Archive for the Category »Great Ocean Road «

Become Enchanted by the Beauty of Lorne
Thursday, August 18th, 2011 /

Victoria’s Great Ocean Road is known as one of the world’s most scenic roads. Throughout its 150 mile (243km) length from Torquay, just outside of Melbourne through to Allansford, it presents the tourist with ever changing coastal and rain forest panoramas. If you take a trip on the Great Ocean Road from Torquay, it will not be long before you reach Lorne. Lorne is only 28 miles (46 kilometers) from Torquay. Although you will not be tired, you will certainly wish to stay in Lorne for at least a day.

Lorne is no secret to Melbournians. It has been one of their preferred vacation spots for quite a long time. A few tourists to Lorne became so enchanted by the beautiful place, they simply never left. Instead, they put down roots in the city and opened up the many great al fresco cafes, restaurants, galleries and shops that you find throughout the town. Those alone will make you want to prolong your stay. Then you may just have to take a while to get your feet wet on the sheltered beach at Loutit Bay. After that, you will realize you don’t want to leave.

The next day, after a hearty breakfast in a sidewalk cafe, you may be ready to get back on the road. Secure in the knowledge that you can stay in Lorne another night on your return trip, you will then started out on what many consider to be the most magnificent and diverse leg of a Great Ocean Road vacation. Your next stop after taking in the sights in Apollo Bay is going to be Great Otway National Park. There you will stand beneath towering Giant Southern Beach trees, many of them hundreds of years old. You will learn that this very species has existed here nearly since the dawn of time.

Between Lorne and Cape Otway, at every bend in the road there is something new and amazing to see. You will go by wild, windswept coastline and then turn briefly inland to be surrounded by lush rain forests. You no doubt will have to stop and take a look around Wye River, the quaint town named after the river that spills out into the sea at its doorstep.

On your return trip to Melbourne, you can do as everybody else does and stop over at Lorne for another look around. This time you might decide to explore Lorne’s inland natural wonders. Lorne was the first spot in Victoria to be officially called a "place of special significance and Natural Beauty" over 100 years ago and it still retains that title. Take one or more scenic walks to the spectacular Kalimna, Sheoak or Phantom Falls or take on the more challenging walk to Cora Lynn Cascades. If you like driving, you might take the short 5 mile (8.5km) drive to Erskine Falls.

When you are finished with your day’s adventures, check into your Lorne accommodation for a well earned rest. Be warned, though: Lorne is such a popular destination that you are advised to book your room well ahead of time, especially over the peak vacation seasons. There are lots to choose from. You can take an apartment overlooking the sea, a cottage within the bush or anything in between. Make Lorne your base camp while explore the Great Ocean Road. You’ll love it.

Author Bio: Sidney writes about Interesting Australian destinations like the Great Ocean Road. Find a great range of Melbourne accommodation your starting point on the Great Ocean Road.

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Only a short drive from Melbourne experience the Great Ocean Road
Sunday, December 05th, 2010 /

Think about touring the Great Ocean Road located in Victoria, Australia. This road is 243 kilometres or about 151 miles. It is a scenic drive with many lookouts and viewing platforms. You will find coastal towns, parks and beaches that offer an incomparable variety of activities. There is surfing, sailing, diving, golfing, swimming and more. During the year there are competitions to watch or be a part of.

Memorial Arch, Great Ocean RoadThe idea for the road was first supported in the 1880′s. It was not until after the First World War that the construction began. The returning soldiers were employed to build the road to be sure they had jobs when coming home. It was also to be a monument to them. The road was completed in the year 1932. At Eastern View a memorial was built for those soldiers that did not make it home.

One must stop landmark is the Twelve Apostles. It started out as limestone cliffs. Over 2 million years the cliffs were eroded by the sea. Caves were formed first, then over time they were worn to arches and now they are stand alone formations as tall as 45 meters. They are not connected to the shore and come right up out of the ocean.

Great Ocean Road

There are two well known wine regions, each at one end of the road. One named after the first family that settled in Victoria. That is the Henty wine region. Here you can find seafood, lamb, and beef along with great wine. Then there is the Geelong wine region. This region has tea rooms, cafes and restaurants to enjoy along with the wine tasting.

As it is called the Great Ocean Road you would expect to find many beaches, and you will. Some notable beaches are Bells Beach where the Rip Curl is held each year. This is a professional surfing competition. Both 13th Beach and Ocean Grove are also known for surfing. Point Roadknight has kite surfing and sailing. For family fun try Eastern Beach that has a playground, swimming pool and park. During holidays there are usually lifeguards on duty. They place red and yellow flags in the safe areas and this is where you want to swim.

For those interested in wildlife you will find plenty along your drive. Stop at Melba Gully to see the glow worms. In reality they are fly larva but are said to look like many points of light like the sky. You will of course have to go at night and bring a flashlight. At Phillip Island Nature Park you can see penguins. In the Geelong region you can see over 350 species of birds. You can whale watch at Logans Beach.

Dolphins in Port Phillip BayPort Phillips Bay has dolphins you can swim with. Go on a tour at Lake Elizabeth to see the platypus. See a tree that is over 300 years old and measures around at 88 feet. Stop at a game reserve and see koalas, emus, kangaroos and more. Fauna Australia offers you the chance to view and feed wildlife at night.

Touring the Great Ocean Road provides something for the whole family. There is a good range of Great Ocean Road accommodation available in the many towns along the road. There are places for fun and entertainment and areas for quiet contemplation.  There are different events all year long. No matter what time of year you go you will find something special. It may be a music or arts festival, a swim event, or a fishing, golfing or surfing competition and so much more.

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Escape Melbourne city life take a few days off in Torquay
Tuesday, September 28th, 2010 /

Along to Australian coast south of Melbourne is the town of Torquay. This is known as the gateway to the Great Ocean road and many tourists visit along their journey. This area had always been settled though Europeans did not start flocking to it until the mid 1800s. It was a popular vacation spot. Eventually many people decided to settle in one spot and named the new town Torquay, after the seaside resort in England.

Torquay The beach is one of the biggest draws for tourists and much of the recent development around Torquay sets the beach apart from the older, more historic part of town. Besides the beach this is a world renowned area for surfing. Bells beach and Juan Juc are 2 world renowned surfing beaches near the town. Each year the Rip Curl Pro Surf & Music festival is held at Torquay as long as conditions are suitable for surfing.

The town is separated into several sections or districts. The Ocean Views area of town is on the southern side. This area is now residential but originally started out as grazing land for sheep and cattle. Other districts of Torquay include Zeally Bay, Church Estate, Wombah Park and Illawong estate.

Besides surfing there are beautiful coastal walks that will take you through the different types of nature and scenery in this area of Victoria. In particular the surf coast walk brings you to spots on high cliffs, the ability to view native birds, walking through the dense forests and enjoying the stunning ocean views.

This area of Australia is home to many endangered and rare animals. While the entire surf coast walk stretches for 35 kms different sections can easily be done as day hikes. In particular the walks around Bells beach and Point Addis are popular.

Some other popular walks in the area allow you to explore an old jarosite mine on the Jarosite track, which is 5 kms. If you are interested in the native plants and how they are used medicinally then follow the Koori walk. A short spur of the surf coast track is the ironbark track that passes through the dense forests and eventually leads to some great lookouts of Point Addis.

Otways rainforestThere are also many limestone reefs off the coast and an area for some excellent snorkelling is at the Point Danger marine sanctuary. The snorkelling and scuba diving is a great way to view the native ocean life up close and personal. Besides water activity the marine sanctuary has many walks that detail the history of the area.

Of course if you are in Torquay then you should not miss one of the world’s great motoring or touring routes. This runs from Melbourne to Adelaide and contains Mount Gambier’s Blue Lakes, Bells Beach, the Coonawarra wine region, the twelve apostles, the surf coast and the Otways rainforest. It is possible to rent kayaks, bikes and surfing equipment to stop off for some relaxation or adventure during the drive. In particular the Southern Exposure Company offers many activities and equipment.

If you are planning your next vacation, find Great Ocean Road accommodation, attractions and other travel related information about the Great Ocean Road. Or find out more about other local towns like Port Campbell on our hub.

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Discover the historic site of Portland Victoria
Tuesday, September 21st, 2010 /

The fascinating town of Portland in Victoria is allegedly the first permanent colonisation in the state. Because of that it has of course a very rich cultural heritage. As an example you will discover over two hundred historical buildings dating back to around the eighteen hundreds.

Portland Beach There is a long history of seafaring, dating back to the old whalers and sealers who frequented the safe harbour offered from the frequent boisterous storms. The town is blessed with a safe deep-water harbour.

There is a fascinating maritime centre in the town, which offers tourists terrific displays of historical artefacts. You will discover the skeletal remains of sperm whales shipwreck exhibits and even a shark showcase. There is a variety of intriguing exhibits, including the original Portland lifeboat dating from the eighteen fifties. Many of the displays are interactive too, making then ideal for kids of every age! All tourism enquiries, Portland accommodation requirements and transit jaunts etc. Are dealt with at the centre.

The waterfront is a hive of activity; early morning fishing fleets bringing in the fresh catches, and vessels from all around the world loading on tons of locally produced produce. Many times local citizens and visitors alike can be seen exploring the foreshore, hoping (at least in the winter months) to catch a glimpse of the giant whales that often pay a visit. Yes, busy is the word!

The entire region offers an enormous array of facilities to its lucky visitors. A very popular draw is the Great South West Walk. It starts and ends in the town. The pathways reach out into the interior for more than 150 miles. There are long and short hiking trails, and plenty of camping facilities on the way. You will encounter verdant woodland, winding rivers, mountains and shorelines. Local artists and galleries sponsor one unusual walk.

Portland has an excellent cable tram service, and there is a rail terminal at the corner of Henty Park by the Depot Museum. There is a very scenic trip you can take all around the metropolis and area, taking in arboretums and world war two lookout towers near the Nautical Centre.

The local arts centre has a gallery and theatre boasting frequent visiting and local productions. The cultural diversity of this region is immense. Musicians, Quilters, Painters, Potters, are all to be seen trading their wares here. No problem deciding on a gift for a loved one then!

The Arts Company is located on Julia Street in newly renovated offices. You will be able to visit the artisans at work in adjacent workshops if you wish. The aforesaid Maritime Centre, incidentally, can help you prepare your travel itinerary to visit all the areas must see attractions; cruising the harbour, fishing, canoeing, mountain-biking and horse riding, to name but a few.

There is a captivating European Immigration-settlements display at the centre, showing in great detail the routes our ancestors took from all over Europe to settle in Oz.Portland is a reminder of the regions heritage and rich past, a heritage that continues into this present day. Should you be contemplating settling or buying a vacation home in this lovely place, you will find excellent properties here.

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Port Campbell is a great base to explore the Great Ocean Road of Australia
Tuesday, September 21st, 2010 /

Port Campbell is a charming fishing village located near the towns of Warnamabool and Lavers Hill. Port Campbell is near the end of the Great Ocean Road. This beautiful area offers stunningly beautiful views that will be hard to forget. Nestled under soaring cliffs this quaint little village will offer you a place to rest and relax and take in the beauty of nature which is abundant in this area.

Port Campbell Town Because of many well known attractions this quaint little fishing village is just the place to visit. A famous site that everyone will want to see is the Twelve Apostles. These limestone stacks rising from the sea have sustained some damage from erosion over time and now there are only eight left. Regardless these are a must see when visiting.

Loch Ard Gorge From the high rocky cliffs to the beauty of the white sandy shores the coastline surrounding this small town offers all the beauty you could imagine. A visit to London Bridge or to the Loch Ard Gorge will be a unforgettable trip. Gibson Steps is another site you will not want to miss. The Bay of Islands will enchant you with its stunning beauty so make sure you have time for some time spent there.

Port CampbellAt the centre of town is Lord Street. Lord Street embodies the uniqueness of this area and is the home to the many cafes and restaurants. One and all can find a menu that will please them in price and cuisine. The bakeries are to die for with an abundance of baked goods and scrumptious desserts. The local artisans and craftsman offer their goods and creations at the local shops. Take a walk among the galleries and see all of the art displayed be sure there will be something there you will want. During the summer months you will want to check out the local markets the fresh goods sold there will truly be enjoyable.

Fishing of course is a big deal here. The fishing fleets always offer fresh fish for the local markets and businesses. All of you fishermen that visit can enjoy surf fishing or fishing from the local pier. If your heart so desires and you would like to go for the big catch there are charter boats that will be glad to cater to your needs.

Do not worry about a place to stay. Your choice of Port Campbell accommodation options range from the expensive luxury places to the quaint understated for the budget minded. Motels, cabins and bed and breakfasts offer the charm of the village. Farm stays are fun and loved by the budget watchers. For those who want luxury there are fantastic apartments that won’t disappoint.

Photographers and sightseers alike will be enthralled with the beauty of this area. There are two beautiful parks to explore while you are on your stay. Port Campbell National Park and Bay of Islands National Park will give you the sights you will not want to miss and the photo opportunities that will be priceless.

It is said that the the place to surf is Two Mile Bay which touts the best big wave breaks in all of Australia. The dive tours here are a must if scuba diving is your thing. The canyons and gorges that form on the ocean floor is where you will want to go on your dive tour. This is a dive that you will not forget. If diving is too much for you then snorkelling is the next best thing. But if all of this is just too much action then just talk a walk along the beach and swim in the bay and don’t forget to enjoy those sunsets at Port Campbell.

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