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Discover the Waterfalls of Great Otway National Park

Located just off the Great Ocean Road, Great Otway National Park is known for its cool temperate rainforests, coastal cliffs, and hidden waterfalls. It’s a key stop on many day trips and road trip itineraries, offering easy walking trails, picnic areas, and wildlife sightings. From the famous Otway Fly Treetop Walk to quick forest hikes, the park is a great way to experience Victoria’s diverse landscapes in one place.

Why visiting the Otway Rainforest is worth it

Rainforest trails
  • Cool-temperate rainforest packed with vegetation like mossy logs, myrtle beech, and mountain ash in their natural habitat.
  • Waterfalls range from short roadside drops to 90-metre cascades that can be reached by fern-lined trails.
  • Elevated boardwalks that keep shoes dry and cameras steady even after heavy rain.
  • Regular sightings of lyrebirds, swamp wallabies, glow-worms, and the occasional platypus at dusk.

Waterfalls to explore

Erskine Falls
Hopetoun Falls
Beauchamp Falls
Triplet Falls
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Erskine Falls

A 30m drop just ten minutes on foot from the car park. The upper platform is wheelchair-friendly; a short staircase takes you to river level for the spray shot.

Hopetoun Falls

A paved 200m path leads to an amphitheatre-style deck facing a 45m curtain of water. Picnic tables in the same parking area make it a handy lunch stop.

Beauchamp Falls

A moderate 1.8km return walk through dense fern gullies ends at a 20m cascade. Expect a bit of a climb on the way back.

Triplet Falls

A 1.8km boardwalk loop weaves past three separate drops and some of the park’s tallest trees.

Otway Fly Treetop Adventures

The Otway Fly Treetop Walk
  • The Otway Fly Treetop Walk is one of the longest and highest elevated walkways of its kind in the world. 
  • This 600m long steel walkway rises gradually to 25m above the rainforest floor, offering safe, stroller-accessible access to the upper canopy of a cool temperate rainforest. 
  • Interpretive signage along the path highlights local flora and fauna, including giant mountain ash and ancient tree ferns. 
  • Don’t miss the 47m Spiral Tower, which offers panoramic views across the Otway Ranges.
Zipline
  • For a more adrenaline-packed option, the Zipline Tour lets you fly through the forest at speeds of up to 60km/h across five dual zip lines and two sky bridges. 
  • Trained guides provide a full safety briefing, harness setup, and insight into the ecology of the Otways. 
  • The tour is designed for beginners and thrill-seekers alike—no prior ziplining experience needed. 
  • Keep an eye out for native wildlife like koalas or kookaburras as you glide through the canopy.
Plan your visit

Allow 2 to 3 hours if you're doing both activities. You also have the following facilities to avail — café, gift shop, free parking, and restrooms.

Wildlife to watch for

Crimson rosellas

Birdlife

Crimson rosellas, sulphur-crested cockatoos, and the master-mimic superb lyrebird scratching in the leaf litter.

After-dark magic

Guided night walks reveal glow-worm constellations on creek banks and ring-tail possums high in the canopy.

A Blue-tongued Skink laying in the dry grass with blue tongue exposed

Reptiles

Blue-tongue lizards sunning on logs, tiger snakes on warm trails—harmless if you give them room.

Swamp wallaby

Mammals

Dawn and dusk are prime for swamp wallabies and the stocky, camera-shy wombat.

Best way to include the Otways in your Great Ocean Road trip

Half-day loop

Half-day loop

From Apollo Bay, drive 25km inland to Erskine Falls and Otway Fly, then re-join the coast at Lavers Hill. Leaves plenty of daylight for the Twelve Apostles.

Camping in forest

Overnight base

Stay in Forrest or Apollo Bay. Catch sunrise at Triplet Falls, grab a brewery lunch in Forrest, then return to the beach for sunset.

Tip: Network coverage fades fast under the canopy. Download maps and trail notes before you leave the coast.

Practical tips

  • Weather changes quickly from being sunny to cloudy without notice—pack layers.
  • Most main waterfall roads are sealed; standard cars are fine. Check local conditions before taking unsealed side roads.
  • No pets are allowed in the national park to protect wildlife.
  • Swimming under major falls is unsafe due to strong currents and hidden logs—stick to viewing decks.
Tips

Frequently asked questions about Great Otway Rainforest

When’s the best season to visit?

Spring (September–November) for wildflowers and fewer insects, or autumn (March–May) for cool, steady hiking weather.

Are guided rainforest walks available?

Yes—small-group walks focus on ecology and Indigenous culture. Book ahead, especially in school holidays.

Is phone coverage reliable?

Patchy at best. Let someone know your plans and carry offline maps.

Can I camp inside the park?

Yes—basic campgrounds like Blanket Bay and Aire Crossing require booking and carrying your own things. There are not many facilities available nearby.

How long should I set aside for Otway Fly?

Two to three hours covers check-in, the elevated walk, and a zipline session if you book both.

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