Great Otway National Park Tours and Tickets

The Great Otway National Park is rich in biodiversity, from giant redwoods, waterfalls, and fern gullies to coastal regions along the Great Ocean Road. The park offers opportunities for beautiful drives, mountain biking, hiking, and learning about the area’s history at the Cape Otway Lightstation. You might even see koalas.

Plan to spend at least 3–4 days in the Great Otway National Park so you can take your time when stopping at waterfalls and ocean viewing areas or when scouting for wildlife. You can camp or stay at hotels in several towns, including Lorne, Apollo Bay, and Forrest.

There’s something to see all year-round at Great Otway National Park, but the best time to visit is during the Aussie summer (December–February). The spring and fall shoulder seasons, beginning in October and ending in April, also offer good weather but with fewer crowds.

The best place to see koalas in their natural habitat at Great Otway National Park is near the Kennett River. Find the eucalyptus trees, where you’re more likely to spot a koala among the leaves. Koalas are most active early in the morning or in the evening.

Great Otway National Park is home to an array of wildlife, including koalas. Head to Lake Elizabeth to look for the shy platypus. In the early morning and evening, keep your eyes peeled for kangaroos and the smaller hoppers—the wallabies. Birds, both permanent and migratory, also nest in the park.

Yes, the Great Otway National Park is worth it, whether as a day trip (just a few hours from Melbourne) or as part of a more extended vacation. The park’s natural beauty offers opportunities for exploration across adventure levels and ages—it’s great for relaxation seekers, too.