Melbourne, Victoria: Great Ocean Road

IMMERSE IN PRISTINE NATURE

Fuel your senses and step into the wonder of big nature, unearth the raw magic of untamed landscapes, bound by wild oceans, as you explore and discover new frontiers. From rugged coastlines boasting ancient limestone sculptures, to the breathtaking beauty of cool temperate rainforests and surging waterfalls, your spirit is set to soar.

An awe-inspiring picture book setting unfolds at every turn…

Incredible coastal and inland national parks including the famous Great Otway National Park and Port Campbell National Park, amongst others. Trails that lead to California Redwood Forest, waterfalls, lookouts, iconic ocean vistas and volcanic plains. The diverse landscape of the Great Ocean Road region is just waiting to be discovered. It is impossible to walk these trails and not be moved by the powers of nature that have shaped the landscape and the shipwreck history that defines the area. Offshore stacks, blowholes and the indescribable beauty of formations like the Razorback and the Arch make this precinct the one with the lot. Prepare to be dwarfed by the magnitude of the cliff-line and offshore stacks. The sheer scale of natural sculpting evident at this site is humbling.

Amazing wildlife encounters...

The Great Ocean Road region offers many different wildlife experiences–on land and in water, in their natural habitat or ready-made opportunities to get up close to the native fauna. The region’s locals include kangaroos, wallabies, echidnas, platypus, koalas, glow worms, birds, seals, penguins and even the migrating whales, just to name a few.

From sunset wildlife spotting tours at Wildlife Wonders, to the tranquil waters of Lake Elizabeth; home to the elusive platypus, the best times to spot them are during sunrise or at dusk, to wild kangaroo spotting at Princetown Recreation Reserve and more. Southern Right Whales are commonly sighted between June and October along the coast especially at Logan’s Beach in Warrnambool.

Be enthralled by its artisanal food trails…

Those who venture inland are rewarded, as the luscious Great Otway National Park reveals the best of its rich bounty, a treasure trove of exceptional food and wine. The region’s volcanic soil in the north west creates unique flavours you just can’t find elsewhere. The Otway Harvest trail leads you to friendly farm gates, berry farms, cellar doors, bakeries, dairies, chocolateries, ice creameries, distilleries, providores, craft breweries and world-famous restaurants and cafes.

It’s not just the spectacular limestone formations that draw crowds from all over the world, the local food artisans and producers of this region are also putting the region on the map. The 12 Apostles Food Artisans Trail takes you on an indulgent road trip. Enjoy an award-winning whisky tipple in Timboon and sample all 24 flavours of the finest ice cream. Pick your own farm fresh berries, taste Dairylicious Farm Fudge, sample the awarded Apostle Whey Cheeses and watch the milking happen for yourself.

Feed the Alpacas at G.O.R.G.E. Chocolates then treat yourself to a hand-crafted, artisan block.