Mait's Rest
     This is one of the Otways true gems.  The walk takes you through ancient Cool Temperate Rainforest.  Dotted with Myrtle Beech, a tree that was around during the dinosaurs.  The wonderful arches formed by their roots are due to the trees germinating in tree ferns and growing down.  Tree ferns are an ideal location to germinate for these delicate trees.  The arches are also a popular spot for wedding photos.

     Many of the crowns of the Mountain Ash have died and broken off.  This is due to past droughts.  As the trees have to draw water to their crowns, sometimes up to 80 - 100 metres from the forest floor.  In severe droughts they die off.  Over time the strong coastal wind breaks them off.  Over the years, rain, weather and termites hollow the trees.  They then become ideal homes for the Yellow-bellied Gliders, Spotted-tailed Quolls or a nesting site for the Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo.

     Situated on the Great Ocean Road between Apollo Bay and Cape Otway.

 

© Fauna Australia Wildlife Retreat 2009