Cape Otway

Travel Guide
Apollo Bay featuring mountains and rugged coastline
Search for koalas, walk among giant tree ferns, see triplet waterfalls or climb a historic lighthouse at this coastal headland along the Great Ocean Road.

Cape Otway is located along the iconic Great Ocean Road, a scenic coastal highway in the southwest of Victoria. Home to a lush national park, Cape Otway is an attractive wilderness of rainforests, waterfalls, heathlands, rocky coastlines and sandy beaches.

Drive to the Great Otway National Park and follow one of the marked trails, where kangaroos hop among the foliage. Look up often to spot well-camouflaged koalas in the treetops. These cute-looking marsupials are commonly hiding in the forks of the tree branches to sleep, but can sometimes be seen climbing a tree or chomping on eucalyptus leaves. This special diet takes a lot of time to digest, so the docile creatures doze up to 20 hours a day.

Delve deeper into the national park to see its picturesque waterfalls. The three separate flows of the Triplet Falls are set among a rainforest of mountain ash, myrtle beech trees and tall tree ferns in mossy glades.

Drive down the bumpy road to the remote Cape Otway Lightstation. The oldest of the Great Ocean Road lighthouses, this Bass Strait beacon was built in the 1840s on its rocky point. An entry fee permits access to the lighthouse and its more recent, but still historical, telegraph station and radar room. Climb to the top for splendid views of the Southern Ocean. Time your visit to catch the informative Koori tour to learn about the long and complex relationship between the Gadubanud people and Cape Otway. The on-site café serves tea with scones, among other treats.

Spend some more time in the park to really appreciate all it has to offer. The 8-day Great Ocean Walk will really immerse you into the wonders of nature as it follows the rocky coastline of Cape Otway. Go for just a few days or take the supported tour option if you have less time or are feeling less adventurous.

Camping in Great Otway National Park is another great option, along with stays in one of the old keepers’ cottages at the Cape Otway Lightstation. Head to charming little Apollo Bay to find more varied accommodations and dining options, still with easy access to Cape Otway.

Whatever you choose to do, you can’t help but admire the variety and beauty of Cape Otway against the backdrop of the Bass Strait.

Bimbi Park - Camping Under Koala
Bimbi Park - Camping Under Koala
2 out of 5
90 Manna Gum Drive, Cape Otway, VIC
The price is CA $71 per night from Apr. 17 to Apr. 18
CA $71
CA $78 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 17 - Apr 18
Stay at this family-friendly campground in Cape Otway. Enjoy free parking, an area shuttle, and a terrace. Popular attractions Cape Otway Lightstation and Station ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (149 reviews)
"Stayed in a very comfortable retro caravan. Koalas hanging off trees everywhere. All away from the maddening crowds."

Reviewed on Mar. 18, 2024

Bimbi Park - Camping Under Koala
Sandpiper Motel Apollo Bay
Sandpiper Motel Apollo Bay
4 out of 5
3 Murray Street, Apollo Bay, VIC
The price is CA $102 per night from Apr. 18 to Apr. 19
CA $102
CA $114 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 18 - Apr 19
Stay at this 4-star beach motel in Apollo Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (749 reviews)
Excellent!
"Comfortable quiet and relaxing. Great location for a stroll to town centre and beach"

Reviewed on Mar. 28, 2024

Sandpiper Motel Apollo Bay
Comfort Inn The International
Comfort Inn The International
4 out of 5
37 Great Ocean Road, Apollo Bay, VIC
The price is CA $127 per night from Apr. 29 to Apr. 30
CA $127
CA $139 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 29 - Apr 30
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Apollo Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (299 reviews)
"Nice clean room"

Reviewed on Mar. 26, 2024

Comfort Inn The International
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Bimbi Park - Camping Under Koala
Bimbi Park - Camping Under Koala
2 out of 5
90 Manna Gum Drive, Cape Otway, VIC
Stay at this family-friendly campground in Cape Otway. Enjoy free parking, an area shuttle, and a terrace. Popular attractions Cape Otway Lightstation and Station ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (149 reviews)
"Stayed in a very comfortable retro caravan. Koalas hanging off trees everywhere. All away from the maddening crowds."

Reviewed on Mar. 18, 2024

Bimbi Park - Camping Under Koala
Seafarers Getaway
Seafarers Getaway
4 out of 5
6080 Great Ocean Road, Apollo Bay, VIC
Stay at this 4-star beach apartment in Apollo Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (762 reviews)
"Good , quiet, beautiful view."

Reviewed on Mar. 18, 2024

Seafarers Getaway
The Dolphin Apartments
The Dolphin Apartments
4.5 out of 5
2 Thomson Street, Apollo Bay, VIC
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury apartment in Apollo Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and private spa tubs. Popular attractions Great Ocean Road Visitor Information ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (605 reviews)
"Our room was very spacious. Clean. Looked like had a recent upgrade to all furniture. Check in/out was excellent. Enjoyed our short stay here"

Reviewed on Mar. 6, 2024

The Dolphin Apartments
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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