Sprawling between Torquay, Princetown and up into the Otways hinterland, the Great Otway National Park protects rugged coastlines and pristine beaches, as well as tall forests and cascading waterfalls. Windswept tracts of heathland support magnificent spring wildflowers while lush fern gullies provide a habitat for a diverse array of species.
Follow the boardwalks that lead through the temperate rainforest of Maits Rest where giant tree ferns grow and witness thousands of glowing worms at Melba Gully. There are numerous waterfalls to visit, including the three picturesque cascades at Triplet Falls and the 30-meter-high Erskine Falls that plunge into a tree fern gully below.
For an adrenalin-pumping experience, get a different perspective of the Great Otway National Park at the Otway Fly Tree Top Walk. It includes not only an elevated walking platform through the forest canopy but also a zipline that will see you flying through the treetops like Tarzan.
Be sure to visit the Cape Otway Lightstation that perches on the cliff tops over-looking Bass Strait. It was opened in 1848 and today stands as the oldest surviving lighthouse on mainland Australia. The Great Ocean Walk also passes through the Great Otway National Park, stretching 91 kilometers between Apollo Bay and Glenample Homestead.
Lorne, Apollo Bay and Anglesea all make a good base for visiting the Great Otway National Park, which is about two hours’ drive from Melbourne. There are a number of campsites scattered throughout the park where you can bunk down beneath the starry night sky.