Just 15 minutes away from the Great Ocean Road, is a beautiful bushland called the Otway National Park.
Traditionally grown in California, the Redwood trees can be found if you venture down an unused logging road. In the right conditions, these trees live to be the oldest in the world. They are very visually striking and distinctive. They have maroon-coloured trunks and towering branches.
How old are the Redwoods?
The redwoods in the Otway National Park are 85 years old.
These Californian-native Redwoods were planted in the National Park by the State Forestry Commission in the 1930s.
They scattered 461 seedlings from California in the hope that these trees would flourish and grow up the same way that the American trees grew. At the time, there was more wood needed for timber – now, of course, logging is prohibited. These trees are still in their youth.
A 2004 study has shown that these trees have the potential to tower at the same height as their Californian ancestors. Of course, like most Australian bushland there is always the risk of bushfire, pests, disease or even human disruption.
Amazingly, they have adapted to their surroundings, and they have thrived in the rich soils of the area. These nutrient-rich soils have helped these trees flourish.
How old is the National Park?
The Otway Ranges themselves are estimated to be around 30 million years old. They’ve freshly welcomed the birth of this foreign plant species. Yet despite their non-nativeness, the redwoods have managed to thrive and survive in this alien environment. Perhaps this is due to rich soils and nutrient-rich, fertile land.
Taking a walk through the Redwoods
The towering trees above make for a gorgeous walk through the woodland. The towering trees above are like botanical giants, creating trunk-lined corridors that surround your walk. The ground underneath is flat, and it’s easy to access the redwood trees.
Make your visit to the redwoods even more special by going in the early morning.
Or take an autumnal hike to see these gorgeous hues of dark orange trunks that contrast with the lush green bracken beneath. Your peaceful walk will be accompanied by a soft trickle of the creek which runs alongside the Otway National Park.
Just like every other natural spectacle in Australia, the Otway Redwoods offer a unique experience amongst interesting nature.
Trail around these giant trees
Check out some of the walks around the Otway National Park. Immerse yourself in nature to experience the enormity of these towering trees. The park offers some gorgeous peaceful trails, full of lush bushland and pretty waterfalls.
Make sure you include the Otway National Park as part of your Great Ocean Road adventure.
Managing Director at Sightseeing Tours Australia
Cameron Ward turned his travel passion into a thriving Australian tourism business. Before he co-founded his own business, Sightseeing Tours Australia, he was enjoying being a Melbourne tour guide. Even now, Cameron delights in helping visitors from all around the world get the most out of their incredible Australian trip. You’ll see Cameron leading tours or writing about his favourite Australian places where he shares his local insights.