Holiday houses in Cape Otway

Driving the Great Ocean Road, along which the town of Cape Otway sits, is a rite of passage for any visitor to Victoria. The legendary coastal touring drive takes you through pretty seaside towns, weaving through native forest with large numbers of koalas, passing beaches where surfers tackle the crashing waves of the Southern Ocean, and leading to natural attractions normally immortalised on postcards — such as the 12 Apostles (of which there are now only eight), Gibson Steps, and Loch Ard Gorge. The road stretches 243 kilometres (150 miles) along Victoria’s southern coast from Torquay to Allansford: almost halfway between the two towns you’ll find Cape Otway, at the southern tip of this shoreline and surrounded by Great Otway National Park.

Here, rainforests and streams tumble toward rocky cliffs that jut into the ocean, revealing hidden sandy beaches and dramatic windswept seascapes. These are the kind of humbling landscapes that make you feel completely insignificant, in the best possible way. Small wonder the full Great Ocean Road is on the Australian National Heritage List for its significance to the nation.

The summer months are peak season along the Great Ocean Road, for good reason — surfing, swimming, snorkelling, and beach-hopping are all on the agenda at this time of year. But the influx of visitors can mean otherwise sleepy towns and beaches become crowded. Winter offers an escape from the heat, humidity, and traffic, and is also prime time for spotting migrating whales (May through November). Spring and autumn appeal to hikers — the former season is particularly pretty, with wildflowers in bloom, wildlife in abundance, and waterfalls at their peak. Spring also sees festivals out in full force, from the Port Fairy Spring Music Fest to the Lorne Festival of Performing Arts.

Cape Otway Lighthouse

Mainland Australia’s enormous coastline hosts a plethora of lighthouses, of which the oldest surviving example is the one crowning Cape Otway. Built in 1848 and standing 90 metres (295 feet) above Bass Strait, the lightstation was often the first sight of land for migrants sailing to Australia from Europe, Asia, and North America. Tour the grounds, climb the tower, and chat to guides about how the lighthouse saved hundreds of lives at sea and became known as the Beacon of Hope.

Great Otway National Park

Whether you’re cycling, kayaking, surfing, or flying through the treetops on a zipline, this immense swathe of national parkland offers adventures at every turn. Alternatively, lace up your hiking boots for the Great Ocean Walk, spanning eight days, between Apollo Bay and the Twelve Apostles — it can also be tackled in more manageable sections.

Otway Harvest Trail

Uniting artisan producers, growers, and makers throughout the Otway Ranges, the Harvest Trail is like having the region in a tasty mouthful. Go your own way, or follow one of the six suggested itineraries, whether it’s to sample berries and wine, gin and cheese, or beer and pizza — with plenty of epic attractions listed along whichever route you choose.