Best trails in Great Otway National Park
Great Otway National Park is located in the Barwon South West region of Victoria. It is part of the Otway Mountains range and features coastlines, waterfalls, and tall mountain forests. The park is rich in fungal diversity with 278 species of fungi.
There are facilities at several of the trailheads.
Top trails
- (953)•Moderate•4.8 mi•Est. 2.5–3 hrThis scenic route is located just inland of Lorne and on the eastern edge of Great Otway National Park. The path follows 2 creeks for most of its length. It packs in a lot in under 8 kilometres passing by 3 waterfalls. It is also along beautiful fern-lined bushland trails. The trailhead is near Allenvale Mill Campsite.
- (699)•Moderate•6.7 miBe sure to check the tides before you head out, as this beautiful coastal walk is only accessible at low tide. This long walk on the beach features some fun rock scrambles and plenty of ups and downs over rolling sandhills. The path is lined with scrubby gums and wattle, and in spring, you'll see lots of tiny paper daisies. As you turn inland, you'll get many chances to glimpse the ocean and famous surf beaches. The route is well-marked and includes interesting information about Indigenous...
- (297)•Moderate•2.2 miThis is a challenging hike through ferns, tall eucalypt trees, and incredible scenery not far from Lorne on the surf coast. Start in the car park just off Allenvale Road near Allenvale Mill Camp Site. Then, head up alongside the St George River alongside orchard before a descent to the base of Phantom Falls. The trail has one steep section with significant rock scrambling for a few hundred meters leading up to Cora Lynn Cascades and about 1km after Erskine Falls. Wear decent boots - this is...
- (472)•Moderate•7.2 mi•Est. 3–3.5 hrThis is a longer loop through the dry heathy woodlands of the Otway Plains on Gadabanud land. Along this loop you'll pass by tall ironbark trees (Eucalyptus sideroxylon) and possibly encounter some native wildlife too, all part of an ecosystem with a high biodiversity value. The Currawong Falls are best visited after heavy rains, otherwise there isn't much water passing through. There are also great views on this trail overlooking Aireys Inlet. The trail is shared by cyclists and hikers. Be...
- (297)•Moderate•2.8 mi•Est. 1.5–2 hrEnjoy this gorgeous undulating hike through the lush green valley and around Lake Elizabeth. Visit at dawn or dusk for the best chance of spotting a platypus! The area is filled with large ferns and the banks of the lake are peppered with the trunks of dead trees, drowned when the valley was flooded more than 50 years ago by a natural landslip. A number of chairs to stop and rest with lookout stops along the way. Muddy underfoot in some places after rain. You can camp nearby the trailhead...
- (195)•Hard•10.5 mi•Est. 5–5.5 hrThis well-formed grade 3 track connects two iconic surf coast landmarks in Bells Beach and Point Addis as part of the Surf Coast Walk. From Bells Beach follow the track inland through the forested Ironbark Basin – a part of Great Otway National Park – while keeping an eye out for wildlife like echidnas and a myriad of reptile and birdlife. From Point Addis you can hang out and have lunch after taking a swim and enjoying sweeping views from one of the many lookouts. Time your walk with low...
- (207)•Moderate•6.3 mi•Est. 2.5–3 hrThe Great Ocean Walk starts from the east in Apollo Bay, traverses west to the Twelve Apostles, and usually takes six to eight days to complete. Often, smaller one-day or half-day sections can be taken to experience sections of the walk. This bucket-list long-distance trail takes walkers beneath tall forests, through coastal heath and lush green pastures, on top of coastal cliff tops, and across sandy beaches pounded by the waves of the Southern Ocean. This is the fourth official section...
- (205)•Easy•3.5 mi•Est. 1.5–2 hrThis is a short and simple walk through Great Otway National Park to the base of Lower Kalimna Falls. The trail and area is often wet, so be prepared for a bit of mud. Great Otway is not short on beautiful waterfalls and the two Kalimna Falls options are no exception. The walk begins from the popular Sheoak Picnic Area and follows a mostly flat and well-maintained track through lush forest to the lower falls.
- (213)•Hard•10.6 mi•Est. 5–5.5 hrThis is a gorgeous trail through the Great Otway National Park on the south coast of Victoria, located not too far from the town of Lorne. This looped route begins and ends from the parking area on Allenvale Road, near the Saint George River, Enjoy making your way through the rainforest, winding up and down along the way. The return walk back via Garveys Track and Allenvale road has a section at the end that is shared with vehicles, which make for a dusty ending to a great...
- (218)•Moderate•8.6 mi•Est. 4–4.5 hrThe Great Ocean Walk starts from the east in Apollo Bay and traverses west to the Twelve Apostles, and usually takes between six to eight days to complete. Often smaller one-day or half-day sections can be taken to experience sections of the walk. This bucket-list long distance trail takes walkers beneath tall forests, through coastal heath and lush green pastures, on top of coastal cliff tops, and across sandy beaches pounded by the waves of the Southern Ocean. The Great Ocean Walk's...
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Frequently asked questions
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Points of interest
- Henderson Falls
- Phantom Falls
- Jarosite Headland
- Southside Clothing Optional (nudist) Beach
- Triplet Falls
- Elliott River
- Hopetoun Falls
- Payters Hill
- Sheoak Falls
- Sheoak River
- Kennett River
- Canyon and Phantom Falls Hiking Trail
- Milanesia Creek
- Cumberland Falls
- The Gable
- Currawong Falls Lookout
- viewing platform
- Parker Hill Campingground
- Old Jarosite Mine
- Sheoak Picnic Area
