The Otways

The Otways region in Victoria, Australia is not only a beautiful destination for nature-lovers and adventure-seekers, but it is also rich in history. The region showcases a plethora of wildlife, lush rainforests, and rugged coastlines. But, before the stunning beauty of the Otways appeared, many Indigenous Australians lived in the area for thousands of years. Local Indigenous Groups The tribes of the Otways were the Gadubanud and the Kolot, who were part of the broader Koorie Nations of southwest Victoria. Gadubanud Nation means "People Just Around Here," and they occupied the rugged and isolated country behind Cape Otway in Western Victoria as their tribal boundary. They are known for being the first to taste southern ocean whaling. The Kolot lived around Lake Corangamite and Lake Colac, extending to the Barwon River and Torquay. The Indigenous Australians saw the Otways' rugged and harsh environment as a challenging and opportunity-filled place. They were skilled in hunting, fishing, and gathering as a means of survival, as well as burning off sections of the forest to promote new plant growth. These practices enabled the land to remain healthy and maintained an equilibrium between the environment and people for thousands of years. Early European Settlement The first European explorers penetrated the Otway region during the early 1800s. The first shepherd, William Roadknight, established the first sheep run at Gellibrand River. However, European settlers soon faced significant obstacles due to the region's dense forests and rugged terrain. It made farming and transportation inadequate, and many settlers struggled to face life in the region's harsh environment. Logging quickly became an industry when Europeans arrived in the region as they found an abundance of timber. The Barwon Timber Mill Company opened in the early 1870s, and the Otway Forest Park was established in 1908, which led to the creation of many timber towns, including Beech Forest and Lavers Hill. The Great Ocean Road and World War II During World War II, the Great Ocean Road provided Australia with a vital link to its southern coastline. It was here that the Australian Army constructed many defense observation posts along the coast and some communication bunkers that remain to this day. The Otways and the Great Ocean Road arguably experience their most significant population boom following the completion of the iconic road in 1932. People flocked from all over Victoria to experience the stunning views, beaches, and forests that the region has to offer. The Future of Otways The region's economy today is driven by agriculture, tourism, and forestry, with towns like Lorne, Apollo Bay, and Colac serving as major population centers. The Otways is home to many endangered species such as the Tiger Quoll, Southern Right whale, and the Eastern Barred Bandicoot. These unique animals represent the challenges of maintaining balance between development and nature conservation. The Otways' history played an essential role in shaping the landscape and the people who call the region home today. The Indigenous Australians, European settlers, and everyone who has come since have played integral roles in the region's development. While the coming years will bring change, the lessons learned from the past will help ensure a more sustainable future for the Otways.