Forrest + Apollo Bay Coastal Loop - The Ultimate Great Ocean Road MTB Adventure

If you’re looking for a ride that combines flowing singletrack, solid climbs, and incredible coastal views, the Forrest and Apollo Bay Coastal Loop is about as good as it gets. This isn’t just a quick weekend spin. It’s a massive day out that links world class mountain bike trails with the rugged scenery of the Great Ocean Road.

Whether you’re a seasoned local or an experienced intermediate rider looking for a proper challenge, this loop needs to be on your radar.

Ride Overview

This is a demanding loop that starts and finishes in the logging township of Forrest, tracking down to Apollo Bay and back. The total distance sits anywhere between 70km and 100km depending on which fire roads and trails you link up.

You will face plenty of elevation gain through the Otway Ranges across a mix of singletrack, gravel fire roads, and sealed coastal tarmac. Because of the distance and the climbs, it is best suited for intermediate to advanced riders on a mountain bike or a sturdy gravel bike setup.

Why This Loop Is Special

The best part about this ride is how it bridges two completely different environments in a single day.

First, you get the classic Forrest MTB trails. As one of Victoria's original riding destinations, Forrest serves up fast, flowing singletrack through tall eucalyptus forests and thick ferns. Networks like Red Carpet, Roller Coaster, and the Yaugher trails offer plenty of features to keep you focused, all built on that grippy Otways dirt that rides well most of the year.

Then you hit the coast. Dropping out of the dense rainforest and heading toward Apollo Bay feels like a total reset. Suddenly you are looking at sweeping ocean views along the Great Ocean Road, catching a cool sea breeze, and riding rolling coastal roads. Moving from the quiet, enclosed bush straight out onto the roaring coastline is what makes this route so memorable.

The Route Breakdown

1. Forrest to the Trails

Start your morning in town and roll straight into the main trail network. It is smart to use the smoother, flowing tracks to warm up your legs before you commit to the steeper, more demanding sections. Just remember to pace yourself because you have a long way to go.

2. The Climb and Descent to Apollo Bay

From the single track network, you will start working your way down toward the coast. This middle section mixes fire roads, steep gravel climbs, and fast, loose descents. This is where your fitness and pacing come into play. The climbs through the hills are steady and relentless, so keeping a consistent rhythm is essential.

3. Coastal Cruise at Apollo Bay

Reaching Apollo Bay is the perfect reward. It is the ideal spot to pull over, grab a coffee and lunch at a local bakery, and take a quick break before the return leg. The rolling coastal terrain gives you a good mental break before you have to turn back inland.

4. The Inland Return Loop

Heading back toward Forrest, the ride gets tough again as you tackle the longer, remote gravel climbs back up into the heart of the Otways. If you still have the energy toward the end, you can loop back into the Forrest trails for one last hit of singletrack before rolling back into town for a well-earned drink.

What Makes It a G-Force Favourite

At G-Force Australia, we love rides that push your limits but reward you with unbelievable scenery, and this loop does exactly that. The changing terrain keeps the riding interesting the whole time, and it gives you a proper remote adventure feel without actually putting you in the middle of nowhere. It is a tough day in the saddle, but you'll be thinking about it for weeks after.

Gear and Prep Tips

Before you head out, make sure your gear is sorted. We highly recommend running tubeless tyres with decent grip to handle the loose gravel and Otways loam. Because the inland forest sections are quite remote, you need to carry plenty of water and food since there are no shops or refill points between the two towns. For tools, make sure you have a spare tube, a pump, tyre plugs, and a multi-tool.

As for the timing, Spring and Autumn offer the best conditions with mild weather and tacky trails. If you tackle it in Summer, start early to beat the midday heat. Winter brings a great atmosphere to the rainforest, but the clay tracks can get incredibly greasy and muddy, so come prepared for a wash down afterward.

Ready to Roll?

The Forrest and Apollo Bay Coastal Loop is a proper Victorian adventure. From the smooth flow of the timber country trails to the wild coastline of the Great Ocean Road, it showcases the absolute best of the region. It is a hard day, but it is exactly the kind of riding we live for.

Pack your gear, round up a few mates, and go tick this one off.

Looking for more ride guides, gear talk, and local trail knowledge? Stay tuned with G-Force Australia.