Maits Rest Rainforest Walk (Great Otway National Park)

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Explore

Maits Rest Rainforest Walk (Great Otway National Park)

Immerse yourself in an ancient rainforest with giant Myrtle Beech trees towering over ancient tree ferns and a moss-covered forest floor. Spot the endemic carnivorous Otway Black Snail, look out for secretive long-nosed potoroos foraging in the leaf litter and at night hear the screeches of Yellow-bellied Gliders and owls.

How to get there

Maits Rest Rainforest Walk (Great Otway National Park)

Need to know

Maits Rest Rainforest Walk (Great Otway National Park)

Safety in nature

You can benefit both mind and body when you get outdoors to explore and experience Victoria's natural places. Before you go, take a look at our safety tips and check our changed conditions and closures information for a great visit.

Accessibility

Visiting a park can be more of a challenge for people with disabilities, however, in Victoria there are a wide range of facilities to help people of all abilities enjoy our wonderful parks around the state. Parks Victoria provides a range of a equipment, including all-terrain and beach wheelchairs, facilities, accommodation and accessibility information and programs to help you plan and enjoy your visit to Victoria's parks.

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.

Warnings & Restrictions

Dogs

Dogs are not allowed

Restrictions

No fires permitted
No motorised vehicles, including electric bikes or scooters allowed on management vehicle only paths, tracks or roads
No dogs allowed
No camping
No bicycles
No horses
No vehicles
No firearms allowed
No generators

Warnings

Water hazards
Flash flooding
Terrain hazards
Uneven ground

Slippery surface

Slippery rocks
Other warnings
Trees may fall take care

Vehicles

Be Prepared

Stay safe and get the most out of your park visit by preparing for natural hazards and other outdoor risks in Victoria’s parks. You are responsible for your own safety and the safety of those in your care. Find out more.

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.

Canyon Walking Track Closure

The Canyon walking track is currently closed due to damaged infrastructure. This closure will affect walkers trying to complete the "loop" from Phantom falls to Sheoak Picnic ground. Henderson, Won Wondah and Phantom Falls are all still open and accessible via alternate routes.

Kalimna Tramline link walk and Upper Kalimna is closed

The Kalimna Tramline link walk is closed due to damage to a pedestrian bridge. Walkers can still access the Lower Kalimna Waterfall via the Kalimna Falls Walking Track, which starts at Sheoak Picnic Area. Upper Kalimna Falls closed until further notice.

Colac Tree Road Open, Skinners Track Closed

Colac Tree Road within the Great Otway National Park will re-open at 5pm on Monday 2nd December with a 40kph restriction.

Skinners Creek Track, within the Great Otway National Park, will remain closed until further notice.

These restrictions will be in place due to fire impacting the area.

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.

Melba Gully - Large bus access

Melba Gully Walk Track and picnic area is accessible for large coaches. Toilet facilities are available on site