Maits Rest Rainforest Walk (Great Otway National Park)

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Maits Rest Rainforest Walk (Great Otway National Park)

Immerse yourself in an ancient rainforest with giant Myrtle Beech trees towering over ancient tree ferns and a moss-covered forest floor. Spot the endemic carnivorous Otway Black Snail, look out for secretive long-nosed potoroos foraging in the leaf litter and at night hear the screeches of Yellow-bellied Gliders and owls.

How to get there

Maits Rest Rainforest Walk (Great Otway National Park)

Need to know

Maits Rest Rainforest Walk (Great Otway National Park)

Safety in nature

You can benefit both mind and body when you get outdoors to explore and experience Victoria's natural places. Before you go, take a look at our safety tips and check our changed conditions and closures information for a great visit.

Accessibility

Visiting a park can be more of a challenge for people with disabilities, however, in Victoria there are a wide range of facilities to help people of all abilities enjoy our wonderful parks around the state. Parks Victoria provides a range of a equipment, including all-terrain and beach wheelchairs, facilities, accommodation and accessibility information and programs to help you plan and enjoy your visit to Victoria's parks.

Assistance dogs are welcome in Parks Victoria parks and reserves. Entry requirements apply for parks and reserves that are usually dog prohibited, such as national parks.

Warnings & Restrictions

Dogs

Dogs are not allowed

Restrictions

No fires permitted
No motorised vehicles, including electric bikes or scooters allowed on management vehicle only paths, tracks or roads
No dogs allowed
No camping
No bicycles
No horses
No vehicles
No firearms allowed
No generators

Warnings

Water hazards
Flash flooding
Terrain hazards
Uneven ground

Slippery surface

Slippery rocks
Other warnings
Trees may fall take care

Vehicles

Be Prepared

Stay safe and get the most out of your park visit by preparing for natural hazards and other outdoor risks in Victoria’s parks. You are responsible for your own safety and the safety of those in your care. Find out more.

Change of Conditions

Nature being nature, sometimes conditions can change at short notice. It’s a good idea to check this page ahead of your visit for any updates.

Delayneys Track Closed

Delayneys Track is closed until further notice.

Sharps Campground permanently closed

Permanently closed due to environmental and safety risks.

Lemonade Creek Walking Track Closure

Due to multiple unsafe bridges the Lemonade Creek Walking Track will be closed indeffinately

Wye Road Closure

Wye Road is temporarily closed to allow for maintenance grading and culvert installation. The Jamieson to Wye River walk is unaffected and remains open.

Erskine Falls lower lookout closure

The lower lookout at Erskine Falls will be temporarily closed to allow for infrastructure upgrades.

The upper lookout is still accessible.

Erskine River Walk is available from the bottom end of the walking track in Lorne, however access to the carpark at the top is not possible due to upgrades.

Yan wirring mirr Trail Upgrades

The Yan wirring mirr walking trail is having some essential trial maintenance and repair work done over the next 6 weeks during this time it may be necessary to close the walking trail for periods to ensure public safety.

Youngs Creek Track Closed Great Otway National Park

Following recent rainfall and current conditions, Youngs Creek track within the Great Otway National Park is currently closed.

Safety for our visitors and protection of the environment has led to this decision. The nearby Triplet Falls and Aire Crossing visitor sites remain open along with the tracks leading to them.

Temporary park closures Great Otway National Park

Sections of the Great Otway National Park will be temporarily closed at night from Monday 15th April 2024 through to June 1st 2024 to allow for the safe delivery of park conservation work. Temporary closed areas will be clearly sign posted. All campgrounds will remain open during this operation. For further information please contact Parks Victoria on 13 19 63 or email westregiondcp@parks.vic.gov.au

Maits Rest Carpark- bus access

Maits Rest Carpark is suitable for small coaster buses only. Large buses or coaches are advised to use Melba Gully walk track near Lavers Hill.

Melba Gully - Large bus access

Melba Gully Walk Track and picnic area is accessible for large coaches. Toilet facilities are available on site

Please take your rubbish home

Reminder to campers and visitors to please take your rubbish home. Please do not put rubbish in toilets. Visitors have been placing rubbish in the pit toilets making human waste removal difficult. Parks appreciates your assistance in looking after the Park.