Gravel Grind Forrest & The Otways

Forrest and the surrounding Otway Ranges are the perfect gravel grind destination. Quiet gravel roads winding up and down the peaks, lush temperate rainforest, and rolling green hills mean your ride is always insta-worthy. Choose a route that suits you, minimal vert and easy navigation, or get ready to climb and take the road less travelled. Always take more food and water than you think you need, tools and spares, a back up charger for your phone and always let someone know where you're heading. Mobile reception can be limited in some of the hills and gullies nearby.

We will be adding more rides to this page regularly so check back. You can also follow the Otway Gravel Grinders facebook page for social rides or more route suggestions.

Click the Table Headings to sort by Name, Distance, Vertical Metres or Route Type.

Route Name	Distance	Vert Metres	Loop/Point to Point
Thompsons Loop	31	830	Loop
Pipeline Track	25	646	Loop
EC Loop	39	870	Loop
Kawarren Loop AC/	48	850	Loop
Forrest to Apollo Bay - Sunnyside Down	50	880	Point to Point
Barramunga Loop	20	430	Loop
Dewings Bridge Loop	26	320	Loop

Dewings Bridge Rd Loop

Dewings Bridge Rd Loop This loop heads north of Forrest to Barwon Downs and beyond. This loop takes you out into green rolling hills and is a great loop for those seeking less vert. There is one short section on bitumen between the end of the Tiger Rail Trail and Barwon Downs so be mindful … Read more

Barramunga Loop

Barramunga Loop This loop takes you out up Roadknight Creek Rd, but from there you head South West on Barramunga-Roadknight Rd till you reach Upper Gellibrand Road. This road would take you to Stevensons Falls if you want, but for the 20km loop, turn left which takes you back to the Forrest-Apollo Bay Rd. From … Read more

Forrest to Apollo Bay – Sunnyside Down

Forrest to Apollo Bay – Sunnyside Down This is one of my favourite ways to get to Apollo Bay…. if you haven’t ridden Sunnyside Rd, you need to pop it on the list. The section leaving the Forrest-Apollo Bay Rd is just stunning forest with tall slender gums and ferns everywhere. Once Sunnyside intersects with … Read more

Kawarren Loop AC

Kawarren Loop AC The Kawarren Loop AC takes in a variety of views as you wind out of town through paddocks. Following a section of the Old Beechy Rail Trail, you will find yourself rolling down green gullies and past points of historical interest. From Kawarren East, you head back up into the dry Eucalypt … Read more

Thompsons Loop

Thompsons Loop Stats The route is 31km long and has 830 vert metres. At an average speed of 13.5kmph, it will take approximately 2:18 hours. Course Terrain This loop track will take you right up into the Otway ranges, through the tall gum forests, overlooking steep mountain valleys. The first 13km is a steady climb … Read more

The EC Loop

The EC Loop – Sunnyside/Kaanglang I’ve named the EC Loop after the local legend who rides this loop regularly for training. She can smash this out in under 2 hours… as of Sep 2020, my best time is 2:20 so still a way to go to catch her! Stats The course has 870 vert metres … Read more

Pipeline Track Loop

Pipeline Track Loop, Kawarren The Pipeline Track loop is an easy introduction into gravel grinds in the Otways. Stats Just shy of 25km, 646 elevation, this loop will take about 1.5 hr at an average speed of 17kmph. Most of the climbing is at the start on Roadknight Creek rd. Course Terrain You start with … Read more