You Don’t Need to Spend Thousands on Retreats: Reconnect with Nature in the Otways

There’s no need to travel far or spend a fortune to find peace and tranquillity. Sometimes, the best way to reconnect with yourself is to immerse yourself in the natural beauty that’s right in your backyard. For me, that place is the Otways.

My Connection to the Otways

I spent the first four years of my life living in the Otways, in Beech Forest. My dad taught at the local secondary college, and while I don’t remember much from those early years, the stories my family shares have always connected me deeply to this region. My mum says I would often wander the drive to talk to the cows, and my aunt loves reminding me that I used to hug the trees. Whenever I return to the Otways, I feel an overwhelming sense of home, surrounded by lush green landscapes and breathing in the fresh, crisp air.

The Healing Power of Nature

Recently, I felt the need to escape, to reconnect with myself and nature. There’s something incredibly healing about being surrounded by the raw beauty of the natural world. It’s in these moments of quiet and stillness that creativity begins to flow, and the magic of life unfolds before your eyes.

The Ancient Beauty of the Otways

The Otways is not just any forest—it’s a place steeped in ancient history. The Otway Cool Temperate Rainforest is a plant community that dates back 140 million years to the era of Gondwana when dinosaurs roamed the earth. The primary canopy tree, myrtle beech (Nothofagus cunninghamii), thrives in the damp, wet environment of the Otways, protected from the ravages of bushfires. The Great Otway National Park, located in southern Victoria, Australia, is a haven of rugged coastlines, serene beaches, and the majestic Otway Ranges. The park is dotted with stunning waterfalls, like the three cascades of Triplet Falls, and boardwalks that wind through temperate rainforests, offering visitors a chance to step back in time. And who could forget the iconic Cape Otway Lightstation, perched on cliffs overlooking the vast Bass Strait, or the Great Ocean Walk that meanders through the park to the breathtaking Twelve Apostles rock formations?

A Weekend to Reconnect: My Perfect Otways Getaway

Here’s my idea of a perfect week away in the Otways, filled with quiet moments, stunning views, and a deep connection to the natural world:

Stop 1: Otway Estate

Start your journey with a visit to Otway Estate for a gin or beer-tasting paddle. The flavours are as rich and complex as the forest that surrounds you.

https://otwayestate.com.au/

You can also check out this handy guide Otway Harvest Trail for more stops.

Stop 2: Birnum Station Picnic Ground

Next, stretch your legs at the Birnum Station picnic ground. Take a deep breath of fresh air and let the serenity of the surroundings calm your mind. I could spend an entire day here, just soaking in the peaceful atmosphere.

Arrive at Your Accommodation

Check into your cosy accommodation nestled in the heart of the Otways. We stayed at a charming rustic Airbnb link. The highlights for me were the breathtaking views, the silence, the outdoor spa (perfect for two adults), and the sauna. Enjoy the sunset from the spa, letting the warmth envelop you as you take in the beauty of the surrounding landscape.

Dinner: The Perch

For dinner, head to The Perch for a beautiful meal that captures the essence of the region. The food is as warm and inviting as the atmosphere.

After Dinner: Explore Melba Gully

After dinner, make sure you’ve packed warm clothes and a headtorch. Visit Melba Gully and explore the rainforest at night to catch a glimpse of the glow worms. There’s something magical about wandering through the rainforest at night, with the sound of the creek running past you, glimpsing up through the tree canopies to the clear night sky filled with stars, and then carefully wandering along a track to catch views of the enchanting glow worms.

Morning: Sunrise and Birdwatching

Wake early and sit, rugged up, watching the sunrise while counting the native birds. Listen to the different sounds they make and watch as they dance and interact across the valley. You can download this Otways Wildlife Guide and see how many creatures you can spot!
Try to notice everything that’s happening in this spectacular place—each birdcall, the rustle of the leaves, the play of light across the landscape. These moments of mindfulness, listening to the sounds of the ocean, birds, and wildlife, will leave you feeling completely relaxed and at peace.

Morning Ritual: Sauna and Cold Shower

Once awake, it’s time to energise with a cold shower, then get the sauna going. Alternate between 15-minute intervals of sauna and cold water for an invigorating start to your day.

Breakfast: Local Free-Range Eggs

Have a hearty breakfast of local free-range eggs. You’ll likely find some available for purchase from a roadside stall on your way into the Otways.

Mid-Morning: Castle Cove Lookout and Great Ocean Walk

Around 11 am, drive 5 minutes to Castle Cove lookout, which is itself magical. Arm yourself with water and snacks, and walk along the Great Ocean Road to Aire River. This walk takes about 1.5 hours at a fast pace, taking in winding views and listening to the roar of the great Southern Ocean. We hardly passed a soul on this walk. The return trip can be done along the gravel road into Aire River, or you can retrace your steps on the GOR walking track. The return trip took us 3 hours.

Afternoon: Spa Time

Back at the accommodation, soak your tired feet in the spa, letting the warmth and relaxation soothe you. Tonight calls for a night in, so light the fire and watch movies. We brought along some food, and my favourite meal is Lasagne from my local favourite in Barwon Heads Annies Providore, accompanied by a GSM and some veggies.

Next Morning: Sunrise, Cold Shower, and Sauna

Start your day once again with a sunrise, cold shower, and sauna session. It’s the perfect way to feel completely rejuvenated.

Late Morning: The Californian Redwoods

Drive 20 minutes to The Californian Redwoods and marvel at the height of these wondrous (though introduced) trees. You can explore the area, enjoy a picnic, and wander around the crystal-clear creek with a sandy bottom.

Afternoon Options: Hopetoun Falls or Beauchamp Falls

If time allows, I highly recommend visiting either Hopetoun Falls or Beauchamp Falls (or both). They both offer stunning views and are perfect for a leisurely hike.

Heading Home: Final Stops

As you meander home, make sure to stop in Winchelsea at the local bakery, Café La Hoot, or Winchelsea Wholefoods, where you can pick up coffee, snacks, and supplies.

A Few Practical Tips

Before you head out, remember that food supplies are limited once you pass Winchelsea or Colac, so I recommend stocking up on meals, snacks, and wine before leaving these towns.

The Ultimate Getaway

This is my ultimate getaway—one that will leave you feeling restored and energised, deeply connected with nature, and with a heart full of peace and inspiration. The Otways in winter are truly magical, offering a retreat like no other.