Beech ForestBeech Forest Motel/Hotel (03) 5235 9220Main Rd Beech Forest VIC 3237. |
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 Beech Forest, 1902 - By Gustav Klimt |
Beech Forest is situated high on the ridge in the Otway Ranges between Lavers Hill and Forrest. It was
first settled by Europeans in the 1880s as a farming and logging area. Located 193 km south-west of Melbourne
it was only a matter of time after the opening of the Birregurra to Forrest railway line in 1891 before
the Government accepted a recommendation in 1898 to build a 2ft 6 inch narrow gauge railway from Colac to
Beech Forest. Completed in 1901 it was called the Beechy Line. The township achieved its main claim to fame
in 1983 when Cliff Young a 61-year-old potato
farmer out run younger competitors to win the Sydney to Melbourne ultra marathon.
Waterfalls - Melba Gully State Park All roads leaving Beech Forrest are dirt except for the Lavers Hill road. Turtons Track travels through the forest joining the Apollo Bay Road near Barramunga. The windy dirt road leading through tall rainforest seems endless until you hit the bitumen again. Hopetoun, Triplet and Beauchamp falls are all in close proximity to Turtons track. The Otway Fly have increased public awareness increasing the number of visitors to a region that has plenty to offer. Triplet Falls 4 km west of town is a cascade of water tumbling down over 3 rocky ledges. Colac 43km to the south can be reached on sealed roads by travelling west along the Lavers Hill road before turning right at the Wylangta intersection. |
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