A day in the Otway rainforest
Otway Fly Treetop Adventures is a good excuse to turn inland for the day. The main event is a raised walkway through the forest canopy, with a spiral tower and views among the trees. If you want more speed and a harness, there's also a guided zipline tour. It's a long way from the beach and the shops of Torquay, so make a day of it.
It's a full day once you add the drive, so pick one or two extras rather than trying to collect every waterfall on the map. You could come via Lorne and stop at Erskine Falls if access allows, or make the inland run through Deans Marsh and Forrest. Lake Elizabeth is the short stop if Forrest is as far as you go. Beech Forest and Triplet Falls are another option for a second forest walk. Our waterfalls guide has Triplet, Hopetoun and the Lorne falls. If it's blowing a gale at the beach, this is a good day to head inland.
From north Torquay, both routes take about two hours each way before stops. Our pick is via Lorne for the scenery, then home through Forrest. After the drive, there's the hot tub or one of the wood fires back at Holyday House.
The treetop walk and the zipline
The Treetop Walk is a self-guided elevated steel walkway through the forest. It's 600 metres long and sits around 25 to 30 metres above the ground. A 47-metre spiral tower adds a higher lookout, and the route also reaches out over Young's Creek. You're walking at canopy level, with trunks, ferns and layers of green all around you rather than looking up from the forest floor.
The walk is the easier choice if you're visiting with younger kids, don't fancy a harness, or want to take things at your own pace. The operator recommends allowing at least an hour. If mobility is a concern, the operator's accessibility page has the details.
For a longer adventure
The guided Zipline Tour takes about two and a half hours. It moves between tree platforms and through the canopy, and has its own preparation and clothing requirements. Enclosed shoes and gloves are required. Read the current tour details before booking, especially if you have a particular time in mind.
Opening hours
As at 16 October 2026, the operator listed hours of 9am to 5pm daily, with last entry at 3.30pm, and closure on Christmas Day. Hours can change, so check the Otway Fly site before you go. If you've booked an afternoon zipline, arrive early enough to fit in the walk too.
Photo: Cameron Murray/Assemble Agency,
courtesy of Visit Victoria 
Photo: Cameron Murray/Assemble Agency,
courtesy of Visit Victoria Getting there from Torquay
Via Lorne
Take the Great Ocean Road through Anglesea and Lorne, then head inland towards the Otways. It's the scenic way, and a bit longer, with the option of a stop in Lorne or Erskine Falls if access allows.
Via Deans Marsh and Forrest
The inland route heads through Deans Marsh and Forrest before turning south-west towards Beech Forest and the Fly. It skips the coastal section and makes Forrest an easy lunch stop, but the last part still runs through forest country. Follow the operator's directions for Phillips Track.
Leave room for the roads
The forest roads are narrow and winding. Before you set out, check VicTraffic for closures and current conditions.
If you're driving via Lorne, Erskine Falls makes a handy first stop before heading inland. On 19 October 2026 the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority told us the upper platform is open, but the bottom platform is closed after flood damage in January and more a few weeks ago, with no date to reopen. So it's a look from the top for now. The Authority's live trail closures map is kept up to date.
What to pair with the Fly
Forrest for lunch
Forrest Brewing Company is a handy place to stop for a meal and a local beer if you're taking the inland route. The brewery describes Forrest as roughly half an hour from Lorne, Apollo Bay or Colac, which gives you a sense of how far into the hills you've come. Check its opening days and kitchen hours before planning lunch around it.
Beech Forest and Triplet Falls
Beech Forest is close enough to add another forest stop if you have daylight and energy left. The Redwoods are a walk among Californian redwoods, with picnic tables on site. Triplet Falls is another nearby option: the Parks Victoria walk goes through rainforest to views of three cascades, with old timber-mill artefacts along the trail. It's a proper walk, so check track conditions and give it the time it needs. You don't have to fit both in after the Fly.
A wet day in the Otways
Rain doesn't automatically cancel the plan. Otway Fly says the walk and zipline usually run in rain, hail or shine, but the attraction may close in severe weather such as lightning, very high winds or catastrophic fire danger. Pack a waterproof layer and shoes with grip. If it's proper storm weather, check with the operator before setting off.
Keep an eye on the time if you add a walk. The rainforest gets dim earlier than the coast, and the drive back is a lot nicer with daylight. If you'd rather keep the day simple, do the Treetop Walk, have lunch in Forrest or bring a picnic, then make the drive home without squeezing in another trail. On a cool evening, the hot tub and a wood fire are waiting back at the house.
Bringing a dog
Otway Fly doesn't allow pets, except service animals. Dogs aren't allowed on the Triplet Falls walk either, and the Great Otway National Park has dog restrictions. If your dog's staying at Holyday House, the backyard is fully fenced; take turns so someone stays home with them, or plan a separate outing.
Otway Fly day trip FAQ
How long is the drive from Torquay to Otway Fly?
Allow about two hours each way from north Torquay on either route, before stops. Via Lorne is the scenic option and a bit longer.
How much time should I allow at Otway Fly?
The operator recommends at least an hour for the Treetop Walk and about two and a half hours for the guided Zipline Tour. Add time if you want both, plus the drive and any food stops.
Can I visit Erskine Falls on the way?
Yes, from the upper platform. On 19 October 2026 the Authority told us the bottom platform is closed with no reopening date. The live trail closures map has the latest.
Is Otway Fly open in the rain?
The operator says it runs in most weather, including rain and hail, but may close for severe weather or catastrophic fire danger. Confirm with them before you make the drive.
Can I bring my dog?
No, unless your dog is a service animal. Pets aren't allowed at Otway Fly, and dogs aren't allowed on the Triplet Falls walk.
Is Triplet Falls a short stop?
It's a walk through rainforest to see the cascades, so allow proper time. It may be too much to tack on after a zipline tour.
For the coast on the way there, see our Lorne day trip. The three-day Great Ocean Road itinerary has a slower plan for the whole route, and our rainy-day Torquay guide has ideas for when the weather keeps you closer to town. If you're bringing the kids, there's more in the family holiday guide. When you're ready to plan a stay, send us an enquiry.
Sources
Facts on this page were checked against these sources on 19 October 2026. Opening hours, patrols, rules and closures change — check with the source before you go.
- Lorne Walking Trail Closures (live map) — Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority
- Otway Fly Treetop Adventures — Otway Fly (official)
- Frequently asked questions — Otway Fly (official)
- Getting here — Otway Fly (official)
- Erskine Falls Circuit Walk — Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority
- Storm Recovery Update: Closures in Eastern Great Otway National Park — Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority
- Triplet Falls Walk — Parks Victoria
- Forrest Brewing Company location — Forrest Brewing Company (official)
- The Redwoods Otways — Visit Great Ocean Road
- Directions from Torquay to Forrest — DistancesFrom.com (Google Maps route estimate)
- Directions from Lorne to Otway Fly — DistancesFrom.com (Google Maps route estimate)