Otway Retreats Guest Guide

Lauren
Otway Retreats Guest Guide

Sightseeing

Located along the Aire Valley Road in Beech Forrest, this picnic area is a delightful place to stop and enjoy a picnic or just a short stroll into the forest. The Californian Redwood forest (Sequoia trees), were planted alongside the river in 1939. This unique forest is enchanting and is an experience that you will not forget. There are two picnic tables located out in the open near the forest and pit toilets are also available nearby.
23 locals recommend
The Redwoods Otways
Binns Road
23 locals recommend
Located along the Aire Valley Road in Beech Forrest, this picnic area is a delightful place to stop and enjoy a picnic or just a short stroll into the forest. The Californian Redwood forest (Sequoia trees), were planted alongside the river in 1939. This unique forest is enchanting and is an experience that you will not forget. There are two picnic tables located out in the open near the forest and pit toilets are also available nearby.
Housed in the original Assistant Lightkeepers Residence (1858) the Cape Otway Lightstation is great for a tasty lunch, morning or afternoon tea. Enjoy freshly baked scones with a pot of tea or coffee while taking in the views of the Light and Bass Strait. Cape Otway Lightstation is the oldest surviving lighthouse on mainland Australia.
78 locals recommend
Cape Otway Lightstation
Lighthouse Road
78 locals recommend
Housed in the original Assistant Lightkeepers Residence (1858) the Cape Otway Lightstation is great for a tasty lunch, morning or afternoon tea. Enjoy freshly baked scones with a pot of tea or coffee while taking in the views of the Light and Bass Strait. Cape Otway Lightstation is the oldest surviving lighthouse on mainland Australia.
Located in Apollo Bay, Marriners lookout is a located along a short but fairly steep gravel track. Views can be enjoyed from just driving up Marriners Lookout Road however if time permits a walk to the lookout will not disappoint. Enjoy spectacular expansive views overlooking Apollo Bay, Marengo and east to Cape Patton. This is a beautiful spot for a picnic. It is also a popular location for paragliders to take off if the conditions are right.
71 locals recommend
Marriner's Lookout Car Park
155 Marriners Lookout Rd
71 locals recommend
Located in Apollo Bay, Marriners lookout is a located along a short but fairly steep gravel track. Views can be enjoyed from just driving up Marriners Lookout Road however if time permits a walk to the lookout will not disappoint. Enjoy spectacular expansive views overlooking Apollo Bay, Marengo and east to Cape Patton. This is a beautiful spot for a picnic. It is also a popular location for paragliders to take off if the conditions are right.
Located just a 10-minute drive from Forrest, Lake Elizabeth is a jewel of the Otways. The lake, its tranquil surroundings and picturesque walking tracks and hiking trails should be near the top of every visitor’s list of things to do in Forrest. If you’re up for a day-long adventure, you can walk or bike to Lake Elizabeth from Forrest’s township. Lake Elizabeth really is an idyllic Otways rainforest experience not to be missed.
18 locals recommend
Lake Elizabeth Campground
18 locals recommend
Located just a 10-minute drive from Forrest, Lake Elizabeth is a jewel of the Otways. The lake, its tranquil surroundings and picturesque walking tracks and hiking trails should be near the top of every visitor’s list of things to do in Forrest. If you’re up for a day-long adventure, you can walk or bike to Lake Elizabeth from Forrest’s township. Lake Elizabeth really is an idyllic Otways rainforest experience not to be missed.
Located in Beech Forrest, the Triplet Falls is one of the iconic visitor sites in the Great Otway National Park. Nestled amongst the ancient forests of Mountain Ash and Myrtle Beech, you will discover three distinct and impressive cascades flowing through shady rainforests and glades of mossy tree ferns. This beautiful area is set in the ancient forest and provides views into the lower cascades and the majestic main falls. A small picnic area is also available for visitors to relax and enjoy the beautiful surrounds.
37 locals recommend
Triplet Falls
Phillips Track
37 locals recommend
Located in Beech Forrest, the Triplet Falls is one of the iconic visitor sites in the Great Otway National Park. Nestled amongst the ancient forests of Mountain Ash and Myrtle Beech, you will discover three distinct and impressive cascades flowing through shady rainforests and glades of mossy tree ferns. This beautiful area is set in the ancient forest and provides views into the lower cascades and the majestic main falls. A small picnic area is also available for visitors to relax and enjoy the beautiful surrounds.
Located in Beech Forrest, soak up the spray as the Hopetoun Falls plummet 30 metres into the Aire River in the Great Otway National Park. Take in the view from the upper platform, or descend some 200 stairs leading through glades of tree ferns to the base of the falls. The platform here has a bench perfect for taking in the views and resting the knees
33 locals recommend
Hopetoun Falls
33 locals recommend
Located in Beech Forrest, soak up the spray as the Hopetoun Falls plummet 30 metres into the Aire River in the Great Otway National Park. Take in the view from the upper platform, or descend some 200 stairs leading through glades of tree ferns to the base of the falls. The platform here has a bench perfect for taking in the views and resting the knees
A spectacular rainforest boardwalk for all groups. Located very close to the Great Ocean Road, west of Apollo Bay this walk is enjoyed by many and children marvel at the size of the trees especially the magnificent 300 year old National Trust registered Myrtle Beech tree. Keep a look out for the Black Otways Carnivorous Snail which is found here. At night you can visit this location with a torch to view the glow worms – natures own fairyland!
118 locals recommend
Maits Rest Rainforest Walk
Great Ocean Road
118 locals recommend
A spectacular rainforest boardwalk for all groups. Located very close to the Great Ocean Road, west of Apollo Bay this walk is enjoyed by many and children marvel at the size of the trees especially the magnificent 300 year old National Trust registered Myrtle Beech tree. Keep a look out for the Black Otways Carnivorous Snail which is found here. At night you can visit this location with a torch to view the glow worms – natures own fairyland!
Known as the Jewel of the Otways, Melba Gully is one of the wettest places in the state. The gully has prolific plant growth and is a dense rainforest of Myrtle Beech, Blackwood and Tree-ferns, with an understorey of low ferns and mosses. Perhaps the most unusual inhabitants of the area are the glow worms, which can be seen at night along the walking tracks.
33 locals recommend
Melba Gully State Park
5 Melba Gully Rd
33 locals recommend
Known as the Jewel of the Otways, Melba Gully is one of the wettest places in the state. The gully has prolific plant growth and is a dense rainforest of Myrtle Beech, Blackwood and Tree-ferns, with an understorey of low ferns and mosses. Perhaps the most unusual inhabitants of the area are the glow worms, which can be seen at night along the walking tracks.
Otway Fly Treetop Adventures takes your rainforest experience to new heights in the lush surrounds of the magnificent Otway Ranges. Whether you’re soaking up the breath-taking birds-eye view of the rainforest on the Treetop Walk or soaring through the leafy treetops on the awe-inspiring Zipline Tour, there’s something for the whole family to enjoy. Located in Weeaproinah along Phillips Track.
153 locals recommend
Otway Fly Treetop Adventures
153 locals recommend
Otway Fly Treetop Adventures takes your rainforest experience to new heights in the lush surrounds of the magnificent Otway Ranges. Whether you’re soaking up the breath-taking birds-eye view of the rainforest on the Treetop Walk or soaring through the leafy treetops on the awe-inspiring Zipline Tour, there’s something for the whole family to enjoy. Located in Weeaproinah along Phillips Track.
Offering a range of of exciting and exhilarating activities to enjoy such as Paintball, Globeriding/ Zorbing and Segway®. Planet Mud Outdoor Adventures provide a high quality outdoor experience with the friendliest highly trained staff and the promise of a quality and fun experience to remember.
Planet Mud Outdoor Adventures
85 Bingami Rd
Offering a range of of exciting and exhilarating activities to enjoy such as Paintball, Globeriding/ Zorbing and Segway®. Planet Mud Outdoor Adventures provide a high quality outdoor experience with the friendliest highly trained staff and the promise of a quality and fun experience to remember.
Enjoy a guided walk through the Otways bushland taking in the spectacular views across the ocean. 75 Minute guided walks, with cafe and bookstore. Bookings are highly recommended through their website.
16 locals recommend
Wildlife Wonders
475 Great Ocean Rd
16 locals recommend
Enjoy a guided walk through the Otways bushland taking in the spectacular views across the ocean. 75 Minute guided walks, with cafe and bookstore. Bookings are highly recommended through their website.

Food scene

For delicious Italian “Casalingo” is the go to place with authentic Italian food and a nice dining room.
86 locals recommend
Casalingo
1 Moore St
86 locals recommend
For delicious Italian “Casalingo” is the go to place with authentic Italian food and a nice dining room.
Located near the main street (Moore Street, Apollo Bay) Icaro Cafe offers great coffee, medicinal lattes, cold pressed juices and delicious superfoods with an ethos on fresh locally sourced produce. Pure ingredients crafted with love and passion. - Mention you are staying with Otway retreats and receive 10% discount
21 locals recommend
Icaro Wholefood Cafe
1G Moore St
21 locals recommend
Located near the main street (Moore Street, Apollo Bay) Icaro Cafe offers great coffee, medicinal lattes, cold pressed juices and delicious superfoods with an ethos on fresh locally sourced produce. Pure ingredients crafted with love and passion. - Mention you are staying with Otway retreats and receive 10% discount
Located above the bakery on the main street “Birdhouse” produce high quality fresh food showcasing some of the local produce grown and harvested in the region. The views from the dining room over the water are stunning. They have a good wine list and everything on the menu is delicious, especially the fish!
68 locals recommend
The Apollo Bay Hotel
95 Great Ocean Rd
68 locals recommend
Located above the bakery on the main street “Birdhouse” produce high quality fresh food showcasing some of the local produce grown and harvested in the region. The views from the dining room over the water are stunning. They have a good wine list and everything on the menu is delicious, especially the fish!
Set on a hillside on a 30 acre organic farm, Brae is a contemporary restaurant that has won an endless amount of awards and chef’s hats due to the quality of the food here. If you are after fine dining, this is the place to visit. Since its beginning, in December 2013, Brae farm has been managed using regenerative farming techniques to restore the land. Organic principles are employed to produce seasonal vegetables, stone fruits, citrus, nuts, berries and olives for organic extra virgin oil from an established grove of more than 100 trees. An ever-changing set menu utilises produce from Brae’s own vegetable plots and fruit orchards. Located in Birregurra, meals are by degustation set menu and are $220 per person plus $125 for matched wines.
53 locals recommend
Brae Restaurant
4285 Cape Otway Rd
53 locals recommend
Set on a hillside on a 30 acre organic farm, Brae is a contemporary restaurant that has won an endless amount of awards and chef’s hats due to the quality of the food here. If you are after fine dining, this is the place to visit. Since its beginning, in December 2013, Brae farm has been managed using regenerative farming techniques to restore the land. Organic principles are employed to produce seasonal vegetables, stone fruits, citrus, nuts, berries and olives for organic extra virgin oil from an established grove of more than 100 trees. An ever-changing set menu utilises produce from Brae’s own vegetable plots and fruit orchards. Located in Birregurra, meals are by degustation set menu and are $220 per person plus $125 for matched wines.
Forrest Brewing Co. is a small sibling owned microbrewery combined with a relaxed dining hall. Equal parts microbrewery, eating place and mountain biking hang-out. This five-year old business has established a reputation for good food and great beer in the tiny Otways village – Forrest
50 locals recommend
Forrest Brewing Company
26 Grant St
50 locals recommend
Forrest Brewing Co. is a small sibling owned microbrewery combined with a relaxed dining hall. Equal parts microbrewery, eating place and mountain biking hang-out. This five-year old business has established a reputation for good food and great beer in the tiny Otways village – Forrest
In 2018 they won “Best Regional Pub” in Victoria which is a great achievment. Offering quality food and great service. Recently renovated and offering a public bar and plenty of entertainment particularly on the weekends, we think its a great place to visit!
68 locals recommend
The Apollo Bay Hotel
95 Great Ocean Rd
68 locals recommend
In 2018 they won “Best Regional Pub” in Victoria which is a great achievment. Offering quality food and great service. Recently renovated and offering a public bar and plenty of entertainment particularly on the weekends, we think its a great place to visit!
Situated overlooking the Apollo Bay Harbour, the Apollo Bay Fishermen's Coop is the best place in town for fish & chips and a stunning array of locally caught seafood including flake and crayfish.
40 locals recommend
Apollo Bay Fishermen's Co-Op
2 Breakwater Rd
40 locals recommend
Situated overlooking the Apollo Bay Harbour, the Apollo Bay Fishermen's Coop is the best place in town for fish & chips and a stunning array of locally caught seafood including flake and crayfish.
The Apollo Bay Distillery is a place to escape the noise and chaos of everyday life. Here, we aim to preserve the tales of the town and embody the spirit of Apollo Bay. Their gins are linked to the ships that sailed off this treacherous coast many years ago and serve as a strong reminder of Apollo Bay’s nautical history. Located in the old Post Office, built in 1970, we also house the anchor of the historic SS Casino who came to a fateful end off one of our local beaches.
27 locals recommend
Apollo Bay Distillery
23-27 Great Ocean Rd
27 locals recommend
The Apollo Bay Distillery is a place to escape the noise and chaos of everyday life. Here, we aim to preserve the tales of the town and embody the spirit of Apollo Bay. Their gins are linked to the ships that sailed off this treacherous coast many years ago and serve as a strong reminder of Apollo Bay’s nautical history. Located in the old Post Office, built in 1970, we also house the anchor of the historic SS Casino who came to a fateful end off one of our local beaches.
Located on Apollo Bay’s main street with outdoor seating, Little Crumb offers quality meals, good coffee and a nice atmosphere.
11 locals recommend
Little Crumb Bakery
57 Great Ocean Rd
11 locals recommend
Located on Apollo Bay’s main street with outdoor seating, Little Crumb offers quality meals, good coffee and a nice atmosphere.
If you want something casual the “brewhouse” offers a selection of craft beers, good quality pub food, a beer garden, warm fireplace and local music on the weekends. This is the pub most of the locals go to.
69 locals recommend
Great Ocean Road Brewhouse
35 Great Ocean Rd
69 locals recommend
If you want something casual the “brewhouse” offers a selection of craft beers, good quality pub food, a beer garden, warm fireplace and local music on the weekends. This is the pub most of the locals go to.
Overlooking Bass Strait on Skenes Creek Road, set high in the Otways above the Great Ocean Road, Chris’s Beacon Point Restaurant and Villas has become a Mecca for gourmet travellers. His personal approach to hospitality has made him one of the best-loved characters in the region and his passion for the food of Southern Europe combined with the freshest and purest produce has made his cuisine world famous.
81 locals recommend
Chris's Beacon Point Restaurant & Villa Accommodation
280 Skenes Creek Rd
81 locals recommend
Overlooking Bass Strait on Skenes Creek Road, set high in the Otways above the Great Ocean Road, Chris’s Beacon Point Restaurant and Villas has become a Mecca for gourmet travellers. His personal approach to hospitality has made him one of the best-loved characters in the region and his passion for the food of Southern Europe combined with the freshest and purest produce has made his cuisine world famous.