OUR TRAILS
Situated in the breathtaking scenery of the Great Otway National Park the Forrest MTB Trails offers some of the most diverse and fun trails in Australia. There’s over 65km of single track weaving through everything from tall eucalypts, native bush to magical fern gullies.....quite simply there is a trail for everyone!
TRAILS FUND & OUR VISION
Over the past few years the Forrest community, the Forrest MTB Club and the key agency representatives have worked hard to improve the Forrest MTB Trails network.
We welcome further support from the trail users and visitors to Forrest so we can improve Forrest’s unique trails experience. The Forrest MTB Club have created some useful tools for riders and a Go Fund Me page that will help fund trail developments........can you assist us to improve our trails? Every dollar and letter of support counts!!
MTB COMMUNITY AND SERVICES
Forrest as a community welcomes and celebrates MTB activities. As a visitor this come apparent as soon as you roll into town. Local businesses proudly display their affection and connection to the trails and the local Forrest MTB Club is made up of passionate local riders and community members who work hard to maintain the trails and welcome new members from across Victoria.
MORE ABOUT THE OTWAYS
Forrest is the perfect base for your next Otways adventure....... feel dwarfed amongst the ancient giants of the forest. Follow the sounds of a trickling stream to the edge of a cascading waterfall. Join the colourful meeting of green forests and blue ocean. Bare witness to the ever-changing moods of the Southern Ocean. Nature is king in the Great Otways.
EMERGENCY INFORMATION
Is someone seriously injured or in need of urgent medical help?
Is your life or property being threatened?
Have you just witnessed a serious accident or crime?
If you answered YES call Triple Zero (000).
Triple Zero calls are free.
A BIT OF FORREST HISTORY
Forrest boasts an amazing history, in the early 19th century there was a mix of farming practices in the area including; wheat, oats, potatoes, peas, onions and hop fields. These farms spawned the need for community facilities and a small township called Yaugher was formed. Yaugher was about two kilometres north of the site of the future Forrest township.. The huge stands of mountain ash forest in the Otways attracted saw millers who established sawmills in the in the 1860s. After the logging industry wound up in 2005 Forrest embarked on a new adventure tourism future and the Forrest MTB trails were established.
Where to Stay
Hidden Valley Cabins
Hidden Valley Cabins are set on 30 acres of magnificent Otway forest just 15 minutes from Lorne. We have five fully self contained cabins .
Lake Colac Caravan Park
Lake Colac Caravan Park is located on the Lake Colac foreshore beside the beautiful Botanic Gardens and Barongarook Creek.
Central Caravan Park Colac
Central Caravan Park Colac is a quiet, friendly caravan park where you can relax and enjoy your stay. It is securely fenced and close to the highway without noise.
Eat and Drink
Bespoke Harvest
Located in the Otway Ranges village of Forrest, Bespoke Harvest features seasonal produce from their garden and surrounding farms that capture the taste and flavour of the Otway's.
Forrest Brewing Company
Forrest Brewing Company is an equal parts micro brewery, eating place and mountain biking hang-out. Offering a true boutique product not widely available outside of Forrest, all beers are brewed...
Martians Cafe & Bar
Michael, Liz and staff invite you to come and experience the relaxing vibe that is Martians Cafe.
Platypi Chocolate
Platypi Chocolate is an exciting new café built on the treeline of the majestic Otway Ranges in Forrest.
Pennyroyal Raspberry Farm & Cidery
In the Otway foothills Pennyroyal Raspberry Farm & Cidery is a hidden delight. The Farm offers comfortable self-contained cabins for couples, with views over the berries to the valley beyond.
Colac RSL Sub-Branch Inc.
The Colac RSL is a warm family friendly club. They pride themselves on their military history and are more than happy to welcome new members to the club.
What to see and do
Lake Colac
With a surface area of 2,778 hectares and a circumference of 33 kilometres, Lake Colac is the largest natural freshwater lake in Victoria.
Carl Karacsay Furniture
Visit the showroom to view unique and one-off creations in wood. Specialising in Blackwood, Carl works with all types of wood including Mountain Ash, Red Gum, Tasmanian Sassafras, local Satin...
COPACC - Colac Otway Performing Arts and Cultural Centre
Conveniently located just a couple of blocks from the main street, COPACC is not only proud presenter of some of the best performers and productions in Australia and internationally, but...
Red Rock Regional Theatre and Gallery
Red Rock Regional Theatre and Gallery Inc. (RRRTAG) is a community based, not for profit organization run entirely by community volunteers.
Old Beechy Rail Trail
Originally a narrow gauge railway built for moving timber and passengers in the early 1900's, the Old Beechy Rail Trail is now a compacted earth trail running from Colac to...
Otway Eco Tours
At Otway Eco Tours it is all about the experience. Discover the Great Otway National Park on one of the fully guided tours.
