Cape Otway Homestead Guidebook
Sightseeing
Cape Otway Lighthouse is the oldest surviving lighthouse on mainland Australia and is considered the most signi cant. This leading attraction on the Great Ocean Road is a must for all visitors.
Built in 1848, the lighthouse known as the ‘Beacon of Hope,’ sits 90 metres above the pristine ocean of Bass Strait.
Hundreds of lives were lost along this shipwreck coast – a sad but fascinating history which led to the building of the Lightstation on the cli s edge.
Come visit the historic site, enjoy the beautiful sites and have a bite to eat at the delicious cafe famous for its home-baked scones with cream and jam. About a 10-minute drive from the Homestead.
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Farul Cape Otway
Lighthouse RoadCape Otway Lighthouse is the oldest surviving lighthouse on mainland Australia and is considered the most signi cant. This leading attraction on the Great Ocean Road is a must for all visitors.
Built in 1848, the lighthouse known as the ‘Beacon of Hope,’ sits 90 metres above the pristine ocean of Bass Strait.
Hundreds of lives were lost along this shipwreck coast – a sad but fascinating history which led to the building of the Lightstation on the cli s edge.
Come visit the historic site, enjoy the beautiful sites and have a bite to eat at the delicious cafe famous for its home-baked scones with cream and jam. About a 10-minute drive from the Homestead.
The Twelve Apostles is an iconic spot along the Great Ocean Road and located about an hours drive from the Homestead. Make this a day out and explore the beautiful coastline of the Great Ocean Road.
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Cei doisprezece apostoli
The Twelve Apostles is an iconic spot along the Great Ocean Road and located about an hours drive from the Homestead. Make this a day out and explore the beautiful coastline of the Great Ocean Road.
The Great Ocean Walk runs along the entire coast of The Great Ocean Road. There are circuits that run through the Aire River Inlet, a 2-minute drive from the Homestead. Park at the bridge at the campsite and walk out to the inlet. You'll see signs for The Great Ocean Walk. Enjoy segments of the GOW to explore breathtaking views.
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Great Ocean Walk
100 Great Ocean RdThe Great Ocean Walk runs along the entire coast of The Great Ocean Road. There are circuits that run through the Aire River Inlet, a 2-minute drive from the Homestead. Park at the bridge at the campsite and walk out to the inlet. You'll see signs for The Great Ocean Walk. Enjoy segments of the GOW to explore breathtaking views.
The Aire River is what made us fall in love with this part of the world. It's a magical "secret" spot that not a lot of visitors stop through.
A 2-minute drive from the homestead down to the Aire River Campsite. Park at the bridge and walk down or if you have a 4 wheel drive, you're able to drive down to the mouth of the inlet. (It’s a serious 4 wheel drive track though so make sure you’re comfortable)
Swim/paddleboard in the calm inlet waters, sandboard down the dunes or have a walk around the wild ocean front. Enjoy this beautiful section of the world.
Aire River West Campground
Sand RoadThe Aire River is what made us fall in love with this part of the world. It's a magical "secret" spot that not a lot of visitors stop through.
A 2-minute drive from the homestead down to the Aire River Campsite. Park at the bridge and walk down or if you have a 4 wheel drive, you're able to drive down to the mouth of the inlet. (It’s a serious 4 wheel drive track though so make sure you’re comfortable)
Swim/paddleboard in the calm inlet waters, sandboard down the dunes or have a walk around the wild ocean front. Enjoy this beautiful section of the world.
Soak up the spray as the Hopetoun Falls plummet 30 metres into the Aire River in the Great Otway National Park. Take in the view from the upper platform, or descend some 200 stairs leading through glades of tree ferns to the base of the falls. The platform here has a bench perfect for taking in the views and resting the knees.
To get to the platforms, follow the path from the car park. The upper platform is an easy 20-metre walk from the car park. The lower platform is a one-kilometre return trip – allow half an hour.
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Cascadele Hopetoun
Soak up the spray as the Hopetoun Falls plummet 30 metres into the Aire River in the Great Otway National Park. Take in the view from the upper platform, or descend some 200 stairs leading through glades of tree ferns to the base of the falls. The platform here has a bench perfect for taking in the views and resting the knees.
To get to the platforms, follow the path from the car park. The upper platform is an easy 20-metre walk from the car park. The lower platform is a one-kilometre return trip – allow half an hour.
Walk through magnificent mountain ash forests with large myrtle beech, blackwood and thick ferns to arrive at the spectacle of the Beauchamp Falls crashing over a ledge into a large pool. One of several waterfalls in the Great Otway National Park, this 20-metre waterfall rewards a somewhat strenuous walk.
To get to the falls, take the walking path from the picnic area, located o the Aire Valley Road from Beech Forest Road. The three-kilometre path is an hour's walk return, and requires reasonable tness. The descent to the falls leads to a viewing platform (there is no access to the falls). The path back is steep and has steps that can be slippery when wet
Beauchamp Falls
Beauchamp Falls Walking TrackWalk through magnificent mountain ash forests with large myrtle beech, blackwood and thick ferns to arrive at the spectacle of the Beauchamp Falls crashing over a ledge into a large pool. One of several waterfalls in the Great Otway National Park, this 20-metre waterfall rewards a somewhat strenuous walk.
To get to the falls, take the walking path from the picnic area, located o the Aire Valley Road from Beech Forest Road. The three-kilometre path is an hour's walk return, and requires reasonable tness. The descent to the falls leads to a viewing platform (there is no access to the falls). The path back is steep and has steps that can be slippery when wet
Bimbi park for the Otway E-Bike tour.
A truly memorable and informational guided e-biking experience riding the easiest and most comfy electric bikes. Gain some insights about Cape Otway ecology and history and take in beautiful coastal views.
QUICK DETAILS
Duration: 1.5 hours
Availability: Daily
Tour Times: 10 a.m. & 2 p.m. (Winter Months) & 10 a.m. 1 p.m. & 4 p.m. (Summer Months)
Recommended Minimum Riding Age: 8+
Additional Information: Toddlers towed in trailers at no additional charge
Otway e-bikes
Bimbi Park
90 Manna Gum DriveBimbi park for the Otway E-Bike tour.
A truly memorable and informational guided e-biking experience riding the easiest and most comfy electric bikes. Gain some insights about Cape Otway ecology and history and take in beautiful coastal views.
QUICK DETAILS
Duration: 1.5 hours
Availability: Daily
Tour Times: 10 a.m. & 2 p.m. (Winter Months) & 10 a.m. 1 p.m. & 4 p.m. (Summer Months)
Recommended Minimum Riding Age: 8+
Additional Information: Toddlers towed in trailers at no additional charge
Otway e-bikes
Take the self-guided rainforest boardwalk at Maits Rest in the Otways and see beautiful fern gardens and giant rainforest trees up to 300 years old.
Tread the boardwalk
A wooden boardwalk has been built over the tree-fern gullies and moss-covered roots of ancient rainforest trees, protecting the delicate ecosystem while providing visitors with unique views of the forest.
See native wildlife
If you're lucky, you may run into some of the local inhabitants, including swamp wallabies, koalas, ring-tailed possums and grey kangaroos. Rarely seen, but often heard at night, are the yellow-bellied gliders screaming out as they glide from tree to tree.
Location: Great Otway National Park Distance: 800m
Duration: 30 minutes return
Track condition: Good, wooden boardwalks Grade: Gentle
Start: Maits Rest car park Finish: Maits Rest car park
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Plimbarea prin pădurea tropicală Maits Rest
Great Ocean RoadTake the self-guided rainforest boardwalk at Maits Rest in the Otways and see beautiful fern gardens and giant rainforest trees up to 300 years old.
Tread the boardwalk
A wooden boardwalk has been built over the tree-fern gullies and moss-covered roots of ancient rainforest trees, protecting the delicate ecosystem while providing visitors with unique views of the forest.
See native wildlife
If you're lucky, you may run into some of the local inhabitants, including swamp wallabies, koalas, ring-tailed possums and grey kangaroos. Rarely seen, but often heard at night, are the yellow-bellied gliders screaming out as they glide from tree to tree.
Location: Great Otway National Park Distance: 800m
Duration: 30 minutes return
Track condition: Good, wooden boardwalks Grade: Gentle
Start: Maits Rest car park Finish: Maits Rest car park
Hidden among tall Manna Gum forest on the eastern coastal shores of Cape Otway, the sheltered Blanket Bay Campground is the perfect family escape. Make the most of the seaside location: swim, snorkel or explore the rockpools teeming with marine life. Look for koalas overhead in the twisted Manna Gums.
Blanket Bay
Blanket Bay Campground
Blanket Bay RoadHidden among tall Manna Gum forest on the eastern coastal shores of Cape Otway, the sheltered Blanket Bay Campground is the perfect family escape. Make the most of the seaside location: swim, snorkel or explore the rockpools teeming with marine life. Look for koalas overhead in the twisted Manna Gums.
Blanket Bay
Within the heart of the Otways, on the banks of the Aire River south of Beech Forest surrounded by the native eucalypts, stands a spectacular forest of Californian Redwoods (Sequoia sempervirens). This 85 year old plantation of Californian Redwoods has become a favourite local picnic area, the mu ed sound and lack of undergrowth provides an interesting contrast to the native wet forest that adorns the opposite bank of the Aire River. Thriving in Otway soil, far from their native California, The Redwoods were originally planted in 1936 by Victorian foresters for experimental purposes. A walk for the rst time between the massive trunks anking the river creates a special feeling of awe and reverence - not to be missed.
Also along Binns Road and within close driving proximity to The Redwods are Hopetoun Falls and Beauchamp Falls, both highly recommended to visit while in the region.
Visitors travelling further south across the Aire River en route to the Great Ocean Road via Binns Road should be aware of general rough conditions and lots of log trucks at certain times of the year.
Walk: 500m return | Time: 15 mins | Di culty: Easy
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The Redwoods Otways
Binns RoadWithin the heart of the Otways, on the banks of the Aire River south of Beech Forest surrounded by the native eucalypts, stands a spectacular forest of Californian Redwoods (Sequoia sempervirens). This 85 year old plantation of Californian Redwoods has become a favourite local picnic area, the mu ed sound and lack of undergrowth provides an interesting contrast to the native wet forest that adorns the opposite bank of the Aire River. Thriving in Otway soil, far from their native California, The Redwoods were originally planted in 1936 by Victorian foresters for experimental purposes. A walk for the rst time between the massive trunks anking the river creates a special feeling of awe and reverence - not to be missed.
Also along Binns Road and within close driving proximity to The Redwods are Hopetoun Falls and Beauchamp Falls, both highly recommended to visit while in the region.
Visitors travelling further south across the Aire River en route to the Great Ocean Road via Binns Road should be aware of general rough conditions and lots of log trucks at certain times of the year.
Walk: 500m return | Time: 15 mins | Di culty: Easy
This walk is a great combo to add lunch at The Perch at Laver's Hill then a walk through Melba Gully. The walk is a 30-minute circuit around with beautiful canopies of the rainforest with huge orange fungi and ferns surrounding. The walk is for all ages and very easy for the little ones to enjoy and explore.
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Melba Gully State Park
5 Melba Gully RdThis walk is a great combo to add lunch at The Perch at Laver's Hill then a walk through Melba Gully. The walk is a 30-minute circuit around with beautiful canopies of the rainforest with huge orange fungi and ferns surrounding. The walk is for all ages and very easy for the little ones to enjoy and explore.
Zipline through the eucalypts, walk the treetop adventure trail or discover the fairy village. Otway y adventure park has something for everyone. Book online as during peak season can book out weeks in advance.
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Otway Fly Treetop Adventures
Zipline through the eucalypts, walk the treetop adventure trail or discover the fairy village. Otway y adventure park has something for everyone. Book online as during peak season can book out weeks in advance.
Triplet Falls is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the Great Otway Park and o ers a stunning one hour loop walk through ancient rainforest. View the lower cascades as you follow raised walkways through the forest of Mountain Ash and Myrtle Beech to the main falls. As you leave the forest you can begin to hear the roar of Triplet Falls where a series of elevated viewing platforms provide you with spectacular views of the three cascades. This area is also the site of an original Otways timber mill. The trail runs past the site and displays remnant artefacts from the era.
Location: Great Otway National Park Distance: 1.8km
Duration: 1 hour return
Track condition: Good
Grade: Moderate with steep steps in some sections Start: Triplet Falls car park
Finish: Triplet Falls car park
Nearby: Lavers Hill.
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Triplet Falls
Phillips TrackTriplet Falls is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the Great Otway Park and o ers a stunning one hour loop walk through ancient rainforest. View the lower cascades as you follow raised walkways through the forest of Mountain Ash and Myrtle Beech to the main falls. As you leave the forest you can begin to hear the roar of Triplet Falls where a series of elevated viewing platforms provide you with spectacular views of the three cascades. This area is also the site of an original Otways timber mill. The trail runs past the site and displays remnant artefacts from the era.
Location: Great Otway National Park Distance: 1.8km
Duration: 1 hour return
Track condition: Good
Grade: Moderate with steep steps in some sections Start: Triplet Falls car park
Finish: Triplet Falls car park
Nearby: Lavers Hill.
1 1/2 hour lessons learning to surf with quali ed coaches who teach in the water with you.
Instruction in Surf Safety and Ocean Awareness on Apollo Bay’s safe surf beach. Learn in waist-deep water with easy to ride waves.
Full-length wetsuits and safe soft ‘G’-Boards with no sharp edges are provided to help to make your whole experience fun. We aim to get you standing rst lesson!
Make new friends, meeting fellow learners and local, friendly instructors. Our sta are happy to answer any questions you may have.
Learn how to carry the boards safely and be respectful of other surfers. Our supportive and relaxed sta will help build your con dence in the water.
You need to be able to swim at least 25m.
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Apollo Bay Surf and Kayak
50 Collingwood St1 1/2 hour lessons learning to surf with quali ed coaches who teach in the water with you.
Instruction in Surf Safety and Ocean Awareness on Apollo Bay’s safe surf beach. Learn in waist-deep water with easy to ride waves.
Full-length wetsuits and safe soft ‘G’-Boards with no sharp edges are provided to help to make your whole experience fun. We aim to get you standing rst lesson!
Make new friends, meeting fellow learners and local, friendly instructors. Our sta are happy to answer any questions you may have.
Learn how to carry the boards safely and be respectful of other surfers. Our supportive and relaxed sta will help build your con dence in the water.
You need to be able to swim at least 25m.
City/town information
Apollo Bay is located 20 minutes from the Homestead and a great place to grab a bite to eat, pick up some groceries/ ll up the car or spend a day on the beach swimming in the crystal clear waters. Food recommendations listed in the guidebook.
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Apollo Bay
Apollo Bay is located 20 minutes from the Homestead and a great place to grab a bite to eat, pick up some groceries/ ll up the car or spend a day on the beach swimming in the crystal clear waters. Food recommendations listed in the guidebook.
Food scene
My personal vote of BEST co ee on the strip. Great selection of breakfast favourites and quality pastries. The bacon bagel is worth the extra cash with a stack of bacon and avocado on a big bagel.
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Little Crumb Bakery
57 Great Ocean RdMy personal vote of BEST co ee on the strip. Great selection of breakfast favourites and quality pastries. The bacon bagel is worth the extra cash with a stack of bacon and avocado on a big bagel.
The Fishermen’s Co-Op was started at the harbour seventy years ago when local shermen banded together to nd markets for produce from the Bass Strait: abalone, scallops, snapper, ake (or gummy shark) and world-famous Southern Rock Lobster (cray sh). Boats today still bring their catch to us here at the last working shing harbour on the Great Ocean Road. The best place to eat our fresh sh and cray is outside by the harbour in the wind, sun and salty air, overlooking beautiful Apollo Bay. Drop by and see the latest fresh catch, try some local grilled sh and salad, maybe get a look at the crays being o oaded from the boats. If you are looking for something special, give us a call in advance. We’re not just sh and chips!
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Apollo Bay Fishermen's Co-Op
2 Breakwater RdThe Fishermen’s Co-Op was started at the harbour seventy years ago when local shermen banded together to nd markets for produce from the Bass Strait: abalone, scallops, snapper, ake (or gummy shark) and world-famous Southern Rock Lobster (cray sh). Boats today still bring their catch to us here at the last working shing harbour on the Great Ocean Road. The best place to eat our fresh sh and cray is outside by the harbour in the wind, sun and salty air, overlooking beautiful Apollo Bay. Drop by and see the latest fresh catch, try some local grilled sh and salad, maybe get a look at the crays being o oaded from the boats. If you are looking for something special, give us a call in advance. We’re not just sh and chips!
If you like Gin you won't be disappointed at the distillery. Enjoy a ight of apollo bay made gin and a wood- red pizza overlooking the views of Apollo Bay Forshore.
They dont take bookings so make sure to show up early to grab a seat.
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Apollo Bay Distillery
23-27 Great Ocean RdIf you like Gin you won't be disappointed at the distillery. Enjoy a ight of apollo bay made gin and a wood- red pizza overlooking the views of Apollo Bay Forshore.
They dont take bookings so make sure to show up early to grab a seat.
The Apollo Bay Hotel is right in the heart of Apollo bay amid the Otway National Park and the Ocean. Situated on the historic Great Ocean Road. It’s the perfect place to visit, holiday in or even stay a while.
Have a wonderful meal in our bistro where our vast menu is sure to have something to o er everyone or perhaps it’s just a drink you're after. Then head to the bar where we have a huge selection of beers, wines, cocktails and spirits. All of our sta will be happy to help and do their best to make sure your visit with us is everything you wanted.
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The Apollo Bay Hotel
95 Great Ocean RdThe Apollo Bay Hotel is right in the heart of Apollo bay amid the Otway National Park and the Ocean. Situated on the historic Great Ocean Road. It’s the perfect place to visit, holiday in or even stay a while.
Have a wonderful meal in our bistro where our vast menu is sure to have something to o er everyone or perhaps it’s just a drink you're after. Then head to the bar where we have a huge selection of beers, wines, cocktails and spirits. All of our sta will be happy to help and do their best to make sure your visit with us is everything you wanted.
The farmer's market is located on the Apollo Bay foreshore and runs every Saturday until 3 pm. It showcases local produce, and arts and crafts. Plenty of local jams, free-range meats, homemade soaps, macrame, and plants.
Apollo Bay Farmers' Market
19-21 Moore StThe farmer's market is located on the Apollo Bay foreshore and runs every Saturday until 3 pm. It showcases local produce, and arts and crafts. Plenty of local jams, free-range meats, homemade soaps, macrame, and plants.
The Perch at Laver's Hill is a gorgeous spot for an atmospheric dinner. There's live music on weekends with re-pits running on cool nights under fairy lights and grapevines. Food, drinks and service are incredible. This spot is de nitely worth a visit.
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The Perch at Lavers Hill
15 Great Ocean RoadThe Perch at Laver's Hill is a gorgeous spot for an atmospheric dinner. There's live music on weekends with re-pits running on cool nights under fairy lights and grapevines. Food, drinks and service are incredible. This spot is de nitely worth a visit.
Perfect for a more ne dining experience in Apollo Bay. Beautiful place settings, good quality food all really lovely presented. I highly recommend this spot.
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The Apollo Bay Hotel
95 Great Ocean RdPerfect for a more ne dining experience in Apollo Bay. Beautiful place settings, good quality food all really lovely presented. I highly recommend this spot.
Amazing food and views of all of Apollo Bay. Fine dining and wonderful service.
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Chris's Beacon Point Restaurant & Villa Accommodation
280 Skenes Creek RdAmazing food and views of all of Apollo Bay. Fine dining and wonderful service.
Essentials
The closest petrol station is located in Apollo Bay. The areas are remote so always make sure to ll up before venturing out.
Caltex Apollo Bay
177 Great Ocean RoadThe closest petrol station is located in Apollo Bay. The areas are remote so always make sure to ll up before venturing out.
This is the closest grocery store to the Guesthouse. Meat and eggs can be purchased locally from Ronney, our neighbour who I've mentioned in the guidebook. However, if you need staples this is the best spot to go. There is a local IGA but the Foodworks has a wider range of products and a proper deli section.
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Foodworks
3 Great Ocean RdThis is the closest grocery store to the Guesthouse. Meat and eggs can be purchased locally from Ronney, our neighbour who I've mentioned in the guidebook. However, if you need staples this is the best spot to go. There is a local IGA but the Foodworks has a wider range of products and a proper deli section.