The Otways
The road’s green secret — cool-temperate rainforest, towering mountain ash and waterfalls, the treetop Otway Fly, and glow-worms lighting the gullies after dark.
The Otways
Behind the surf and cliffs, the Otways are the Great Ocean Road’s green secret — a belt of cool-temperate rainforest, towering mountain ash, fern gullies and waterfalls in the Great Otway National Park. Walk to Erskine, Hopetoun and Triplet Falls, stroll the rainforest at Maits Rest, ride the treetop Otway Fly, and after dark watch glow-worms light the gullies. It’s a misty, magical contrast to the coast.
What to Do
Otway Waterfalls
Erskine, Hopetoun, Triplet and Beauchamp Falls — fullest in winter and spring.
Maits Rest & Melba Gully
Easy rainforest boardwalks through ancient ferns and myrtle beech.
The Otway Fly
A treetop walkway through the rainforest canopy, with an optional zipline tour.
Glow-Worms
Damp gullies (like Melba Gully) glow with glow-worms at night — visit quietly.
Otway Tips
- Waterfalls are fullest and greenest in winter and spring
- Wear sturdy shoes — falls tracks have steps and can be slippery
- Base at Apollo Bay or Lorne to explore the ranges
- Visit glow-worm gullies quietly at night; avoid shining torches on them
- Check current Otway Fly opening and tour times
- See the full list of falls — Otway waterfalls
The Otways — FAQ
What are the Otways?
The Otways (Great Otway National Park) are a lush belt of cool-temperate rainforest, tall eucalypt forest and waterfalls behind the Great Ocean Road, between Lorne and the Shipwreck Coast — a green, misty contrast to the surf coast.
What are the best waterfalls in the Otways?
Erskine Falls (behind Lorne), Hopetoun Falls, Triplet Falls and Beauchamp Falls are among the finest, fullest in winter and spring. See Otway waterfalls.
What is the Otway Fly?
A treetop walk near Beech Forest — an elevated steel walkway through the rainforest canopy, with an optional zipline tour. Check current opening and tour times.
Can you see glow-worms in the Otways?
Yes — glow-worms light up damp gullies after dark (for example around Melba Gully, “the Jewel of the Otways”). Visit quietly at night and avoid using torches near them.
Where do you access the Otways?
Apollo Bay and Lorne are the main gateways; roads climb inland to Beech Forest, the waterfalls and the Otway Fly, and out to Cape Otway. See Apollo Bay & Cape Otway.
The Great Ocean Road, Planned Around You
The Twelve Apostles, the surf coast, the Otway rainforest and the wildlife — with the driving and bookings handled by the family that’s toured Australia since 1974.
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