Travelbeat Editorial Review A Walk above the Rainforest The Otway Fly and Great Otway National Park, Victoria Story and photos by Kerry Hennigan A forest in the rain is a magical place, with the only sounds being the whistles and calls of a few birds and the rain hitting the ferns and leaf litter on the forest floor. At such times, a dead end track provides the impetus to get out of one's vehicle and breathe in the essence of the forest at its best. The Great Otway National Park, with its dense temperate rainforest, is the perfect place to indulge in this kind of experience. When combined with the Forest Park, The Great Otway National Park extends for 100 kilometres from Anglesea to Princetown on Victoria's Great Ocean Road. The region is also rich in spectacular waterfalls including, along the Otway trails, Marriners, Stevensons, Beauchamp, Hopetoun, Triplet, Sabine and Carisbrook Falls. Getting to the various waterfalls usually requires a bit of hiking, in some instances involving nothing more strenuous than an easy 15 minute stroll. Others like Sabine Falls, highest waterfall in the Otways, can be a difficult (but rewarding) 2 hour hike. The Otway Ranges are also the location for one of only three tree top walks in Australia. The Otway Fly Tree Top Walk, a privately owned company, can be found between Beech Forest and Laver's Hill. Access is off the Great Ocean Road at Lavers Hill, or from the east via Forrest and the unpaved Turton's Track across the National Park to Beech Forest. After that it's a comfortable (paved) road to the Fly on Gregory's Track. The Fly is well signposted whether approached from the east or west. Turton's Track itself is an adventure if you're driving a conventional 2-wheel drive vehicle, particularly in inclement weather, when the ruts and potholes are likely to be water-logged. But the surroundings of towering trees and giant ferns in the National Park make all the bumps and grunts worthwhile. While mist clings to the hills and vales beyond, once amongst the forest itself, visibility is crystal clear under the towering green canopy. The scents of the forest and the crunch of twigs and leaves underfoot are intoxicating. Mind you, on a wet day, you may have to watch your footing a bit on some of the trails. But up on the Otway Fly, it's a wonderful easy, walking experience without getting your boots muddy - assuming they aren't already! By utilising existing logging tracks wherever possible, the Otway Fly was designed to have minimal impact on the environment. The sections of track were manufactured in Launceston, Tasmania, shipped to Victoria and erected on site by cranes over a 10 month construction period. With its steel tracks suspended 25 metres above the ground, the Fly extends for 600 metres through the forest. Designed in sections placed at various angles from each other, at no place along its length can you see the entire complex. A 47 metre spiral tower rises above the walkway for those who want to climb a little higher. Beyond the tower a 24 metre cantilever section of track provides a thrilling view over the forest without any visible means of support at its far end. Rest assured it's capable of holding 28 tonnes (equivalent to 14 elephants). Nevertheless, the cantilever is a part of the walk best enjoyed with as few people as possible, to prevent excessive movement. Below, Youngs Creek flows a deep brown, coloured by the detritus of the forest, until it eventually cascades over nearby Triplet Falls. The visitor centre at the Otway Fly is a welcoming retreat in cold weather, with a crackling log fire and comfortable lounge chairs facing the forest beyond the glass walls. The visitor centre also houses a cafeteria and tables and chairs for those who want to enjoy a light meal with the forest as a backdrop. If it is a cool, moist day, an umbrella is a useful piece of equipment, as is a light spray jacket. Even so, don't be surprised if the Ranger tells you that the best way to experience the rainforest is on just such a day - in the rain. For more information on the Otways visit: www.visitotways.com The official website of the Otway Fly is: www.otwayfly.com Back to Front Page