Named after the Beech (Myrtle) Trees which abound in the local area, Beech Forest was first settled by Europeans in 1884. With the abundance of Beech, Blackwood and Ash Trees, the areas quickly became a major centre for the local timber industry. In 1902 the narrow gauge railway extended from Colac making harvesting timber an easier task. The narrow gauge railway, now rusted from years of use has been transformed into The Old Beechy Rail Trail.
The Walks & Waterfalls scenic drive is a must see taking in some of the Otways most beautiful waterfalls. To see things from a unique perspective, pay a visit to the Otway Fly which will have you walking amongst the tree tops for a birds eye view of the spectacular landscape.
* Triplet Falls & Little Aire Falls — 4kms west of Beech Forest
* Beauchamp Falls & Hopetown Falls — 7kms east of Beech Forest
* Californian Redwoods — a spectacular forest of giant Californian Redwoods (Sequoia trees) planted in 1939.
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 Beech Forest. The trail, best suited for mountain, hybrid or E-bikes is 50km in length and takes visitors from rich farmland and rolling hills to pine forests and lush bushland.
On route, the Old Beechy Rail Trail passes several small towns including Barongarook, Kawarren, and Gellibrand. These towns, popular for activities in and out of the saddle, allow riders a break and a chance to refuel with a coffee and some delicious treats. These town also provide opportunities for riders to shorten the length of the trail by starting or finishing at places other than Colac or Beech Forest.
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Great Ocean Road Regional Tourism acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the Great Ocean Road region the Wadawurrung, Eastern Maar & Gunditjmara. We pay our respects to their Elders, past, present and emerging. We recognise and respect their unique cultural heritage and the connection to their traditional lands. We commit to building genuine and lasting partnerships that recognise, embrace and support the spirit of reconciliation, working towards self-determination, equity of outcomes and an equal voice for Australia’s first people.
