Otways Tourist Park: Your Rainforest Adventure Base
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.