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 The route is 31km long and has 830 vert metres. At an average speed of 13.5kmph, it will take approximately 2:18 hours. 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 up onto the … 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