What are the best things to do in Beech Forest, Victoria?

The best things to do in Beech Forest, Victoria, include e-bike tours along an old rail line, waterfall-hopping and walking around the giant California redwoods.

Beech Forest is a small town inland from the Great Ocean Road in Victoria. It is surrounded by the Great Otway National Park, and the main reasons for visiting are in the neighbouring Otway Ranges.

The town itself is largely about potato farming, and the main attractions are the Beechy Pub and Art Reach Gallery Café.

Things to do in Beech Forest, Victoria: E-bike tours

Otway E Bikes is also based here, and it runs daily e-bike tours along the Ol’ Beechy Rail Trail. These rides pass through rainforest, take in the views from the Otway Ridgeline, and cover bush foods and local history. The tours cost $65.

7 fantastic Great Ocean Road experiences
1. Crowd-beating reverse direction tour. 2. Surfing lessons in Anglesea. 3. Split Point Lighthouse climb. 4. Shockwave Zip-Coaster. 5. Guided wildlife walk. 6. Budj Bim National Park tour. 7. Great Ocean Road by motorbike.

Beech Forest waterfalls

Most people come to Beech Forest for the Great Ocean Road waterfalls, however. The closest to the settlement is Beauchamp Falls, which drops 20 metres through the rainforest into a highly tempting pool.

Beauchamp Falls off the Great Ocean Road in Victoria. Photo courtesy of Visit Victoria.

Further west, Hopetoun Falls, Little Aire Falls and Triplet Falls are all worth the walk from their respective car parks, too.

Near Triplet Falls, you’ll find Otway Fly Treetop Adventures, which offers treetop canopy walks and ziplines through the forest. Tickets for this attraction are best booked online in advance.

Pick the right Great Ocean Road tour from Melbourne

For wildlife and nature focus: One day tour with koalas and guided forest walk.
To beat the crowds: Reverse direction Great Ocean Road day tour.
For adventure: Two day camping and surfing trip.
For backpackers: One day highlights tour aimed at younger travellers.
For exclusivity and flexibility: Private tour where you can pick the sights you want to see.
For an extended trip: Three day Melbourne to Adelaide tour.

Beech Forest attractions: The California Redwoods

The name Beech Forest comes from the myrtle trees which early European settlers incorrectly branded as beech trees. However, it is more famous for the giant redwood trees near Beauchamp Falls. These sequoias from California were planted in 1936 as part of a forestry experiment. They are still young and relatively short compared to their Californian counterparts. But they may eventually grow to become the tallest trees on earth. An easy 500 metre walking trail loops around the Beech Forest Redwoods.

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