Great Ocean Road

portphillip1

Discover the breath-taking coastline of south-west Victoria. Travel one of the world’s most scenic roads, the Great Ocean Road, through an extended area that includes the world-famous Twelve Apostles, Otway National Park, Bells Beach, plus numerous walking tracks. Experience resort towns like Torquay, Lorne and Apollo Bay, the coastal cities of Geelong and Warrnambool, and the historic villages of Queenscliff, Port Campbell, Port Fairy and Portland.

The Great Ocean Walk, on Victoria’s spectacular west coast, stretches 100 kms from the idyllic resort town of Apollo Bay to Glenample, 1.5km before the 12 Apostles visitor area. The walk passes through the beautiful National Parks and overlooks the Marine National Park and Sanctuary.

The Great Ocean Walk has been designed so that walkers can ‘step on and step off’ the trail at a number of places, completing short, day or overnight hikes. Enjoy local accommodation and restaurants or camp overnight at picturesque camping sites.

>>More about the Great Ocean Road

An excellent day walk in the Angahook-Lorne State Park includes Kalimna Falls, Sheoak Falls, Wonwondah and Henderson Falls.

Geelong – A visit to Geelong is not complete if you haven’t seen the city’s stunning waterfront, one of Australia’s most stunning developments. A hive of activity with a number of restaurants and cafes, beautiful landscaped gardens, attractions and public art, all with amazing views of Corio Bay. Explore and view the waterfront on foot, bicycle, or skates. Take advantage of one of the many air, land and water activities.

Warrnambool is the largest city on the Great Ocean Road, offering all the services expected of a vibrant, modern city whilst maintaining the atmosphere of a relaxed country town. With clean sheltered beaches, manicured parks and gardens, visiting whales, notorious shipwrecks, unique volcanoes, contemporary art and exhilarating sports, there is certainly something for everyone.

The Bellarine Peninsula features safe bay and ocean beaches, wineries, golf courses, theme parks, great eateries, shops, galleries and beautiful countryside. Explore it’s villages – Drysdale, Portarlington, Indented Head, Queenscliff, Leopold, Clifton Springs, St Leonards, Point Lonsdale, Wallington, Ocean Grove and Barwon Heads.

The Surf Coast offers Australia’s best surf beaches, bustling resort towns, stunning scenery, bush and beach walks, lush rainforests and spectacular waterfalls.

Just over 70 minutes from Melbourne and only 20 minutes from Geelong, the Great Ocean Road starts, officially from Torquay and winds along the Surf Coast to Lorne and beyond.

This region includes the popular coastal resort town of Apollo Bay, lush Otways Ranges rainforest and waterfalls; the fertile volcanic lakes country and the major inland town of Colac; and stunning coastal scenary including Cape Otway. Explore fascinating historic townships and bush-walk the beautiful Otway Ranges. Sample a range of fresh and delicious local produce. Sip on local wines at the cellar door, pick your fill of seasonal berries, or dine on home baked breads, biodynamic ice cream or homemade cakes and desserts.

Glorious at dusk and dawn the Twelve Apostles giant rock stacks are a central feature of the spectacular Port Campbell National Park. The forces of nature gradually eroded the softer limestone, forming caves in the cliffs which became arches and when they collapsed, rock islands as high as 45 metres were left isolated from the shore.

The sea air and the sun on the river make Port Fairy a beautiful town to walk around. Wide streets are lined by various historical buildings and many fine restaurants, cafes and tea rooms make this charming old town a relaxing destination. The wharf supplies restaurants and passers by with fresh seafood in season and fine fish all year round. Or you can step onto a charter boat and have a go at catching your own dinner.

Located in the south west corner of Victoria, Portland is just over 285 kilometres west of Geelong, 99 kilometres past Warrnambool on Victoria’s south west coast. Nearby is spectacular Cape Bridgewater and is close to the South Australia border. Portland is surrounded by magnificent natural attractions from coast to country.