Escape to the heart of the Great Otway National Park at the Otways Tourist Park, a serene and picturesque haven nestled in the charming hamlet of Gellibrand. This friendly, family-owned park is your ultimate basecamp for exploring the magic of the rainforest, with its lush fern gullies, towering trees, and some of Victoria’s most spectacular waterfalls. Surrounded by the tranquil sounds of the Australian bush and the gentle flow of the Gellibrand River, the park offers a peaceful retreat for families, hikers, and nature lovers seeking an authentic Otways experience.
The park is celebrated for its lush, green setting and its welcoming, laid-back atmosphere. It provides a range of accommodation to suit every style of traveller, from spacious powered and unpowered sites for caravans, motorhomes, and tents, to a variety of comfortable, self-contained cabins for a cosy and convenient stay. As a proudly pet-friendly park, your four-legged friends are welcome to join you as you explore the numerous dog-friendly trails in the area. The facilities are clean and well-maintained, including a camp kitchen, free BBQ areas, a playground for the kids, and a modern amenities block, ensuring a comfortable and relaxing holiday. A highlight for many is the opportunity to gather around a crackling campfire, with fire pits available for hire.
The location is an adventurer’s dream. You are just a short, scenic drive from the world-famous Otway Fly Treetop Adventures, the stunning cascades of Hopetoun and Beauchamp Falls, and the enchanting Californian Redwoods. The park is also a popular spot for anglers, with the Gellibrand River offering excellent opportunities to fish for trout and blackfish. After a day of hiking, zip-lining, or exploring, return to the peace of the park, listen to the kookaburras, and watch for local wildlife like kangaroos and koalas. For a holiday that truly connects you with nature, the Otways Tourist Park is an unbeatable choice.
Otways Tourist Park – VIC Location Map
Otways Tourist Park
- Address: 25 Main Rd, Gellibrand VIC 3239
- Website: otwaystouristpark.com
- GPS Coordinates: -38.52439, 143.54
Site Details
- Location: In the heart of the Otways at Gellibrand, central to major waterfalls and the Otway Fly.
- Site Suitable For: Caravans, motorhomes, camper trailers, and tents. Cabins are also available.
- Road Access: Sealed road access.
- Site Surface: Spacious, grassy sites.
Facilities
- Camp Kitchen & Free Gas BBQs
- Onsite Public Toilets & Showers
- Guest Laundry
- Children’s Playground
- Kiosk with basic supplies
- Onsite Dump Point
- Potable Water & Rubbish Bins
- Good Mobile Phone Reception (Telstra is best)
- TV Reception available
Activities & Essentials
- Essentials to Bring: Hiking boots for the many rainforest trails, a good raincoat, and a camera for the waterfalls.
- Pet-Friendly: Yes, the park is pet-friendly for campsites (conditions apply).
- Open Fires: Yes, campfires are permitted in the fire pits available for hire, subject to local fire restrictions.
- Generator Use: Permitted with consideration for other guests (check with park management for designated hours).
- Fishing: Good fishing in the Gellibrand River for trout and blackfish.
- Short Walks: Pleasant walks along the Gellibrand River and through the town are accessible from the park.
Local Amenities
Pubs
- Gellibrand River Hotel: Approximately 200m
- Forrest Brewing Company (Forrest): Approximately 20 km
- Terminus Hotel, Forrest: Approximately 20 km
Places to Eat
- Gellibrand River Hotel Bistro: Approximately 200m
- The Store, Gellibrand (General Store & Cafe): Approximately 300m
- Forrest Brewing Company (Forrest): Approximately 20 km
Local Attractions
- Otway Fly Treetop Adventures: Approximately 20 km
- Beauchamp Falls: Approximately 15 km
- Hopetoun Falls: Approximately 15 km
- The Californian Redwoods: Approximately 15 km
- Triplet Falls: Approximately 20 km
Nearest Caravan Parks
- Dando’s (Free Camp with more facilities): Approximately 5 km
- Lake Colac Holiday Park (Colac): Approximately 35 km
Nearest Free Camps
- Dando’s Free Campsite: Approximately 5 km
- Stevensons Falls Free Campground: Approximately 20 km
Nearest Dump Points
- Onsite at Park
- Colac Public Dump Point (Showgrounds): Approximately 35 km
Nearest Petrol Stations
- Lavers Hill Roadhouse: Approximately 20 km
- Multiple major stations in Colac: Approximately 35 km
Drinking Water Resupply
- Onsite at Park
- Gellibrand Public Hall area may have a tap.
Nearest Public Toilets
- Onsite at Park
- Gellibrand Public Toilets (next to The Store): Approximately 300m
Seasonal Weather Forecast: Gellibrand / The Otways
- Summer (December – February): Mild to warm, with average maximums around 22°C. The rainforest canopy provides cool relief on hotter days.
- Autumn (March – May): Cool and often misty. A beautiful time to visit as the fungi emerge and the forest is lush.
- Winter (June – August): Cold and wet, with average maximums around 11-12°C. This is when the waterfalls are at their most powerful and spectacular.
- Spring (September – November): Cool to mild. The forest is vibrant and green, with creeks and rivers flowing strongly.