Victorian west coast holidays, travel tours and vacations

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Victoria West Coast

The Victorian West Coast comprises the coastal strip running west from Melbourne to the South Australia border and extending inland to the Hamilton/Glenelg Highway.

The area is dominated by the Great Ocean Road running from Torquay, south of Melbourne, to Warrnambool which is about half way to the South Australian border.

Some of the most spectacular coastal scenery in Australia. Best known location is Port Campbell National Park with the eroded formations of the 12 Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge.

The region has long been home to small resort towns and fishing fleets. The Otway Ranges offer bushwalks, eucalypt forests and waterfalls.

Places of Interest On The West Coast

Anglesea - well known as a kangaroo habitat, especially the local golf course where putting can be tricky! Wildflowers from August through November. Views from the lighthouse at nearby Aireys Inlet.

Lorne - a moderate Mediterranean type climate and good beaches. The popular Erskine Falls, walks and mountain bike rides in the Angahook-Lorne State Park.

Coastal views from Teddy's Lookout. Always popular due to its proximity to Geelong and Melbourne. Sheltered swimming beaches are always popular with visitors.

Melbourne | Great Ocean Road | Phillip Island

Mornington Peninsula | Port Phillip Bay

Yarra Valley | Dandenong Ranges | Ballarat

Apollo Bay - an attractive fishing port and small village, popular with arts and crafts people, many of whom have relocated to Apollo Bay. Nearby Mariners Lookout for coastal views and the Otway Range for the usual bushwalks etc. A good base from which to explore the relatively pristine Cape Otway.

Port Cambell - set on a spectacular gorge. Adjoins the famous 12 Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge. Follow the Shipwreck Trail. Nearby attractions at Glenhample Homestead, Gibsons Steps, Blowhole, Grotto and London Bridge which, sadly, is no longer a bridge since the centre of the arch collapsed.

Warrnambool - the major town of the region. Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum, whale watching at Logan's Beach from May to October, nearby Hopkins Falls, the Mahogany Ship Walking Track, Proudfoots Boathouse at Hopkins River, nearby Tower Hill State Game Reserve and the crater lake.

Port Fairy - a small fishing village with a well known Fisherman's Wharf and many historic buildings classified by the National Trust. A popular annual Folk Festival in March. Seal colony on nearby Lady Julia Percy Island.

Portland - the oldest town in Victoria with a history linked to whaling. Now a mixture of historic and modern industrial. Nearby Cape Nelson State Park with some fine walks and historic lighthouse.

Victoria photo mosaic

The information page for Victoria West Coast Holidays at the Charles Sturt University website
The West Coast Holiday Attractions page on the Oztourism website
Great Ocean Road Tours with Go West, specialist in day tours in Victoria

Victorian West Coast - holidays - travel - tours - accommodation

Victoria West Coast

Places of Interest On The West Coast