The Great Ocean Road hugs the Victorian coast between Warrnambool and Torquay. It is one of the country's most well known tourist attractions and a popular choice for a day trip from Melbourne. But there is more to Victoria's south-western coast than ocean views. Turning off the coast and into the temperate rainforest of the Otway Ranges offers its own rewards. Deep in the forest adventure awaits.
And the most exhilarating activities can be found at
Otway Fly Treetop Adventures about 30 minutes up a meandering, gumtree lined road from Apollo Bay. At Otway Fly Treetop Adventures you can chose the intensity of your thrills, from a pleasant stroll through the treetops with a birds eye view of the forest to an action packed zip line tour that sends participants flying through the forest.
First the option might be a good choice to soothe those nerves shattered from driving along the cliff tops of the Great Ocean Road. The treetop walk is 1.9km long, including the 600 metre long steel structure that takes walkers up into the treetops at a gradual incline. It gives walkers a view into the branches of the gum trees and down into the tops of the tree ferns.
Glance outward and see the forest as the birds must. The walk rises to 30 metres above the ground but for an even more spectacular view climb the spiral tower that reaches 47 metres and look down on the rainforest below.
But for a truly unique way to experience the rainforest the zip line tour is the way to go. Participants spend over 2 hours flying between 'cloud stations' built in the trees and crossing suspension bridges. It's easy to pretend you are Indiana Jones in search of a treasure hidden deep in the forest. The longest of the zips is 120 metres and it takes 17 seconds to cross the gully below. The zip line tour is a great way to conquer a fear of heights or get an adrenaline rush that a simple bushwalk just can't conjure.
So while the Great Ocean Road may draw visitors to the Otway Ranges it is worth taking some time to explore the forest that frames the famous thoroughfare.
