Seasons Winter Magazine takes to the Great Ocean Road

The joys of a winter coastal escape along the Great Ocean Road near Johanna Beach.

WINTER in the Otways on the Great Ocean Road means a wild coastline, raging waterfalls and tranquil rainforests served up with warm pubs, cosy cafes with hearty winter meals and comfortable accommodation if it’s too wet to camp.

Gibson's Steps, Great Ocean Road, Victoria

Oat Vaiyaboon

Rainforests and Woodlands in the Great Otway National Park

Just three hours south-west from Melbourne, the Otways are home to the Great Otway National Park, Otway Forest Park and multiple marine sanctuaries. You’ll discover a mix of woodland and dense rainforest with deep gullies, towering trees, ferns, rocks and moss, with waterfalls, rivers and creeks everywhere. Park and view or walk along dozens of kilometres of trails.

Explore Hopetoun Falls

A little off the beaten track is Hopetoun Falls with a gigantic 30 metre plummet. You can take in the view from an upper platform just 20 metres from the car park or descend the 200 stairs that wind through the tree ferns to the base of the falls.

The Great Ocean Road runs alongside the well named Shipwreck Coast

Oat Vaiyaboon

The Patricia Mary was adrift for two days, before running aground against rock and cliffs about 20 minutes from Warrnambool on the Shipwreck Coast.

Craft Beer and warm hospitality on a chilly day.

The Forrest Brewing Company.

There are warm and welcoming pubs throughout the Otways, including the Great Ocean Road Brewhouse in Apollo Bay, The Forrest Brewing Company (inland from Skenes Creek), the Great Ocean Road Gin at Aireys Inlet and the Otway Estate Winery and Brewery, just out of Colac.

Secret wildlife: a Koala finds comfortable winter accommodation on the Great Ocean Road

The forests and waterways are home to wallabies, koalas and platypuses, whilst butterflies and parrots reside in the treetop canopies. Our best kept secret is the scattering of glow worms that can be seen at night.

Hearty Winter Food: get warm inside and out at Forage on the Foreshore in Port Campbell

From fresh seafood to home-made pasta and braised meats, winter menus in the Otways are hearty, and showcase seasonal local produce. If it’s raining, you’ll easily find a roaring fire, or a table with an ocean view to settle in.

Point Lonsdale Wave, Victoria.

Adam Dyson

Often Point Lonsdale is greeted by massive waves surging into the bay, brought about by recurring winter cold fronts. On this day everything lined up.