Sometimes you just need a quick getaway. Maybe you've only got time to stay one night... Here's what we recommend you include in your one night escape....
2.00pm: Self check-in to your suite. Grab a piece of fruit for a snack. Put on your walking shoes.
2:30pm Drive to Stevenson's Falls car park (15 mins one way). Spend the next 30-45 mins completing the easy return walk to the beautiful falls.
4.00pm: Head to the Forrest Brewery to meet your guide for your pre-booked Platypus tour. Your guide will take you in convoy to Lake Elizabeth, then lead you on the hike to the lake. This walk is beautiful but has some steep sections. The tour is then conducted using kayaks on the lake and goes until dusk. After a hot drink lakeside, your guide will provide you with a torch and you can commence the walk back to the car, stopping off to check out glow worms on the way. (Tours are available at dawn and dusk and times change with the seasons.)
Dinner: Fill your belly with a delicious meal from the Forrest Brewery Company. Lots of local produce, like Otway Pasta or seafood from the Great Ocean Road, can be found on the menu. Meals are generous, and there is a broad drinks list including ciders, wines and beer. For beer lovers, a tasting paddle is a great way to sample all the beers produced in the onsite microbrewery.
Next day:
Cook your bacon and eggs, eat your pastries or fill up on cereal, toast and yoghurt.
9.00am: Bring your bike and get out on the trails! Try out the skills park just up the road and cruise around Track 4 Rollercoaster and Track 1 Forrest Loop, both are green trails suitable for beginners. If you want more of a challenge, ride Track 2 up to Lake Elizabeth and ride the famous Red Carpet (track 3) back down. Check out our other ride recommendations here.
10.30am: Return your bikes and pop home for a quick shower before check out. You can always check with us if a later checkout is available. You might be checking out but the fun doesn't have to end there....
11.00am: Head to Platypi Chocolate for morning tea. Their hot chocolate is their signature drink, but there are plenty of other chocolates and delights to tempt you. Dairy free and savoury options available.
11.45am: Lose yourself in the 5 rooms of treasures that are tucked away in Forrest's own vintage and antique shop.
Lunch: Head to the Forrest General Store. Em and Ash are always producing delicious food like home made pies, slices or gourmet sandwiches. Their pies with homemade chutney go down a treat! You can always buy some local produce such as jams, brownies, pasta, gifts or Otways Distillery Gin, Vodka, or Limoncello to take home with you.
When it's time to head off home, why not look up other businesses on the Otway Harvest Trail to visit on your way home?