Search for koalas, walk among giant tree ferns, see triplet waterfalls or climb a historic lighthouse at this coastal headland along the Great Ocean Road.
Cape Otway is located along the iconic Great Ocean Road, a scenic coastal highway in the southwest of Victoria. Home to a lush national park, Cape Otway is an attractive wilderness of rainforests, waterfalls, heathlands, rocky coastlines and sandy beaches.
Drive to the Great Otway National ParkOpens in a new window and follow one of the marked trails, where kangaroos hop among the foliage. Look up often to spot well-camouflaged koalas in the treetops. These cute-looking marsupials are commonly hiding in the forks of the tree branches to sleep, but can sometimes be seen climbing a tree or chomping on eucalyptus leaves. This special diet takes a lot of time to digest, so the docile creatures doze up to 20 hours a day.
Delve deeper into the national park to see its picturesque waterfalls. The three separate flows of the Triplet Falls are set among a rainforest of mountain ash, myrtle beech trees and tall tree ferns in mossy glades.
Drive down the bumpy road to the remote Cape Otway Lightstation. The oldest of the Great Ocean Road lighthouses, this Bass Strait beacon was built in the 1840s on its rocky point. An entry fee permits access to the lighthouse and its more recent, but still historical, telegraph station and radar room. Climb to the top for splendid views of the Southern Ocean. Time your visit to catch the informative Koori tour to learn about the long and complex relationship between the Gadubanud people and Cape Otway. The on-site café serves tea with scones, among other treats.
Spend some more time in the park to really appreciate all it has to offer. The 8-day Great Ocean Walk will really immerse you into the wonders of nature as it follows the rocky coastline of Cape Otway. Go for just a few days or take the supported tour option if you have less time or are feeling less adventurous.
Camping in Great Otway National Park is another great option, along with stays in one of the old keepers’ cottages at the Cape Otway Lightstation. Head to charming little Apollo BayOpens in a new window to find more varied accommodations and dining options, still with easy access to Cape Otway.
Whatever you choose to do, you can’t help but admire the variety and beauty of Cape Otway against the backdrop of the Bass Strait.
