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Otways Tourist Park – Your Rainforest Adventure Base

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Otways Tourist Park: Your Rainforest Adventure Base

Immerse yourself in the lush, temperate rainforest of the Great Otway National Park with a stay at the Otways Tourist Park. Perfectly located in the charming township of Gellibrand, our park is the central hub for exploring the region’s most spectacular natural wonders. Surrounded by towering gums and giant tree ferns, this is the ultimate escape for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and anyone looking to disconnect and breathe in the fresh forest air. The park offers a peaceful and friendly atmosphere, where the sounds of native birdlife provide the soundtrack to your holiday.Our location is simply unbeatable for an authentic Otways experience. We are the closest caravan park to the world-renowned Otway Fly Treetop Adventures and are just a short, scenic drive from the breathtaking beauty of Hopetoun Falls, Beauchamp Falls, and the magical Californian Redwoods. The Gellibrand River, known for its trout and blackfish, meanders right past the town, offering fantastic fishing opportunities. A key part of the Otways experience is a crackling campfire, and we warmly welcome them in the fire pits provided. Our park caters to all travellers with a range of comfortable cabins, as well as spacious powered and unpowered sites set in a beautiful, natural environment. Whether you’re planning a thrilling holiday of ziplining and waterfall hikes or a quiet weekend enjoying the serenity of the forest, the Otways Tourist Park is your perfect basecamp.

Contact & Location

Address: 35 Main Road, Gellibrand, VIC 3239, Australia
Phone: (03) 5235 8357
Email: (Contact via website form)
Website: otwaystouristpark.com
GPS Coordinates: -38.52436183460829, 143.5400569633429

Park Information

Rating: ★★★★★ (4.7 stars)

  • Powered & Unpowered Sites: A good number of powered and unpowered sites are available.
  • Mobile Phone Coverage: Limited. Telstra provides the best but not guaranteed service. A great chance to disconnect.
  • Generator Use: Permitted during specified hours. Please check with management.
  • Suitable For: Caravans, Motorhomes, Tents, Camper Trailers, and Cabin stays.
  • Open Fires: Permitted in provided fire pits, subject to local fire restrictions. Firewood available for purchase.
  • Access: Sealed road access.
  • Site Surface: Grass.
  • Pet Friendly: Yes, the park is pet-friendly for sites and in select cabins by arrangement.
  • Fishing: Excellent trout and blackfish angling in the nearby Gellibrand River.
  • Short Walks: The Old Beechy Rail Trail runs through Gellibrand, and there are numerous forest walks nearby.

Park Features & Facilities

  • Camp kitchen and undercover BBQ area
  • Clean amenities block
  • Children’s playground
  • Laundry facilities
  • On-site kiosk with basic supplies
  • Fire pits and firewood available
  • Cabins and self-contained units

Essentials to Bring

  • Drinking water hose and grey water hose
  • 15 amp power lead
  • Levelling blocks
  • Sturdy walking shoes for forest trails
  • Rain jacket (the rainforest is green for a reason!)
  • Fishing gear and a Victorian fishing licence

Pubs & Places to Eat

  • The Gellibrand River Hotel: A classic country pub with hearty meals, right in town (Approx. 200m)
  • Otway Central Cafe: Great for coffee, cake, and lunch in Lavers Hill (Approx. 20 km)
  • Forrest Brewing Company: A popular brewery with great food in the town of Forrest (Approx. 30 km)

Local Attractions

  • Otway Fly Treetop Adventures: Treetop walk and zipline tours (Approx. 12 km)
  • The Redwoods Otways: A magical forest of giant Californian Redwood trees (Approx. 10 km)
  • Hopetoun Falls: One of the Otways’ most beautiful waterfalls, with a stunning viewing platform (Approx. 10 km)
  • Beauchamp Falls: A powerful waterfall reached via a beautiful rainforest walk (Approx. 15 km)

Nearby Parks & Services

Alternate Caravan Parks

  • Bimbi Park – Camping Under Koalas (Cape Otway): (Approx. 45 km)
  • Forrest Caravan Park: (Approx. 30 km)
  • BIG4 Apollo Bay Pisces Holiday Park: (Approx. 50 km)

Alternate Free Camps

  • Stevensons Falls Campground: Popular free camp with toilets in the Otway Forest Park (Approx. 35 km)
  • Dando’s Free Camping Area: Riverside camping area near Gellibrand (Approx. 5 km)
  • Aire Crossing Campground: Secluded spot deep in the forest (Approx. 25 km)

Nearest Dump Points

  • Colac Public Dump Point (Showgrounds): (Approx. 40 km)
  • Apollo Bay Public Dump Point: (Approx. 50 km)
  • Lorne Foreshore Caravan Park: Fee may apply for non-guests (Approx. 75 km)

Nearest Petrol Station

  • Lavers Hill Roadhouse: (Approx. 20 km)
  • Multiple major brand stations in Colac: (Approx. 40 km)

Nearest Alternate Drinking Water Resupply

  • The park provides potable town water to all sites.
  • Colac Visitor Information Centre: Public taps are often available for filling containers (Approx. 40 km)

Seasonal Weather Guide

Summer (Dec – Feb)

Mild to warm, offering a cool escape from the state’s inland heat. Perfect for waterfall walks and exploring. Average max temperature: 20-22°C.

Autumn (Mar – May)

Cool and crisp, with beautiful misty mornings in the forest. A fantastic time for hiking and photography. Average max temperature: 14-19°C.

Winter (Jun – Aug)

Cold and wet, when the rainforest is at its most lush and vibrant. Waterfalls are at their peak flow. Ideal for cosy campfire nights. Average max temperature: 10-12°C.

Spring (Sep – Nov)

Cool and refreshing as the forest bursts with new life and wildflowers. A great time for spotting wildlife. Average max temperature: 13-17°C.

 

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