Discover Forrest
Nestled in Victoria's Otway Ranges, Forrest is a charming rural escape just 30 minutes drive from Lake Colac. It offers a taste of small-town country life amidst stunning scenery.
Forrest has become a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Explore over 60km of world-class mountain bike trails, or hike to cascading waterfalls like Stevensons Falls. The eerily beautiful Lake Elizabeth, formed by a landslide in 1951, is a haven for kayakers searching for platypus (and it's one of the only dog-friendly trails in the region!)
The town itself is a delightful stop. Enjoy a coffee and a browse at the General Store, or a meal at and a beer at the brewery. With a huge range of outdoor experiences and activites just outside the township's doorstep, it's well worth a visit from Lake Colac.
DIRECTIONS
It takes approximately 26 minutes to get from Lake Colac Holiday Park to Forrest by car. The distance is 36km. See the directions here.
Planet Mud Outdoor Adventures
Possum Ridge Road, Yeodene Offers paintball, globe riding, segways and trees adventure Contact: 5233 4620 or 0447 016 020
Stevensons Falls
Upper Gellibrand Road, Barramunga Stevensons Falls is one of the Otway region's most accessible and spectacular waterfalls. Starting from the car park, it is a 500 metre walk to a viewing platform at the base of the waterfalls.
Tiger Rail Trail
Following the route of the former Forrest branch railway line, 4.5 kilometres in length from Forrest to Barwon Downs. Suitable for cycling, walking and running. Starting point in Forrest is on Henry Street.
Otway Eco Tours
21 Grant Street, Forrest Offer fully guided tours in the Great Otway National Park and along the Great Ocean Walk. Experiences from Forrest: • Paddle with the Platypus at Lake Elizabeth Contact: 0419 670 985
Forrest Brewing Company
26 Grant Street, Forrest They have resurrected, renovated and extended the old general store. This space is now home to a brewery, bar and dining hall. Visit the brewery and take a look at how they make their beer and buy some to take home. Operating hours: • Friday and Saturday, 9.00am to 9.00pm (breakfast, lunch and dinner) • Sunday and Monday, 9.00am to 5.00pm (breakfast and lunch) Contact: 5236 6170
Mountain Bike Trails
The mountain bike trails in Forrest are rated as some of the best in Australia, meaning the town has become a must-visit location for mountain biking enthusiasts. With over 60 kilometres of sign-posted single track, mountain bike trails literally surround the town. Forrest MTB Hire is a bike hire company operating from the gardens of Forrest Guesthouse, 16 Grant Street. Contact: 0407 318 507
Forrest History Walk
A self-guided walk through town. The township enjoys a rich history of the timber and agriculture industries. The walk is lined with 24 interpretive plaques located throughout the town.
Forrest Op Shop
20 Grant Street, Forrest Operating hours: • Saturday, 10.30am to 4.00pm
Lake Elizabeth
Access is from the Lake Elizabeth carpark via Kaangland Road. Circuit around the lake is 4.7 kilometres, and if you go at sunrise or sunset, you have a chance at spotting the elusive platypus!
