Cape Otway Loop

Cape Otway Loop

 

Cape Otway Loop walk includes a section of Great Ocean Walk and you will enjoy a journey through history along with natural beauty of  the coast. From Great Ocean Road drive to Cape Otway Lighthouse.

Cape Otway Loop
Cape Otway Lighthouse

Cape Otway Lighthouse is the oldest on the main land and was built in 1848. The stonework for the tower was hand carved and was brought in from the Parker River. The coastland around the Cape Otway is hazardous with numerous cliffs and there have been many shipwrecks in the area.  The Cape Otway Lighthouse was flashing three times in 18 seconds which helped the ship captains to determine the location on the map. You can climb the lighthouse  after paying a hefty fee and enjoy the coastal views from the top. Just make sure you won’t lose your hat! On the grounds you can visit the Dinosour Hut, a restored Telegraph Station, Keepers Quarters and have some cofee and snacks at the cafe.

Walking starts from Cape Otway Lighthouse car park. Follow the track signed Great Ocean Walk and when it divides take the right track  towards Bimbi Park.   The track follows farmland and some gravel road.

You can walk through the gate towards Bimbi Park but ensure you stay on the track and keep the gate closed.  Bimbi Park provides accomodation and you can enjoy horse riding on the tracks among the gum trees.

Cape Otway Loop
Bimbi Park horse riding

From Bimbi Park , follow the signs towards Station Beach. Walking across coastal dunes, you will reach the remote Station Beach.

At the southern end of the beach there are abrupt cliffs called  the Rainbow Falls. The Rainbow Falls  are a spring fed waterfall which gives off an array of beautiful colours at certain times of the day as the water flows over the cliffs. If you take the trip the Rainbow Falls ensure the tide is low as you need to return the same way. We were unable to take the trip due to above reasons and returned via Great Ocean Walk to the car park.

Cape Otway Loop
On Great Ocean Walk

Ensure you carry enough water. The total distance of the walk was 10.2 km and took 2 hours 40 minutes at 4km/hour. This is an easy walk . Around  Bimbi Park the walk can be confusing due to numerous horse  trails.