Waterfalls
Long and short walks through the Otways will take you to a variety of breathtaking waterfalls.
Always beautiful, it is a must for any visitor to see as many of these natural splendours as possible.
Carisbrook Falls
These falls are west of Kennett River, 14km from Apollo Bay towards Lorne. The falls are a 1km return walk from the car park beside Carisbrook Creek bridge; on the Great Ocean Road, seven km west of Kennett River. The walk takes about 30 minutes return.
Hopetoun Falls
Off the Aire Valley Road, near Beech Forest. You can hear the roar of the falls pounding into the Aire River as you arrive in the car park. There is also a view from here. There is a steep path, passing through a glade of tree ferns, to the foot of the falls. Allow about 45 minutes for the 1km return walk. The nearby Aire Valley picnic and camping reserve has a backdrop of towering Californian redwoods.
Marriners Falls
The track to the falls is at the end of the Barham River Road out of Apollo Bay. The 3km return walk follows the Barham River. There are a number of creek crossings, no bridges, and waterproof shoes are recommended. Allow about one hour return.
Rainbow Falls
The track to the falls begins at Cape Otway Lighthouse. Rainbow Falls flow from a spring in the dune limestone, forming a limestone deposit as it flows over the rocks. In afternoon light, water flowing over the escarpment forms a beautiful rainbow. Allow two hours for the moderate 5km return walk. Caution: The track continues on past Rainbow Falls to Aire River so ensure you retrace your steps to return to Cape Otway Lighthouse.
Stevensons Falls
Off the Skenes Creek-Colac Road; sign at Barramunga. Named after a pioneer of the area, these falls and the surrounding river flats of the Gellibrand River provide a delightful setting. There is a river-side camping ground at the northern end of the park with toilets, barbecues and tables.
Note - Access to the falls is unavailable. New bridge to open in mid 2006.
Triplet Falls
A 1 hour medium return loop. Triplet Falls is the premier waterfall experience in the Otways. It provides a stunning walk through ancient rainforest and tall timber. View the lower cascades as you follow raised walkways and a series of viewing platforms, meandering through the forest to the main falls. Three cascades thunder past the main platform which offers spectacular views. Located on the historic site of Knotts Mill No. 1, the trail also displays remnant artefacts from early sawmilling days in the Otways.