Things to See & Do
The unique combination of aspect, soils, climate and farming practices of the Otway hinterland produce distinctive and exceptional flavours in our produce that cannot be found anywhere else.
The Otway Harvest Trail is a celebration of the seasons that bestow their rich bounty on a luscious part of Victoria.
Spring is a time of plenty and promise. As the winter gives way to warm sunny days, see the bright patchwork of yellow canola fields appear, the farmers out mowing their grass and baling their hay and the spring lambs frolicking on a frosty
morning. The first berries appear. Green shoots can be seen in the vineyards as the vines burst their buds and flowers and spring vegetables appear at farm gate stalls. New release wines can be found at cellar doors.
Summer is all about being outdoors. All the berry farms have opened and their sweet juicy berries are ripe for the picking. The lush emerald green of the vineyards become more distinctive as the land around slowly turns a golden brown. People clamour for outdoor tables and chairs at cafés and restaurants to soak in the warm days, mild evenings and glorious pastel sunsets. Local wines and beers go so well with the seafood, vegetables and fruits in plentiful supply. Wine lovers are
welcomed at cellar doors and their curiosity is rewarded with the discovery of new wines.
Autumn is a time of harvest. The days become still and warm, and the crisp cool nights are perfect for sleeping. With the winter rains not far away, the wineries are busy harvesting their fruit and the vignerons hands become garnet red as they nurture the new wines through their ferment. It is also time to harvest the olives from their groves before the first frosts of winter arrive. Smell the fruity aroma of the extra virgin olive oil as it flows from the presses. The last of the berries are picked.
Winter is a time for taking stock of the seasons passed and making ready for the farming year ahead. The farmers plough their fields and sow their winter crops. Vineyards, olive groves and orchards are pruned and readied for a new season. Fences are mended. The days shorten and become colder. Cattle turn their backs to the wind. Dams pent over the summer begin to refill. Root vegetables appear at the farm gate stands. It’s a time for reflection and for savouring the joys of recently harvested produce. Lengthy conversations occur over bottles of wine in front of toasty log fires. Eventually the tell tale signs of another Spring begin to appear.
This trail traverses some of the most fertile land in Victoria which grows some of the state’s best produce. Breakfast can be enjoyed anywhere between Apollo Bay and Lorne before turning left into the Otways hinterland. The Deans Marsh and Pennyroyal area is renowned for its berries, olives and wineries.
Further North, Birregurra is the hub of Otway produce and the perfect lunch stop. Heading back towards the Great Ocean Road via Forrest, which has a boutique brewery and an atmospheric cafe. Continue South through towering rainforest to Apollo Bay.
Brochures for the Otway Harvest Trail, which details the growers and producers in this hinterland region, are available at local visitor information centres.
Spanning 2.5 kilometres and featuring six mosaic art pieces, the Anglesea Art Walk highlights the history and unique flora and fauna of this extraordinary place. It starts at the JE Loveridge lookout with sensational panoramic views of the Surf Coast and concludes in the valley at the Anglesea Primary School.
Forrest is one of Australia's best mountain bike destinations. With over 60 kilometres of purpose built single track, there is more than three days of riding here.
You can stay in a variety of accommodation options and ride right from your front door of your accommodation.
Forrest is the gateway to the Otways, with places to stay, eat and ride. Platypus tours are also available.
Visit the Ride Forrest website to find all you need to know about Forrest and Mountain Bike riding in the Otways.
You'll spot her as you travel the Great Ocean Road. To locals and fans afar she is affectionately known as 'The White Queen'. Don't just wonder as you drive by - yes, you can join a guided tour, which will take about 45 minutes of your time.
The knowledgeable tour guide will introduce you to a life of maritime responsibility, engineering perfection, a pristine Marine Sanctuary, cultural connections, the famous setting for the TV series 'Round the Twist' and ever-changing 360 degree coastal vistas.
Whether you want to step back in maritime, forward in coastal conservation or capture the now with a perfect snapshot, this is a stop worth every minute.
The Split Point Lighthouse was built in 1891 and has only been open for tours for eighteen months. She still shines her guiding light every evening to keep ships passing on their way to and from Port Phillip Bay, off the rocky shores.
The staff at Split Point Lighthouse Tours look forward to guiding you up the cast iron spiral staircase, through the lantern room and out onto the balcony to enjoy a birds-eye view of the dramatic coastline.
Nestled in the valley behind Anglesea, Alcoa’s open cut brown coal mine has been operating a power station for 35 years. For an overview of the mine, there are several good lookouts surrounding the site. Free tours are available for those interested in finding out more about the operation. Bookings are essential: 03 5263 4249.
The Split Point Lighthouse dominates the Aireys Inlet landscape, its 34 metre high tower and typical red cap visible for miles. The still operating lighthouse is open to the public with guided tours available and sweeping views of the Eagle Rock Marine Sanctuary and Great Ocean Road region below.
The grounds surrounding the lighthouse include a replica of the ‘bark hut’ early settlers in Aireys Inlet would have lived in, and the beach at the base of the lighthouse has great rockpools to explore.
The land North of Colac has an explosive past, the area once brimming with volcanic acitivity. Early settlers in the area used the volcanic stones cleared from the fields to build the dry stone walls that are a charming feature of the region.
Through Beeac and Alvie, follow the road signs to the Red Rock viewing platform to see the vast volcanic plains, dormant craters and crater lakes of the Kanawinka Wold listed Geopark. Head back to Colac to explore the botanic gardens or heritage trail.