4WD adventure in the Great Otway National Park

The Great Otway National Park, managed by Parks Victoria, is a big, beautiful place along the Great Ocean Road in Victoria. Famous for its rainforests, rugged coastline and temperate rainforests, it’s a mecca for adventurers and nature lovers. From Torquay to Princetown and inland to Colac, it has many attractions, from towering waterfalls and beaches to forests and historic sites. While there are heaps to do hiking, camping and driving, nothing beats four-wheel driving.
The park has tracks for all levels of drivers, get access to areas that the casual visitor never sees. Whether you’re navigating rocky terrain, crossing rivers or climbing steep hills a 4WD adventure in the Otways is the ultimate way to experience this amazing environment. Add in visits to Aireys Inlet, Kennett River and Cape Otway and you’ll have the ultimate adventure.

The Best Way to Experience the Park

Four-wheel driving in the Otways opens up a world of possibilities. With a 4WD, you can access less used and more secluded tracks, find hidden waterfalls, and traverse rocky and clay tracks for all skill levels. The Otways’ landscapes – ancient rainforests to massive sand dunes – are best seen through the window of a 4WD as you drive on unsealed tracks and climb to remote lookouts.
Four-wheel driving also gives you the freedom to combine activities like hiking, camping, and picnicking with driving. Imagine stopping at Sheoak Picnic Area after a tough track or setting up camp at Johanna Beach, where the coastline views are spectacular. With a 4WD, every turn of the road is a new discovery—native animals, hidden waterfalls, or breathtaking views.

4WD Trails in Great Otway National Park

The Great Otway National Park has tracks for all drivers. From beginner tracks to notorious tracks that demand technical skill, there’s a track for everyone. Here’s a look at some of the most popular and challenging trails:

Aberfeldy Track

The Aberfeldy Track is a must-do for experienced drivers. This tough track goes through rocky terrain, clay tracks, and dense forest, with river crossings and steep inclines. You’ll find fern gullies, greenery, and hidden lookouts that show off the Otways’ forest scenery.
The track is not for the faint of heart or unprepared. Drivers should have mud tyres, recovery gear and a sense of adventure. Seasonal weather conditions can affect access, so always check for seasonal road closures on the Parks Victoria website before you go.

Bunyip Ridge Track

The Bunyip Ridge Track is good for those who like challenging and beautiful. With gentle tracks, moderate climbs, and rocky tracks, this circuit track goes through temperate rainforests and stunning scenery. Drivers can get up close and personal with the park’s natural wonders. The track also has picnic tables, so it’s a great option for families or groups who want to combine adventure with relaxation.

Harrison Track and Jenkins Link Track

These beginner tracks are a gentle introduction to four-wheel driving. The Harrison Track and Jenkins Link tracks are smooth tracks with some gentle sections and small challenges to get you going. They are good for spotting native wildlife and enjoying the serenity of the Otways’ rainforests.

Phantom Falls Track

A driving and walking track, the Phantom Falls Track, leads to a car park where you can take a short walk to the Phantom Falls. The drive itself is rocky, narrow, and surrounded by tall trees. It’s a favourite of those who want to combine adventure with exploration. This track is popular for day trips and is a great way to see the Otways’ old-growth rainforest.

Top Sites and Stops

A 4WD adventure in the Great Otway National Park isn’t complete without visiting the attractions. Here are some you can’t miss:

Erskine Falls

One of the park’s most famous landmarks, Erskine Falls, drops 30m into a ferny gully. The cascading water is so peaceful, perfect for photography and quiet time. The viewing platform at the top is easy to get to, and a short but steep walk gets you to the bottom of the falls where you can feel the mist and get amongst nature.

Cape Otway Lighthouse

The oldest surviving lighthouse on mainland Australia, Cape Otway Lighthouse is full of history. Perched on the cliffs overlooking the Southern Ocean, it has stunning views of the coastline and insights into Victoria’s maritime past. You can climb the lighthouse, visit the nearby keeper’s quarters or join a guided tour to learn about the early settlers.

Melba Gully

Nicknamed the “Jewel of the Otways”, Melba Gully is a lush rainforest with giant tree ferns, mossy trees and a wide variety of wildlife. The main walking track is a gentle loop that’s accessible to most people. If you’re visiting in the evening, bring a torch and be amazed by the glow worms lighting up the forest floor.

Hopetoun Falls

Just a short walk from the car park, Hopetoun Falls is a photographer’s paradise. The cascading water tumbles into a beautiful pool surrounded by eucalyptus trees and greenery. A wooden platform is the perfect spot to get your shot, but for a closer look, follow the steps down to the bottom.

Johanna Beach

Johanna Beach is a camper and surfer’s favourite, with stunning views of the wild Southern Ocean. This long stretch of coastline is bounded by cliffs and sand dunes, making for a dramatic landscape. It’s part of the Great Ocean Walk, so it’s a great spot for hikers. In winter, you might even see whales offshore.

4WD Tours and Rentals for the Otways

If you don’t have a 4WD, several rental companies in nearby towns like Apollo Bay and Lorne have 4WDs equipped for the Otways’ rough terrain. These rentals often come with camping gear, recovery gear and maps of the area. If you’re new to four-wheel driving, guided tours are a great way to start. Experienced guides do the technical driving while sharing stories about the park’s history, wildlife and traditional lands. Guided tours often stop at key attractions like Stevensons Falls and Kalimna Falls, so you get to see it all.

Unsealed Track Driving: Essential Tips

Driving on the unsealed tracks of the Otways is an adventure in itself. To make sure your adventure is safe and fun, here are some key things to remember:

Check Weather and Track Conditions

The Otways’ clay tracks and rocky roads can be slippery and treacherous in wet weather. Always check local forecasts and park updates for seasonal closures or hazards before you head out.

Gear Your Vehicle

A 4WD vehicle is only as good as its gear. Make sure your vehicle is fitted with all-terrain or mud tyres to handle the rough stuff. Carry recovery gear such as a snatch strap, shovel, and winch if you plan to venture into the backcountry.

Drive Slow and Steady

Unsealed tracks have steep hills, river crossings and loose gravel. Drive steady and use low range to navigate tricky sections. Don’t brake or accelerate suddenly, as this can cause skidding.

Respect the Environment

Preserve the Otways natural beauty by staying on designated tracks and not taking shortcuts off road. This helps protect fragile ecosystems and cultural heritage sites.

Carry Essentials

First aid kit, plenty of water, spare fuel canister. Mobile reception is limited in some areas, so consider bringing a satellite phone or personal locator beacon in case of emergencies.

Best Time for a 4WD Adventure

Timing is everything for a 4WD trip in the Great Otway National Park. Here’s what to expect during different seasons:

Late Spring to Early Autumn (November to April)

These dry months are best for most visitors, with stable weather and open tracks. Less mud and fewer hazards make it a great time for beginners to get out into the park. The greenery and wildflowers are stunning.

Winter (June to August)

Winter in the Otways turns the clay tracks into a mud fest, perfect for experienced off-roaders. The added difficulty requires advanced driving skills and special equipment, but fewer crowds and rain-soaked landscapes are the rewards. Be prepared for track closures, and always check conditions before you head out.