Including Apollo Bay on the coast and Colac and Lavers Hill inland, The Otways is potentially the Great Ocean Road’s most spectacular offering to the nature-loving visitor. Comprising the small towns amid the Otway Ranges stretching from Lorne along the coast and around the cape, the Otways provides a plethora of outdoor activities.

In Apollo Bay you can choose between swimming with seals, deep sea fishing, kayaking, learning to surf, poking around rock pools on the beach, or walking along the beach at sunset. For seasoned surfers, there are adventurous waves along the coast including Wye River, Baldy Rock and Cumberland River. The real test of surfing skills, however, lies at breaks known as 'Boneyards', 'Marengo', and 'Juniors'.

The Great Ocean Road is synonymous with nature trails, so it’s not surprising that trails are abundant throughout the region. Picnic spots are well-established complete with toilets, BBQs and picnic tables and many are located close to the spectacular gush of a waterfall.

The Otway Fly – a unique tree-top walk over bridges and promenades within the rainforest – is a magnificent experience enhanced by the spectacular Triplet Falls which are located within this 1-hour loop walk.

If you prefer to get in tune with nature on a long-term basis, then there are campsites located in many places along the Great Ocean Road in The Great Otway National Park, The Otway Reserve, The Otway Forest Park and The Otway Reserves. Most have minimal facilities, but there are no charges.

Further inland, volcanic lakes and plains await you near Colac, at Lake Corangamite, where 40 different locations of eruption points have been discovered to date. Heading up to the Red Rock Scenic Lookout will give you a bird’s eye view of the region.

Colac relies heavily on the dairy and timber industries, however picking up a selection of the local produce and wine straight from the farm somehow enhances the flavour! You can choose between picking your own berries and fruit, or just buying some locally-produced olive oil, baked bread, fresh vegetables, rich ice-cream, gourmet sausages and more.