a place of wonder

where ancient forest meets

homestead lifestyle

Welcome to The Source, Otways

…a place to rest, explore and connect with yourself, your loved ones and pristine wilderness. Sprawling over 135 acres, this unique property borders the Great Otways National Park and the Otway Forest Park, and is also at the headwaters of Skenes Creek, featuring 5 magnificent waterfal, one in a hidden Grotto that comes alive with glow worms at night.Situated in the highest rainfall region in Victoria, it’s a habitat for the most western temperate rainforest on mainland Australia, with ancient mossy covered forest filled with giant trees, ferns and lichen.

Native Antarctic Myrtle Beech once covered this region, but sadly, there remains only 11.8 square km of pure Myrtle Beech rainforest on public land in the Otways, due to unsustainable grazing, mining, and logging practices. We take inspiration from and pay deep respects to Gadubanud (meaning King Parrot) people, who were the indigenous Australian custodians of this land and lived in harmony with it for thousands of years. So, we decided to practice permaculture on our modest farm and commit the vast majority of this pristine private land to conservation for wildlife and preserve its fragile and unique ecosystem.

Come stay in the heart of this magnificent Otway region, whilst being just 15 minutes from the stunning beaches of the Great Ocean Road and vibrant Apollo Bay community.

Download the map of The Source, Otways here

Nature greets you right at the gate - as you come up the tree-lined driveway, look out for Barry, the resident Koala, and the Hereford cows on the nearby paddocks rich in volcanic soil, who curiously greet the visitors.

If you are a large family or group of friends enjoy staying at the spacious Homestead. Those looking for a romantic escape or a quiet getaway with kids, will enjoy staying at the Cottage. And if you’re up for something different, experience glamping in the EcoPod, or just pitch your tent on one of the tucked away sites.

With over 100 acres of lovingly tendered spectacular old-growth temperate rainforest to discover, set out on a brief or a day-long adventure, following kilometers of world class walking tracks, timber boardwalks, bridges and steps that meander through The Source rainforest. Walk past 300-year-old Mountain Ash, magnificent Myrtle Beech and ancient ferns, follow the tracks to each of the 5 private Waterfalls, one of which is over 30m high, and another in The Grotto that comes alive with glow worms at night. Or pack a picnic and enjoy the afternoon relaxing and splashing around in in the crystal-clear waters at the Rainforest Pavilion, suspended over the Creek.

If you’re a bird watcher, you’re sure to enjoy seeing the Australian King Parrots, Galahs, Crimson and Eastern Rosellas, Laughing Kookaburras, Sulphur-Crested and Yellow-Tailed Black Cockatoos, New Holland Honeyeaters, Eastern Yellow Robins, Superb Fairy-Wrens and the magnificent Wedgetailed Eagles that are often spotted on the property. Also, be prepared for a remarkable wildlife encounters – from Koalas, Short-Beaked Echidnas, Grey Kangaroos and Southern Rock Wallabies, to Glow Worms and the endangered Otway Black Snails.

At The Source, Otways you are sure to fall under the magical spell of ancient trees, untamed creatures and waterfall wonder.

Come, discover magic!