The Otways isn’t just about peaceful rainforest walks and looking at waterfalls. If you’re the type who needs a bit of adrenaline with your holiday, this place delivers. From throwing yourself off platforms attached to a wire, to getting hammered by Southern Ocean waves, there’s plenty of ways to get your heart rate up around here.
The Otway Fly zipline is the big ticket adventure activity around here. Two and a half hours of flying through the forest canopy like some kind of sugar glider. Eight ziplines ranging from 30 to 120 metres long, up to 30 metres off the deck. They call it a “Cloud Station Tour” which sounds peaceful but it’s basically controlled falling through trees.
They gear you up like you’re going into battle – harness, helmet, gloves, the lot. The guides are all young locals who’ve done this hundreds of times and love watching tourists freak out at the first platform. But they’re good – talk you through everything, double-check your gear, and know exactly when to crack a joke to calm the nerves.
The longest zip is properly quick. You’re flying along at about 40km/h with nothing but air between you and the ground way below. Some people scream, some laugh, some go dead quiet. The forest blurs past and for about 20 seconds you’re basically a bird. Then you hit the brake system at the other end and remember you’re just a tourist hanging from a cable.
The surf down here is no joke. Johanna Beach is the main game for experienced surfers – consistent swells, powerful waves, and not for beginners unless you fancy a proper beating. When it’s on, it’s world-class. When it’s not, it’s still heavy enough to remind you the Southern Ocean doesn’t mess around.
Apollo Bay’s more forgiving for learners. The main beach is protected-ish and there’s a surf school that runs lessons. They’ll get you standing on a foamie in the white wash, which is harder than it looks but easier than trying to figure it out yourself. Wetsuits are non-negotiable – this isn’t Queensland. Even in summer the water’s cold enough to take your breath away.
For something different, check out the point breaks around Lorne. Point Roadknight and Cathedral Rock work on the right swell. More sheltered than the west-facing beaches so good when everywhere else is too big.
Sea kayaking from Apollo Bay harbour is brilliant when conditions are right. You paddle out past the fishing boats, maybe spot some seals lounging on the pier, and if you’re lucky dolphins come to check you out. The kayaking mob there does guided tours or hire if you know what you’re doing.
Marengo Reefs just south of Apollo Bay is the spot for rock pools and caves. You can kayak right into some of the caves at high tide. Bit spooky paddling into darkness with waves echoing around you. The reef breaks the swell so it’s calmer than the open beaches, but check conditions – rough days it’s a washing machine.
Stand-up paddleboarding is everywhere now. Aire River is perfect for it – flat, calm, beautiful. Lake Elizabeth is another ripper spot for SUP. Gliding across that still water with all the dead trees sticking up, maybe spotting a platypus.
The climbing around here flies under the radar but there’s some quality rock if you know where to look. The Grampians gets all the attention but the Otways has its spots. Most of it’s traditional climbing so you need gear and experience. The cliff lines near Lorne have some sport routes but it’s mostly a locals’ scene.
There’s a mob that does abseiling adventures at various spots along the coast. They’ll take you down cliff faces with waves crashing below. Not technical climbing but proper exposure – you’re hanging off a rope with nothing but ocean underneath. The guides know their stuff but it’s still proper committing stepping backwards off a cliff.
Bouldering at Bells Beach is a thing. The rock platforms and smaller cliffs have problems ranging from easy scrambles to proper hard stuff. Check tides though – some spots disappear underwater at high tide.
While most of Forrest is cross-country riding, there’s some unofficial downhill runs that locals have built. Shuttling to the top and bombing down through the forest is about as rad as it gets. But these aren’t maintained trails – fallen logs, loose rocks, random holes. You need proper skills and a bike that can handle it.
There’s an enduro race once a year that uses some special-access trails. Properly gnarly stuff that’s usually off-limits. If you’re into that scene, it’s worth timing your visit for the race weekend. The atmosphere’s electric and you can ride some trails you’d never normally access.
Aireys Inlet is the launch site for paragliders and hang gliders. Watching these flyers run off a cliff with basically a bed sheet attached to them is entertainment in itself. But if you want to try it, there’s tandem flights available with qualified pilots.
The coastal soaring here is world-class apparently. Ridge lift off the ocean cliffs means you can fly for hours. Seen them cruising along the cliff line at Bells Beach.
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.
