Reputation: Local Australian event.
[01]
Course Overview
Jurassic rainforest and tall tree ferns near Great Ocean Road in Victoria, Australia.
60 mi
Distance
9,022 ft
Elevation
Forrest, Victoria, Australia
Location
February 28, 2027
Date
~50
Field Size
$75-100
Entry Cost
Facts & History
[03]
The Course
Photo: YouTube / RapidAscentEventsAustralian coastal gravel.
Signature challenge: Australian coastal terrain.
20
MILE
Early Coastal
First coastal sections.
30
MILE
Midpoint
Halfway through the course.
50
MILE
Late Coastal
Final coastal sections before finish.
RIDERS REPORT
Road Knight Creek Road climb MI 9
15 kilometer steady climb at 3-4% grade after legs are warmed up. Riders emphasize finding rhythm and not getting carried away early. Compact gravel with loose sections in the middle.
Ladness Track climb MI 17
Final section climbing to 540m above sea level. Described as steady 3-4% grade where you find your gear, find your rhythm, and just breathe. Considered one of the most beautiful climbs.
Technical descent to Apollo Bay MI 28
Long technical descent that's twisty and turny with sharp turns in places. Fast and flowy but requires line choice. Hard packed gravel that's a little rough in parts.
Wild Dog Road climb
19 kilometer climb from sea level at Apollo Bay to Mount Sabine summit, the highest point of the course. Starts as ashphalt then continues uphill through rainforest.
The Otway Ordeal (Sabine Slog) MI 50
Three-stage challenge in final kilometer to Mount Sabine summit: steep sometimes muddy ramp through forest, section with ruts and mud holes like landmines requiring line choice, and final ramp through rainforest to summit.
Gravel quality stays compact throughout all seasons because the forest doesn't get sun, preventing massive corrugations. Forest Victoria is the wettest part of Victoria so surface stays relatively stable.
Hard packed gravel that's a little rough in parts but easy going for a good quality gravel bike. Some sections have loose gravel in the middle as expected.
Ridge Track descent is a bit loose with tight turns and corrugations on the inside of turns, requiring careful line choice.
[04]
From the Field
So the way ordeal does come to an end at the summit of Mount Sabine. You've got three challenges to overcome - a steep, sometimes muddy, very rarely dry ramp through the forest, then ruts and mud holes like landmines where it's a matter of choosing your line through, and finally this ramp through the rainforest that gets you to the summit.
RapidAscentEvents · 275 views
The reason why it's such quality gravel throughout all four seasons is it just doesn't get the sun. We don't get those massive corrugations through here and stays relatively compact. Obviously Forrest is the wettest part of Victoria.
Gravel Dad · 36 views
Look at this place - we are surrounded by tall fern trees, mountain ash, myrtle forest. It's lush country through here at the 45km mark. It's sort of a technical kind of ride, real twisty, turny, the gravel is hard packed but a little bit rough in parts.
RapidAscentEvents · 275 views
Everyone can line up side by side at the start line with national champions or international riders as well as first timers all out there stoked to ride bikes and that's sort of what it's all about for me
The Gravel Cycling Australia Podcast · 42 views
RACER
Racer Reviews
Raced Great Otway Gravel Grind? Be the first to rate it.
[07]
Training
February 28, 2027 GREAT OTWAY GRAVEL GRIND
RIDERS REPORT
Don't recommend anything that's got too much tread through the middle of the tire. Cuado Gravel MS tires mentioned as what not to use.
[08]
Train for Great Otway Gravel Grind
RACE DEMAND PROFILE
Durability
2
Climbing
5
VO2 Power
2
Threshold
6
Technical
6
Heat
2
Altitude
2
Race Specificity
3
FREE
GET THE GREAT OTWAY GRAVEL GRIND PREP KIT
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[09]
Race Logistics
Airport
Melbourne (MEL) 3 hours
Lodging
Forrest has very limited lodging options. Plan ahead.
Food
Forrest has very limited dining options. Stock nutrition.
Packet Pickup
Day of typically
Parking
At start/finish
RIDERS REPORT
Be ready for the little climb at the very beginning up Yoga Street right off the start line - it's a pinch that can cause chain drops and let the front pack get away.
On the 15k Road Knight Creek Road climb, get yourself tucked in, find your rhythm, settle in, and don't get too carried away early when your legs are just getting warm.
Timeout zones stop your time so you can wait for friends, check tire pressure, have something to drink, and enjoy food. Use these strategically at the 27k mark and at Apollo Bay.
[10]
Tire Picks
42mmMIXED
1
Specialized Pathfinder Pro
Fast center, grippy edges. The modern all-rounder benchmark.
2
IRC Boken Double Cross
Underrated mixed-terrain tire. Fast center with confident shoulder grip.
3
Panaracer GravelKing SK
Affordable all-rounder. Light knobs add grip without killing speed.
FRONT/REAR SPLIT Panaracer GravelKing TLC 43mm / Specialized Pathfinder Pro 42mmFaster front for reduced rolling resistance on straights, grippier rear for traction on loose climbs and corners
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the climate like at Great Otway Gravel Grind?
Late February conditions earn consistent "brutal" descriptions from multiple riders including David's race report. "30 seconds into the race I had a face full of dust," suggesting dry conditions that create challenging riding environments in the Australian summer heat. More weather exposure than Belgian Waffle Ride San Diego.[6]
How are the logistics for Great Otway Gravel Grind?
Mark's first-timer testimonial reveals strong organizational support: "The whole thing really blew me away!" And Shane praises "excellent support and sensational race and event village vibe." The unique rally format with timeout zones and coffee vans shows thoughtful course design, though finish at Forrest Football ground still suggests small-town infrastructure.[9]
How adventurous is Great Otway Gravel Grind?
Ben McDonald captures the setting: "The course takes you through some of the most spectacular scenery you will ever see," winding through "tall timber forests, past massive tree ferns" in the Jurassic-like Otway landscape. The route descends to "turquoise waters of the Southern Ocean" via the Great Ocean Road.[1]
How prestigious is Great Otway Gravel Grind?
Gran Fondo World Tour inclusion and 10th edition status provide some credibility, but the field remains regional. Elite rider Peta Mullens calls it her "favourite course" though no notable competitive winners emerge from the testimonials or race reports available.[6]
Should I race Great Otway Gravel Grind?
If you're local to Victoria—yes, it's good value. If you're traveling—skip it.
[11]
Sources & Citations
Research sources used to build this race profile. Always verify details with official race sources before making travel or registration decisions.
- Route Maps RideWithGPS: Great Otway Gravel Grind ridewithgps.com/routes/50332000
- Other Sources Flowmountainbikeflowmountainbike.com/tag/gravel-grind/
- Other Sources Marathonmtbmarathonmtb.com/2025/01/24/gear-up-for-the-great-otway-gr...
- Other Sources Otwayodysseyotwayodyssey.rapidascent.com.au/49km-gravel/
- Other Sources Racerosterraceroster.com/events/2026/109758/otway-odyssey-and-great...
- Other Sources Endurancesportswirewww.endurancesportswire.com/great-otway-gravel-grinder-th...
- Other Sources Granfondoguidewww.granfondoguide.com/Events/Index/7976/great-otway-grav...
- Other Sources Outdoorphinwww.outdoorphin.com/australia/victoria/great-otway-gravel...
- Community reddit.com: So Ive Committed To My First Race What Nowwww.reddit.com/r/gravelcycling/comments/doom1i/so_ive_com...