Above the Great Ocean Road:
The Remarkable Venue Hidden in the Otway Rainforest
Half an hour from the Twelve Apostles, at the highest point of the Great Ocean Road, there is a place where old-growth forest, beautiful gardens and warm hospitality come together.
It is called The Perch—and it may be one of the Otways’ most unexpected places to gather, celebrate and remember.
Located in Lavers Hill, The Perch is surrounded by the kind of landscape that makes this part of Victoria so remarkable. Native birds move through the gardens, forest trails disappear beneath towering trees and resident wildlife—including koalas and glow worms — can sometimes make an appearance.
Yet The Perch is far more than a beautiful place to stop along the Great Ocean Road. It is a restaurant, winery and event destination created for weddings, private celebrations and memorable shared experiences.
A Venue That Feels Like a Destination
There is something special about hosting a celebration somewhere guests may never have experienced before.
The journey becomes part of the occasion. Winding roads lead through the Otways before guests arrive at a venue surrounded by rainforest, gardens and expansive views.
For couples planning a wedding, this creates an experience that feels removed from the everyday without losing the warmth and ease of country hospitality.
Ceremonies can take place among the gardens and old-growth forest, accompanied by birdsong and the natural sounds of the Otways. Indoor and outdoor spaces allow celebrations to move comfortably from ceremony to reception, while the surrounding landscape provides a spectacular backdrop for photographs.
The setting is naturally impressive, allowing couples to create a wedding that feels considered and personal without needing to overwhelm the space.
Food at the Heart of the Experience
The Perch was founded by lifelong hospitality professionals Dean and Gabrielle, whose experience and shared love of food, wine and hospitality are central to everything they have created.
Dean grew up in his family’s restaurant and has worked in highly regarded restaurants around the world. His cooking draws inspiration from many different culinary traditions, from generous street food to refined dining.
Gabrielle brings extensive wine knowledge and experience from some of Australia’s leading wineries, along with a passion for creating an atmosphere where guests can relax and feel at home.
Together, they have developed The Perch as an experience that extends beyond the traditional restaurant or event venue.
Wedding and event menus can be tailored to each occasion, using locally sourced ingredients and modern Australian influences. Local farmers, fishers and producers play an important role in the food served, connecting each dining experience to the region surrounding it.
Cocktails, wine, thoughtful service and warm hospitality complete an offering designed to bring people together around the table.
More Than a Wedding Venue
While The Perch provides an unforgettable setting for weddings, its versatility extends to birthdays, private dinners, corporate gatherings and other special events.
A dedicated event team can assist with planning, venue setup, menus, bar service, sound and coordination with local suppliers. This allows hosts to focus less on managing the details and more on being present with their guests.
Visitors can also explore the kitchen gardens, wander through forest trails, enjoy the views or simply settle in for a meal and a glass of wine.
That combination of food, landscape and hospitality is what makes The Perch difficult to place into just one category.
It is a restaurant, a wedding venue, a place to celebrate and a reason to pause while travelling through the Otways.
A Place to Roost
The name says it beautifully: a perch is a high place to sit.
At The Perch, it is also an invitation to slow down, look out across the landscape and enjoy time with the people who matter.
For couples searching for a wedding venue with genuine character—or anyone planning a celebration surrounded by the wild beauty of the Otways—this remarkable Lavers Hill destination deserves a closer look.
Discover more about The Perch and explore weddings and celebrations across the Otways, Great Ocean Road and Hinterland with Otway Weddings & Events.
