The Great Ocean Road region is a nature lover’s paradise with many national parks and reserves to showcase the best of Victoria’s coastline. From rugged coastlines and ancient forests to dormant volcanoes and sandy beaches, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re exploring the limestone stacks at Port Campbell National Park or wandering through the ferns of Great Otway National Park, each park is a chance to experience Australia’s natural wonder. Parks Victoria looks after these amazing places so they can be here for us forever.
Wildlife Wonders
Coastal Parks and Reserves
The coastal parks along the Great Ocean Road have stunning views and dramatic landscapes. Port Campbell National Park, home to the famous Twelve Apostles, is a must see for its wave carved limestone rocks and cliffs. Nearby Bay of Islands Coastal Park has equally impressive rock formations and secluded beaches like Gibsons Beach and Wreck Beach. Islands Coastal Park and Belfast Coastal Reserve are more peaceful with golden sands and calm waters for those looking to escape.
Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve
Sitting in a dormant volcano, Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve is a fascinating combination of natural and cultural heritage. This is one of Victoria’s most significant geological formations with volcanic plains and crater lakes creating a unique environment for a wide range of flora and fauna. Managed by Parks Victoria, Tower Hill is a haven for native species like kangaroos, emus and koalas so it’s a must visit for wildlife enthusiasts.
The reserve is also of great cultural significance to the Eastern Maar & Gunditjmara people who have lived in the area for thousands of years. Visitors can join guided tours to learn about the reserve’s cultural heritage including the stone aquaculture systems used by the Gunditjmara to trap and harvest eels. These systems are one of the oldest known aquaculture practices in the world and Tower Hill is on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
Plus walking trails to wander through the beautiful landscape. Panoramic views of the crater, ancient mossy trees and geological wonders. Picnic areas and interpretive centres so it’s a great family friendly spot to combine learning with fun.
Great Otway National Park
From Apollo Bay to Cape Otway, Great Otway National Park is a big wilderness with rugged coastlines, ancient forests and waterfalls. This park is a treasure trove of natural wonders, where you can see 300 year old Big Trees and peaceful rainforest scenery. The tall trees and ferns create a peaceful atmosphere, so it’s a haven for those looking for a peaceful escape.
Amongst the many highlights are the waterfalls – Hopetoun Falls, Triplet Falls and Phantom Falls. Each waterfall has a walking track to it, so you can see the views and connect with nature. The park also has Lake Elizabeth, a mountain lake surrounded by giant tree ferns and misty forest, so it’s a must see for photographers and nature lovers.
For the adventurous, the park has many hiking tracks and mountain bike trails to get amongst the diverse landscape. Tracks like the Madsens Track Nature Walk take you through ancient rainforests, past glow worms, and waterfalls, with challenges and rewards. Whether you’re after a hard hike or a leisurely walk, Great Otway National Park has something for every level of fitness and interest.
Port Campbell National Park
Port Campbell National Park is the crown of the Great Ocean Road, with some of the region’s best views and natural attractions. The park is famous for its wave-sculpted limestone rocks – the Twelve Apostles – which rise dramatically out of the Southern Ocean. These towering formations have been shaped over millions of years by wind and wave.
Beyond the Twelve Apostles, you can see other amazing sites like Loch Ard Gorge, The Arch and The Grotto. Each of these places has a story to tell about the region’s rugged beauty and maritime history. Elevated platforms and views offer the best views of the park’s cliffs and ocean beaches, so it’s a photographer and nature lover’s paradise.
You can also explore the shoreline walking tracks and rock platforms and see the power of the ocean up close. The park’s diverse marine life and bird species, combined with the rock stacks, make it a birdwatcher and wildlife hotspot.
Budj Bim National Park
Budj Bim National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a massive monument to the ingenuity of the Gunditjmara people. The park is home to one of the oldest known aquaculture systems in the world, where ancient lava flows from Budj Bim (meaning “high head” in Gunditjmara language) created a network of channels and weirs to trap and harvest eels. These aquaculture systems have been feeding the Gunditjmara people for thousands of years, so they have a deep connection to the land and water.
You can experience this cultural heritage on guided tours that go into the history of the park and Gunditjmara life and practices. The park has an intricate landscape of volcanic plains, lava tunnels and wetlands so it’s a must visit for history buffs and nature lovers.
Hiking trails wind through the park’s unique terrain to scenic spots like Lake Surprise, a volcanic crater lake surrounded by greenery. Wildlife abounds here, including kangaroos, wallabies, and many bird species, including Australian pelicans and black swans. Whether you’re exploring ancient cave systems on a Margaret Rose Cave tour or walking on the park’s peaceful trails, Budj Bim has it all – natural and cultural beauty.
Belfast Coastal Reserve
Kennett River Nature Reserve
A koala hotspot, Kennett River Nature Reserve is a must-see for wildlife lovers on the Great Ocean Road. The reserve is full of eucalyptus trees, the perfect habitat for koalas. Walk along the timber tramway tracks and keep an eye out for the little buggers in the trees.
The rainforest scenery is just as beautiful, with trails through tall forests and giant tree ferns. Birdwatchers will love the parrots, king parrots and rosellas that live here. For a real treat, take a detour to Moggs Creek, where the peacefulness and wildlife will transport you to a different world.
Kennett River also has a family friendly spot to rest and refuel. With wildlife and scenery it’s a great stop for those on a big road trip along the Great Ocean Road.
Johanna Beach Conservation Reserve
Located within the Great Otway National Park, Johanna Beach Conservation Reserve is a hidden treasure with a secluded beach and stunning coastline. A campers, surfers and nature lovers paradise for those who want to get off the beaten track. The golden sand and ocean views of Johanna Beach is a favourite for those who love the wild beauty of the Victorian coast.
Camping here means you can camp alongside kangaroos and be surrounded by the local wildlife and scenery. The beach has big surf for experienced surfers and fishing from the shore for the keen anglers. For hikers there are trails nearby through ancient rainforest and mossy trees and to stunning views and coastal scenery.
Johanna Beach is also a great spot for stargazing. With no light pollution campers can see the stars in all their glory, adding to the reserve’s peaceful off the beaten track feel.
Princetown Recreation Reserve
Located near Port Campbell Bay, Princetown Recreation Reserve is the perfect base to explore the area’s natural and cultural wonders. The reserve is situated along the Aire River Heritage River, where the calm waters are perfect for kayaking and canoeing. Birdwatchers will see a variety of birds, including Australian herons and cormorants.
The reserve has well maintained camping facilities so it’s a popular spot for families and groups. With public access to many hiking tracks and coastal tracks you can explore the surrounding rainforest and find hidden gems like Aireys Inlet or Separation Creek. If you want to relax, the reserve’s picnic areas are the perfect spot to take in the natural environment and the views.
For those interested in Great Ocean Road tours, Princetown Recreation Reserve offers a fantastic starting point to experience the breathtaking coastline and nearby attractions. Aire River East Campground and Aire River West Campground are nearby if you want to camp in more locations. Whether you want to enjoy water activities, hiking, or just relax in nature, Princetown Recreation Reserve has it all.
FAQ
What are the top national parks along the Great Ocean Road?
Port Campbell National Park, Great Otway National Park and Budj Bim National Park are the top ones. Each has its own unique landscapes, from rugged coastlines to ancient rainforests.
Can I camp in the parks and reserves?
Yes, many parks, including Princetown Recreation Reserve and Great Otway National Park, have camping facilities. Private camping parks are also near attractions.
Are these parks family-friendly?
Yes! Parks like Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve and Kennett River Nature Reserve have easy walking tracks, wildlife experiences and lovely picnic spots so they’re perfect for families.
What wildlife will I see in these parks?
You’ll see kangaroos, koalas, echidnas and many bird species. Seals and dolphins can be seen along the coast.
Can I book a tour?
Yes, it is in Budj Bim National Park and Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve.
