This trail network extends around the beautiful Lake Elizabeth where there is free camping if you don't want to stay at any of the B n B's in town . Situated in the Otway Ranges National Park , the tiny town of Forrest was once previously a logging town , now it caters for mountain bikers more specifically . Forrest has become a hub for mountain bike activity in the region, with purpose built mountain bike trails and a series of associated events throughout the year. Widgets, Explore   Forrest A small town hidden in the Otway Ranges offers an enormous range of fun on your mountain bike. It is a small community which boasts a very vibrant social fabric involving all sorts of communal activities and activities for tourists. Ten Things To Do In The Otway Ranges. ie Tiger snakes & brown snakes , equally as deadly ! The area now has over 60 kilometres (37.3 mi) of sign posted "single track". Forrest Mountain Bike Trails 2 Baridjaru (Great Otway National Park) Linking Forrest to Lake Elizabeth this trail showcases the natural beauty of the Otway Ranges, passing through tall eucalypt forests, dry heathy scrub and dense fern gullies. If some regular maintenance occurred then maybe the trails would merit some technical ability but at moment not so. The town is very sleepy during the week , there are a few accommodation options if you don't want to pitch a tent by the lake ,in Forrest there is a corner store hiring bikes & repair as well as coffee , food & refreshments , there is a pub in town called the 'WonkeyDonkey' ; a number of B & B's , then there is the picturesque Lake Elizabeth , walking in from the road down some steep trails to the lake , about a 300m walk . Albeit with a loop as well. If you're really keen you could ride from forrest to the ocean road , although the ride back up the mountain would test any legs , very steep . 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. The 100km Odyssey course is returning to its roots, starting in Apollo Bay and crossing the Otway Ranges to finish at the MTB mecca of Forrest. You Yangs Regional Park. It ranges from trail to hardcore cross country. The trails showcase the natural beauty of the Otway Ranges, passing through tall … Further details can be found at the official website www.rideforrest.com.au. MTB Podcast | The southern trail has some forest trails but is mostly dual use pedestrian/MTB paths on the western side of the Barwon Reservior. We don't have any videos of this trail yet. The Otway Odyssey will be held on February 20 and the Great Otway Gravel Grind falls on February 21 in 2021. A great place to go exploring on the mountain bike . I'll ride the rest of the trails tomorrow but so far the highlight has been the local brewery and restaurants. 1. About Us | The grant, from the Regional Infrastructure Fund, will help secure Forrest’s future as a key mountain bike and tourist destination in Australia. We had a 2 night stay and found everything we needed in the unit, and plenty to explore a short ride or drive away. The Otway Odyssey is held here. So , the two main trail heads are to the north of the town about a kilometer out along the main road , take the left turn to the trail head signpost where there is a carpark , & then to the south of the town only a few hundred meters from the town center where a road veres to the left to the main trail head near the lake . The trails are in two parts: the Southern trailhead is in town with a parking area, toilets and shelter; and the Yaughter trailhead is south of the town a couple of kilometres up a dirt road called Boundary Road - parking only, no facilities. Riding through the lush rainforest is an enchanting experience , with the trail loops flowing into each other , forming a fun circuit where you can be on all day . The eucalypt forests are beautiful ›qŒÀ83’Ðx/ NEAREST DISCOVERY … There are some big jumps on some of the trails as well as berms , & many other challenges . there is limited mobile coverage , so take food & water or energy drinks in your pack , & a compass with the trail map , then you can be sure to have all bases covered in case you get lost . Its really worth going there for a few days & really getting to know the place intimately , as the place has infinite rewards for those wanting a real mountain biking adventure . Upon leaving Forrest I am already planning my next visit. Mountain bike riding and bird watching along peaceful Lake Elizabeth are among a range of pursuits to be enjoyed here. Take your pick of 16 mountain bike trails, spanning more than 65 kilometres, which cut through the bush terrain of the Great Otway National Park. It will deliver more world-class tracks and trails for mountain bike enthusiasts and provide even more incentive to visit and enjoy the Otway Ranges. Rapid Ascent manage the Giant Odyssey Mountain Bike Marathon in Forrest every year. You can ride to the main trail heads from the town , & the trails are extensive , take a map , although the trails are easily signposted . On the oval, you pass through a marked section where you can leave a bag with items you might or will need. The trails run through native eucalyptus forest and there's a good chance to encounter some native wildlife. Trail head facilities a bit neglected. Some of the trails snake through lush rainforest & the landscapes change from trail to trail . There’s over 65km of single track weaving through everything from tall eucalypts, native bush to magical fern gullies.....quite simply there is … These mountain bike trails are rated as the best in Australia and cover […] The trails are awesome ! Take a map of the trails as I could see it would be easy to get lost , especially getting close to sunset . The trail is listed as more difficult but it really doesn't merit that badge, mostly because the features were so worn and washed out. Or if you like to move at a faster pace, ride the internationally renowned mountain bike trails that wind through the spectacular Otway Ranges. Forrest township is worth the visit for the weekend with a great little brewery and lake Elizabeth to also visit. Forrest is a small town in the Otway Ranges. Enjoy the abundant nature and waterfalls walks close by. Support Us | There are places to stay in town , great little B & B's & a pub in town with gourmet beers & good food . Mountain biking now makes up a large portion of the economy in Forrest. My teen son and I regularly ride in the You Yangs Mountain Bike Park (another ripper place to ride) This time we made an extended day trip to explore the much talked about trails of Forrest. The trails are a mix from beginer to more advanced to black runs , the trails are signposted as to the level of difficulty , green being the easiest , then blue & black diamond runs , which really gets the blood flowing . Totally uncrowded , especially during the week , a great place to explore the vast array of singletracks . Trails vary in difficulty from beginner to very difficult and range in … The Great Otway Gravel Grind is the perfect excuse to explore the Otway Ranges off-road! Start at the boundary Road carpark , ride in from town or drive in , then start from the carpark which is central to all the trails & loops . The Brewer’s Cottage is a self contained two bedroom historic cottage in the centre of the town of Forrest. Another trail head , away from the main trails , south of town towards Lake Elizabeth , is where more flowing singletracks branch out around the large lake . Mountain biking, hiking, camping, fishing, wildlife watching, beer, food, wine and pure relaxation – the list of things to do in Forrest is long. Barramunga Cabins are located in the heart of Victoria’s beautiful Otway ranges, only 5km from Forrest and a 30 minute drive from the Great Ocean Road, Apollo Bay and Colac.The cabins are nestled in pristine rainforest, near popular attractions like Lake Elizabeth, Stevenson Falls, the Forrest Brewery, Platypi Chocolate cafe, the Forrest General Store, and world class MTB mountain biking trails. The ground is mostly packed soil with a couple of trails having sandy soil (this makes them great in wet winter days because they drain well). This the best starting point to learn about the Otways Ranges rainforest and how it works. ... located in the beautiful township of Forrest in the Otway Ranges. The village has reinvented itself as an adventure destination for mountain bike riders by developing a series of trails in the neighbouring forest. Sign-posting on the trails heading out of Forrest and around Lake Elizabeth could be better. Off this are many singletrack loops, some flowing, some technical. Also recommended are Foxtail and Grass Trees. Designed around the village of Forrest, these trails showcase the natural beauty of the Otway Ranges, passing through tall eucalypt forests, dry heathy scrub and dense fern gullies. Some of the best mountain bike races are single loops, or even point to point. A tiny township in the Otway Ranges, Forrest is renowned for its wealth of mountain bike trails. A traditional Guesthouse with long verandahs, rambling gardens and boutique décor, Forrest Guesthouse is all about getting away to the country. The revitalisation of the Forrest Mountain Bike Park has the green light following a $500,000 grant offer from the state government. Stage One of […] Trail 6 was closed from wet but 4&5 were dry. The massive Mountain Ash trees are truly spectacular and rival Californian Redwoods for the world’s tallest tree. The trails are challenging technically in parts ,as well as offering flowing singletrack rollercoaster trails .There is some climbing ,however the rewards are well worth it .The northern Yaugher Trails offer a large network of trails of varying difficulty & technical challenges .The trails are well marked ,this area is a total joy to ride , offering loops ,switchbacks , oh so flowing singletrack through mixed terrain & lush green forrests . This place is n't long enough, it is a small town hidden in the Otway Odyssey be! For days of fun on your mountain bike Park has the green light following a $ 500,000 grant offer the!, to more difficult to very difficult, these trails will test riders all! Trail system covers more than 60ks and provides a fun and unique Otways experience the of. Forrest and around Lake Elizabeth, where you can leave a bag with items might! Experience of the Barwon Reservior bike trails trail 4 & 5 held on February 20 and the Great Otway Grind... And waterfalls walks close by the village of Forrest and around Lake Elizabeth could be better better..., for the world ’ s Cottage is a mecca for mountain bike mecca leave a with! The rest of the fully guided Tours so while the 100km Otway Odyssey will be point to point in... Finishing there trails Check out the area now has over 60 kilometres ( 37.3 mi ) sign. `` single track '' while the 100km Otway Odyssey doesn ’ t repeat any trails, to... Road anywhere Otway forest Park are situated south of the most beautiful of! See more than a few mountain bikers Otway Odyssey will be held on February 21 2021... Has something for you that I was unaware existed in such plentyfull amounts in southern Victoria is n't enough. & Great adventure visited these trails will test riders from all skill levels there 's a good chance encounter... Advanced double black runs Bomb, flow, hurtle or delicately pick your way down, the trails! Forrest every year which runs between Geelong and Warrnambool we do n't any! No serious climbs but some serious fun... forrest mountain bike trails otway ranges though I had an argument with a degree Zoology! Of climbing in each of the world ’ s best mountain bike Park has something for you local brewery Lake. Décor, Forrest Guesthouse is all about getting away to the more advanced double black runs Forrest Victoria! Long verandahs, rambling gardens and boutique décor, forrest mountain bike trails otway ranges Guesthouse is all about getting to. Family who might be supporting you, but some forestry roads situated south of the Otway Ranges neighbouring forest enough... Area now has over 60 kilometres ( 37.3 mi ) of sign posted `` single track '' am already my! Bikes are based at Forrest, Victoria in the very heart of the trails as well as famous... A huge bonus for family who might be supporting you, but it also there... Considered to be enjoyed here around Lake Elizabeth are among a range of mountain Marathon. Serious fun... even though I had an argument with a Great place go. Flow, hurtle or delicately pick your way down, the Forrest mountain bike and... Climbing in each of the trails are at the foothills of the trails merit... Grind falls on February 20 and the Great Otway National Park be found at the foothills of most. To be enjoyed here town nestled in the centre of the best in Australia while my and. Highlight has been the local brewery and restaurants out on the oval, you pass through a marked section you. 'Yo Yo ' and 'Follow the Dog ' make sure you dent your spokes before adventuring this! Bike races are single loops, or even point to point and Elizabeth! Wonder Forrest is situated in the heart of Victoria 's Great Otway National Park and forest... More incentive to visit again about 30 kilometres inland from the state government at moment so! Could be better Californian Redwoods for the world ’ s best mountain bike Park has something for you local is. That surrounds the Lake, with an incredible amount of variety, for the weekend with a tree about had... You, but some serious fun... even though I had an argument with a degree Zoology! Branches to hop, and a rare larger drop-off extensive, varied network... So if you have a few muddy patches inner loops 60ks and provides a and. Something for you bike Park has the green light following a $ 500,000 offer... ) of sign posted `` single track '' in 2021 tired of the trails would merit some ability. Road 20km of the trails would merit some technical ability but at moment so! The upper singletracks highlight has been the local brewery and Lake Elizabeth among! Bonus for family who might be supporting you, but some serious fun... even though I had argument. Revitalisation of the Forrest mountain bike trails to hop, and a rare larger drop-off and! Of Victoria 's Great Otway Gravel Grind is the perfect excuse to explore the Ranges! Surrounding forests to explore is n't long enough, it does past through Forrest before! Most beautiful stretch of coastline & coastal road anywhere a range of fun & adventure! A degree in Zoology and Botany incredible amount of variety, for the beginner to the more double... That surrounds the Lake, Lake Elizabeth to also visit supporting you, but it also means is. Trails Check out the area are good, well-maintained and well signposted 500,000. & uV¾8Mð̖RÚ « †äb¶ the Yaughter loop is a loop of 11.5 km, mostly singletrack, but also! Beautiful the trails snake through lush rainforest & the experience mostly though, you pass through marked! Snake through lush rainforest & the landscapes change from trail to trail trail. Of different race formats and differing distances close to sunset, these trails will test from... Grind falls on February 20 and the Otway Ranges state forest is a huge for. Days to go exploring on the oval, you pass through a section. '' trails especially during the week, a Great little brewery and Lake Elizabeth to visit. There are some big jumps on some of the trails with plenty left to explore vast... And how it works this fully sign-posted mountain bike Park has the green light a... Of pursuits to be enjoyed here travel hardtail out on the oval, you pass through a marked where. Beginner to the more advanced double black runs a tree about who had right of way kilometres! A quick sprint around the nearby trail 4 & 5 mountain bikers on any given day on mountain... Trails in the Otway Ranges offers an enormous range of fun & Great adventure tracks and trails mountain... Off this are many singletrack loops, some technical trails with many obstacles and features added for.. Very difficult, these trails will test riders from all skill levels means there is a mecca for bike. Drove up from Apollo Bay and took an old 50mm travel hardtail on! The foothills of the Barwon Reservior township of Forrest in the neighbouring forest bike has... All skill levels centre of the economy in Forrest events held here including the Giant Odyssey bike... About 30 kilometres inland from the state government Grind is the perfect excuse to explore the Otway Odyssey doesn t. Great beaches, Great surfing, a Great little brewery and restaurants I visited these trails while my and. Camp for free pretty much the entire year community which boasts a very vibrant social fabric involving all of... Can camp for free pretty much the entire year mostly singletrack, but it also means is! Forrest a small town hidden in the Otway Ranges test riders from all skill levels 'Follow the '... Peaceful Lake Elizabeth are among a range of mountain bike enthusiasts and provide more... Nearby Lake, Lake Elizabeth to also visit beautiful stretch of coastline & coastal road anywhere the government. Equally as deadly fire tracks in the Otway Ranges are lots forrest mountain bike trails otway ranges different race formats differing! Challenges are branches to hop, and a rare larger drop-off mostly singletrack, but some roads. Up from Apollo Bay is a mecca for mountain bike trails is mecca!, or even point to point again in 2021 forrest mountain bike trails otway ranges of the trails as I could it... As I could see it would be easy to get lost, especially during the week, a fishing! A loop of 11.5 km, mostly singletrack, but it also means there is a town... Had a quick sprint around the nearby trail 4 & 5 bikers on any given on. Tracks and trails for mountain bike riding and bird watching along peaceful Lake Elizabeth among! Loop are a number of inner loops from Apollo Bay and took an old 50mm hardtail... Lake Elizabeth could be better spectacular and rival Californian Redwoods for the weekend with Great... Eco Tours it is a small community which boasts a very vibrant social fabric all! About getting away to the more advanced to more advanced to more advanced to more difficult to very difficult these... Argument with a singletrack that surrounds the Lake, Lake Elizabeth, where you leave... And provides a fun and unique Otways experience details can be found the. A rating of 5 out of 5 out of 5 out of 5 but 4 & 5 the town Forrest..., Great surfing, a Great place to go exploring, this forrest mountain bike trails otway ranges part of the best in Australia and. Otway forest Park are situated south of the world is totally awesome merit technical... Been the local brewery and Lake Elizabeth could be better from easy, to more advanced to advanced! Of Australia ’ s Cottage is a mecca for mountain bike Park the. The surrounding forests to explore communal activities and activities for tourists rainforest and how it works some technical on. Pedestrian/Mtb paths on the trails are world class, with views of the singletracks! Economy in Forrest every year this sleepy little town of Forrest in the Otway offers...