I recently paid a visit to the magnificent Otway Fly treetop walk in Beech Forest, Victoria, and was most impressed. Located near Victoria’s famous Great Ocean Road, the Otway Fly offers the visitor a unique opportunity to walk through the canopy of a forest, as well as explore the forest floor.
The Otway Fly consists of a 600 metre long, 25 metre high, elevated tree-top walk which passes through a stand of cool temperate rainforest dominated by Myrtle Beech (Nothofagus cunninghamii), Blackwood (Acacia melanoxylon) and Mountain Ash (Eucalyptus regnans).
The walk commenced with a moderately steep decent into the cool forest, before I arrived at the treetop walk. As I proceeded along the walkway, I quickly found myself amongst the upper canopy of the trees. From this vantage point, I was able to study the epiphytic vegetation that grows on the trees (such as Kangaroo Ferns [Microsorum pustulatum] and various mosses), as well as appreciate the tree canopies and look down to the forest floor below. The view really was quite impressive!
One of the highlights of the Otway Fly is the 45 metre tower (1oo metres above ground), which affords a magnificent view of the forest from the very tops of the trees. I spent quite some time up there, taking in the view!
It must be stated that people who are anxious about heights should be careful. The walking structure is designed to take some sway, and therefore the vibrations of others on the walk can be felt throughout the structure. The tower is accessed by a very narrow spiral staircase which lacks resting points. However, the structure is entirely safe, having been constructed in 2003 and costing $6.5 million to build.
After the tree-top walk, the path took me to the forest floor, where I could explore the terrestrial vegetation including the magnificent tree ferns. There were also some interesting fungi growing when I visited.
The walk back up to the tourist centre was moderately steep, but taken at pace was still quite enjoyable. There is a coffee shop on site, which sells a selection of foods and has a nice outdoor eating area. Entry to the venue is $22.
Here are a few photos from my recent visit:
Further reason to holiday west. We went on a fly walk in Tasmania. It was very good. They give a whole new perspective.
This article once again demonstrates your ability to give information in a way that makes facts clear, and interesting.
The trip on the Otway Fly would be a highlight I am sure, but, as you say, not for those with an aversion to heights. This makes reading your blog so good for all who would not take the trip. With the added interest you have in flora, a most worthwhile outing.