Great Otway National Park in Victoria, Australia, is a beautiful destination known for its lush rainforest, towering trees, and spectacular waterfalls.

Across the wider Otways region, visitors can explore scenic walking trails, admire cascading water, and enjoy coastal views, with Apollo Bay providing a convenient base for exploring nearby attractions.

From the peaceful Maits Rest Rainforest Walk to the impressive Hopetoun Falls and Triplet Falls, the region offers memorable experiences for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Choose a few favorite stops and allow time to appreciate the scenery along the way.

Discover Maits Rest

Maits Rest Rainforest Walk provides an inviting introduction to the Otways. This approximately 800-metre circuit winds through a tranquil forest filled with tree ferns, moss-covered logs, and mature rainforest trees.

Allow around 30 minutes to explore the trail and appreciate the layered vegetation beneath the canopy. The established pathway makes this a convenient choice for travelers seeking a shorter nature walk.

Visit in the morning to enjoy the forest at a relaxed pace and capture photographs of the distinctive greenery. Its location also makes Maits Rest a practical stop when traveling from Apollo Bay toward inland attractions.

Visit Hopetoun Falls

Hopetoun Falls is a striking waterfall surrounded by dense forest and vibrant vegetation. The upper viewing platform near the car park offers a convenient place to admire the cascade and photograph the landscape.

For a closer view, visitors can descend approximately 200 steps to the lower viewing platform. Allow extra time for the climb back up and enjoy the scenery from the designated viewpoints.

Rainfall influences the waterfall’s appearance throughout the year, making each visit a little different. Include Hopetoun Falls in your itinerary if you enjoy dramatic natural scenery and photography.

Explore Triplet Falls

Triplet Falls features a scenic walking circuit through fern-filled rainforest, leading to viewpoints overlooking three cascades. Allow approximately one hour for the walk, with additional time for photographs and breaks.

The surrounding forest contains impressive mountain ash and myrtle beech trees. Remnants of the region’s timber industry also offer insight into the area’s history.

The combination of forest scenery and waterfall viewpoints makes Triplet Falls a worthwhile addition to a day exploring the Otways. Pair it with Hopetoun Falls if your schedule allows sufficient time for both visits.

How to Get There

Driving is the most practical way to explore the Otways because the main attractions are spread across a broad area.

From Melbourne, the journey to Apollo Bay generally takes around three hours, depending on the route and traffic. Rental cars may cost approximately $45–$100 per day, excluding fuel and insurance. Actual prices depend on the vehicle, availability, and rental conditions.

From Apollo Bay, follow the roads toward your chosen rainforest walks and waterfalls, allowing extra time for winding routes and scenic stops.

Regional trains and coaches serve parts of the Great Ocean Road, but reaching inland trailheads by public transport requires careful planning. Check current timetables and onward connections before departure.

Download directions in advance, carry drinking water, and ensure your vehicle has sufficient fuel for the planned journey.

Experience the Treetop Walk

An elevated treetop walkway offers a different perspective of the Otways, allowing visitors to explore the forest canopy from raised pathways and observation platforms. A spiral tower provides an additional viewpoint across the surrounding vegetation.

Allow approximately one hour for the experience. Admission is paid, so check the current ticket price and opening arrangements before visiting.

This activity complements the region’s ground-level trails and is especially appealing to travelers who want to experience the rainforest from a different perspective.

Where to Stay

Apollo Bay is a convenient base for exploring the Otways while enjoying coastal scenery, local cafés, and nearby shops. Accommodation options include motels, guesthouses, holiday apartments, and coastal retreats.

For two people sharing a room, budget approximately $100–$220 per night as a general planning estimate. Rates vary according to the season, location, facilities, and booking dates.

Choose accommodation with parking if you intend to visit the waterfalls early in the morning. Staying near the town centre can also make it easier to access dining options and the waterfront.

Compare available rooms, total booking costs, and included amenities before confirming your stay.

Local Food and Dining

Apollo Bay has a selection of cafés, bakeries, and restaurants offering seafood, fresh salads, light meals, and freshly prepared dishes.

As a general guide, allow approximately $12–$22 for breakfast, $15–$30 for lunch, and $25–$45 for dinner per person. These estimates are intended for planning, and actual menu prices vary by venue.

If you plan to spend much of the day inland, pack a convenient lunch and enough water before leaving Apollo Bay. This gives you greater flexibility when visiting the forest attractions.

After a day outdoors, return to town for dinner and enjoy a leisurely walk along the waterfront.

Plan Your Itinerary

For a full day in the Otways, begin at Maits Rest, continue to Hopetoun Falls, and visit Triplet Falls if time permits. This route combines a short rainforest walk with two memorable waterfall destinations.

Travelers with an additional day can explore the attractions more leisurely and include the treetop experience. This approach leaves more time for photography, scenic stops, and enjoying Apollo Bay.

Before setting out, check current park access information and allow flexibility for driving times. Comfortable walking shoes, drinking water, and a fully charged phone are useful essentials.

Discover the Natural Beauty of the Otways

Great Otway National Park and the surrounding Otways region offer a memorable combination of rainforest trails, impressive waterfalls, and beautiful coastal scenery. Maits Rest provides a peaceful forest walk, while Hopetoun Falls and Triplet Falls showcase the area’s remarkable natural landscapes.

With Apollo Bay as a convenient base and a well-planned driving route, you can explore the highlights at a comfortable pace. Choose your favorite trails, enjoy the scenic journey, and make the Otways a memorable part of your Australian getaway.