Lavers Hill

Lavers Hill is a scenic stop along the Great Ocean Road. From here, you can enjoy views of rolling hills and forested areas of the Otway Ranges. The town lies on the Great Ocean Road between Port Campbell and Apollo Bay; roads also branch off towards Cobden and Colac.

Rainforest and glow-worms at Melba Gully

Melba Gully is dense rainforest. Its vegetation includes myrtle beech, blackwood and tree ferns; the understory consists of low ferns and mosses. During a visit, you can look out for both the tall tree ferns and the lower-growing vegetation. The Madsen’s Track Nature Walk starts at the Melba Gully picnic area and is listed as taking 35 minutes. Track conditions can change, so check them before setting out.

It is also worth looking along the walking tracks at night, when glow-worms may be seen. However, their visibility can depend on seasonal conditions. If you plan for this natural spectacle, treat it as a possibility rather than a guaranteed sighting.

Short experiences with different character

In Lavers Hill, Fauna Australia offers a 30-minute Koala Experience where visitors can take their own photos. It includes a covered photo area, and the experience is available in all weather. Together with the 35-minute Madsen’s Track Nature Walk, this gives you two different time slots: a rainforest walk and a koala experience with the opportunity to take your own photos. Both activities have a specific duration that you can factor into your day’s plans.

Dining and evenings at The Perch

The Perch focuses on farm-to-plate dining and sources from local fishers, farmers and producers, as well as its own farm. Menus and sourcing arrangements may evolve. The venue also hosts regular live music and quiz nights. As you should not assume specific event dates, check the schedule before visiting.

Lavers Hill offers different aspects of a stay: on the nature trails, you can explore the rainforest and the possibility of seeing glow-worms; at The Perch, the focus is on regional cuisine and regular events. Which of these matters most to you may influence your choice of a holiday rental in Lavers Hill.

Getting your bearings in town and the surrounding area

The Drift is a striking wooden sculpture at the intersection of the Great Ocean Road and Colac Road. It evokes the marine environment, prehistoric skeletal discoveries, shipwrecks and the region’s agricultural machinery. Along with its location between Port Campbell and Apollo Bay and the roads towards Cobden and Colac, this artwork provides another point of reference for finding your way around.

Near the destination, Johanna Beach Campground lies south of Lavers Hill. The heated swimming pool at the Cliff Young School and Community Recreational Centre is available to paying community members when it is not being used by the college. Before visiting, you can check the college’s 2026 swimming pool and gym usage guide. These conditions are important if you plan to use the pool.

This makes it possible to choose a holiday rental based on the activities you are most interested in during your stay.

For the broader travel overview: Colac Otway Shire.