Most visitors experience the Great Ocean Road through a vehicle window. They stop at the Twelve Apostles, take a few photographs, and return to Melbourne before discovering the landscape behind the coast.

We think you should take the turn inland at Apollo Bay.

Beyond the seaside cafés and sweeping Southern Ocean views, the Otways open into a spectacular world of cool-temperate rainforest, fern gullies, waterfalls, historic lightstations and native wildlife. Spending two or three days in the Otways transforms a rushed coastal drive into a richer Victorian adventure.

It is the difference between seeing the Great Ocean Road and genuinely experiencing it.

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Why the Otways deserve more than a quick stop

The Great Otway National Park stretches from the coast into the hinterland, combining towering eucalypts, ancient rainforest, rocky beaches and flowing waterfalls. Parks Victoria describes the area as a landscape of old-growth forests, cool-temperate rainforest, heathlands and coastline.

The rainforest is also remarkably close to the famous coastal route:

• Apollo Bay to Maits Rest: approximately 17 km, or 15–20 minutes
• Apollo Bay to Otway Fly: approximately 35–45 minutes
• Apollo Bay to Triplet Falls: approximately 48 km, or around 1 hour
• Apollo Bay to Cape Otway Lightstation: approximately 30–40 minutes
• Apollo Bay to Melba Gully: approximately 1–1¼ hours, depending on the route and stops

The roads are winding, the distances can be deceptive and mobile coverage is limited in some areas. That is why an organised Melbourne to Great Ocean Road multi day tour is such a comfortable way to explore the region. We handle the navigation, timing and logistics while you focus on the scenery.

Read more about our multi-day tour options.

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Day 1: Turn inland at Apollo Bay

After following the spectacular coastline through Torquay, Lorne and Kennett River, Apollo Bay is the natural gateway to the Otways. This is where the character of the journey changes.

The salt air gives way to damp earth, moss-covered trunks and enormous tree ferns. Rainforest birds call from the canopy while narrow roads lead deeper into the national park.

Maits Rest: an easy introduction to the rainforest

Maits Rest is one of the most accessible rainforest walks on the Great Ocean Road. Its approximately 800-metre boardwalk loop can be completed in around 20 minutes, although we recommend slowing down.

Look for:

• Myrtle beech and blackwood trees
• Tree ferns arching over the track
• Moss-covered fallen timber
• Small streams and damp forest undergrowth
• Birdlife moving through the canopy

The elevated boardwalk makes Maits Rest a practical first stop for families, photographers and travellers who want a short walk before tackling longer rainforest trails.

Hopetoun Falls and Triplet Falls

From the rainforest, continue towards the famous Otways waterfalls.

Hopetoun Falls drops approximately 30 metres into the Aire River valley. A short walk leads to the viewing platform, while the steeper track to the base rewards you with a closer view of the falling water and surrounding forest.

Nearby Triplet Falls is reached by a moderate loop walk of approximately 2 km, taking around 45–60 minutes. The track passes through tall Mountain Ash forest and historic sawmill remnants, offering a glimpse into the region’s timber-getting past as well as its remarkable regeneration.

These walks are especially atmospheric after rain, but tracks can become slippery. Closed-toe shoes with good grip are essential.

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Day 2: Rise above the canopy and follow the coast

The second day is ideal for combining a rainforest adventure with the historic and coastal highlights around Cape Otway.

Otway Fly Treetop Walk

At the Otway Fly Treetop Adventures, you can walk approximately 25–30 metres above the forest floor on an elevated steel walkway. The treetop experience includes a long canopy walk and a spiral tower rising into the rainforest.

It is a memorable way to understand the scale of the Otways. From ground level, the forest feels enclosed and intimate. From the canopy, you can see layers of foliage, tall trunks and distant hills spreading through the landscape.

The Otway Fly is a paid attraction, and advance bookings are sensible during busy periods. You can check current opening times and tickets through the official Otway Fly website.

Cape Otway Lightstation

Return towards the coast and follow Lighthouse Road to Cape Otway Lightstation, one of the most important maritime landmarks in Victoria. Built in 1848, the lightstation guided ships along the dangerous Shipwreck Coast and remains a powerful reminder of the region’s maritime history.

Allow time to explore:

• The historic lighthouse tower
• Maritime displays and heritage buildings
• Coastal cliffs and Southern Ocean views
• Short walks through the surrounding landscape

The drive itself is part of the experience. Lighthouse Road passes through manna gum forest, an area well known for sightings of koalas resting high in the branches. Please drive slowly, watch the roadside carefully and only stop in safe, designated areas. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, but the final part of the day is often a rewarding time to look upwards into the trees.

You can confirm attraction details through the Cape Otway Lightstation website.

Melba Gully after dark

After sunset, the Otways offer a completely different experience.

The short rainforest walk at Melba Gully is famous for glow worms that appear as tiny points of light along the damp banks and shaded track. The darkest conditions provide the best viewing opportunities, particularly after wet weather.

For a considerate visit:

• Use a dim torch or cover a bright torch with red cellophane
• Keep light directed towards the ground
• Stay on the formed path
• Avoid touching the banks or vegetation
• Walk quietly and give your eyes time to adjust

This is a peaceful, atmospheric finale to a full day in the forest.

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Day 3: Connect with the Great Ocean Walk

The Otways are not just a detour from the coast. They are the landscape through which the Great Ocean Walk travels.

The Great Ocean Walk is a one-way long-distance trail of approximately 100 km between Apollo Bay and the Twelve Apostles. It can be completed over several days or experienced through shorter, carefully selected sections.

A three-day Otways itinerary gives you the flexibility to combine:

• A short rainforest walk at Maits Rest
• Waterfalls around Beech Forest
• A section of the Great Ocean Walk
• Coastal viewpoints and beaches
• Wildlife viewing around Cape Otway
• The Twelve Apostles as a spectacular finale

For serious walkers, we offer longer guided and self-guided options, including Great Ocean Walk four-day experiences. These include accommodation, meals, transfers and experienced local support, so you can concentrate on the trail rather than arranging transport between access points.

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A suggested three-day Otways itinerary

Day 1: Apollo Bay and central rainforest

• Melbourne to Apollo Bay via the Great Ocean Road
• Lunch in Apollo Bay
• Maits Rest rainforest walk
• Hopetoun Falls
• Triplet Falls
• Overnight around Apollo Bay, Beech Forest or nearby

Day 2: Canopy, coast and wildlife

• Otway Fly Treetop Walk
• Cape Otway Lightstation
• Slow drive along Lighthouse Road for koala viewing
• Coastal viewpoints near Cape Otway
• Melba Gully glow-worm walk after dark
• Overnight in the Otways or Apollo Bay

Day 3: Great Ocean Walk and the Shipwreck Coast

• Short or moderate section of the Great Ocean Walk
• Port Campbell and coastal lunch stop
• Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge
• Return to Melbourne, continue to Warrnambool, or connect inland towards the Grampians

This itinerary is adaptable. We can add extra walking, reduce the driving, include private accommodation or connect the Otways with other Victorian regions.

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How to avoid crowds in the Otways

Timing makes a significant difference.

• Visit Maits Rest before 9:00 am or later in the afternoon.
• Start waterfall walks early, particularly on weekends and public holidays.
• Book the Otway Fly for its first available session.
• Visit Cape Otway in the morning or during the final few hours before closing.
• Look for koalas during quieter roadside periods, but always prioritise road safety.
• Visit Melba Gully after full dark, following current park advice.
• Check Parks Victoria conditions and closures before departure.

Rain is part of the rainforest experience, but heavy weather can affect tracks and roads. Conditions, access and opening hours can change.

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What to pack for rainforest conditions

The Otways can be cool, damp and changeable even when Melbourne is sunny.

Bring:

• Waterproof walking shoes or hiking boots
• A lightweight rain jacket
• Warm layers and a spare top
• Small daypack
• Refillable water bottle
• Insect repellent
• Torch or headlamp
• Phone, power bank and offline maps
• Snacks
• Sunscreen and a hat
• Camera with a protective cover

We also recommend packing lightly for multi-day touring. Many of our longer itineraries operate with limited luggage space, so a compact overnight bag and small daypack are more practical than a large suitcase.

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Make the Otways part of a longer Victoria itinerary

The Otways work naturally within a Great Ocean Road and Grampians tour package. After the rainforest and Shipwreck Coast, you can continue inland to Halls Gap, Gariwerd and the Grampians National Park, where waterfalls, Aboriginal cultural sites and dramatic lookouts create a striking contrast with the coast.

For travellers with more time, we can help shape a 10 day Melbourne tour or a private multi city tour Victoria itinerary connecting Melbourne, the Great Ocean Road, the Otways, the Grampians and other regional highlights. You enjoy the freedom of a longer journey without the pressure of driving unfamiliar winding roads, changing accommodation every night or managing national park transfers yourself.

Our existing Great Ocean Road to Grampians three-day tour shows how naturally these regions connect. Private groups can also explore a broader coastal, mountain and heritage route through our private Great Ocean Road, Grampians and Goldfields tour.

The next time you plan a Great Ocean Road trip, do not simply follow the coast and hurry home. Turn at Apollo Bay, listen to the rainforest, follow the waterfalls and give the Otways the time they deserve.

Explore our multi-day and private tour options or contact our local team to plan your Victorian adventure.