Great Otway National Park
“Simply Stunning” is perhaps the most suitable description of the Great Otway National Park but even these two words can not do justice to the spectacular natural beauty on display. Within the park are some of the most magnificent temperate rainforests in Australia which are dotted with several serene waterfalls.
The Otways are an integral part of this Great National Park. They are a series of densely forested hills and pristine valleys, containing a multitude of rivers, creeks and streams which eventually make their way to the rugged Victorian Coastline, where the forest meets the Sea. The whole Park was formed in 2005 when the former Otway National Park, and Melba Gully, Carlisle and Angahook-Lorne State Parks, as well as a number of state forests and crown land reserves were combined into one park. The National park covers 103 square kilometres, covering areas from Anglesea to Princetown, and inland from Cape Otway to just past Gellibrand, near Colac.
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.The 12km mountain bike loop linking West Barwon Reservoir and Lake Elizabeth is suitable for mountain bikers with moderate levels of fitness and experience.
Maneuvering your way around, over and under the giant moss-covered boulders of the canyon is undoubtedly what makes this hike worthwhile.To get to The Canyon, follow the track at the north side of Sheoak Picnic Area. Crossing Allenvale Road and then Sharps Track, you will find yourself at Wonwondah Falls. Henderson Falls is a short detour from the circuit and well worth the visit and offers a nice spot to have some lunch, before returning to the circuit and continuing on through The Canyon.
Maits Rest, renowned for its natural beauty and is a must-see destination. Named after former forestry patrol officer Maitland Bryant, Maits Rest has a short walk that meanders through a tranquil fern garden, past huge moss-covered trees. Some are up to 300 years old. A wooden boardwalk has been built over the tree-fern gullies and moss-covered roots of ancient rainforest trees, protecting the delicate ecosystem while providing visitors with unique views of the forest. If you’re lucky, you may run into some of the local inhabitants, including swamp wallabies, koalas, ring-tailed possums and grey kangaroos. Rarely seen, but often heard at night, are the yellow-bellied gliders screaming out as they glide from tree to tree.
