Rainforest Dream

As a storyteller, I'm always seeking places that inspire my photography, and the Great Ocean Road never fails to deliver. So my wife, toddler daughter, and I packed our bags and headed to the Top House - a mountain cabin nestled in the rolling hills of the Otway National Park.

The towering Australian Mountain Ash and gumtrees surrounding us provided the perfect backdrop for our family time and photography inspiration. Despite the rainy days, we made the most of the outdoor spa and sauna to relax and unwind after exploring the forest walks, the famous Redwood Forest, Maist Rest, and Apollo Bay. The rainforest setting was a true storyteller's paradise, offering endless inspiration for photography and the perfect environment for quality family time.

Overall, the Top House was the perfect retreat for our family to disconnect and reconnect with nature and each other. Even the two days of rain couldn't dampen our spirits or stop us from enjoying all that this home offers. It's a destination that everyone should explore!

Things We Did

  • Forest
  • Café
  • Beach
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It's an amazing experience walking the Maits Rest sanctuary of Australian Mountain Ash, an incredible giant Gumtree that can reach over 100 meters.
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Apollo Bay is a place to explore several cafes and food experiences! A must-see town to explore on the Great Ocean Road.
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During cold days this is the perfect place to slow down and listen to the ocean! Great for yoga sessions, morning cold plunges, picnics, and walks.
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One-of-a-kind redwood forest in Australia, a truly unique place to visit and connect with nature!

Our Adventure Map

Where we stayed
Things we did

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Riparide Stories are authentic experiences shared by real travellers (who are handy with a camera). It's like reading your best friend's travel journal - packed with photos, honest reviews and visual itineraries.