The Otway Ranges are nestled in southwestern Victoria and stretch from the inland regions near Colac to the coastal areas along the Great Ocean Road, encompassing a sizeable portion of the Great Otway National Park. Otway Ranges are 162 kilometres from Melbourne, making them a popular destination for visitors seeking to explore the diverse landscapes and natural attractions of this region.
The coastal areas, such as Apollo Bay and Cape Otway, are particularly renowned for their scenic beauty. Ancient forest trails make it easy for visitors to explore endless lush rainforests and hidden waterfalls such as Erskine, Triplet and Hopetoun Falls. The area supports diverse wildlife including koalas, kangaroos, echidnas, and numerous bird species like the Superb Lyrebird and the Rufous Fantail.
Otway Ranges provide a serene escape for nature lovers, hikers, and anyone seeking to experience the tranquility and splendour of Victoria's natural landscape. Covering more than 103,000 hectares Great Otway National Park is home to a remarkable abundance of flora and fauna.
Towering mountain ash trees, myrtle beech, and a rich understory of ferns, mosses and delicate orchids provide the perfect ecosystem for the park’s vast array of native animal and bird species. Nature lovers enjoy spotting platypus around Lake Eli or visiting Melba Gully often referred to as ‘The Jewel of the Otways’ to see the fascinating glow worms light up the forest.
The national park's landscapes create a stunning contrast from rugged coastlines to dense rainforests. Waterfalls are a feature here. Erskine Falls, a favourite with hikers and photographers plunges 30 metres into a lush fern gully while Triplet Falls and Hopetoun Falls offer breathtaking views and serene spots for a picnic or just relaxing.
The coastal areas of Otway Ranges are equally as captivating as the ancient forests. The Great Ocean Road, one of the world's most scenic coastal drives, winds through the region, offering breathtaking ocean views and access to iconic landmarks like the Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge.
On the coastal route, visit Cape Otway Light station, the oldest surviving lighthouse on mainland Australia, offering a glimpse into maritime history as well as stunning coastal panoramas.
The Gadubanud people have inhabited the Otway Ranges region for tens of thousands of years, and their cultural heritage is evident in various sites throughout the ranges. A rich European settlement history can also be explored throughout the
Whether you're hiking through ancient rainforests, marvelling at majestic waterfalls, or exploring the dramatic coastline, the Otway Ranges, Victoria offers a diverse and enriching experience for all visitors, combining natural beauty, wildlife, adventure, and cultural heritage.
The Great Otway National Park is in the Barwon Southwest region of Victoria, 162 kilometres southwest of Melbourne, in the Otway Ranges.
The most common birds found around the Otway Ranges are the Sulphur Crested Cockatoo, Crimson Rosella, Kookaburra, Currawong, Rufous Bristlebird, Satin Bowerbird, Brush Bronzewing, Forest Raven, Tawny-crowned Honeyeater, Bassian Thrush, Pink Robin, Chestnut-rumped Heath wren and Fairy Wren.
The name Otway was chosen by Lieut. Grant in honour of his friend Royal Naval Captain William Albany Ottway (1755-1815). Cape Otway in Bass Strait was originally named Cape Albany Ottway in 1800.
The primary canopy tree of the Otway cool temperate rainforest is myrtle beech. The famous eucalyptus trees thrive in the Otway Ranges, as do blackwood trees.
The highest peak in the Otways is Mt Cowley at 670 metres. The elevation of the main ridge sits at 500 metres.
Our team is always happy to help if you have any questions about us or our tours. Fill out our form and we will get back to you soon.
.png)
We are a Green Travel Leader. This is awarded to businesses which have consistently proven their commitment to sustainable tourism management over ten years.
As a Sustianable Tourism accredited business, we are proud to offer engaging tourism experiences that follow sound sustainability practices and environmental appreciation.
Quality Tourism accredited businesses like Fun Over 50 lead the way by offering the highest industry standards of customer service, satisfaction, reliability, and ethical practices.
We are committed to operating in ways that respect and reinforce Indigenous cultural heritage and the authenticity and integrity of living cultures of Indigenous communities.
We have incorporated strategic climate change responses across all relevant levels of our planning and operations. We are working towards becoming carbon neutral.
With Advanced Ecotourism certification, we offer outstanding experiences which let you get back to nature, help conservation, and minimise environmental impact.
We are a credible, well trained, and professional business. We conduct business in compliance with Australian Consumer Law and in accordance with ATAS Charter and Code of Conduct.
The Council of Australian Tour Operators represents tour operators and wholesalers. As a full CATO member, we provide authentic and original holidays with sustainable travel.
We acknowledge the traditional owners of country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to them, their cultures, and to the elders both past and present.
Powered by EngineRoom
Fill out your details and we will get in touch with you to reserve your place on the tour.
We roll out the red carpet so you can just sit back and relax and know that everything is included in your holiday experience, no surprises, all inclusive!
More on tour inclusions
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
%20-%20Falls%20Creek.png)
.png)
%20-%20Glenrowan.png)
%20-%20Great%20Ocean%20Road.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
%20-%20Mount%20Hotham.png)
%20-%20Phillip%20Island.png)
.png)
.png)
%20-%20Warrnambool.png)
%20-%20Wilsons%20Promontory%20Wilderness.png)
%20-%20Yarra%20Valley.png)
%20-%20Artvo%20Gallery.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
%20-%20Melbourne%20Laneways%20and%20Arcades.png)
%20-%20Melbourne%20Museum.png)
%20-%20National%20Gallery%20of%20Australia.png)
%20-%20Ned%20Kelly%20Last%20Stand.png)
