................, Travel Information

The Great Ocean Road to South West Victoria

From Geelong in the east to Port Fairy in the west lies some of Australias most spectacular scenery, with the Great Ocean Road taking star billing. A little homework before you start your trip will ensure you make the most of your exploration of this region.

Luxury accommodation Great Ocean Road, Victoria

You’ll cover about 280 kilometres taking the coast road, with the inland route on the Princes Highway a little faster. The Great Ocean Road was built between 1918 and 1932, mostly by diggers returned from the Great War. Prior to this, the isolated communities along the Shipwreck Coast were reliant on the sea lanes for contact with Melbourne and other towns along the coast.

The eastern section of the Great Ocean Road is characterised by great swimming and surfing beaches and some wonderful walking areas – such as the Angohook-Lorne State Park, with its more than 100 kilometres of walking tracks, waterfalls, scenic views and lookouts. There is also horse riding available in the eastern end of the park. The beaches at Fairhaven, Lorne, Wye River and Kennett River are patrolled in summer and there are good rock-fishing platforms in a number of places. Ask the locals for directions.

The Twelve Apostles Marine National Park is Victoria’s second-largest marine park and covers 7,500 hectares along approximately 17 kilometres of coastline. The park extends out from the renowned Twelve Apostles and includes some of Victoria’s most spectacular underwater scenery. The stars of the show are undoubtedly the Twelve Apostles, mighty towers of limestone soaring out of the sea at Port Campbell. They’re impressive from every angle, but none more so than from a helicopter.

Twelve Apostles Helicopters offers a range of flights costing between $80 and $195 per person to experience the spectacle from a bird’s-eye view. The operators offer a “sky cam” service, which comprises four mounted video cameras to record the flight inside and outside of the helicopter. Another great attraction along the Great Ocean Road is the historic Cape Otway Lighthouse and, happily, admission is free. Completed in 1848 and constructed of sandstone, it was the second lighthouse ever constructed on mainland Australia. In 1859, one of the earliest telegraph stations in Australia was added to the facility, soon connecting Tasmania to the mainland through Cape Otway and Melbourne. First whale oil, then kerosene, was used to keep the light burning. Later, changes included diesel generators, electricity, radio and global positioning satellites. In 1994, the introduction of satellite navigation systems resulted in the old light being turned off and replaced with a small solar-powered beacon.

There are some excellent diversions taking you off the coast road, through forests and past waterfalls, presenting the full picture of this very special part of Australia. The 120 kilometre Waterfalls and Rainforest Drive takes in the sights of the state forest; Triplet, Beauchamp and Hopetoun Falls; and Otway National Park’s rainforest. Warrnambool is the only city (population 29,000) along the Great Ocean Road’s Shipwreck Coast and much of its story is contained at the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum, which records the fate of hundreds of ships which foundered along the coast in the early years of the colony. With original buildings, a lighthouse and a recreated port complete with ships, the museum provides a fascinating insight into the 19th-century life of the city. There are many shipwreck relics on display, including the famous porcelain peacock washed up from the wreck of the Loch Ard in 1878.

What’s On in Warrnambool

Warrnambool has a well-established cafe lifestyle and a busy program of events:

*January – Speedway Sprintcar Classic
*February – Wunta Wine and Food Fiesta
*February – Acme Field Days
*April – Easter Sprintcar Spectacular
*May – Warrnambool Racing Carnival
*June – Whale-watching season begins
*June/July – Fun 4 Kids Festival

Activities & Attractions

1 Visit Logan’s Beach Whale Nursery to see giant southern right whales and their calves (usually May to September).
2 Experience “Shipwrecked”, the stunning sound and laser light show at Flagstaff Hill.
3 Follow the Shipwreck Trail and discover the treacherous history of the coastline between Moonlight Head and Nelson.
4 Go ocean, river and estuary fishing.
5 Have a swim at Lady Bay beach.
6 Enjoy a walk, bike ride or skate along the beachfront promenade.
7 Take time out at the Lake Pertobe adventure playground.