The Otway Redwoods were planted 1936 by the Forests Commission of Victoria as an experiment. It was hoped the 461 seedlings planted near the Aire River would survive and thrive, given the area was deemed as perfect with high rainfall, good soil, cool climate and summer fogs. It was hoped they could help with timber demands and would be used in construction, cladding and roof shingles. But they grew to slow, and after 15 years the experiment was abandoned and they were left to their own devices.
In 1948 a refugee camp was established for Eastern European immigrants displaced from their homes after WW2. It was a pretty bleak existence, especially in winter, but they made the camp comfortable. The huts and mess hall is where the carpark for the redwoods is now.
The initial plot of 461 trees have thinned down to 220 trees since planting. Some have died, some have been struck by lightning, some have been removed or cut down, and others have just fallen over. The planting rows, where trees were originally spaced at of 3.3 metres, are still visible.
Today the 70 metre trees make for an enchanting, peaceful place to wander through, a natural wonderland we all can enjoy.
The cache is a small sistema container. You will need to bring a pen.