EXPLORE THE OTWAYS

JOHANNA BEACH

Only a 7 minute drive down the road from Blue Johanna Cottages is the magnificent and dog friendly Johanna Beach.

It's the ideal spot for dogs to paddles in rock pools, play in the wavers or just stretch their legs on the long uninterrupted stretch of soft sand. Johanna is also well know for it's fishing and surfing.

LAVERS HILL

Lavers Hill is a small township and is the highest point of the Great Ocean Road. This small hamlet hosts Tearooms/Craft Shop, Tearooms/General Store/Petrol Station, Motel with Bistro, Roadhouse and Tavern with a Bistro.

As there is no supermarket or butcher so it is recommended that you buy your groceries before you arrive. Apollo Bay and Port Campbell are both serviced with Supermarkets. Basics like Milk, Bread, Newspapers etc can be purchased from Lavers Hill at Yatzies.

MELBA GULLY

Melba Gully State Park, home of the "Big Tree" is located 3kms west of Lavers Hill. This circuit beneath rainforest trees and giant tree ferns is transformed at night into an enchanting display lit by millions of Glow Worms. A torch is recommended.

THE OTWAY FLY

The "Otway Fly Tree Top Walk" is located in rainforest adjacent to the Otway's  premier waterfall destination, Triplet Falls. The Fly is directly accessible from Phillips Track and is 20 minutes drive from Blue Johanna Cottages. The Fly is 600 meters long, 25 meters high, and the longest & highest walk of it's kind in the world. A 45 meter Spiral Tower is the highlight and takes you to through the understorey to emerge amongst the crowns of the giants of the forest.

TRIPLET FALLS

The walking track at Triplet Falls has been extensively redeveloped to provide visitors with an impressive rainforest and waterfall experience.
The walking track to Triplet Falls winds through tall Mountain Ash eucalypt forest and shady Myrtle Beech rainforest.

These forests of ancient origins, and also of more recent times, where the forest has regenerated after fire and logging. The walk is not long, however sections with steep steps make it unsuitable for people with limited mobility. Distance 1.8km. Time 1hr loop.

OLD BEECHY RAIL TRAIL

In the first years of this century, a narrow gauge railway line was constructed from Colac, through Beech Forest, to Crowes (2.5km west of Lavers Hill).

This railway transformed the area and operated until 1962. Today you can enjoy the heritage of this mountain railway, as it is now a rail trail for walkers and cyclists linking Colac and Beech Forest.

AIRE RIVER

Home to lots of wildlife, especially water birds, the Aire River Estuary is a perfect spot for a swim or dangling a line off the wooden bridge to try your luck at watching Bream, Mullet or maybe the elusive Trout. Walk the 4WD sand track out to the river mouth on rugged Glenaire Beach to try your hand at surf fishing.

CAPE OTWAY

Known as "The Beacon of Hope" the historic Cape Otway Lightstation has blessed ships with a safe passage through the treacherous Bass Straight since 1848. It is the oldest Lightstation on mainland Australia. The recently restored Telegraph Station is now open for viewing as are a number of heritage listed building and a cafe in the Assistant Light Keepers Residence.

Blanket Bay, Crayfish Bay, Parker River, Point Franklin are all nestled along the Cape Otway coastline, and offer usually sheltered beaches, with lots of rockpools to explore. The Great Ocean Walk now passes through most of these spots.