Explore
Great Otway National Park
Great Otway National Park stretches from Torquay, along the world-famous Great Ocean Road and up through the Otways hinterland. Discover windswept coastlines and breathtaking waterfalls in tall mountain forests, walk the iconic Great Ocean Walk, immerse yourself in the Otway Lightstation's history, or surf some of the best breaks in Australia. Enjoy the great outdoors and explore the wonders of the Great Otway National Park.
See the stunning coast between Apollo Bay and the Twelve Apostles by foot on the Great Ocean Walk, where nature unfolds at every step. Do the whole walk in eight days or tackle it in sections on weekends away. Immerse yourself in nature by walking the Surf Coast Walk over 44km from Torquay to Aireys Inlet.Or drive the iconic Great Ocean Road. Built by soldiers recently returned from World War 1, it is the world’s longest war memorial.
Take a tour and discover the colourful maritime history of the Cape Otway Lightstation. Climb to the top of the historic lighthouse for dramatic views of the so-called Shipwreck Coast.
Surf the thunderous beach breaks off Johanna Beach and discover the fascinating underwater mini-ecosystems of rockpools in the Eagle Rock Marine Sanctuary at Aireys Inlet or the sandy shores and rock platforms along the Great Ocean Road.
Ride through tall eucalypt forests, dry heathy scrub and dense fern gullies along the Forrest Mountain Bike Trails in the nearby Otway Forest Park, or simply relax among the eucalyptus trees and have a picnic at the Sheoak Picnic ground near Lorne.
Traverse fern-laden valleys to discover picture-perfect waterfalls such as Erskine Falls, Sheoak Falls, Triplet Falls, Hopetoun Falls and Kalimna Falls.
Walk through the mossy forest of Melba Gully and witness the unique night-time spectacle of glow worms.
Visit Maits Rest to discover gorgeous fern gullies or the giant beech trees – some of which are up to 300 years old and walk among the towering Californian Redwoods hidden in the Otway Ranges.
For longer stays, there are excellent camping opportunities whether you are looking for a family-friendly place to park your caravan or a solitary night under the stars.
As beaches and coasts are natural environments, you may encounter hazards. Follow our water safety advice to make sure your day out at Great Otway National Park is a safe and enjoyable one.
Please Note:
The Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority has been appointed as manager for part of the Great Otway National Park, from 1 July 2025.
The Authority will take over the responsibilities of Parks Victoria and ensure the Great Otway National Park continues to thrive and be enjoyed by locals and visitors for generations to come.
Parks Victoria continue to manage the majority of the Great Otway National Park, locations which are primarily accessed from the Princess Highway including Lake Elizabeth, Triplet Falls, Hopetoun Falls, Beachamp Falls, Stevenson Falls, Distillery Creek and many well-known mountain bike and walking trails, as well as Big Hill and Hammonds campgrounds and the Anglesea Heath, accessed via the Great Ocean Road.
Parks Victoria staff will continue to be visible in the area, as they will maintain their role in monitoring and caring for the land during the transition period. For more information visit Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority.
Forrest
The Forrest section of Great Otway National Park, along with Otway Forest Park, encompasses a stunning landscape including undulating plains and plateaus of the hinterlands and magnificent Mountain Ash forests.
Great Ocean Walk
The Great Ocean Walk is a one-way, long-distance walk extending just over 110km. This once-in-a-lifetime hike will take you eight days.
Best Waterfalls Along the Great Ocean Road – Your 2-Day Itinerary
Looking for awe-inspiring waterfalls in Victoria? Explore these four must-visit waterfalls just off the Great Ocean Road over two days.
Great Otway National Park
Explore the different areas
Explore all of the different areas within the Great Otway National Park.
When you're there
Need to know
Great Otway National Park
Accessibility
The Colac Otway Shire and Surf Coast Shire each have an all-terrain wheelchair, called a Trailrider, that is available for park visitors with mobility difficulties. The chairs can be booked with the respective shires.
Assistance dogs are welcome in Parks Victoria parks and reserves. Entry requirements apply for parks and reserves that are usually dog prohibited, such as national parks.
Safety
Rock fishing is a great way to enjoy the great outdoors, but it’s also risky. See our water safety page and follow safety precautions around water to make sure your visit is safe and enjoyable.
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Change of Conditions
Nature being nature, sometimes conditions can change at short notice. It’s a good idea to check this page ahead of your visit for any updates.
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Cora Lynn Campground (Great Otway National Park)
Cora Lynn campsite permanently closed
Due to environmental and safety reasons Cora Lynn campsite is permanently closed -
Notices Affecting Multiple Sites
Kalimna Tramline link walk and Upper Kalimna is closed
The Kalimna Tramline link walk is closed due to damage to a pedestrian bridge. Walkers can still access the Lower Kalimna Waterfall via the Kalimna Falls Walking Track, which starts at Sheoak Picnic Area. Upper Kalimna Falls closed until further notice.Great Ocean Walk - Track Update
Great Ocean Walk Track UpdateFollowing recent winter rainfall, sections of the Great Ocean Walk have become very muddy and slippery.Key Hazards- Muddy and slippery conditions: Many non-sandy areas are heavily affected by mud, creating hazardous walking conditions.
- Track hazards: Rainfall has led to slippery surfaces and deep mud in several locations, increasing the risk of slips and falls.
- Tree falls: There is an increased likelihood of fallen trees along the track.
Safety Advice- Exercise caution when walking, particularly in non-sandy and steep, forested sections.
- Report tree fall when it is safe and possible to do so by calling 131963.
- Please take care and plan accordingly for current track conditions.
- Monitor warnings and incidents https://emergency.vic.gov.au/respond/
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Cora Lynn Cascades Walk (Great Otway National Park)
Cora Lynn Cascades Walking Track Closure
Cora Lynn Cascades walking track is currently closed due to damaged infrastructure. Please note this closure will affect you if you plan to walk from Allenvale through to Erskine falls and vice versa. -
Aire River East Campground (Great Otway National Park, Aire River Heritage River)
Seasonal Closure Notification – Aire East Campground
Closure Dates: 1 June – 30 October 2025Aire East Campground will be fully closed over the winter period and into early spring, due to consistently wet ground conditions. The closure is in place to ensure visitor safety, comfort, and to prevent damage to the campground’s grassed surfaces.This closure is in line with Parks Victoria’s commitment to sustainable park management and will remain in effect until 30 October 2025.Camping in closed areas is not permitted under the National Park Regulations 2024.We appreciate your understanding and encourage you to explore alternative camping locations in the region during this time.Closure may be extended if the campground has not dried out. -
Aire River West Campground (Great Otway National Park, Aire River Heritage River)
Seasonal Partial Closure Notification – Aire West Campground
Closure Dates: 1 June – 30 September 2025Due to wet and muddy ground conditions during the cooler months, Sites 17 to 40 at Aire West Campground will be closed from 1 June to 30 September 2025. Extended closure may be required to ensure conditions are suitable for opening.Sites 1 to 16 will remain open, subject to suitable dry conditions. Campers are advised to check the latest updates before travelling.Note: The Great Ocean Walk hike-in campground at Aire West is not affected and remains open year-round.These closures help protect campground surfaces and ensure safe, comfortable camping experiences. Camping in closed areas is not permitted and is subject to National Park Regulations 2024.We thank you for your cooperation and commitment to caring for the park.Aire West campground - flooding
Aire West Campground- areas flooded. Campers please note that due to the Aire River mouth being blocked, the campground area is experiencing some flooding. Sites 1-16 are accessible, but other areas of the campground are inundated and muddy. -
Great Otway National Park
Big Hill Campground Temporarily Closed
Due to upgrade works the Big Hill Campground will be closed to visitors until October 1st 2025. Works are being undertaken to improve camp pad surfaces and to establish grass cover in several areas of the campground. The campground will be closed while these works are completed and the surfaces are establishing to prevent damage to the new surfaces to improve the future camping experience at this site. -
Maits Rest Rainforest Walk (Great Otway National Park)
Maits Rest Walk - CLOSED
Maits Rest Rainforest Walk (and carpark) in the Great Otway National Park is currently CLOSED due to tree fall damage.Due to ongoing damage to critical infrastructure, the closure remains in effect while repairs are actively being carried out.The safety of the community and all users is our highest priority, and access will not be restored until it is confirmed that the site is safe and operational.For your safety, do not enter closed areas. National Park regulations apply.If you are seeking a similar experience, Melba Gully west of Lavers Hill is open.Maits Rest Carpark- bus access
Maits Rest Carpark is suitable for small coaster buses only. Large buses or coaches are advised to use Melba Gully walk track near Lavers Hill. -
Great Ocean Walk - Day 4 - Cape Otway to Aire River Walk (Great Otway National Park, Aire River Heritage River)
Aire River - High water levels
Great Ocean Walk (GOW) – Aire River SectionAttention Walkers and HikersThe Great Ocean Walk (GOW) at the Aire River is currently experiencing high water levels due to the ongoing closure of the Aire River estuary mouth.What You Need to Know- Eastern approach to Aire West campground Impacted: Walkers may need to detour or wade through water on the eastern approach to the Aire River. Do not proceed west from Cape Otway if you are concerned by wading through high water at the Aire River.
- Campsites Unaffected: The Aire West hike-in campsite and Aire West campground sites 1–16 remain accessible and are not impacted by high water.
- Possible Trail Closure: If river levels become unsafe to cross, this section of the GOW may be closed for your safety.
- River Status: The Aire River may open naturally at any time, or may be mechanically opened when conditions are safe and suitable.
- Please exercise caution, follow all signage and instructions, and check for the latest updates before your walk
Tours and adventure experiences in parks
One of the best ways you can get into nature is with a Licensed Tour Operator.
There are more than 400 Licensed Tour Operators across Victoria who are ready and waiting to help you experience and connect with Victoria’s spectacular parks and waterways.
Discover more than 60 different types of nature-based experiences including hiking, mountain biking, boating, four-wheel driving, indigenous culture tours, birdwatching, surfing, diving and so much more.
Licensed Tour Operators know all the best places to go and will plan and prepare your visit to ensure you are safe and can enjoy your nature-based adventure to the fullest.
How we keep it special
The Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan was first published in December 2009 and amended in November 2019.
The Great Otway Parks Conservation Action Plan provides directions for environmental conservation management across the diverse landscape, including Great Otway National Park. This covers the old-growth forests, cool temperate rainforests and wet forest, heathlands, coastline and marine ecosystems.
Bellarine and Great Ocean Road Dunecare project
Coastal dunes form a unique and highly diverse ecosystem. They play an important part in the health of our coastlines, protecting them from sea surges and storms that can impact infrastructure and livelihoods. Parks Victoria received over $124k in funding as part of the Bellarine and Great Ocean Road Dunecare Project to improve habitat conditions for native animals and reduce the impacts of human-induced erosion.