The Great Ocean Road isn’t just a drive – it’s an adventure that unfolds around every bend. Staying at Otways Tourist Park puts you right in the sweet spot to explore this incredible stretch of coastline, and trust us, you’ll need more than just a day or two to take it all in.
Let’s start with the obvious – the Twelve Apostles. Yes, they’re on every postcard, but nothing prepares you for seeing these limestone stacks rising from the Southern Ocean in person. The best part? Get there early morning or late afternoon when the tour buses have cleared out. The light’s better for photos too. Just down the road, Loch Ard Gorge tells the story of a famous shipwreck, and the beach below is stunning if you’re up for the stairs. Gibson Steps is another spot where you can actually get down to beach level – standing next to those massive cliffs really puts things in perspective.
While everyone’s rushing to the Apostles, you could be discovering some quieter spots. Johanna Beach is a wild stretch of sand that’s perfect for long walks (swimmers, be careful – the surf’s pretty rough). Castle Cove at Princetown is where the locals go – a sheltered spot that’s great for families. And if you’re after something really special, ask us about Wreck Beach. It’s a bit of a walk to get there, but you might have the whole place to yourself.
Apollo Bay sits about halfway along the road and makes for a great day out. Sure, the fish and chips are legendary (try the flake), but there’s more to do here. The harbour’s always interesting – watch the fishing boats come in around lunchtime. The Saturday market’s worth checking out if you’re here on the weekend. Grab some local produce, handmade soaps, maybe some fresh bread for tomorrow’s breakfast. The main beach is patrolled in summer, making it one of the safer swimming spots along the coast.
Here’s where staying at our park really pays off – you’re so close to some amazing rainforest experiences. Triplet Falls is a personal favourite. It’s about a 2-hour circuit walk through proper old-growth forest, with tree ferns that’ll make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Hopetoun Falls is easier if you’ve got little kids or don’t fancy a big walk – it’s gorgeous and only 200 metres from the car park. For something different, try Californian Redwoods near Beech Forest. These trees were planted in the 1930s and walking among them feels almost magical. Pack a picnic for Aire River – there are platypuses in the river if you’re patient and quiet.
Cape Otway Lightstation is Australia’s oldest surviving lighthouse, and the views from up top are incredible. On a clear day, you can see for miles along the coast. But here’s a tip – don’t just climb the lighthouse and leave. The whole complex is interesting, with the old keeper’s cottages and telegraph station. They do a decent scone in the café too. On your way there or back, keep your eyes on the trees along Lighthouse Road. This is koala central – seriously, you’ll probably see more koalas here than anywhere else in the wild.
If you’re the active type, the Great Ocean Walk is calling your name. You don’t have to do the whole 100km – there are plenty of day sections you can tackle from different access points. The stretch from Apollo Bay to Shelly Beach is manageable and beautiful. Mountain bikers should check out the Forrest trails – there’s everything from easy family rides to stuff that’ll properly test you. And if surfing’s your thing, Winki Pop and Bells Beach are just up the road near Torquay. Even if you don’t surf, watching the pros tackle these waves is pretty impressive.
The Otway Fly Treetop Walk gives you a bird’s eye view of the rainforest canopy – it’s 25 metres up and 600 metres long. The zipline tour is brilliant if you want more adrenaline. For wildlife fans, you can’t go past the koalas on Lighthouse Road, but also keep an eye out for echidnas, king parrots, and even the odd wallaby around the quieter tracks. Grey River Road at dusk is good for kangaroo spotting.
The beauty of staying at Otways Tourist Park is you’re perfectly positioned for all of this. Head west to the Apostles, east to Apollo Bay, or inland to the waterfalls – everything’s within reach. Just remember to take your time. This road’s all about the journey, not just ticking off destinations.
Otways Tourist Park is nestled in Gellibrand, a short drive from the charming rural townships of Colac and Forrest, Victoria. Otways Tourist Park is a welcoming destination – perfect for those looking to unwind, slow down, and reconnect with nature and loved ones.
Nearby attractions include the world-famous Great Ocean Road, waterfalls, rainforest walks and the Otway Fly Tree Top Walk.
The park is also conveniently located within easy reach of popular destinations like Apollo Bay, Lorne and the Twelve Apostles, making it an ideal base for exploring the spectacular Otway Ranges and Surf Coast region.
