What is the best time for a 4WD adventure in the Great Otway National Park?

October to April is the best time for a 4WD adventure in the Great Otway National Park. This period has drier weather, reducing the risk of wet conditions and track closures due to seasonal rains.

Are there 4WD tours available in the park?

Yes, there are professionally guided 4WD tours that explore popular tracks and scenic spots within the Great Otway National Park. These tours ensure safety while providing an adventurous experience.

Are there easy 4WD trails for beginners?

Yes, there are easy trails like Jenkins Link Track and Circuit Track that are suitable for beginners. These offer scenic views and manageable terrain for first-time off-roaders.

4WD adventure in the Great Otway National Park

The Great Otway National Park is a park with rainforests, coastlines and native animals in Victoria, Australia. For any adventurers or wildlife buffs, it’s a 4WD adventure waiting to happen. Why not take a 4WD tour across some of its most diverse landscapes and best-kept secrets?

4WD Adventures

For 4WD enthusiasts, the Great Otway National Park has something for everyone. One of the best trails is the Otway Drive, which winds through some of the most beautiful parts of the park’s landscapes, including coastal heathland and ancient forests. Driving this route gives you views of the Southern Ocean and is a great introduction to the natural beauty of the area. The other notable track is the Aberfeldy Track, which is known for its challenging terrain and rugged mountain scenery. That track has sections that are steeper and rockier, perfect for experienced off-road drivers.

Apart from these tracks, outdoor lovers also enjoy James Barrett Nature Drive and Lady Talbot Drive, which wind through tall forests with fern gullies and lush rainforests in the park. Lady Talbot Drive goes through Hopetoun Falls where you can see the waterfalls and pass through different types of landscape, it’s a breathtaking experience all up. With these tracks combined, you can get an idea of the diverse habitats, from temperate rainforests to cliffs overlooking the ocean.
Experience the ultimate 4WD adventure in the Great Otway National Park! Discover scenic views, lush rainforest, and coastal treks on your tour Great Ocean Road.

The Park

A 4WD into the Great Otway National Park will reveal hidden treasures no one else knows exist as they are isolated locations otherwise inaccessible by any other means other than by motor vehicle. Some of the most notable are the giant Mountain Ash trees at Otway Forest Park, stunning Erskine Falls or peaceful sandy Johanna Beaches. Whereby Cape Otway offers the chance to see rock platforms alongside the coastal heathland that are accessible through the park’s 4WD tracks. There are many trails for mountain biking in this diverse terrain. To drive along the unsealed tracks and not get stuck due to closed roads, you need to have a good map by Meridian Maps that is comprehensive enough. It will help you plan your route and make sure your adventure is safe and enjoyable.

Best Time to 4WD

The best time to 4WD at Great Otway National Park is late spring to early autumn (October – April). It doesn’t rain much during these months, so the surfaces are less likely to be dirty, which makes it easier to drive on the unsealed tracks within the park. But remember, tracks are closed seasonally, so always check with Parks Victoria for current conditions. The dry period will give you the opportunity to tackle both beginner tracks and tougher off-road terrain with more confidence. In winter, make sure your vehicle has mud tyres, as it can get slippery sometimes.

Guided 4WD Sightsee

If a guide would rather take you around, several companies can offer you guided 4WD sightseeing at the Great Otway National Park. These tours will give you an overview of the main attractions in the park and visit some of the most popular tourist spots like Apollo Bay and Aireys Inlet. Tours cater to all skill levels and have hot showers and camping gear so you can relax and not have to worry about anything. A guided 2 day Great Ocean Road tour will give you an insight into the natural and cultural history of this national park and make your visit more enjoyable.

Great Otway National Park’s 4WD Tracks
Great Otway National Park has many 4WD tracks to choose from. Here are a few:
Aberfeldy Track: Harsh terrain and forest.
Bunyip Ridge Track: Easy and hard trails with views.
Donnelly Creek Track: Mostly chosen for rough terrain and river crossings.
Jenkins Link Track: Stony and Clay.
Bunyip Ridge Track: Scenic drive with wide views and rough landings.
Some are for beginners. Some are for experts. Check if roads are closed due to weather.

Crossing Rivers and Tough Terrain

Crossing rivers and tough terrain is part of the fun of a 4WD adventure in Great Otway National Park. At times, these can be fun waterways that require some planning when crossing during a 4WD or off-road trip. Make sure your vehicle is equipped before attempting any river crossing, as weather can change, and river volumes or road conditions can change on all tracks you may be on. With experienced drivers across the park, including rocky walking tracks and steep inclines, you can tackle some of these tough terrains if you are an expert. Drive with confidence and be prepared for different levels of difficulty when driving rough terrain.

Driving on Unsealed Tracks

When driving on unsealed tracks in Great Otway National Park, you need to be safe. Make sure your 4WD is well maintained and has recovery tools in the mud tyres. You will need a detailed map as a guide if you decide to do this, as some roads are closed seasonally, or other circumstances may require you to use a map. Know how the contours run in this area; find a track through these lines before you move. Also get information from local drivers or join a local 4WD Club so you can know what’s under each corner of Otway National Park.