Beech Forest, Great Ocean Road

Q: Can I see native wildlife?

Yes, native wildlife including koalas, kangaroos, and birds can be spotted. Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve nearby is also a good location for wildlife viewing.

In the heart of Victoria’s Great Ocean Road, Beech Forest is a treasure trove of nature, history and adventure. This little gem offers visitors the chance to explore the rainforests of the Otway Ranges and the rugged coastline and connect with the region’s rich cultural heritage. With Port Campbell National Park, Bells Beach and the towering limestone stacks of the Southern Ocean just a short drive away, Beech Forest is the perfect balance of relaxation and adventure. Whether you’re driving the winding roads, walking the rainforest or sampling the local fare along the Otway Harvest Trail, Beech Forest is a must-stop for anyone travelling along Australia’s famous southern coast.

Where History Comes Alive

Beech Forest’s history is all about its timber town origins. In the late 1800s, settlers came to the Otway Ranges for the dense, tall trees, particularly the Myrtle Beech that gave the town its name. Timber was a valuable resource, and the region’s sawmills and logging camps boomed, building towns and industries across Victoria.
As the years went by, attitudes to conservation changed, and Beech Forest moved from a resource extraction hub to an eco-tourism and preservation haven. Today, it’s a living monument to the balance between human history and natural beauty. You can walk trails that were once logging tracks and see forests that have reclaimed their ancient glory. The connection between past and present is what makes Beech Forest a historic site and a natural wonder.

Name Origin

The name “Beech Forest” is in honour of the native Myrtle Beech trees that grow here. These ancient trees are part of the Antarctic Beech Forest and have stood for centuries watching over the Otways. Their twisted trunks and green canopies are a feature of the temperate rainforest. The name also acknowledges the European settlers’ love of their own beech trees and creates a cultural connection.

Plan Your Trip

Beech Forest is approximately 200km southwest of Melbourne. You can get here via multiple routes. A drive along the Great Ocean Road offers stunning coastal views, beaches, and limestone stacks like Port Campbell National Park. Great Ocean Road tours also provide guided experiences along this scenic route. The road winds past seaside towns like Kennett River, Wye River, and Lavers Hill, and it makes many stops to pull over along the way.

Alternatively, the inland route through Colac is a more direct option with rolling farmland and green hills. Public transport options, including buses to nearby towns, mean you can get to Beech Forest without a car, but to fully explore the area, a private vehicle is highly recommended.

Things to See and Do

Beech Forest has heaps of activities for nature lovers, history buffs and foodies. From the Otway Fly Treetop Adventures to coastal walks, the options are endless and amazing.

Otway Fly Treetop Adventures

For the adventurous, the Otway Fly Treetop Adventures is a must-do on any trip to Beech Forest. This treetop walkway takes you into the forest canopy, with stunning views of the rainforest below. The zipline tour, one of the longest in Australia, is an adrenalin rush as you zip between tree ferns and eucalyptus trees. It’s educational, too, with guides telling you all about the ancient rainforest and its importance to the ecosystem.

Otway Harvest Trail

The Otway Harvest Trail is a foodie’s dream, a journey through the region’s best produce. Stops along the way include olive groves, boutique wineries and local farms where you can taste artisanal cheeses, chocolates and fresh fruit. The trail celebrates the hard work of the primary producers who work in harmony with the land and sustainable farming practices. Many of the stops also have dining with ocean views or cosy settings surrounded by greenery.

Walks and Waterfalls

Beech Forest is close to some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Otways. Triplet Falls, with its streams and surrounds, is a photographer and hiker’s paradise. Hopetoun Falls has a big drop into a fern gully and Phantom Falls is more secluded for those looking for peace and quiet. Each waterfall is accessible via a well formed track that winds through ferns and trees, a peaceful escape into nature.

Turtons Track

A drive along Turtons Track is a must do, a journey through the temperate rainforest. The road winds and turns, with stunning views of green hills, coastal villages and towering canopies. Perfect for a leisurely drive or as part of a longer road trip, Turtons Track is one of Victoria’s most scenic drives, often voted as one of the best views and most peaceful.

Beechy Rail Trail

The Beechy Rail Trail is a mix of history and nature. Following the old Beechy railway line, the trail is 45km long through forests, farmland and redwood groves. Suitable for walking and cycling, you can take your time and explore the region at your own pace, with interpretive signs along the way telling the story of the railway.

Places to Eat & Drink

Beech Forest has a selection of lovely eateries and cafes showcasing the region’s produce. The Ridge Café is cosy and serves great coffee and homemade goodies. For a more indulgent experience, stop at a winery on the Otway Harvest Trail and taste fine wines with artisanal cheeses. Nearby seaside towns Port Fairy and Cape Bridgewater also have dining options with ocean views, perfect for a lazy lunch after a day of exploring.

The Best Time to Explore

Best time to visit Beech Forest is dependent on what you want. Spring and summer (September to February) is when the rainforest is in full bloom, warm weather for outdoor activities. Waterfalls are at their best during this time due to seasonal flow.
Autumn and winter (March to August) is quieter, misty forests are magical. Cooler weather is perfect for a cosy getaway, roads are less crowded so it’s more intimate.

Visitor Info

The Beech Forest Visitor Centre is the perfect place to start, maps, guides and insider info. Nearby attractions like London Arch, Bay of Islands and Cape Patton are within easy reach and make for great day trips. Whether you need advice on walking tracks, cabin rentals or wildlife tours the staff at the visitor centre can help.