Beech Forest
VIC 3237 • Victoria
About Beech Forest
Beech Forest is a small town in the Colac Otway Shire of Victoria, nestled in the Otway Ranges approximately 193 kilometres south-west of Melbourne and 43 kilometres south of Colac. With a population of around 125 residents, the town sits within a landscape of cool-temperate rainforest — including the iconic myrtle beech (Nothofagus cunninghamii) trees after which it is named — along with fertile agricultural land used predominantly for potato farming. The town's elevation in the Otways gives it a cool, moist climate quite distinct from the surrounding coastal lowlands.
Beech Forest is popular with visitors exploring the Great Ocean Road region and the Otway Ranges, with the Otway Fly Treetop Adventures and various rainforest walks accessible nearby. The town retains a quiet, village-like atmosphere with a small community hall and local character shaped by its long farming and timber history, dating back to the 1890s. Apollo Bay, the nearest coastal town, is approximately 20 kilometres to the south and offers beaches, cafes, a supermarket, and services. Beech Forest appeals to those drawn to a slower pace of life surrounded by ancient rainforest and the dramatic landscapes of the Otway hinterland.
Beech Forest falls under postcode 3237 and is governed by the local council Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Polwarth (Western Victoria) electorate.
Location
Transport & Commute
Bus Services
- Limited regional coach via V/Line — Colac / Melbourne Approx. 45 min to Colac; 2.5–3 hr to Melbourne
Commute to Melbourne CBD
🛣️ Access via the Colac-Lavers Hill Road and Great Ocean Road; scenic but winding mountain routes
A very small rural township with minimal local amenities; residents rely on Apollo Bay or Colac for most shopping
Supermarkets Nearby
No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.
Schools
No schools listed for this postcode.