Great Otway National Park

Stretching along Victoria's iconic Great Ocean Road, this park features ancient rainforests, dramatic coastlines, and stunning waterfalls. It's one of the...

Great Otway National Park at a Glance

Location
Victoria & Western NSW Riverlands, Australia, Australasia
Coordinates
-38.589622, 143.714940
IUCN Category
II
Crowds
Quiet
Malaria Risk
Moderate

Getting to Great Otway National Park

Nearest airport: King Island Airport (KNS), 144 km away.

Weather & Climate in Great Otway National Park

The warmest temperatures in Great Otway National Park occur in January, averaging 16.6°C (up to 22.5°C). The coolest conditions are in July at 7.2°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in February with average rainfall of 42.0mm. Average humidity: 77.9%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 16.6°C (rainfall: 85.3mm)
  • February: 15.4°C (rainfall: 42.0mm)
  • March: 14.4°C (rainfall: 63.1mm)
  • April: 11.8°C (rainfall: 80.3mm)
  • May: 9.4°C (rainfall: 86.8mm)
  • June: 7.7°C (rainfall: 86.1mm)
  • July: 7.2°C (rainfall: 87.6mm)
  • August: 8.3°C (rainfall: 105.6mm)
  • September: 9.4°C (rainfall: 106.0mm)
  • October: 10.6°C (rainfall: 148.7mm)
  • November: 13.1°C (rainfall: 90.3mm)
  • December: 14.2°C (rainfall: 80.5mm)

Best Time to Visit Great Otway National Park

The best months to visit Great Otway National Park are January, February, November, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Good, temperature 16.61°C, rainfall 85.3mm, sunshine 10.1 hrs, humidity 76.3%
  • February: Good, temperature 15.43°C, rainfall 42mm, sunshine 9.7 hrs, humidity 77.9%
  • March: Poor, temperature 14.43°C, rainfall 63.1mm, sunshine 7.9 hrs, humidity 80.1%
  • April: Poor, temperature 11.76°C, rainfall 80.3mm, sunshine 6.3 hrs, humidity 84.7%
  • May: Poor, temperature 9.37°C, rainfall 86.8mm, sunshine 6 hrs, humidity 87%
  • June: Poor, temperature 7.74°C, rainfall 86.1mm, sunshine 5.4 hrs, humidity 89.8%
  • July: Poor, temperature 7.24°C, rainfall 87.6mm, sunshine 5.5 hrs, humidity 90.2%
  • August: Poor, temperature 8.25°C, rainfall 105.6mm, sunshine 6.3 hrs, humidity 87.4%
  • September: Poor, temperature 9.43°C, rainfall 106mm, sunshine 7.3 hrs, humidity 82.6%
  • October: Poor, temperature 10.59°C, rainfall 148.7mm, sunshine 8.1 hrs, humidity 82%
  • November: Good, temperature 13.1°C, rainfall 90.3mm, sunshine 9 hrs, humidity 78.1%
  • December: Good, temperature 14.2°C, rainfall 80.5mm, sunshine 10.2 hrs, humidity 75.5%

Wildlife in Great Otway National Park

Home to 69 recorded species including 29 waterbirds, 13 tropical birds, 13 birds of prey, 9 iconic birds, 3 small mammals, 1 big herbivores.

Recommended Packing List for Great Otway National Park

Based on average temperature of 11.5°C, typical conditions, humidity 83%.

  • Layered clothing - recommended for 12°C temperatures
  • Fleece or warm jacket - essential for cool mornings and evenings
  • Binoculars - essential for every game drive
  • Sun hat & sunscreen - protection from the African sun
  • Sturdy walking shoes - for bush walks and uneven terrain
  • Neutral-coloured clothing - khaki, olive, and tan blend with the bush
  • Insect repellent - essential in most safari regions
  • First aid kit - basic medical supplies for remote areas
  • Torch / headlamp - useful for evenings at camp
  • Camera with telephoto lens - capture your safari memories

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in Great Otway National Park

50 safari lodges available.

Other

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mid-range

Similar Parks in Victoria & Western NSW Riverlands

Visitor Tips - Great Otway National Park

We love Great Otway National Park for its incredible diversity, from ancient rainforests with towering trees to rugged coastlines and cascading waterfalls. It feels like stepping into a prehistoric world, offering a truly immersive natural escape where the air is fresh and the wildlife abundant.

Gate Times

Great Otway National Park is generally accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week, allowing for flexible exploration. However, specific attractions like Maits Rest Rainforest Walk are best enjoyed during daylight hours. For camping, we strongly recommend booking well in advance through the Parks Victoria website, especially during peak holiday seasons, as sites fill up quickly. There are no specific entry permits required for day visits.

Tipping

In Australia, tipping is not customary for park staff, guides, or rangers, as wages are fair and service charges are not expected. We recommend expressing your appreciation verbally for excellent service or a particularly insightful tour. A genuine 'thank you' goes a long way.

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Australia

Travel advisory for Australia

Great Otway National Park FAQs

When is the best time of year to visit Great Otway National Park for optimal wildlife viewing and weather?

The shoulder seasons, particularly spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May), offer the most pleasant weather for exploring the park's rainforests and coastlines. During these times, temperatures are mild, and you'll find active wildlife, including koalas, without the peak summer crowds.

What's the best way to guarantee a sighting of Great Otway's famous wild koalas, and what other unique wildlife might I encounter?

For koalas, head to the Kennett River Koala Walk or Spotters Walk near Cape Otway Lighthouse, where they are frequently seen in the eucalyptus trees. Beyond koalas, keep an eye out for elusive platypus in freshwater creeks, glow worms in the Melba Gully rainforest at night, and various wallaby species.

Is Great Otway National Park a traditional 'safari' park with guided game drives, or what kind of activities can I expect?

Great Otway offers a unique Australian 'safari' experience focused on self-guided exploration and nature immersion, rather than traditional game drives. You can enjoy extensive bushwalking trails through ancient rainforests to stunning waterfalls like Triplet Falls, coastal hikes along dramatic cliffs, and scenic drives with opportunities for wildlife spotting.

What specific safety precautions should I take when exploring Great Otway National Park, and are there any unique health considerations?

When exploring Great Otway, be aware of coastal conditions, especially around rock platforms and during high tides. While there is no malaria risk in Victoria, Australia, it's wise to protect against ticks and leeches when bushwalking, and always carry water and inform someone of your hiking plans, especially on longer trails.

Given its popularity, how crowded does Great Otway National Park get, and are there any entrance fees or typical costs to consider?

Great Otway National Park generally maintains a low crowding level (2/5), especially outside of major holiday periods, allowing for a peaceful nature experience. There are no entrance fees for the park itself, though some specific attractions like the Cape Otway Lightstation have separate admission charges, and guided tours or accommodation would incur additional costs.

Recommended Books

  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.