Best trails in Great Otway National Park

This beautiful and invigorating circuit is a popular hike within Great Otway National Park, packing three stunning waterfalls—Henderson Falls, Phantom Falls, and Canyon—into one track. The route is rated moderate due to its length and the presence of steep climbs and frequent muddy sections that require sturdy footwear. The path follows two fern-lined creeks for most of its length, offering a tranquil and lush rainforest experience. Starting near the Allenvale Mill Campsite, the loop provides...

Parts of this route can include significant environmental hazards, specifically the risk of becoming trapped by tides and the presence of unstable, crumbling cliffs near Jarosite Headland. Hikers must navigate soft sand, negotiate tricky rock scrambles across reef flats, and time their beach crossings strictly for low tide. This trail traverses the dramatic coastline of Great Otway National Park, combining world-famous surf culture with rugged coastal challenges. Moving inland, the track...

This 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...

This 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...

Enjoy 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...

This 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...

The 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...

Lush tree ferns and towering mountain ash trees define this enchanting journey through Great Otway National Park. Starting from the popular Sheoak Picnic Area, the track winds its way alongside a peaceful creek, leading you deep into a verdant forest filled with the melodic songs of local birdlife. The standout highlight is reaching the falls themselves, where a unique rock outcropping allows you to stand in a cave-like area directly behind the cascading water. The route follows a mostly...

The 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...

This 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...