Winchelsea - Paddys Swamp Trail Bike Visitor Area
Situated 10km South of Winchelsea on Paddys Swamp Road, Paddys Swamp Trail Bike Visitor Area is easily accessed via sealed and gravel roads from Winchelsea and is central to a large network of forest roads and tracks suitable for trail bike riding. The Trail Bike Visitor Area provides riders with information on where to ride and has a range of facilities to make either end of a ride more enjoyable.
Paddys Swamp Trail Bike Visitor Area has a car park, shelter with seats, toilets and two unshaded tables with firepits.
Riding Routes
East Otway Ride 70 km
This loop ride comprises both forest roads and local roads. There are some small river crossings, some sandy and clay sections. There are a few steep ascents and descents, but generally the loop is flat. Sections of track become slippery following rain. Two seasonal road closures are included in the ride.
Seasonal Road Closures - DSE and Parks Victoria close these roads for one week at a time after heavy rain or when the road conditions become unsafe. This is necessary to ensure track safety.
Trail Bike Information
- Riders must have a licence.
- Motorcycles must be registered.
- Stay on the formed forest roads and tracks (These regulations apply in all State forests and parks).
Sustainable Riding Code
- Respect the Environment - Respect Others
- Noise - Turn it Down
- Ride Legal - Please stay on the public road network (off road & single track riding is illegal) – penalties apply
- Take your litter home
Safety Information
- All roads and tracks are two-way and open to other vehicles
- Be aware of log trucks on forest roads
- Tracks may have unexpected obstructions
- Tracks may include rough, muddy, rocky and loose surfaces, with steep inclines
- Always ride in control and within your ability
Shared Forest
The tracks around the Otways are popular with various user groups, including four wheel drivers, horse riders, mountain bike riders and walkers. Please respect other users and slow down when you see them.
Respect private property including plantations (riding on plantation roads not shown on this map is not permitted).
Respect the Environment
The Anglesea Grevillea (Grevillea infecunda) is only found in small pockets around the town of Anglesea. It is one of our threatened flora species.
The roots of the Grevillea grow close to the surface and are very brittle, making them very susceptible to damage. Riding only on the legal road network will help protect the Anglesea Grevillea for future generations.
Phytophthora cinnamomi (pronounced: fy-TOFF-thor-ah) is a foreign plant pathogen. This pathogen attacks the root systems of susceptible vegetation including the iconic grass trees of the Otways. People and vehicles are the prime movers of the pathogen. Riding only on the legal road network and washing your bike after every ride will help reduce the spread of Phytophthora.
Limited mobile phone coverage
The area has limited mobile coverage.
Looking after our forests
- Be a considerate visitor.
- No bookings are required for camping.
- Take all your rubbish with you.
- Take care with fire – campfire safety is your responsibility.
- Dogs are allowed in State forests, but must be under direct control at all times.
- Only collect enough firewood for your campfire.
- Motorbike riders must be licenced and their vehicles registered.
Getting There
The Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park are situated south of the Princes Hwy which runs between Geelong and Warrnambool. The Paddys Swamp Trail Bike Visitor Area is easily accessed via Winchelsea, which is situated halfway between Geelong and Colac on the Princes Highway.
Location
Winchelsea-Deans Marsh Road, Winchelsea 3241 View Map
Web Links
→ Map of Paddys Swamp Trail Bike Visitor Area (PDF)
