Discovering the Stunning Otways (VIC)

6/05/2020Jake Plumridge

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6/05/2020Jake Plumridge

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Explore the many roads of the Otways, in the Great Otway National Park and feel like you’ve been transported out of Victoria, straight into North America…

Highlights

Californian Redwoods
Hopetoun Falls
Stargazing
Extend your trip! The Great Ocean Road is just a 30min drive from Forrest and Stevensons Falls is based just around the corner from Forrest.

Hopetoun Falls

Any trip to the Otways will leave your jaw dropped and adventured fuelled. The region is shrouded in fog more often than not, and you’ll likely feel like you’ve stepped into another world.

The trip begins at the Hopetoun Falls. These 30m falls are stunning, definitely have your cameras primed, this place is a real treat. Feel free to sit by the flowing stream or venture close to the viewing platform to watch the falls.

$Raging Rapids \\ Waterfalls Of The Great Otway National Park, Kate Bradley, Hopetoun Falls from ground level, long exposure$

Californian Redwoods… Wait, Are We Still In Oz?!

You’ll then travel just down the road to the almighty Californian Redwoods. This plantation is mind-blowing, the trees in this area grow to a hefty 60 metres and are likely to double their height in the next 70 years.

Take a wander through these towering giants, stand underneath them and look straight up to get a sense of how mighty they really are. There’s a flowing stream passing through the Redwoods so take some time to chill and admire the scenery.

From here the adventure is up to you! Either spend the day winding in and out of random roads, shooting through to the Great Ocean road or having a coffee at the Forrest Bakery. Make sure if you have the time to check out Stevensons falls, it’s an amazing place with a great 15-20min walk.

If you fancy a stargaze or shooting some astrophotography, pretty much anywhere you look will provide stunning night time views. A great night time viewing area can be at the West Barwon Reservoir or simply down any road, The Otways has plenty of incredible spots.

Essential Gear

Sturdy hiking boots
Camera in hand
Map + whistle
Waterproof jacket (Otways has some of Australia’s highest annual rainfall)
Headtorch for stargazing
AWD or 4WD if you feel adventurous on some slippery off the track roads

How To Get There

You want to travel down Binns road until you reach the Hopetoun or Beauchamp turnoff – Take the Hopetoun Falls turn off.

From here you’ll reach the falls first, it’s only a short ten-minute stroll down steps to the falls.

Once you’ve finished at the falls, continue down Binns road and you’ll reach the Californian Redwoods. Turn a right into the car park and take a stroll through the forest.

From here, take a few turns and explore the place. This area has roads weaving everywhere. Just take a map and ensure you don’t get lost!