Great Ocean Road

The Great Ocean Road is recognised as one of the world's best drives. Along its length are stunning coastal views, lovely seaside towns, the beautiful  and ancient rainforests of the Otway Ranges and a range of wildlife.

View of the Great Ocean Road from Teddy's lookout Lorne

Before the road was built most of the towns along the coast only had the sea as their link to Melbourne and Geelong.  From Lorne the coach road went through dense bush to Winchelsea where it met the rail line.

The idea for a road was around since 1864 but it only came about at the end of World War 1 when it was thought it would be a way to provide employment to soldiers returning from the war. 3,000 ex ”diggers” were employed to build the road and it was built as a memorial to those that died in the conflict.

Great Ocean Memorial Arch

Surveying began in 1918 and construction began in 1919 and finished in 1932. By 1922 the Eastern View to Lorne section was completed and the Lorne to Apollo Bay and Anglesea to Lorne sections were finished in 1932. The road is 243kms in total today.

The most amazing thing about the road is that it was built by hand with pick and shovel and the story goes that no-one died in an accident during construction.

Torquay is a popular seaside town with holiday makers and is the start of the Great Ocean Road. It was originally occupied by the Wathaurong people until white settlement occurred around 1871, before then picnickers visited the area from about 1860.

In 1891 the Joseph Scammell was shipwrecked off Torquay and her anchors are on display at front beach and the boat ramp. The surf life saving club opened in 1946 and is considered to be the oldest and largest club in Victoria. We've been lucky enough to see whales frolicking here as they make their way home after mating in the Southern Ocean. 

Due to its proximity to Melbourne Torquay has grown substantially and now has a number of golf courses and hotels including Peppers adjacent to the Sands Golf Resort and the Crowne Plaza. There are a range of restaurants, cafes and shops including a large and popular range of surf clothing outlets.

Torquay beach near the Surf Life Saving Club

Bells Beach is tucked away off the main road and is the site of the world's longest running Surf Carnival Bells Beach was originally part of farmland owned by a man called Bell and this was one of the best private beaches around. The Carnival is run every Easter and attracts competitors from all over the world.

Bells was also where the final scene of the movie Point Break was set although to the disappointment of a lot of fans it wasn’t actually filmed here.

The beach at Point Addis

Returning to the main road Anglesea is the next town where in the early 1900’s beach boxes lined the river bank and the dunes along the beach. The town started to grow in 1919 with the building of the Great Ocean Road. Today it still retains much of its village atmosphere and with patrolled surf and swimming beaches and the Anglesea River running through town there are lots of options for enjoying the water or strolling along the walkways along the river bank. 

Anglesea River

Anglesea has a history of fires with major fires occurring in 1966 and 1982 but by far the worst were the Ash Wednesday fires on 16^th February 1983 when over 140 houses and several lives were lost. In the decades since the bush has regrown and the animals have returned.

Kanagroos draw tourists to the Angelsea Golf Course

At Aireys Inlet Split Point Lighthouse built in 1890 became a welcome relief for sailors trying to navigate the treacherous waters between Victoria and Tasmania. 

As with Anglesea and many other areas in Victoria the Ash Wednesday fires were devastating in Aireys Inlet, in fact they were worse here than most other places, practically wiping out the town, destroying over 170 houses. The town has been rebuilt and like most towns along the Great Ocean Road tourism is their main industry.

a la grecque is one of the few restaurants in Aireys Inlets. There is a cafe located near the lighthouse which is said to be famous for its scones.

Split Point Lighthouse

Lorne is situated on Louttit Bay, named after a Captain Louttit who sought shelter there in 1841 whilst retrieving cargo from a nearby shipwreck. Timber cutting started int he Otway Ranges and sawmills were established and tramlines ran out of the bush down onto the beach were the timber was transferred to ships and taken to Geelong or Melbourne.

The town has a number of historic buildings including the Grand Pacific Hotel opened in 1879 and the Lorne Hotel which opened in 1876 along with construction of the pier.

Lorne has a population of around 1,000 permanent residents but every New Years Eve this swells to around 13,000 and over the first weekend in January up to 20,000 people will come to watch around 4,000 compete in the Pier to Pub swim race. This is described in the Guinness Book of Records as the world’s largest organized ocean swim.

Lorne has some of the largest accomodation providers along the coast including the Cumberland Lorne Resort, Mantra Erskine House and The Grand Pacific.

It also has a range of restaurants, cafes and shops. Qdos Arts Gallery located high on the hill behind Lorne has a gallery, cafe and sculpture park.
A great place to view the ocean and the Great Ocean Road is Teddy’s Lookout which is named after a local ranger who used to go up there to look for stray cattle. The rotunda dates from the 1880’s.

Kennett River is a small settlement between Lorne and Apollo Bay and a popular spot for tourists to stop and look for Koalas and Native Birds.

Birds at Kennett River

Koala at Kennett River

Apollo Bay seems to be the natural mid point along the Great Ocean Road. You can find out more about it on our  Apollo Bay blog

The Great Ocean Road starts to wind through the rainforest of the Otways before coming back to the coast and onto one of the most popular sights of the journey the 12 Apostles

On the beach at Gibsons Steps

The 12 Apostles like many of the strucutres along this part of the coasline show how the neverending force of the Southern Ocean carves the coastline over time.

Loch Ard Gorge was named after the clipper Loch Ard which was wrecked on Mutton Bird Island in1878 after a 3 month journey from England. Only two of the fifty one on board survived. The gorge has been the location for scenes from The Pirate Movie in 1982 and the 1992 TV series Journey to the Center of The Earth.

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Loch Ard Gorge

Port Campbell is a lovely sheltered town named after Captain Alexander Campbell, a whaler who sought shelter there during a storm in the 1840’s. Even today it is still the only sheltered refuge between Apollo Bay and Warrnambool.

In 1882 the town became famous when someone decided that, with people worried (unjustly) about a Russian invasion, he would spread rumors of a so-called invasion and he told The Age newspaper that their fleet was ready to attack. Some other newspapers in Melbourne went as far as to report massacres and thousands of Russian troops making their way towards Melbourne. Finally someone sailed to Port Campbell to find out what was happening and instead found out the truth.

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Port Campbell from a helicopter

London Bridge was a double span arch and resembled its namesake but in Janury 1990  the arch closest to the mainland collapsed leaving two people stranded out on the other arch. Some people now refer to it as the London Arch.

London Bridge

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Phillip Island

Phillip Island is located approx 1.5 hours drive from Melbourne and is famous for its beaches, motor racing circuit and wildlife.

Penguin Parade

The highlight of any visit to the Island is the iconic Penguin Parade where you can watch the little penguins make their way across the beach heading towards their nesting areas after spending their day hunting in the ocean.

Penguin Parade

Tourism Victoria

Once upon a time, you could sit on the beach in the evening and the penguins would wander past quite close to you.  It was an amazing experience, but as crowds grew the need to protect the penguins and their habitat meant viewing platforms and walkways were constructed. Today there are a range of experiences that you can purchase including having a Park Ranger guide you to a private area to view the penguins on the beach (Ultimate Experience) or enjoying the penguins in the comfort of a Sky Box (VIP Experience) where you’ll also have fantastic views across the beach and help the Ranger count the penguins as they return for the night.

Sky Box
Phillip Island Nature Parks

Koala Conservation Centre

The Koala Conservation Centre is set up to show you how koalas live in the wild with very little human intervention. You can wander along an elevated boardwalk and see these amazing furry mammals in their natural habitat and have the opportunity to ask questions of the Rangers who manage the Centre.

There is also an interactive Visitor Centre where you can learn about the koala and purchase gifts from the gift shop.

Koala Conservation Centre

Churchill Island Heritage Farm

Churchill Island Heritage Farm provides insights into what life was like living on a farm in the early 1900’s. The farmhouse has been beautifully restored and there are a range of interesting outbuildings that give the impression that you’ve travelled back through time. You can also see a range of farm animals and beautiful views across to the mainland. For more information see our blog on Churchill Island Heritage Farm

Parks Victoria manage these 3 tourist attractions and you can purchase tickets individually or buy a 3 Parks pass which provides great value. See Phillip Island Nature Parks

Nobbies

The Nobbies Centre showcases Australian fur seals and the marine life of the Southern Oceans. Entry is free and there is a large cafe. information centre and gift shop. From the centre and boardwalks you can look across to Seal Rocks; a breeding ground for over 20,000 Australian Fur Seals.  

If you want to see the Seals up close you can organise a boat tour of Seal Rocks from a range of operators.

Rhyll Trout and Bush Tucker Farm

This attraction provides activities for people of all ages. Fish for a trout in the outdoor or indoor ponds and you can take your fish home with you or have it cooked and eat it for lunch. 

Take a walk around the Bush Tucker Trail and learn about the 22 varieties of bush tucker that are grown on the property. Paul Mannix and his family have re-vegetated the area with 22,000 trees which has converted pastures into an amazing natural bushland wonderland.

Or take a Tea Trail walk and pick leaves that you can later drink as tea with some lovely home-made wattleseed  scones. The licensed cafe also sells a range of products that are made from   the bush tucker or trout caught on the lake. We enjoyed a delicious smoked trout and smoked trout dip with some mountain pepper and chilli chutney.

Beaches 

Phillip Island has a range of beaches suitable for swimming, fishing and surfing.  Woolamai is the longest beach on the Island and the site of the only Surf Life Saving Club.  When visiting the beaches you should be aware that Australian beaches can be dangerous so you should always swim on a patrolled beach and between the flags. To learn more about  beach safety.

Cowes Beach

Cowes is a relatively calm beach and popular with families. Cowes is also home to the Island's main shopping strip with a range of specialty stores, supermarkets, pubs, restaurants and other stores.

Smiths Beach

Smiths Beach caters for both sufers and families and is located between Woolamai and Cowes.

 

Beach near Forrest Caves

Forrest Caves are part of eroding red basalt cliffs located between Woolamai and Surf Beach. You can wander through the caves at low tide and swim on the adjacent beach care should be taken as high waves and rips are common. 

Newhaven and San Remo (on the mainland) are popular for fishing.

National Vietnam Veterans Musuem

The Island is also home to the National Vietnam Veterans Musuem which has displays of photographs, memorabilia, vehicles and aircraft that detail the history of Australia's involvement in the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1972.


Phillip Island Racing Circuit

Celebrating 60 years in 2012 the Phillip Island Racing Circuit is home to car racing and motor bike racing drawing large crowds to the Island for major events.

Other regular activities include go carts, hot laps and team building. To learn more Phillip Island Racing Circuit

Phillip Island Chocolate Factory

Another popular attraction is Panny's Phillip Island Chocolate Factory where you can buy or taste Belgium chocolates and learn about chocolates in the Amazing World of Chocolates.

Phillip Island Wildlife Park

The Phillip Island Wildlife Park is set over 60 acres and home to more than 100 species of animals and birds. Its a little tired and in need of work but popular with visitors as you can feed a range of animals as you wander through the park.

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Churchill Island Heritage Farm

Churchill Island is a working Heritage Farm that  can be accessed from Phillip Island.  The 57 heactare Island was originally inhabited by the Bunurong people with the first European inhabitants finding remains of canoes and fires.

European settlement started when Lieutenant James Grant sailed the Lady Nelson to the island in 1801. He planted seeds he'd been provided, felled trees and built a hut making this the first European agricultral pursuit in Victoria.

The Island  forms part of the Churchill Island Marine National Park and is maintained by Parks Victoria. From an Indigenous cultural perspective Aborigianl middens and the remains of stone foundations are also preserved  with  the area of Western Port surrounding the island listed under the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance (RAMSAR Convention).

One of the sculptures in the garden

The gardens are extensive and  well maintained. They include some interesting sculptures, Norfolk Pines, ancient Moonah trees, wetlands and a range of plants and herbs. You can wander around the gardens, house and farm buildings on a range of paths.  The grade is very easy.

A cottage

Kitchen garden

In the kitchen garden

There are also extensive walking tracks including through the wetlands. For more information on walking the Island see Walks Victoria

The main house

James Amess, a former mayor of Melbourne, purchased the island  in 1872 and built the substantial home that still stands today.  

Informal dining room

The main house has been restored and provides a fantastic glimpse into what life was like for the well to do early European settler.

Bedroom in the main house

Antique spinning wheel

Stump Jump Plough an Australian invention

One of the workshops

Black faced sheep

A range of activities including sheep shearing, cow milking, blacksmithing and working dog demonstrations run every day. To find out details  see the updated schedule.

Farm animals include this horse

There is a Visitor Centre on the Island which features an exhibition on the history of the island, a quality gift shop and a licensed café.  You can enjoy a snack or lunch including a glass of wine and take in the breathtaking views of Western Port. 

Ticket prices are around $10 for an adult or you can purchase a 3 Park Pass and visit the Island along with the Koala Conservation Centre and end the day with the Penguin Parade. Further information and to purchase tickets

If you're interested in helping preserve the history of Churchill Island you can join the Friends of Churchill Island Group

The Island is also the site of a regular farmers market, normally the 4th Saturday of the month. See Market dates

Peacock wandering around the animal corrals

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Yarra Valley

Located approx an hour's drive from Melboune the Yarra Valley was Victoria's first wine growing region. Today it is a mecca for food and wine and also home to attractions such as the Healesville Sanctuary Wildlife Park. (Read more about  Healesville on one of our previous blogs.)

The Yarra Valley spans a large area bordered by the towns of Gembrook in the south, Kinglake in the north, Wantirna in the west and Mount Gregory in the east. Major towns include Lilydale, Healesville, Yarra Glen and St Andrews.

Much of the area has lush green pastures surrounded by mountains making it a fantastic place to visit for a day, weekend getaway or longer stay. Accomodation, restaurants and local produce are all plentiful and there are many wineries both small and large. We've featured a couple here and you can find more on  Wineries of the Yarra Valley.

Wine Bar Restaurant Yering Station

Yering Station on the Melba Highway is one of  the Yarra Valley's best known brands. One reason is probably because it was Victoria's first vineyard estabished in 1838. Today its infrastructure is made up of  historical and modern buildings. These include a wine bar restaurant, cellar door and produce store.

Sculpture Garden at Yering Station

Yering Station also has beautifully landscaped gardens and hosts a farmers market on the 3rd Sunday of each month.

Cellar Door Sales in historic building at Yering Station

Yering Station produces red, white and sparkling wines and has won many awards both in Australia and Internationally.

Tarra Warra

Tarra Warra winery is located on the road between Yarra Glen and Healesville.Their Chardonnay and Pinot Noir have consistently receivied widespread acclaim and won many prestigious Australian and international awards.  Besides the winery they have a restaurant and a privately funded Art Gallery. TarraWarra Art Gallery.

Since opening the Gallery has been recognised as one of the cultural jewels of the Yarra Valley providing visitors with a relaxing and enjoyable experience.

Train Trak Winery

Also located along the Yarra Glen Healesville Road is Train Trak Winery. Originally a dairy farm vines were planted in 1995 and the first vintage released in 2000.  Producing premium varieties including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon its one of our favourite small wineries in the area.

Enjoying a meal at Zono Restaurant overlooking the vines

Zono Restaurant is located at Train Trak Winery and since its opening in 2007 has featured in the The Age Good Food Guide and been recognised in the “OUTthere Food & Wine Awards” as one of the “Hottest Winery Restaurants” in Australia.

Dining room at Oakridge

Bordered by the mountains of the Great Dividing Range and stretching across 10 hectares of vines along the Maroondah Highway Oakridge Winery is a family-owned estate dedicated to producing outstanding and distinctive wines. In 2012 it won the Winery of the Age in the Age & Sydney Morning Herald's Good Wine Guide.  The staff are incredibly friendly and helpful and the food reasonably priced for a winery.

MG Club visiting Chandon

Chandon was established by French champagne house Moët & Chandon in 1986 and has focussed on wine quality, style and consistency – respecting its distinguished French heritage whilst embracing the spirit and innovation of Australian winemaking. The infrastructure is amazing and you can join a guided tour of the winery or wander along yourself and read the story boards along the way.

Dominique Portet a quaint cellar door and friendly staff greet you at this boutique winery. You will enjoy lovely wines and a range of food in a lovely garden set amongst the wines.

 Healesville Country Club

The range of accomodation in the Yarra Valley is extensive from bed and breakfasts, hotels, resorts, cabins and homes. We've often stayed at the Healesville Country Club which is one of the RACV resorts. It is nestled in the foothills of the Great Dividing Range and has 80 rooms all with stunning views, a golf course, restaurants and day spa.

  

One Spa at Healesville Country Club

For special occassions Cheateau Yering is a beautiful old historic homestead with Eleonore’s Restaurant, an elegant fine dining restaurant, or the more casual Sweetwater Cafe.

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