Written by Ben Cole· Updated Mar 2026Quick Actions
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About Great Otway NP
Great Otway National Park protects 103,000 hectares of temperate rainforest, ocean heathland, and tall eucalypt forest along the Great Ocean Road hinterland. The park encompasses some of the wettest and most biodiverse forest in Victoria, with ancient myrtle beech and mountain ash trees, dozens of waterfalls, and rich fern gullies. Koalas are extremely common in the park and along roadsides.
About
Great Otway National Park protects 103,000 hectares of temperate rainforest, ocean heathland, and tall eucalypt forest along the Great Ocean Road hinterland. The park encompasses some of the wettest and most biodiverse forest in Victoria, with ancient myrtle beech and mountain ash trees, dozens of waterfalls, and rich fern gullies. Koalas are extremely common in the park and along roadsides.
Warnings
Getting There
The park runs alongside and inland from the Great Ocean Road between Anglesea and Princetown. Access roads branch north from the Great Ocean Road at Apollo Bay and Lavers Hill.
Visitor Tips
- •Kennett River, 47km west of Lorne, is the best spot in Victoria to reliably see wild koalas in the roadside eucalypts. Stop at the grey gum trees along the road for almost guaranteed sightings.
Quick Facts
At a Glance
The Place
- Significance
- State
Plan Your Visit
- Entry
- Paid
- Duration
- 1-3 days
- Best Time
- Year-round; winter and spring for waterfalls at peak flow; summer for hiking
Location
- Region
- Great Ocean Road
- State
- Victoria
Good to Know
Highlights
Activities
Features
Facilities
Nearby
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