Otways Waterfall Adventure: Five Falls & Forest Magic

Join us for a refreshing morning exploring some of the Otways’ most beautiful waterfalls — from roadside lookouts to deep forest cascades, towering redwoods, and lush fern‑filled gullies. This walk and drive loop is the perfect way to end our Apollo Bay weekend with connection, nature, and gentle adventure.

## ✨ What You’ll See & Experience

Our day begins with a scenic stop at Carisbrook Falls, where the waterfall tumbles down the valley in a long, elegant ribbon visible right from the Great Ocean Road.
From there, we head into the forest to explore:

• The powerful drop of Hopetoun Falls
• The towering, cathedral‑like Redwoods
• The deep rainforest of Beauchamp Falls
• The ancient mountain ash forest of Triplet Falls
• And finally, the quieter, moss‑covered trail to Little Aire Falls, viewed from a suspension bridge lookout

This loop blends short walks, forest immersion, and scenic stops — a gentle, social way to explore the Otways.
We’ll gather at the lookout, enjoy the first waterfall of the day, and then convoy inland into the Otways.

### 🕚 Start Time & Meeting Point

11:00 AM Carisbrook Falls Roadside Lookout (~20 minutes from Apollo Bay Recreation Reserve)
Checkout at the campground is 10:00 AM, so this start time gives everyone space to pack up, drive out, and arrive without rushing.
We’ll gather at the lookout, enjoy the first waterfall of the day, and then convoy inland into the Otways.

## 🚶‍♀️ The Walk

We’ll visit each waterfall in the following order:

### 0️⃣ Carisbrook Falls (roadside viewpoint)

A quick scenic stop to enjoy the valley waterfall from the lookout.

### 1️⃣ Hopetoun Falls

Distance: 1 km return Difficulty: Medium (steep steps) A short but spectacular descent into a fern‑filled gorge.

### 2️⃣ The Redwoods

Distance: 0.5 km wander Difficulty: Easy A peaceful stroll among towering Californian redwoods.

### 3️⃣ Beauchamp Falls

Distance: 2.5 km return Difficulty: Medium A beautiful forest walk with creek crossings and a 20‑metre waterfall.

### — Lunch Break —

We’ll pause for a relaxed lunch in the Beech Forest area. There are cafés nearby, or you’re welcome to bring your own lunch to enjoy at the picnic tables.

### 4️⃣ Triplet Falls

Distance: 2 km loop Difficulty: Medium Ancient mountain ash forest and multi‑tiered cascades.

### 5️⃣ Little Aire Falls

Distance: 4.5 km return Difficulty: Medium A quieter, mossy forest walk ending at a suspension bridge lookout.
Total walking distance: ~10 km across the day Pace: Gentle, social, unhurried Duration: Approx. 4–5 hours including driving and breaks

## 👕 What to Wear

• Comfortable walking shoes
• Warm layers (the Otways can be cool even in summer)
• Waterproof jacket
• Optional: beanie or gloves on cooler mornings

## 🎒 What to Bring

• Water & snacks
• Packed lunch (if not buying lunch)
• Sunscreen & hat
• Any personal items you need
• A sense of wonder

## 🚻 Facilities

• Toilets at Beauchamp Falls and Triplet Falls
• No toilets at Hopetoun, Little Aire, or Carisbrook Falls
• Picnic areas at Beauchamp and Triplet Falls

## 🌧 Weather & Safety (Winter Conditions)

Winter in the Otways can be cold, wet, and slippery — and also incredibly beautiful. This outing will proceed in light rain but may be rescheduled in unsafe conditions.
This is a social, community‑led outing rather than a guided or professionally supervised activity. By attending, you accept responsibility for your own safety and wellbeing.
The route includes uneven ground, steps, mud, slippery surfaces, and natural hazards typical of winter bush environments. Please consider your fitness and comfort level, bring suitable gear, and support others in the group as we move through the terrain. If conditions change or anything feels unsafe, we’ll adjust the plan together.
Our volunteers will be carrying first aid supplies, emergency radio equipment, and satellite navigation/communication devices. These are available to assist the group, but they are not a substitute for personal preparedness. We also recommend having active ambulance cover whenever you take part in outdoor activities.

## 🌐 About Our Community

This event is part of **club.hiking.org.au**, a free online community where you can download GPX files, share your outdoor adventures, and connect with other hikers who love exploring just as much as you do. Because Adventures are Meant to be Shared!

## 💛 We Look Forward to Walking With You

Walking With Grace is all about connection — with nature, with each other, and with the quiet moments that remind us how beautiful the world can be. We walk with kindness, connection, and grace. We can’t wait to walk with you.