Port Campbell and the Twelve Apostles - Great Ocean Road, Victoria, Australia

Port Campbell and the Twelve Apostles

Port Campbell is a small seaside town with a population of only around 600 people. It is at the western end of the Great Ocean Road and just a short drive from the famed twelve apostles.

Top 5 things to do and see

Port Campbell

Port Campbell is a quiet, quaint little town right on the bay, with a great swimming beach, a wharf for fishing, and just the right number of shops, pubs and cafe's to wander. Everything is in walking distance in the township.

Twelve Apostles

Just a short drive to the east are the 12 Apostles, 45 metre high limestone stacks which are definitely worth the visit, we arrived before sunset and the view was spectacular. The Great Ocean Road is all about the views though, so if you have children with you, make sure you arm them with a camera to keep their interest peaked.

Short Drives

From Port Campbell there are short drives toward and beyond Peterborough where you can see The Arch, London Bridge, take a short walk to The Grotto, as well as see the Bay of Islands. There is even a boat ramp here at Boat Bay - only for the confident!

Head into the hinterland to sample the tastes of Timboon – berries, cheese, wine, honey and even ice cream.

Water Activities

Whether fishing, swimming, snorkelling or free-diving are your thing, there is plenty to keep you busy at Port Campbell’s protected bay beach and jetty. Dive for abalone or crayfish (license required), hang your line in from the jetty or simply laze on the beach, catching a wave or two.

Walking

There are a number of short walks accessible from the township of Port Campbell that take you up on the cliffs for views across the bay including the 4.4km Discovery Walk.

At each of the coastal viewing points there are short walks of a range of distances to viewing platforms.

Holiday options

An easy weekend getaway from Melbourne for a couple, group or the whole family. Or, a perfect stop on a longer touring trip on to Great Ocean Road.

When to go?

Enjoy the beaches in the summer, walking during the cooler seasons and views of the coastline at any time of the year.

How to get there?

Port Campbell is 250km south-west of Melbourne, you can either take the inland route via Colac on the Princes Highway or travel along the length of the Great Ocean Road (a longer option)

How long to go for?

A weekend would be the minimum, but, being so close to Melbourne this is a popular weekend away, so if you can visit mid-week you’ll encounter smaller crowds. To see and do everything on the Great Ocean Road, you’d need a week or more.

Where to Stay? There is a huge range of accommodation in Port Campbell.

Tourist Information

For visitor information go to www.visit12apostles.com.au however, once you get there, most of the main attractions and accommodation have local visitor information handy.

Phillip Island - Victoria - Australia

Phillip Island

Phillip Island (26km by 9km) is a world of delights, just an hour and a half south east of Melbourne. Whether you’re interested in the nature side of things, something more fast-paced, or a great place to take the kids. However, don’t forget to take your wallet, you do have to fork out for the majority of activities.

Booking accommodation ahead is essential, as there is always something exciting happening at Phillip Island.

Top 10 things to do and see

Penguin Parade www.penguins.org.au

Watch the Little Penguins come in each evening from the sea as the sun sets. This is an absolute must-do at Phillip Island and something that you need to book for in advance. With over 2000 visitors attending each night, there are a range of tickets and tours on sale. There are 14000 breeding pairs and these little creatures are just sooo cute as they waddle their way up the sand, and, depending on the time of year, there is always something new to see, whether they are moulting, mating, or have young ones about.

Grand Prix Circuit www.phillipislandcircuit.com.au

The heart and soul of motor-car and superbike racing on Phillip Island. Ideally try and visit when there is an event on, with your entry pass you can wander to many different spectator points on the track. Whether or not you catch a race, it’s worth a visit to the History of Motorsport Museum and doing a tour which shows you all the behind the scenes places. For those who are seriously into motor sport, consider going in a Hot Laps car (this sets you back in excess of $200), or have a go on the mini-grand prix circuit in a go kart. Fun for all ages!

Churchill Island

A slice of history on a 57 hectare working island farm in operation since 1872. Take the circuit walking track through the ancient Moonah Forests and follow the interpretive signs, check out the local farm animals including Clydesdale horses, highland cattle, sheep, ducks, chickens, peacocks, cape baron geese, the baby animal nursery and farming demonstrations.

There is a monthly Farmers Market on the fourth Saturday of each month, an Easter festival and Garden Lovers Festival in November. The visitor information centre has a great overview of the history of this tiny island, from there make your way to view the restored historic buildings and working farm. Entry fees apply to the historic area.

The Chocolate Factory

You can’t miss Panny’s Amazing World of Chocolate as you drive toward Cowes. Yes, you get free samples, and of course you can purchase any one of the 190 varieties of chocolate, but no, it’s not just a chocolate shop. Take the tour and learn about Cocoa production, have fun with chocolate games and even make your own chocolate artwork.

Pelican Feeding at San Remo

Viewing the pelican feeding daily at 12noon at San Remo is free! A great activity for kids, watch from the shoreline as they gollup down whole fish. Head to the fishermen’s co-op before or after the activity for a great fish and chip meal.

Vietnam Veterans Museum

A very interesting exhibition including sound and light show that gives you a special insight into the Vietnam War. The museum is full of colourful and historical reminders of Australian participation in the war and the challenges faced by our troops. For history buffs or not, this is definitely worth a visit. Weaponry, aircraft, vehicles and equipment displays as well as war photos and an art gallery. (www.vietnamvetsmuseum.org)

The Nobbies

The Nobbies is a spectacular headland from where you can view Australian Fur Seals at Seal Rocks, walk on the boardwalks and participate in interactive displays of local wildlife and marine exhibits. Open every day, the centre closes an hour before sunset. View the interesting rock formations, blowhole and colourful succulent vegetation.

More wildlife experiences

Apart from the Little Penguins, there are a range of other wildlife experiences including seals, koalas and short-tailed shearwaters. The 3 parks pass includes access to the Koala Conservation Centre. Alternatively, French Island is just a ferry trip away and a great place to spot koalas, birds of prey, echidnas and local flora.

Beaches

Great surfing is available on Phillip Island including surf clinics and tournaments. The south coast can be dangerous due to strong winds and rough seas. There are a variety of patrolled beaches for visitors for safe access, and the north side of the island offers more sheltered bays. Dogs are allowed, leashed, on many o the beaches from May through to November.

Fishing

The Phillip Island fishing industry is based at San Remo, however for shore-based fishing check out the jetties at Cowes, Newhaven and Rhyll. The Western Port is home to flathead, snapper and whiting and you can hire boats or launch your own at many places into the bay. Surf fishing on the southern side is also popular.

For families, or those new to fishing, the Rhyll Trout and Bush Tucker Farm (www.rhylltroutandbushtucker.com.au) may be your best bet, with fishing instructors on hand.

Holiday options

A fabulous family location, lots of fun with plenty of education thrown in too. International visitors and nature lovers will also find plenty to do on Phillip Island.

When to go?

Any time of year is great for Phillip Island as there are such a range of both indoor and outdoor activities and always something new to see at each change of season.

How to get there?

Around 200km from Melbourne on M1 and then M420, the South Gippsland Highway then onto the A420 and then the B420 across the San Remo bridge to Phillip Island.

How long to go for?

A weekend would be the minimum, but, being so close to Melbourne this is a popular weekend away, so if you can visit mid-week you’ll encounter smaller crowds. To see and do everything on Phillip Island, you’d need a week or more.

Where to Stay? – There is a huge range of accommodation available in various towns on Phillip Island including Cowes, Ryhll, Newhaven, San Remo, Ventnor, Sorrento and Portsea

Tourist Information

For visitor information go to www.visitphillipisland.com, however, once you get there, most of the main attractions and accommodation have local visitor information handy.

Wilsons Promotory - Victoria Australia

Wilsons Promontory

The iconic Wilsons Promontory is certainly a nature-lovers delight, but it’s also a lot more. This is a great destination for international and interstate visitors as well as families and active adventurers. This is the southern most tip of the Australian mainland, surrounded by sea on three sides.

The great news is that Victorian National Parks, including Wilsons Promontory, are now free for day visitors.

Top 5 things to do and see

Views, rock formations and wildlife

The drive from Foster down to Tidal River in Wilsons Promontory National park takes you past lush green farmlands, over quiet rivers teeming with waterbirds, past koalas and kangaroos (if you can see them), and wombats to some spectacular lookouts and views of the coast and islands that surround The Prom. Sunset is a great time to have a picnic at Whisky Beach and watch the sun set behind Norman Island, or simply stop just about anywhere off the road to take in the views.

Beaches

For surfing and swimming, the Prom Country area has a beach for just about everyone, consistent surf is found at Tidal River with other popular surfing spots including Sandy Point, Walkerville and Venus Bay. For swimmers, patrolled beachers include Waratah Beach, Venus Bay, Inverlock, Cape Paterson and Norman Beach at Tidal River, generally only patrolled on weekends and throughout summer.

For just lazing about, rock pools, and looking at the view toward Norman Island, you can’t go past Whisky Beach and Squeaky Beach in Wilsons Promontory National Park. Whisky Beach has colourful boulders at either end and on Squeaky Beach the sand really does squeak, both are great family destinations, but the strong undertows make surf swimming dangerous.

Hiking

A range of both short and long walks are the highlight of Wilsons Promontory National Park. Short walks include Squaky Beach, Lilly Pilly Gully and the Loo-Errn track which follows the edge of the tannin-stained waters of Tidal River, this is accessible for prams and is generally a board-walk with rest platforms along the way. For something more challenging, head to Mt Oberon summit.

Overnight hikes take you further into the park where you can reach Wilsons Promontory Lightstation and historic residences. Just over 19km each way, this is for serious hikers, however you can also book a lighthouse tour for your arrival.

Fishing

From Waratah Bay to Shallow and Anderson Inlets, Corner Inlet and Port Albert, there is a huge variety of fishing available in the Prom Country. Famous for King George Whiting, you can also find flathead, gummy shark, flounder, garfish and prawns along with Snapper and trevally. Fish from the beaches, jetties, or put a boat in and go a little further. There are a lot of boat ramp access points, but they are generally tide affected, so timing is important.

Apart from a Victorian fishing licence, you’ll also need to obtain information on the Marine Parks that dot the area including Wilsons Promontory Marine Park and Corner Inlet Marine and Coastal Park.

Discoveries

Explore more of The Prom country by taking a drive to South Walkerville and Cape Liptrap lighthouse. South Walkerville is home to some historic Lime Kilns that are right on the beach, a hidden gem.

The Southern Gippsland Wine Trail is a great touring route, the area being home to a number of award winning vineyards. Cool-climate red is the wine of choice.

For the more adventurous the Tarra-Bulga National Park sits in the north of this area, famous for the Corrigan Suspension Bridge, the roads are narrow and winding, but offer spectacular scenery and fabulous views. Follow the 132km Grand Ridge Road along the ridge of the Strzelecki Ranges.

Holiday options

A bit of something for everyone, great fishing, beaches and outdoor activities. Plenty to keep the family happy or get stuck into some serious adventure.

When to go?

Summer is popular for beaches, but is also an incredibly busy time of year in the park. If hiking or fishing are your thing, then Autumn through to Spring are ideal times to visit.

How to get there?

Around 200km from Melbourne on M1 and then M420, the South Gippsland Highway then onto the A440. Wilsons Promontory is also on the popular Sydney to Melbourne touring route.

How long to go for?

A weekend would be the minimum, but if you are into serious nature activities, then a week would only start to do this area justice.

Where to Stay? – great places to stay near Wilsons Promontory

Tourist Information

The visitor information centre in Foster is excellent or for online information go to www.visitpromcountry.com.au

Gippsland Lakes - Victoria Australia

Ninety Mile Beach

Gippland Lakes

Whether you are looking for a family getaway, a romantic weekend, or out for some adventure, the Gippsland Lakes is a vast area that offers something for everyone.

From relaxed cruises on Lake Tyers to cycling along the East Gippland Rail trail or hanging out at popular Lakes Entrance. The area is Australia’s largest network of lakes, marshes and lagoons, separated from the ocean by the coastal dunes of Ninety Mile Beach.

Top 5 things to do and see

90 Mile Beach

The coastal dunes of Ninety Mile Beach extend from Lake Tyers down to Seaspray with the lakes system on one side and the ocean on the other. Both bird and marine life are in abundance. There is surfing, fishing, boating and walking right along here, just choose the spot you wish to explore and whether you want rolling surf or flat water.

Lakes Entrance Footbridge

Lakes Entrance

Lakes Entrance itself is a holiday town, stretched out along the Cunningham Inlet, there are plenty of facilities for families, including mini-golf, paddle-boats (www.lakesentrancepaddleboats.com.au) and of course the beaches. Walk over the pedestrian bridge to the patrolled beach, or stop and have a fish as you go.

Drive, walk or cycle up the hill for a birdseye view of the entrance to the lakes system itself, quite spectacular, or watch the fishing boats return with their catch.

Waterfront Dining Paynesville

King Lake

King Lake is home to the Mitchell River Silt Jetties which jut out from silt washed down the river in times of flood. You can drive out on these, fish, swim or just look about. For a great view of the area head to the lookout at Eagle Point Bluff.

On the northern side is the lovely village of Metung, an artistic village which is also great for boating and walking along the foreshore boardwalk. There are a large number of waterfront eateries here, and this is a quieter location than the busy Lakes Entrance. For a bit of local flavour, there is a farmers market every second Saturday.

East Gippsland Rail Trail

The Rail Trail follows the former railway route from Bairnsdale to Orbost. If you are keen to cycle the entire length, it is 98km. The trail passes through farmland and forests and close to many interesting places including the Stony Creek trestle bridge. Of course you don’t have the cycle the whole distance, you can start or stop at any point, and you can also walk or ride a horse!

Historic Trestle Bridge on Rail Trail

Touring

No matter what type of vehicle, or bike, you have, there are a huge number of interesting drives in the area, taking in the Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park as well as the Snowy River National Park. Head up the Great Alpine Road to Omeo, check out the Buchan Caves, even go white water rafting on the Snowy River.

Paynesville makes a great day trip (if you’re not already staying there), with some great waterfront dining, an historic hotel and interesting churches. You can catch a vehicle ferry over to Raymond Island to check out the koala population too.

Holiday options

A bit of something for everyone, great fishing, beaches and outdoor activities. Plenty to keep the family happy or get away from it all for a romantic weekend.

When to go?

Summer is obviously a great time for the beaches, but Spring, Winter and Autumn are great times to explore the Rail Trail and fishing is good at any time of the year.

How to get there?

Just under 300km from Melbourne on the Princes Highway will take you to Bairnsdale, the commercial centre of the Lakes.

How long to go for?

A romantic weekend would be the minimum, but a holiday of 2 to 3 weeks would not be unrealistic in this area as there is plenty to see and do.

Where to Stay? – Huge range of accommodation in Lakes Entrance, Metung, Bairnsdale, Paynesville

Tourist Information

Visitor information centres in Bairnsdale and Lakes Entrance or www.discovereastgippsland.com.au or www.inspiredbygippsland.com.au

Narooma and surrounds - NSW South Coast

Narooma and surrounds

Narooma is a well known fishing destination, whether estuary, river, bay or deep sea fishing. It’s proximity to the Continental Shelf and reef fishing around Montague Island (only 8km’s from the mainland) make it a popular holiday spot.

There is, however, much more in the area than fishing and it is a lovely location well worth exploring in more detail, from the heritage of Tilba Tilba to the mystery of Mystery Bay.

Top 5 things to do and see

Montague Island http://www.montagueisland.com.au/

Montague Island is a National Parks and Wildlife Reserve with an historic lighthouse, huge seal colony, little penguins, great snorkelling and of course fishing (although some areas of the surrounding waterway are a protected marine park). There are guided tours available of Montague Island, many including whale, dolphin and sea watching, and you can even stay overnight on the island.

Fishing Charters http://www.fishingnarooma.com/

There are a range of different sized boats available from Narooma wharf, offering many fishing alternatives for both game and sport, whether you want to chase Kingfish in the bay, are looking to catch the snapper of your dreams or want to head to the shelf for some Marlin fishing. Booking in advance is always recommended, however when it comes down to it, you are at the mercy of the weather.

Taking your own boat is also a good option, however beware the Narooma Bar is one of the most dangerous around.

Outdoor activities both in and out of the water

Deserted beaches and rocky headlands dot the area, including Mystery Bay, Kianga, Dalmeny and the Tuross Lakes. Pack a picnic, take your beach towel, snorkelling equipment and head for the sand, you’re sure to find a protected peice of paradise somewhere.

Tilba

Central Tilba and Tilba Tilba are historic National Trust villages just to the south of Narooma off the main highway. Still reminicant of the 1900’s there are antique shops, jewellery shops, some georgous cafe’s and arts and craft, as well as the ABC Cheese factory. If you’re feeling energetic you can stroll through the 5 acres of gardens at Tilba Tilba.

Tuross Heads

Looking for the laid-back lifestyle? Then head to Tuross Heads for a visit, find the Boatshed at the marina and settle in for a relaxed day’s eating and drinking, even boat hire and fishing off the wharf.

Holiday options

Great for couples and group getaways, particularly boys fishing weeks or weekends.

When to go?

Any time of year is good in Narooma, as fishing is of course great at any time of the year. Summer is more suitable for beach sports, but winter a perfect time to cosy up in Tilba, so don’t let the weather deter.

How to get there?

Follow the Princes Highway south of Sydney past Batemans Bay, from Canberra the Kings Highway takes you to Batemans Bay and then take the Princes Highway south past Moruya.

How long to go for?

At least a week, there is plenty to do. Accommodation bookings on weekends are essential as this is a well-known fishing area.

Where to Stay? There is a huge range of accommodation in Narooma, Tilba Tilba or Tuross Heads.

Tourist Information

An annual visitors guide is published on the area, the website at www.eurobodalla.com.au or visitor information centres at Batemans Bay and Narooma.