNETT Picnic table Dogs permitted Management Main road Waterbody Beauchamp Falls vehicles only MT SABINE Wye Fireplace Walking track MUD Dinmont Kennett RD Camping Area Sealed road Seasonal closure Other public land to vehicles Waterfall Mountain bike BENWERRIN Unsealed roadMount Sabine GREY R. Lookout Fishing Ferguson 4WD Grey River TURTONS Olangolah East RIVER Picnic Area Weeaproinahwww.parks.vic.gov.au Beech Forest TRK 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 2 4 Kilometers For mobile App search for Avenza PDF Maps Sabine Falls RD Little Aire Falls TRK Hopetoun Falls Visitor Area Picnic Area DOG Tanybryn