The best traffic-free bike rides in Otway Forest Park

There are 5 dedicated no traffic touring cycling routes in Otway Forest Park featured in this guide. These routes offer a mix of moderate and difficult options, allowing you to explore the park's lush forests and natural beauty away from vehicle traffic.

The Otway Forest Park is beautiful year-round, but spring (September-November) and autumn (March-May) generally offer the most pleasant cycling conditions with mild temperatures and vibrant scenery. Summer can be warm, while winter brings cooler, wetter weather, which can make some unsealed tracks muddy. Always check local weather forecasts before heading out.

Yes, all the no traffic touring cycling routes in this guide are circular, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. For example, the Forrest Caravan Park – Forrest Brewing Company loop from Yaugher Trailhead is a challenging 46 km loop, and the WP 17 – WP 16 loop from Tanner's Road offers a moderate 22.5 km option.

Otway Forest Park is rich in natural beauty. Along these routes, you can immerse yourself in stunning temperate rainforests, featuring towering mountain ash forests and dense fern gullies. You might also encounter picturesque waterfalls like Stevensons Falls. The region is also known for its unique Californian Redwoods grove, offering a truly awe-inspiring sight.

While the routes in this guide are rated moderate to difficult, the Otway region does offer options for families. The Old Beechy Rail Trail, for instance, is known for its generally well-made surface and accessibility. When planning a family ride, consider the distance and elevation gain, and look for shorter, flatter sections or dedicated rail trails outside of the more challenging routes listed here.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Reviewers often praise the immersive experience of cycling through the quiet, lush forests and fern gullies, the sense of tranquility away from traffic, and the diverse natural landscapes, including the majestic waterfalls and ancient trees.

Many routes in the Otway Forest Park, especially those starting near Forrest, offer convenient parking. For routes like the Forrest Caravan Park – Forrest Brewing Company loop, you can often find parking at trailheads such as Yaugher Mountain Bike Trailhead. The township of Forrest also provides amenities and potential parking options.

Yes, the Otway Forest Park offers several facilities. You can find campgrounds such as Dando's Campground and Hammond Road North Campsite. The township of Forrest, often a starting point or stopover, provides amenities like a general store, pub, and caravan park. Picnic shelters and toilets are also available at various trailheads.

Public transport options directly into Otway Forest Park are limited. Most visitors typically access the park by car, especially when bringing bicycles. It's advisable to plan for private vehicle transport to reach the starting points of these no traffic touring cycling routes.

Otway Forest Park is home to diverse wildlife. Cyclists often spot kangaroos, wallabies, and a significant koala population. If you're lucky, you might also encounter unique creatures like glow worms, particularly in areas like Melba Gully, or even the rare black carnivorous snail. Remember to observe wildlife from a respectful distance.

The township of Forrest is a central hub for cyclists and offers amenities including a brewing company, general store, and pub, perfect for a post-ride meal or coffee. These facilities are conveniently located near several of the featured routes, such as the Forrest Caravan Park – Forrest Brewing Company loop from Forrest.

The longest no traffic touring cycling route featured in this guide is the Kennet River – Forrest Brewing Company loop from Yaugher Trailhead, which spans approximately 96 kilometers. This challenging route offers extensive exploration of the park's diverse landscapes.