Imagine walking through an ancient rainforest, 25 metres above the ground, while your kids spot giant ferns below and a fairy village tucked between the trees. That’s Otway Fly Treetop Adventures — and it’s one of the best family experiences on the Great Ocean Road.
We’ve visited twice as a family — once with younger kids and once with teenagers — and it absolutely delivers both times. Here’s everything a parent needs to know before you go.
Where Is Otway Fly Treetop Adventures?
Otway Fly is deep in the Otway Ranges, about 2.5 hours from Melbourne via the Princes Highway through Colac and Gellibrand, or about 3.5 hours along the Great Ocean Road through Lorne and Apollo Bay. It sits right next to Triplet Falls, so you can combine both into a full day out.
The address is 360 Phillips Track, Weeaproinah — plug it into your maps before you leave because phone reception gets patchy in the forest.
What Is Otway Fly Treetop Adventures?
There are two main experiences at Otway Fly:
The Treetop Walk — a 600-metre elevated steel walkway that takes you 25 to 30 metres above the forest floor, winding through the rainforest canopy. The highlight is the 47-metre Spiral Tower, where you climb up through the treetops and get views that will take your breath away. The full walk including the rainforest trail is 1.9 kilometres and takes about 1-1.5 hours, depending on how frequently you stop.
The Zipline Tour — a 2.5-hour guided adventure where you fly between “cloud stations” up to 30 metres above the forest floor. More on this below.
The Treetop Walk: What to Expect with Kids
The walk itself suits all ages. Prams are welcome, though it’s worth knowing the paths are not paved — it’s a natural forest environment — so a sturdy all-terrain pram works better than a lightweight stroller. Children under 2 are free.
The Spiral Tower is the highlight of the walk (and not pram-accessible). You climb up a winding staircase through the canopy and emerge at 47 metres — higher than you’d expect, with views over the entire forest.
For little ones, the climb is exciting but the height of the bars and rails may mean that they’re only able to see through the railings rather than over them. Also, it feels very high, so use your judgement if your child is sensitive to heights.
The cantilever section stretches out above Young’s Creek and sways gently — it’s thrilling rather than scary (unless you’re watching it bounce from below).
One honest tip: the walk back to the carpark and visitor centre at the end is all uphill and longer than you’d expect. Little legs will feel it. Bring snacks and water for afterwards and factor in some recovery time. The cafe and toilets are a welcome sight when you get back (note there are no toilets while you’re in the forest, so go before you leave for your walk).
The Enchanted Forest: The Secret Highlight for Little Kids
If you’re visiting with children under 10, the Enchanted Forest might just be their favourite part of the whole day. Tucked into a little nook along the adventure trail, it’s a world of whimsical fairy villages, tiny houses hidden in tree roots, and photo moments around every corner.
The Zipline Tour: What Parents Need to Know
The zipline is a 2.5-hour guided adventure, zipping between cloud stations up to 30 metres above the forest floor.
I’ll be honest — I sat this one out (heights aren’t my thing!). But if you’ve got adventurous kids over 125cm and a brave adult to go with them, it looks spectacular and the reviews are glowing.
Here are a few important things to know before you book for your family.
Age and Height Requirements
- Minimum height: 125cm
- Maximum weight: 117kg fully clothed
- Children under 15 must be accompanied on the course by a paying adult aged 18 or over
- Children aged 16 and above can go unaccompanied as long as a guardian is present onsite
- Participants need to be able to perform 5 consecutive deep squats and hold the flying position for 5 seconds — staff will assess this at check-in
What to Wear for the Zipline
Closed-toe shoes are mandatory — sneakers or trainers only. No sandals, thongs or heels. Wear comfortable activewear with a full range of movement. Gloves are mandatory — you can bring your own or buy a pair onsite for $5.
Important: Zipline Tickets are Non-Refundable
Book carefully and check the terms and conditions before purchasing. The zipline does not operate in severe weather like lightning or very high winds, in which case an alternate date will be offered.
The zipline is not suitable for people with vertigo or extreme fear of heights, heart conditions, or certain physical injuries — check the full list on the Otway Fly website before booking.
Otway Fly Practical Info for Families
Opening Hours
Every day 9am–5pm, last entry 3:30pm. Closed Christmas Day.
How Long Does It Take?
Allow at least 1-1.5 hours for the Treetop Walk. If you’re adding the zipline, allow 2.5 hours for that on top — and note that if you’re booked into an afternoon zipline session, arrive at least 1.5 hours before your tour time so you can do the Treetop Walk first.
Food and Drinks
The onsite cafe is open 10am–3pm and has a takeaway menu including some gluten free and vegan options. Please note that BYO food, picnics and alcohol are not permitted on the premises. Pack snacks in the car for after — the kids will be hungry on the drive out.
Parking
The main carpark holds 200+ vehicles including motorhomes and caravans. It’s a short 300-metre walk from the carpark to the visitor centre.
Phone Reception
Very limited onsite. Download your tickets and take a screenshot before you leave home. There’s no guarantee you’ll be able to pull up an email on arrival.
Retail Shop
There’s a small shop in the visitor centre with souvenirs, kids’ toys including science and dinosaur ranges, and biodegradable ponchos for rainy days — handy in the Otways!
Prams and Accessibility
Prams are welcome on the Treetop Walk, though paths are unpaved. The Spiral Tower is stair access only. A courtesy cart is available to help guests get to and from the start of the walk — ask ticket staff on arrival. Accessible parking is available near the visitor centre.
What to Wear: The Family Packing List
Closed-toe shoes for everyone (mandatory for zipline, strongly recommended for the walk too)
Layers — the rainforest is cool and shaded even on warm days
Rain jacket — the Otways are one of the wettest places in Victoria!
Water bottles
Snacks for the car home
Gloves if doing the zipline (or buy a pair for $5 onsite)
Camera
Tips for Visiting Otway Fly with Kids
Book the treetop walk online before you go. You can buy tickets on the day, but zipline tours can sell out so don’t risk it if that’s on your list.
Go to the toilet before you start the walk. There are no toilets once you leave the visitors centre.
Start with the Enchanted Forest. It builds excitement for younger kids during the big walk.
Wear the right shoes from the start. Thongs won’t work here — closed-toe shoes for everyone, even for the walk.
Factor in the uphill return. The walk back is all uphill. Little kids will need encouragement. Teens will be fine but may complain anyway!
Go in winter or spring. The Otway rainforest is spectacular year-round but particularly lush and moody in the cooler months. Less crowded too.
Combine with Triplet Falls. It’s right next door and one of the easiest waterfall walks in the Otways — a perfect add-on for a full day out.
What Else Is There to Do Nearby?
Otway Fly sits in the heart of the Otways, so there’s no shortage of things to do nearby. Triplet Falls is a short drive away and easy with kids. The Great Otway National Park has dozens of walking tracks.
Apollo Bay is about 40 minutes away for fish and chips on the beach. Check out our full guide to things to do in Apollo Bay with kids for more ideas.
FAQs: Otway Fly with Kids
Is Otway Fly suitable for young children?
Yes — the Treetop Walk is suitable for all ages including babies in prams. Children under 2 are free. The Enchanted Forest is a particular highlight for young children.
What is the minimum age for the zipline?
There’s no set minimum age, but children must be at least 125cm tall. Under 15s must be accompanied on the course by a paying adult aged 18 or over. 16 and 17 year olds can go unaccompanied as long as a guardian is present onsite.
Can I bring a pram?
Yes, prams are welcome on the Treetop Walk. Paths are unpaved (natural forest floor) so a sturdy pram is recommended over a lightweight stroller.
How long should I allow for a family visit?
Allow at least 1-1.5 hours for the Treetop Walk. Add 2.5 hours if you’re doing the zipline.
Do I need to book in advance?
Online booking is strongly recommended, especially for the zipline which can sell out. Treetop Walk tickets can be purchased on the day but it’s easier to book ahead.
What if it rains?
Both the Treetop Walk and Zipline operate in rain. The attraction only closes in severe conditions like lightning or extreme winds. Pack a rain jacket — the Otways are known for it!
Is there food available?
Yes, the onsite cafe is open 10am–3pm with a takeaway menu. BYO food and picnics are not permitted onsite.
How far is Otway Fly from Melbourne?
About 2.5 hours via the Princes Highway through Colac, or 3.5 hours along the Great Ocean Road.
Otway Fly: Our Verdict
Otway Fly is one of those rare attractions that works for kids at every age. Younger kids are enchanted by the fairy village and the feeling of being up in the trees. Older kids and teens love the Spiral Tower and — for the brave ones — the zipline. Parents get to walk through one of the most beautiful rainforests in Victoria.
A must-do experience!
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This article contains affiliate links. If you book through our links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Our visit was hosted by Great Ocean Road Regional Tourism. All opinions are our own.
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