Beech Forest - Hopetoun Falls
Soak up the spray as the Hopetoun Falls plummet 30 metres into the Aire River in the Great Otway National Park. Take in the view from the upper platform, or descend some 200 stairs leading through glades of tree ferns to the base of the falls. The platform here has a bench perfect for taking in the views and resting the knees.
To get to the platforms, follow the path from the car park. The upper platform is an easy 20-metre walk from the car park. The lower platform is a one-kilometre return trip - allow half an hour. There is an unshaded table next to the carpark.
Directions - Travelling from Melbourne to the west, in Colac turn left onto Colac-Beech Forest Rd/Colac-Lavers Hill Rd. Continue to follow Colac-Beech Forest Rd and at Fegerson turn left onto Beech Forest-Lavers Rd, continue along here till you reach Aire Valley Road/Binns Road, just past Beechs Forest. Turn Right onto Aire Valley Road/Binns Road and proceed for approx 4km until the turnoff to Hopetoun Falls scenic reserve. Follow this until the carpark.
Access for Dogs:
Dogs and cats are not permitted.
Otway Attractions Map
Review:
The view from the viewing platform next to the carpark is quite distant and obstructed with trees.
To really get the full experience you need to go down those 200 steps (and back again). There is a viewing platform at river level which provides beautiful views of the falls which is lined by vegetation. We went after heavy rain in the preceding days and the falls were thunderous.
The path is delightful and is lined by tree ferns. During the wetter periods of the year the track can be muddy and soft in patches.
Photos:
Location
Aire Valley Road, Beech Forest 3237 View Map
Web Links
→ Hopetoun Falls (World of Waterfalls)
→ The Best Waterfalls in Melbourne and Victoria for Family Visits
