When is the best time to visit Beech Forest?

Spring and autumn are the best times to visit Beech Forest when the weather is mild and the landscape is colourful. However, each season offers its own unique charm.

How do I get to Beech Forest?

Beech Forest is about a 2-hour drive from Melbourne via well-connected roadways. Public transport options are limited, so driving is the most convenient way to visit.

Beech Forest

Beech Forest, in Victoria’s Otway Ranges, is a quaint and pretty village famous for its temperate rainforests and peacefulness. This small community has to offer everyone a mix of natural beauty and cultural heritage, so if you love nature and want to get away from it all, this is the place to visit. This village is the entry point to the Otways, and nearby Cape Otway and Apollo Bay are both beautiful.

History

Beech Forest was first settled in the early 1900s for its timber. The timber industry with many logging mills and stations was the main driver of development in the area. Timber extraction and processing was the backbone of the local economy; wood from these forests was used all over Victoria and beyond.

Beech Forest itself turned to eco-tourism activities based around nature when the demand for timber products dried up. This marked a new era of transition from being an industrial town to a home for nature lovers in general and recreationalists in particular. Today, Beech Forest is famous for its commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable tourism. Much has changed since then, but there are still many historical sites within Beech Forest that give a glimpse into its past.

Name Origin

Once full of beech trees such as silver beech or Antarctic Beech Forests, hence the name “Beech Forest”. These trees were a part of this ecosystem and gave the area its character. The significance of these forests lies in their bark and how they interacted with the forest floor over time throughout their history.

Notable Residents

Over time several notable people have lived in Beech Forest. One was Fred McDonald who was instrumental in developing the area through his pioneering work on timber. This was due to the presence of local artists and environmentalists who have done a lot to build the reconciliation and ongoing partnerships with the Eastern Maar & Gunditjmara people. The cultural and ecological landscape of Beech Forest is shaped by their work to this day.

Places to Visit

Otway Harvest Trail

For foodies and wine lovers, it’s a must-see. Along this scenic drive, you’ll find local produce, artisan cheeses, wines, gourmet food etc. Taste these special flavours from the primary producers at some of the farms along the trail. Plus, there are lovely accommodation options along the way so you can drive and enjoy the views.

Turtons Track

When it comes to hiking and seeing the natural beauty of the Otway Ranges Turtons track is one of the best. For both beginners and experienced walkers this track shows off the forest ecosystems. The tracks show different aspects of beech forests and that these trees can grow in different conditions. With beautiful scenery, waterfalls and wildflowers in the area Turtons Track is famous for its views.

Otway Fly Treetop Adventures

A walk above the forest floor is offered by Otway Fly Treetop Adventures. There are walking trails through the tree canopy where visitors can see the temperate rainforests surrounding them. For birders or just nature lovers the highlight is probably Otway Fly Treetop.

Walks and Waterfalls

Beech Forest has some great walks and waterfalls. Visitors can explore different ecosystems like coastal rainforest and black beech forest using the concentration of bike tracks and walkways in the area. And when it comes to food and rainforest destinations very few can match the Otway Ranges and it has a lot of tree ferns that support many native insects.

Popular Amenities

Visitors have access to amenities in Beech Forest. There are cute places like Beech Forest Cottage and Beech Forest Post Office where you can retreat to nature. Local eateries serve good food and have plenty of space for you to relax in 4-star apartments or bedroom cottages; you may even book one if you want to see what’s on offer! Guided tours, including Split Point Lighthouse Tours, are available in the village and other attractions around Apollo Bay Beach.

Experience Beech Forest on your Great Ocean Road day trip from Melbourne! Unwind in beautiful accommodations, relish the local food scene, and embark on guided tours of nearby sites like Split Point Lighthouse.