The Great Otway National Park stretches from Torquay through to Princetown and up through the Otways hinterland towards Colac. The park features rugged coastlines, sandy beaches, rock platforms and windswept heathland. In the north, the park features tall forests, ferny gullies, magnificent waterfalls and tranquil lakes.

Walking
The Great Ocean Walk, stretches 91 kms from the idyllic resort town of Apollo Bay to Glenample Homestead (adjacent to the 12 Apostles). It passes through the National Park and overlooks the Marine National Park. The walk has been designed so that walkers can 'step on and step off' the trail at a number of places, completing short, day or overnight hikes.

Horse riding and mountain biking
Experience and enjoy the natural environment on horse back or on a mountain bike. A permit is required for horse riders to ride in the National Park and Parks Victoria staff can assist you with this. The formed roads and tracks provide ideal trails for these active endeavours.

Picnicking and camping
Picnic opportunities abound, with lovely settings at many of the waterfalls as well as Blanket Leaf, Sheoak, Distillery Creek, Moggs Creek, Paradise, Melba Gully, Shelly Beach, Triplet Falls and Blanket Bay to name a few.

There are excellent camping opportunities throughout the Parks. Whether you are looking for a family friendly place to park your caravan or a solitary night under the stars there's something to cater to every need.

Before you go
Conditions can change in parks for many reasons. For the latest information on changes to local conditions, please visit the relevant park page on the Parks Victoria website.

Be bushfire ready in the great outdoors. Refer to the Bushfire Safety section on the Parks Victoria website for tips on how to stay safe.

Content: Parks Victoria

Local directions

The park is south-west of Melbourne via Geelong or Colac. From the west, approach via Port Campbell along the Great Ocean Road. A daily bus service between Geelong, Lorne and Apollo Bay connects with train services to Melbourne. For timetable details call V/Line Country Information on 13 2232.

Facilities

Additional business information

Heritage
A rich human history The spiritual and physical connections of the four traditional language groups, Wathaurung, Gulidjan, Gadubanud, and Kirrae Whurrong people are still celebrated today. Through their rich and diverse culture, Indigenous Australians have been intrinsically connected to Country - including the area now known as Great Otway National Park - for tens of thousand of years. People, stories, sites, shell middens, oven mounds and artefacts are all indicators of a healthy and diverse lifestyle. Parks Victoria recognises this connection and acknowledges the Traditional Owners and Aboriginal Communities of these areas.

Looking After the Park
* All native plants and animals are protected. Do not disturb or remove them. * Dogs, cats and firearms are prohibited (Dogs are permitted at Johanna on a lead). * Fires may be lit only in fireplaces provided and not at all on Total Fire Ban days. * Wood or fuel stoves and gas lights are not permitted on these days. Bring all firewood to the park. * Take your rubbish home and, where possible, recycle. * Check your recreational fishing guide before collecting shellfish or rock lobster (Shell fish collecting is not permitted east of Cape Otway). * Always stay on walking tracks. * Clean up at designated Phytopthora hygiene stations.

Special Needs Access
Maits Rest The walk at Maits Rest is a great introduction to Victoria's tall wet eucalypt forests and rainforests. The forest walk has sections of raised boardwalk, compacted soil and aggregate. Some steep sections lack handrails. There are excellent interpretive signs along the path. Vehicle access to this site is excellent, and the area around the car park is free of obstacles. There are no picnic or toilet facilities. The closest are at Apollo Bay or the Aire River Camping area. Aire River The east area of the Aire River campground is an informal grassy area that can also be accessed by caravans. Neither camp area has any designated accessible facilities, but there is more flat ground on the west side than on the east. Johanna Beach Campers at Johanna Beach can park adjacent to a campsite, and it is possible to bring a caravan. Access to the toilet is restricted by a narrow path, as is access to the beach. The track to the beach is also very sandy. The camping area is fairly flat overall. Blanket Bay Facilities at Blanket Bay include picnic tables, pit and composting toilets and open fire places. There is a designated unisex toilet, with a gravel approach path. The sandy path with uneven stairs leading to the beach is poorly accessible. Recycling bins are provided - please use them. No water is available so bring your own, or draw it from the Parker River. For information on other areas, please visit the Parks Victoria website.