Explore
Great Otway National Park
Great Otway National Park stretches from Torquay, along the world-famous Great Ocean Road and up through the Otways hinterland. Discover windswept coastlines and breathtaking waterfalls in tall mountain forests, walk the iconic Great Ocean Walk, immerse yourself in the Otway Lightstation's history, or surf some of the best breaks in Australia. Enjoy the great outdoors and explore the wonders of the Great Otway National Park.
See the stunning coast between Apollo Bay and the Twelve Apostles by foot on the Great Ocean Walk, where nature unfolds at every step. Do the whole walk in eight days or tackle it in sections on weekends away. Immerse yourself in nature by walking the Surf Coast Walk over 44km from Torquay to Aireys Inlet.Or drive the iconic Great Ocean Road. Built by soldiers recently returned from World War 1, it is the world’s longest war memorial.
Take a tour and discover the colourful maritime history of the Cape Otway Lightstation. Climb to the top of the historic lighthouse for dramatic views of the so-called Shipwreck Coast.
Surf the thunderous beach breaks off Johanna Beach and discover the fascinating underwater mini-ecosystems of rockpools in the Eagle Rock Marine Sanctuary at Aireys Inlet or the sandy shores and rock platforms along the Great Ocean Road.
Ride through tall eucalypt forests, dry heathy scrub and dense fern gullies along the Forrest Mountain Bike Trails in the nearby Otway Forest Park, or simply relax among the eucalyptus trees and have a picnic at the Sheoak Picnic ground near Lorne.
Traverse fern-laden valleys to discover picture-perfect waterfalls such as Erskine Falls, Sheoak Falls, Triplet Falls, Hopetoun Falls and Kalimna Falls.
Walk through the mossy forest of Melba Gully and witness the unique night-time spectacle of glow worms.
Visit Maits Rest to discover gorgeous fern gullies or the giant beech trees – some of which are up to 300 years old and walk among the towering Californian Redwoods hidden in the Otway Ranges.
For longer stays, there are excellent camping opportunities whether you are looking for a family-friendly place to park your caravan or a solitary night under the stars.
As beaches and coasts are natural environments, you may encounter hazards. Follow our water safety advice to make sure your day out at Great Otway National Park is a safe and enjoyable one.
Please Note:
The Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority has been appointed as manager for part of the Great Otway National Park, from 1 July 2025.
The Authority will take over the responsibilities of Parks Victoria and ensure the Great Otway National Park continues to thrive and be enjoyed by locals and visitors for generations to come.
Parks Victoria continue to manage the majority of the Great Otway National Park, locations which are primarily accessed from the Princess Highway including Lake Elizabeth, Triplet Falls, Hopetoun Falls, Beachamp Falls, Stevenson Falls, Distillery Creek and many well-known mountain bike and walking trails, as well as Big Hill and Hammonds campgrounds and the Anglesea Heath, accessed via the Great Ocean Road.
Parks Victoria staff will continue to be visible in the area, as they will maintain their role in monitoring and caring for the land during the transition period. For more information visit Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority.
Forrest
The Forrest section of Great Otway National Park, along with Otway Forest Park, encompasses a stunning landscape including undulating plains and plateaus of the hinterlands and magnificent Mountain Ash forests.
Great Ocean Walk
The Great Ocean Walk is a one-way, long-distance walk extending just over 110km. This once-in-a-lifetime hike will take you eight days.
Best Waterfalls Along the Great Ocean Road – Your 2-Day Itinerary
Looking for awe-inspiring waterfalls in Victoria? Explore these four must-visit waterfalls just off the Great Ocean Road over two days.
Dog friendly parks in Victoria
Find where dogs are allowed in parks across Victoria so you can enjoy the outdoors with your furry friend.
Your A-Z guide to Victoria’s dog-friendly walking trails
While dogs aren’t allowed in our national and state parks, there’s still plenty of great places you can get into nature with your pooch. So, grab a lead and a handful of treats, whistle up the dog and head for the park.
Dog friendly camping
Looking for dog-friendly camping in Victoria? Find a park where you and your dog can camp together.
Great Otway National Park
Explore the different areas
Explore all of the different areas within the Great Otway National Park.
When you're there
Need to know
Great Otway National Park
Accessibility
The Colac Otway Shire and Surf Coast Shire each have an all-terrain wheelchair, called a Trailrider, that is available for park visitors with mobility difficulties. The chairs can be booked with the respective shires.
Assistance dogs are welcome in Parks Victoria parks and reserves. Entry requirements apply for parks and reserves that are usually dog prohibited, such as national parks.
Safety
Rock fishing is a great way to enjoy the great outdoors, but it’s also risky. See our water safety page and follow safety precautions around water to make sure your visit is safe and enjoyable.
Subscribe to Parks Victoria
Sign up to receive the latest ideas, inspiration and news delivered right to your inbox.
Change of Conditions
Nature being nature, sometimes conditions can change at short notice. It’s a good idea to check this page ahead of your visit for any updates.
-
Notices Affecting Multiple Sites
Great Otway National Park sites closed due to flash flooding event
Severe thunderstorms and flash flooding has caused significant damage across parts of the eastern Great Otway National Park.For public safety, the following areas are closed until further notice while assessments and clean-up works are undertaken:Visitors are advised NOT to visit any sites within the Great Otway National Park between Aireys Inlet and Kennett River while assessments and recovery works continue.Closures included but are not limited to :
Erskine falls Road is currently closed which prevents access to Erskine Falls Visitor Area and Blanket Leaf Picnic Area
Roads & TracksWye RdCurtis TrackGodfrey TrackJamieson Track
Walking tracks
St George
Phantom falls
Lemonade ck
Kalimna
Henderson
Sheoak FallsSheoak picnic ground walking Nature LoopCumberland
Cumberland Garvey Link
Kalimna Garvey Link
Castle RockCora LynnErskine Falls Walking TrackWon WondahMany roads, tracks and visitor facilities are impacted by debris, flooding and unstable conditions.
The Great Ocean Road has been impacted,Always follow safety signage and directions from response crews, and do not enter any closed areas.Thank you for your patience and understanding as works are undertaken to make these popular areas safe to visit again.Lake Elizabeth - CLOSED
Due to EXTREME fire danger and going fires in the northern Great Otway National Park, Lake Elizabeth camp ground, day visitor area and loop walk are CLOSED.
Redwoods and Hopetoun Falls Car Parks Full
The Redwoods (Aire Valley Reserve) and Hopetoun Falls carparks within the Great Otway National Park are consistently full over this busy summer period.We advise all our visitors to these iconic areas to remain patient and vigilant for all other users of these areas.Visitors also need to be aware that large log trucks also use the Binns Road as part of their logging operation.Thank you all for your co-operation and please enjoy these and other areas of the Great Otway National Park.Great Ocean Walk destination car parking at the Twelve Apostles visitor center during summer & Peak Visitation periods
During the busy peak visitation period at the Twelve Apostles precinct (from summer through to early autumn including school holidays, public holidays, long weekends & busy peak visitation weekends concluding after Chinese New Year / Easter), due to the sheer volume of visitors onsite, a traffic management program is in place to maximize public safety & ensure visitor experience. If you are planning to park your vehicle at the Twelve Apostles before walking the Great Ocean Walk (or sections of it including section 8) during this period, please communicate this information to onsite traffic control staff at the entrance & they will do their best to accommodate your vehicle in the main carpark. This will avoid your car remaining in the overflow carpark area which needs to be cleared and locked each night. Similarly, if you arrive at the Twelve Apostles to park your car at a time when traffic control are not onsite, or setting up, please park your vehicle in the main carpark area. Your assistance is greatly appreciated!Twelve Apostles Precinct- Change of Conditions Update Notice as of 20.10.2025
General Public InformationDue to ongoing construction works at the Twelve Apostles Visitor Centre, significant changes to access and parking arrangements will be in effect from Friday, 19th September 2025. All visitors are asked to plan ahead and be patient when travelling to the site during this busy period. High visitation is expected in-line with School and Public HolidaysKey changes and reminders for visitors include:- Temporary
Changes to Parking:
Construction works have resulted in temporary parking areas and altered traffic flow. Expect reduced speed limits, changed parking arrangements, and traffic management on-site. Please see attached map. - Car
Parking:
In the event of full parking capacity, visitors are encouraged to seek alternative destinations such as Port Campbell township or Bay of Islands, and encouraged to return later in the day. - Pedestrian
Safety:
Use designated walkways and pedestrian crossings only. Do not climb fences or viewing barriers. - Environmental
Care:
Protect this unique landscape by staying on paths, respecting barriers, and taking your rubbish with you. - Bushfire
Safety:
Stay informed by visiting emergency.vic.gov.au, downloading the VicEmergency app, or calling the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226.
For more information, contact Parks Victoria on 13 1963 or visit parks.vic.gov.au
Licensed Tour Operators (LTOs)
IMPORTANT – Operational and Access UpdateFrom Friday, 19th September 2025, the following updates apply to all Licensed Tour Operators visiting the Twelve Apostles:New Access & Parking Procedures:- Coach/Bus/Coaster
Access:
All LTO vehicles must access the temporary parking area via Booringa Road and the new entry/exit road. Directional signage will be in place. Please see attached map. - Temporary
Parking Area:
Use designated bays only. This area has been established during current construction works. - Drop-Off
Instructions:
- All
vehicles (with or without trailers) must drop passengers
at the front of the Visitor Centre.
- Pick-ups
are not permitted at the drop-off zone.
- Drivers
must proceed immediately to the designated parking area
after drop-off.
- Provide
passengers with clear directions and walking instructions before they
disembark.
Traffic Management:- Follow
Traffic Controller Instructions at all times when management is
in place.
- Be
prepared for redirection to alternative parking areas based on
capacity.
- Observe
on-site signage directing different vehicle sizes to specific parking
bays.
Operational Reminders:- Permit
Display: Ensure your LTO permit is clearly displayed on
your vehicle at all times.
- Passenger
Safety: Remind passengers to use designated walkways and not to climb
fences or barriers.
- Journey
Planning: Allow extra time, travel safely, and prepare staff for
delays due to high visitation and traffic coordination.
Stay Informed:- Further
updates and staging plans are available at the Development Victoria
website:
www.development.vic.gov.au/projects/twelve-apostles?page=resources
Thank you for your cooperation in maintaining a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors while works are underway. Your support is essential in protecting the Twelve Apostles and surrounding areas.Attachments: LTO Map Updated 17.10.25 Conditions A3 (98KB)
- Temporary
Changes to Parking:
-
Aire Crossing Campground (Aire River Heritage River, Great Otway National Park)
Aire Crossing access and campsite - CLOSED
As a result of ongoing bushfires and increased fire danger, access to Aire Crossing and the campsite is CLOSED.Do not enter CLOSED areas of National Parks.Parks Victoria, FFMVic and Conservation Regulator authorised officers will patrol this area. For you safety please do not enter closed areas of National Parks.National Park Regulations Apply -
Maits Rest Rainforest Walk (Great Otway National Park)
Maits Rest Carpark- bus access
Maits Rest Carpark is suitable for small coaster buses only. Large buses or coaches are advised to use Melba Gully walk track near Lavers Hill. -
Notices Affecting Multiple Parks
Extreme Fire Danger and Total Fire Bans
Important camping and visitor information for- Great Otway National Park
- Great Ocean Walk
- Port Campbell National Park and
- Bay of Islands Coastal Park
• National Parks and State Forests CLOSE during a CATASTROPHIC fire danger rating• NO FIRES can not be lit in the open during Total Fire Bans. No fires are permited along or at Great Ocean Walk campsites.• Caution and planning should be applied during an EXTREME fire Danger Rating.• Camping is only permitted in designated campgrounds in the Great Otway National Park with a valid permit booking. This includes the Great Ocean Walk.• Camping or sleeping in vehicles is not permitted in car parks, lookouts or other visitation sites outside of designated campgrounds in any national park.• There are no campgrounds in Port Campbell National Park or Bay of Islands Coastal Park; overnight stays are not permitted in these parks. National Park Regulations apply.• Be prepared for campgrounds, roads and tracks to close at short notice if conditions change.• Have a clear plan for what you will do if conditions change suddenly, including how you will leave early and where you will go.• Do not light any campfires or solid fuel barbecues during a Total Fire Ban.• Stay informed via official emergency and park information channels and follow all instructions from rangers and emergency services.
Tours and adventure experiences in parks
One of the best ways you can get into nature is with a Licensed Tour Operator.
There are more than 400 Licensed Tour Operators across Victoria who are ready and waiting to help you experience and connect with Victoria’s spectacular parks and waterways.
Discover more than 60 different types of nature-based experiences including hiking, mountain biking, boating, four-wheel driving, indigenous culture tours, birdwatching, surfing, diving and so much more.
Licensed Tour Operators know all the best places to go and will plan and prepare your visit to ensure you are safe and can enjoy your nature-based adventure to the fullest.
How we keep it special
The Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Management Plan was first published in December 2009 and amended in November 2019.
The Great Otway Parks Conservation Action Plan provides directions for environmental conservation management across the diverse landscape, including Great Otway National Park. This covers the old-growth forests, cool temperate rainforests and wet forest, heathlands, coastline and marine ecosystems.
Bellarine and Great Ocean Road Dunecare project
Coastal dunes form a unique and highly diverse ecosystem. They play an important part in the health of our coastlines, protecting them from sea surges and storms that can impact infrastructure and livelihoods. Parks Victoria received over $124k in funding as part of the Bellarine and Great Ocean Road Dunecare Project to improve habitat conditions for native animals and reduce the impacts of human-induced erosion.