Old growth tree on the Garvey Track

On the easterly slopes of the Otways Ranges near Lorne and bordering the coast, the Angahook-Lorne State Park protects some of Victoria’s most beautiful forests. The vegetation of this 26,000-hectare park is mainly characterised by wet, temperate rainforests of Blue Gum, Mountain Ash and Messmate. As the moisture laden southwesterly winds coming off the Great Southern Ocean are intercepted by the Otway Ranges, they bring high rainfall, which nurtures the floristically diverse rainforests. The north eastern section of the park gives way to heathland on sandy soils where the rainfall levels decrease. The plant communities are also of particular interest as the heathlands have affinities with the Grampians while the wet forests show links with those of Tasmania.

Not only are this park and the general area superb for birding but the scenery of the Great Ocean Road and the waterfalls and forest of the eastern slopes of the Otways are internationally famous. Many species, such as Superb Lyrebird and Pilotbird, found in the temperate forests east of Melbourne are absent from the Otways forests but a number of other highly sought after species, notably Rufous Bristlebird, can be more easily found here.

How to get there

Getting to the park is a highlight of the trip itself! From Melbourne take the Princes Freeway to Geelong; from Geelong follow the signs to the Great Ocean Road to the seaside resort of Lorne. The distance is about 150 kilometres from Melbourne. The magnificent coastal vistas along the road are not to be missed. The less scenic alternative is to take the Princes Highway to Birregurra and follow the signs to Lorne. Along the Great Ocean Road keep an eye out for Pacific Gull, Caspian Tern and Oystercatchers on the beaches and Singing and New Holland Honeyeaters in the coastal heath. There are some good areas for birding in the park behind Airey’s Inlet but the best birding is near Lorne. Turn inland at Lorne and follow the signs to the Angahook-Lorne State Park.

There are also daily V/Line bus services to Lorne from Geelong. Ring 13 2232 for more details.

There is an extensive network of 2WD and 4WD tracks throughout the park, some are closed during winter.

Where to go birding

This is a large park and there are many areas of interest for the bush walker or the day-tripper as well as the dedicated birder. There are a number of excellent walks including those to the Cora Lynn Falls and the Moggs Creek Track but the best birding is to be found at the Sheoak Picnic Ground and along Sharp’s Track, both within a 15 minute drive from Lorne. At the picnic ground it is possible to see Gang Gang Cockatoo, Satin Bowerbird or Bassian Thrush. The best birding is undoubtedly found at nearby Sharp’s Track, though. Follow the signposts to Sheoak Picnic Ground along the Allenvale Road from Lorne (in the early morning Red-necked Wallabies can regularly be seen on the road), just before the picnic ground turn right on to Sharp’s Track. It is closed in winter but a 2WD vehicle can easily traverse the first ten or so kilometres at other times of year. The track follows a ridge with rich rainforest in the valleys on either side and a more open woodland community with a heathy understorey on the ridge itself. In the early morning the melodious calls of the resident Rufous Bristlebirds will certainly be heard and invariably the birds will make an appearance on the track. Other birds of interest include Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo, Brush Bronzewing, Australian King Parrot, Blue-winged Parrot (in spring and summer often seen feeding on the track), White-throated Needletail (summer), a range of honeyeaters including Crescent as well as Rose Robin, Crested Shrike-tit, the Otway race of Grey Currawong and Forest Raven. In the valleys below, which can best be accessed by the Canyon Track near the Allenvale Road-Sharp’s Track intersection, it is possible to find the elusive Olive Whistler or Bassian Thrush. With more luck the partly diurnal Dusky Antechinus may be seen running across the trail. Spotlighting on Sharp’s Track can be very rewarding – the large hollow-bearing trees in the valleys provide homes for good numbers of the very vocal and unusual Yellow-bellied Glider as well as Powerful and Masked Owl (with lots of luck). Southern Boobook and Australian Owlet-Nightjar are common and even Feathertail Glider is a possibility here. Spot-tailed Quoll and Long-nosed Potoroo have also been recorded in the park.

Where to stay

There is plenty to choose from in this highly tourist-dependent area. In the park itself there are camping areas (without facilities) at a number of sites including Sharp’s Track. The Parks Victoria site will give you more information, you can also download a map of the tracks. In Lorne itself there is a multitude of hotels, motels and guesthouses. For those seeking a higher degree of comfort with a bit more solitude

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