Route Collector

Otway Ridge

The quintessential mountain road that carves through the Otway Ranges from Barwon Downs through Forrest (stop for lunch at the Guest House – superb) to Apollo Bay. If you can go on to Lavers Hill, do it, but enjoy the beach either way. The roads are generally excellent, with some corrugations in spots. Avoid in wet weather, when you'll see less and have to drive far more conservatively, especially because of the risks of debris on the mountain parts of the route. Plenty of photo ops on the way too, especially as you near the ocean. Food choices in Apollo Bay are good without being great. Better to stick to Forrest. Side trip to the Otway Fly is an option, or take one of the many walks available in the Otways. You can also, as I did, take some time for fishing, either off the jetty in Apollo Bay or straight from the breach. Likely catches include mullet (make sure you fillet them as soon as you can to get the best taste) or Australian salmon.

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