Respecting Our Culture

Respecting our Culture was developed with extensive consultation with Indigenous communities and tourism industry stakeholders as a triple bottom line sustainability program to ensure travellers have an authentic experience that is respectful to Aboriginal culture.  

Longhorn YOUnique Tours is  excited to have achieved this standard in time for the launch of our new 4 Day Indigenous Tour of Central and Western Victoria 

Tower Hill

Tyrendarra

12 Apostles

The 12 Apostles are one of the most popular attractions along the Great Ocean Road. They are part of the Port Campbell National Park and located between Princetown and Peterbough.  Whether seen from the air or land these rock stacks are truely an amazing site.

These amazing rock stacks appear to rise out of the Southern Ocean. In fact they have been created from constant erosion of the limestone cliffs by the powerful action of the ocean's waves and blasing winds. Little by little caves are formed from the erorsion and after many years of swirling action the caves eventually become arches which over time collapse leaving the rock stacks isolated from the shore.

The power of the ocean and winds continues relentlessly so access near the 12 Apostles is now restricted. There are well set out paths and viewing platforms providing fantastic views along the coast in both directions. 

You can access the beach via Gibsons Steps which are located on the Great Ocean Road just before you arrive at the 12 Apostles. These steps use the traditional access of the Kirrae Whurrong the original inhabitants of the area. They were carved into the cliff by Hugh Gibson a local settler. 

View from the beach at the base of Gibsons Steps

There are toilets and a cafe and you can take a helicopter ride directly from the site. There are a number of options for helicopter rides including extended rides over Port Campbell http://www.12apostleshelicopters.com.au/

                                                                             

The 12 Apostles are located 275 kilometres west of Melbourne. Approximately a 4 hour drive along the Great Ocean Road via the scenic route and given the Great Ocean Road is one of the worlds most renowned drives the time and distance are well worth the effort as you'll travel through seaside towns with some of our famous surf beaches and have the chance to see wildlife in their natural environment along the way.

An alternative inland route is faster and less kilometres travelling via Winchelsea and Colac.  Many people take the alternative route home.

1 Day Great Ocean Road Private Tour

2 Day Great Ocean Road Private Tour

3 Day Great Ocean Road and Grampians Private Tour

3 day Melbourne to Adelaide Private Tour

4 day Melbourne to Adelaide Private Tour

Rainforests of the Otways

The Otways are part of the Great Otway National Park which is located in north west Victoria. The National Park covers a total area of 103,000 hectares and incorporates rainforest and coastal areas along the Great Ocean Road.

The Otway Ranges include an amazing rainforest with steep ridges and deep valleys with tall forests and fern clad gullies.  There are a number of spectacular waterfalls and a range of walks that allow you to enjoy the tranquility and beauty of the forest.

A fern clad gully

 The dampness of the rainforest

creates an interesting eco system

You can walk to a range of falls including Stevensons Falls, Hopeton Falls, Triplet Falls and Sabine Falls.  For those who are unable to walk long distances Houpeton Falls can be viewed from above only a short walk from the car park.

One of the many waterfalls

Logging was once a big industry in the Otways and a railway line was built to transport the logs to the railhead and sawmills. Remnants of the old railway and plant can be found in some areas.

A bike trail has also been developed along the old railway line with two main sections one from Birnam station and picnic ground to Maggios Rd stretching 4.8 kilometres and the other Gellibrand to Wimba a distrance of 9.5 kilometres. Old Beechy Rail Trail

Thankfully logging is now limited to plantation timber but this still has impacts on habitat of native plants, birds and animals. 

Koalas and wallabies are often observed

 in their natural environment

Tourism is now a major part of the Park and minimal impact touring is important to ensure the long term sustainability preserves the area for generations to come.  In the summer the Otways provide a quiet, cool and peaceful environment. In the winter the waterfalls run and although it can be cold the Park is still enjoyable if you're suitably dressed.

Maits Rest is one of the most popular walks as its a short drive from Apollo Bay. Here you'll experience the beauty of the rainforest on a relatively easy walk. During the day you may be lucky to locate an Otway Black Snail. This is a carnivorous snail endemic to the region and recognised by a gold spot on its shell. At night you can experience glow worms.

 

Melba Gully is an interesting walk which includes a boardwalk constructed to minimise impact to the forest. The Gully is filled with myrtle beeches, blackwoods, tree ferns and there is an understory of low ferns and mosses.

The Otway Fly provides an opportunity to walk through the trees on a boardwalk and whilst wandering through the trees you gain a real sense of the majestic nature of this forest.

Otway Fly Tree top Walk

The Ridge Cafe is located in Beech Forest and recognised for its organic food. It has an amazing array of home made and tasty treats, our favourite is their chocolate pudding.  

The Forrest Brewery and Cafe is also worth a visit and was the site of this year's launch of the Apollo Bay Music Festival Forrest Brewery & Cafe

So if you're intending on visiting the Great Ocean Road don't forget to take the time to enjoy this beautiful rainforest.

2 Day Great Ocean Road Tour
3 Day Great Ocean Road and Grampians Tour