How to spend a weekend in Forrest in the Otway Ranges

It’s a tiny township in the Otway Ranges renowned for its mountain bike trails and the elusive platypus, but there are plenty of other activities to keep you occupied — and well-fed — in Forrest.

Hire a canoe, take a nature walk or hike around beautiful Lake Elizabeth.

A tiny township in the Otway Ranges, Forrest is renowned for its wealth of mountain bike trails.

But there are plenty of other activities to keep you occupied during a stay in the town, 160km southwest of Melbourne,

Here’s how to spend a weekend in the town nestled in the Great Ocean Road hinterland, amid some of the most stunning ancient rainforests.

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PLATYPUS WATCH

Indulge in nature walks and hiking around Lake Elizabeth, where you can also enjoy bird watching. Take a canoe out at dawn or dusk to see platypus in their natural habitat. platypustours.net.au

Take a canoe trip at dawn or dusk to see if you can catch a glimpse of the elusive platypus in its natural habitat around Lake Elizabeth.

GET ON YOUR BIKE

The bushland also features a diverse range of bike trails, considered to be among the best in the state, and there is an easy rail trail to follow on the way to Birregurra as well.

TIME FOR A COLD ONE

Head to the Forrest Brewing Company (26 Grant St) in the centre of town for a cold beer and a bite to eat.

A popular hangout for mountain bikers, the brew house has a delightful rustic charm.

The brewery is a family-run business, which serves regional produce.

Or pop into the Forrest General Store (33 Grant St) and fuel up with some tasty comfort food before hitting the trails.

After a big day out, relax and recharge with food and drink in the rustic surrounds of the Forrest Brewing Company.

SWEET TREATS

Get your sweet fix at the Platypi Chocolate cafe (73 Grant St) where you can savour many of their handmade treats while relaxing among the trees and birdlife.

OVERNIGHT SENSATION

Find somewhere to stay in and out of town, with the Forrest Guesthouse (16 Grant St) a perfect getaway.

There are cottage-style options and even a vintage train carriage converted into a three-bedroom house (Sanderson Lane).

SOUP FEST

The June long weekend is a great time to get outdoors and enjoy the very best of nature, not to mention a hearty cup of soup.

The annual Forrest Soupfest is held at the town’s recreation reserve on Sunday, June 9.

Now in its 14th year, the day features competitions for homemade soups, jams conserves, pickles, chutney, wine and beer.

This year the festival is introducing masterclasses to learn about the health benefits of eating soup, fermenting winter vegetables as well as making sourdough bread and master stock demonstrations.

There will also be lots of free activities and market stalls to explore. Entry is a gold coin donation, and bring your own cup as Soupfest aims to become a waste-free festival.