Be in your Connected Element
Step off the grid and into something deeper – where ancient forests, quiet trails, and small-town charm reconnect you.
In the heart of the Otways, connection comes naturally. Whether you're wandering beneath towering tree ferns, sharing stories over a locally roasted coffee, or simply taking the time to breathe in the cool forest air, this is a place that invites presence. Spend a few days grounding yourself in nature, in community, and in the joy of slow travel.
DAY 1: Melbourne to Forrest via Colac
Travel inland to the Otways, stopping first at Winchelsea, where the Barwon River flows past parks and historic buildings—an easy place to stretch your legs before continuing on.
Arrive to the Otways
Next stop is Colac. Pick up morning tea from Hulm’s Bakery, a local favourite for fresh sandwiches, pies and sweet treats. Take your break to nearby Colac Botanic Gardens, where wide lawns and mature trees overlook Lake Colac—a peaceful spot for a picnic or short walk.
By afternoon, arrive in Forrest, a small town surrounded by towering eucalypts and ferns. Check in at Forrest Guesthouse, your home for the next three nights. These comfortable, self-contained villas are close to the village centre and local walking tracks.
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Forrest Guesthouse
16 Grant Street, Forrest
Discover Lake Elizabeth
If time allows, head to Lake Elizabeth for the loop walk through cool temperate rainforest. For something more immersive, consider booking a dawn or dusk canoe tour, which gives you the chance to quietly paddle the lake and possibly spot a platypus.
Pick up dinner supplies from the Forrest General Store and enjoy a relaxed evening in.
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Lake Elizabeth
Forrest-Apollo Bay Road, Barramunga
DAY 2: Rainforest Trails and Local Flavours
Waterfalls and rainforests
Today’s loop takes you deeper into the Otways. Drive the scenic Turtons Track, winding under towering mountain ash and dense fern gullies. Stop at The Redwoods, where an unexpected grove of Californian redwoods creates a peaceful forest setting.
Nearby, take short walks to two of the region’s best waterfalls—Hopetoun Falls and Beauchamp Falls—both offering classic rainforest scenery and cool, shaded paths.
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Hopetoun Falls
Great Otway National Park, Cape Otway
Walk among the treetops
For lunch, visit the café at Otway Fly Treetop Adventures, overlooking the forest. If you wish, explore the elevated treetop walk or the zipline tour through the canopy.
On the way back to Forrest, call in at Otway Estate for tastings of small-batch beer, cider and spirits, and to pick up supplies for the evening.
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Otway Fly Treetop Adventures
360 Phillips Track, Ferguson
DAY 3: Cape Otway and the Coast
Cape Otway and surrounds
Head south to Cape Otway Lightstation, mainland Australia’s oldest surviving lighthouse. Climb the tower for sweeping ocean views and explore the history of this remote station, once essential for guiding ships along the treacherous coast.
Stop for lunch at The Perch in Lavers Hill, known for its relaxed atmosphere and menu featuring local produce.
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Cape Otway Lightstation
1140 Lightstation Road, Cape Otway
Explore Apollo Bay
In the afternoon, join a seal kayaking tour from Apollo Bay Surf & Kayak, now running year-round. Paddle along the coastline with experienced guides and see local seal colonies up close in their natural habitat.
Stay in Apollo Bay for dinner at Graze, a welcoming bar and restaurant with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from the region.
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Graze Apollo Bay
14 Pascoe Street, Apollo Bay
DAY 4: Wildlife, Coastline and the Great Ocean Road
A healthy dose of nature
Start the day early with a dawn tour at Wildlife Wonders, just outside Apollo Bay. Led by expert guides, this gentle walk offers the chance to spot koalas, kangaroos and native birds in a protected conservation reserve.
Afterwards, stroll along Apollo Bay Beach or visit the harbour before an early lunch at the Apollo Bay Hotel, offering ocean views and a casual menu.
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Wildlife Wonders
475 Great Ocean Road, Apollo Bay
Enjoy the scenic drive home
Take the scenic route home along the Great Ocean Road, stopping at Cape Patton Lookout for expansive coastal views. Stretch your legs at Sheoak Falls, or spend time in Lorne for a walk on the pier or some boutique shopping.
Continue past Bells Beach, one of Australia’s most famous surf spots, before browsing the surf shops in Torquay—the birthplace of Rip Curl and Quiksilver—on your way back to Melbourne.
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Bells Beach
Bells Beach Rd, Bells Beach
