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Woollen yarn balls on the shearing shed floor with a crochet rug — Image credit: Chris McConville

Agritourism

Tarndwarncoort Wool Shop

Tarndwarncoort is a wool shop on a sheep farm near Colac in the Great Ocean Road region. It is the home of Polwarth sheep. With a yarn shop, flock of Polwarth sheep to meet, farm accommodation, mini-museum and gallery, and program of classes and events, it's a place primarily for fibre artists and crafters, and travellers who are more generally interested in history, farming and local culture. Set amongst heritage listed Tarndwarncoort Homestead, the Wool Shop offers a wonderful selection of wool products for craft, including bespoke yarns and one off dye lots using the Polwarth wool grown on the farm. Visitors to the Wool Shop can also walk around the Homestead garden, get close to a flock of Polwarth sheep and enjoy a coffee in the courtyard. You can request a visit outside regular hours and the team would get back to you. Check for classes, workshops and community events such as the monthly Crafty Sundays to book in a special visit. Located inland from the Great Ocean Road in the Otway hinterland 1.5 hours drive west of Melbourne. Two guest cottages provide a unique experience of staying on an historic farm where a flock of naturally coloured Polwarth sheep provide a backdrop to a relaxed stay central to the Great Ocean Road, Otway National Park, Geelong, Warrnambool and Ballarat.

Warncoort VIC

0.0 km away

All ages from 4-75 years — Image credit: Yeodene Park

Amusement and Theme Parks

Treetops Adventure Yeodene

Re-tree-t into this Australian native forest and recharge with a 100 per cent natural high. Soar through the messmate trees of the Otway Forest and relive your playground days on the 15-metre-high monkey bars. Featuring a double-storey 'Home Tree' deck, Treetops Adventure Yeodene gives climbers and spectators a 360-degree birds-eye view of this rustic forest. A 2.5-hour session through the aerial challenges (including gearing up) will have you laughing along with the Kookaburras. After safety, your adrenaline is our top priority, so our courses are designed to challenge you, no matter what level you're at.

Yeodene VIC

11 km away

Colac Botanic Gardens

Parks and Gardens

Colac Botanic Gardens

The Colac Botanic Gardens, designed by Wiliam Guilfoyle (Melbourne Botanic gardens), occupy about 16 hectares in an elevated position along the southern banks of Lake Colac. A 1.1 kilometre carriageway circumnavigates the gardens, providing access to cars, runners, walkers and cyclists. Mature oak trees planted along the perimeter provide shade and weather protection to visitors. A series of walking paths weaves through the gardens, showcasing feature garden beds and trees, places to sit, open lawn areas and beautiful vistas across the lake. At the eastern end of the gardens, a children’s playground and barbecue area provides a fantastic place for family time. The former curator’s cottage (c.1924) at the western end of the gardens has been converted into the popular Botanic Café. On the centre northern fringe of the Gardens a viewing platform provides a place to rest and enjoy the view across the lake towards Warrion Hills, while a set of steps down the steep escarpment provides easy access to the Lake Colac foreshore. Public toilets are located on the lake foreshore. Gates enabling vehicle access to the gardens are open from 10:00am to 4:00pm daily. Dogs on leads are welcome in the Gardens. Doggy disposal bags are provided at the western and middle gates.

Colac VIC

11 km away

Colac Tenpin Bowl

Sports and Recreation Facilities

Colac Tenpin Bowl

Colac Tenpin Bowl is South West Victoria's premier family entertainment venue, offering fun for all ages in the heart of Colac. Whether you're visiting the region, travelling along the Great Ocean Road, staying in Colac for business, or simply looking for a fun indoor activity, Colac Tenpin Bowl provides entertainment for families, friends, groups and visitors all year round. The centre features 10 tenpin bowling lanes, arcade games, a licensed snack bar and a range of options for casual visitors, competitive bowlers and special events. Bowling is suitable for all ages and abilities, with lightweight balls, bowling ramps and bumpers available to help everyone join in the fun. Visitors can enjoy a casual game with family and friends, challenge each other in the arcade, or relax with food and drinks while taking in the atmosphere. Whether you're looking for a quick game, a rainy-day activity or a memorable outing with family and friends, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Colac Tenpin Bowl also hosts birthday parties, corporate functions, school groups, sporting clubs and community events throughout the year, with a variety of group packages available. Conveniently located in Colac's town centre, the venue offers a welcoming and inclusive environment where visitors of all ages and experience levels can create lasting memories together.

Colac VIC

11 km away

Saturday Painting

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Colac Makers' Space and Gallery

A vibrant, volunteer-run, artist's space adjacent to the Colac Otway Performing Arts Centre. The Makers' Space has regular workshops, ranging from crochet to eco-printing, mosaic, drawing and painting. Monthly exhibitions are packed with beautiful original artworks for sale. There is also a workshop shed at the showgrounds for silk screen printing and messy art, and weekly sessions are open to all to learn or 'play'.

Colac VIC

12 km away

Riding on Forrest mountain bike trails — Image credit: Great Ocean Road Tourism

Natural Attractions

Forrest Mountain Bike Trails

This is the way mountain biking should be — an expansive network of tracks linking to one of Victoria's beautiful regional townships. Stay for a long weekend in Forrest to make the most of the network and many other attractions of the Otways. Two hours drive south west of Melbourne, the Forrest trail network has almost 100 kilometres of singletrack across 36 trails. It caters for riders of all levels and is considered one of Australia's top mountain biking destinations. There are 2 main trail networks to the north and south of Forrest in Otway Forest Park, both accessible by off-road bike trails from within Forrest. The southern section of the network winds through tall eucalypt forest with wet gullies. It has many trails to choose from, ranging from easy to difficult. The northern trails have a different feel and flow through lowland forests and woodlands. These are more challenging and will test your skills and get your heart racing. Make sure you ride to your abilities and check the difficulty rating marked on the trail at the site. Everyone can enjoy mountain biking at Forrest due to the many trails suitable for adaptive riders. There are wheelchair accessible toilets at the Trailhead and Skills Park. Parking is available at the trailhead and at locations throughout the Southern Trail Network.

Forrest VIC

23 km away

Lake Elizabeth

National Parks and Reserves

Lake Elizabeth

Head to Lake Elizabeth hidden deep in the Otways and discover its inspiring beauty with heavily timbered flanks and calm waters punctuated by the trunks of dead trees, drowned when the valley was flooded more than 50 years ago to form this perched lake. The elusive platypus can be found in the waters of the lake - wake up early or head to Lake Elizabeth at dusk to catch a glimpse of these shy Australian natives. Lake Elizabeth Campground is a dogs-on-lead camping area. Sheltered by tall eucalypt trees it nestles beside the small Barwon River. Lake Elizabeth is a short one kilometre walk away. Forrest Mountain Bike Trailhead is at the Day Visitor Carpark. Pitch a tent in the small campground. Look and listen for Satin Bowerbirds and inquisitive Superb Fairy-wrens and Eastern Yellow Robins. There are 20 campsites accommodating up to six people per site. All campsites are unpowered and are suitable for tents only. There is no direct vehicle access to the campsites. A 15-minute unloading bay is located close by and a separate carpark is located above and behind the campground just a two minute walk away. Non flush toilets. Before traveling, visit Parks Victoria's website to check for changes in park conditions which may impact your visit. Remember to stay bushfire ready using the Vic Emergency website while in nature.

Barramunga VIC

26 km away

Stevensons Falls — Image credit: Great Ocean Road Regional Tourism

Natural Attractions

Stevensons Falls

Stevenson Falls is one of the most spectacular and accessible waterfalls in the Otways. It is 2.5 hours drive south west of Melbourne, and just a short walk from a specious well-equipped campground and picnic area beside the Gellibrand River. The 3.4 kilometre return walk to Stevensons Falls passes through a stand of large Californian redwood trees and alongside the river to the base of the waterfalls. This easy walk is suitable for everyone and is wheelchair accessible and pram friendly. The site also has two smaller walks: the Redwoods Boardwalk, showcasing the giant Californian redwoods, and the Blue Spruce Walk which runs along the Gellibrand River. The picnic area, with tables and accessible toilets, is a short walk from the car park along an accessible boardwalk suitable for wheelchairs and prams. This pleasant and spacious free campground is surrounded by giant Californian redwoods next to the river. It has 44 designated campsites suitable for tents, wood-fired barbecues, picnic tables and toilets. This site is not suitable for caravans and camper trailers - nearby Dandos Campground caters for those. Most attractions and facilities at the day visitor area are accessible for people in a wheelchair or with mobility needs and are pram friendly. This includes the car park, walkways, toilets and viewing platform.

Barramunga VIC

29 km away

Adventure Girl — Image credit: Live Wire Park Pty Ltd

Amusement and Theme Parks

Live Wire Park

Visit Australia's most electrifying adventure park. Unplug, recharge and set your senses alight with the beauty of the Great Ocean Road whilst zip lining, roller coasting, climbing, exploring and wandering through this world class adventure experience. Home to the Shockwave Zip Coaster (Australia's most extreme zip line), epic ropes courses and the treetop canopy circuit; experience nature supercharged. Live Wire Park is an elevated, adrenaline-producing experience that reconnects its visitors with each other and nature by recharging the human spirit through world class facilities along with inspiring, reassuring staff, whilst supporting the environment and the local community.

Lorne VIC

33 km away

Great Ocean Road Story Exhibition

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Great Ocean Road Story Exhibition

Experience the Great Ocean Road Story: Building Australia's Most Famous Road. This purpose built permanent exhibition in the newly constructed Great Ocean Road Heritage Centre is located in the Lorne Visitor Centre. The Great Ocean Road is a memorial to the lost lives and sacrifices of the Australian diggers in world war one. More than 3000 returned soldiers built the road from 1919 onwards, conquering steep cliffs, rugged terrain and dangerous weather so that the isolated towns along Victoria's stunning western coastline could be joined together. Since its official opening in 1932, the Great Ocean Road has breathed life into the local communities along it and become a mecca for tourists. It is a engineering marvel. Come and experience the Great Ocean Road Story.

Lorne VIC

34 km away

Great Otway National Park

National Parks and Reserves

Great Otway National Park

The Great Otway National Park stretches from Torquay through to Princetown and up through the Otways hinterland towards Colac. The park features rugged coastlines, sandy beaches, rock platforms and windswept heathland and beautiful spring wildflowers. In the north, the park features tall forests, ferny gullies, magnificent waterfalls and tranquil lakes. The Great Ocean Walk, stretches 91 kilometres from the idyllic resort town of Apollo Bay to Glenample Homestead (adjacent to the 12 Apostles). It passes through the National Park and overlooks the Marine National Park. Experience and enjoy the natural environment on horse back or on a mountain bike. A permit is required for horse riders to ride in the National Park and Parks Victoria staff can assist you with this. The formed roads and tracks provide ideal trails for these active endeavours. Picnic opportunities abound, with lovely settings at many of the waterfalls as well as Blanket Leaf, Sheoak, Distillery Creek, Moggs Creek, Paradise, Melba Gully, Shelly Beach, Triplet Falls and Blanket Bay to name a few. There are excellent camping opportunities throughout the Parks.

Lorne VIC

34 km away

Indie Spa

Spas and Retreats

Indie Spa

Indie Spa is the place to go on the Great Ocean Road to sip, steam and soak. This day spa and bathhouse is located at Sunnymead Hotel in Aireys Inlet. Indie caters for couples and groups - after all, an experience is always better when you share it with a friend. If you're going solo, that's more than okay too! Every individual is unique and your spa experience should be as well. Their team of spa hosts and therapists will make you feel at home. Indie is delightfully different. You'll still find everything you expect from a day spa - beautiful lounge areas, massages, facials and delicious teas, but also the unexpected in their signature sunny style. Indie has three private treatment rooms including a dual room with Vichy shower as well as a Rasul and bathhouse.

Aireys Inlet VIC

38 km away

Barwon Park Mansion

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Barwon Park Mansion

Barwon Park is an imposing bluestone mansion set in a sweeping rural landscape. When pastoralist Thomas Austin and his wife Elizabeth entertained the Duke of Edinburgh, who was the second in line to the British throne, it became obvious that grander accommodations were required. They decided to build a new house. H.R.H. Prince Alfred visited Victoria two more times, but the house, unfortunately, remained unfinished. Built between 1869 – 1871, the Austin's owned one of the largest homesteads in the Western District. The lavish 42 room mansion was built of basalt and decorated with a unique cast iron verandah and balcony. Thomas Austin died just eight months after the house was completed, but Elizabeth lived at Barwon Park for many years and became a noted philanthropist, founding the Austin Hospital and Austin Homes, Geelong. The house then passed into the hands of the Batson family who later bequeathed it to the National Trust. Barwon Park continues to impress visitors with its magnificent entrance hall and pink and white interiors. On open days, tours run hourly: 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm (last tour), led by National Trust Guides. Entry to the Mansion is by guided tour only. The extensive grounds also offer plenty of space to enjoy a picnic with family and friends. Please visit their website for the updated opening hours.

Winchelsea VIC

38 km away

Split Point Lighthouse Tours Aireys Inlet

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Split Point Lighthouse Tours Aireys Inlet

Come and climb the Split Point Lighthouse in Aireys Inlet. The views are simply breathtaking. You will spot Split Point Lighthouse as you travel the Great Ocean Road. Why just drive by, when you can experience this must-see attraction which stands as a stunning sentinel on the Shipwreck Coast. Take a trip through maritime history and be amazed by this wild and dangerous coastline where hundreds of ships have crashed. It is still a vital working lighthouse for vessels navigating the treacherous waters of Bass Strait and still operates every night. Today it is famous for its role in the television series ‘Round the Twist’ and you might spot a pod of dolphins or whales from the top balcony. The lighthouse is open daily for a visit, weather permitting. Come on in for a climb to the top and enjoy marvellous 360-degree views of this stunning coastline.

Aireys Inlet VIC

38 km away

Eagle Rock Marine Sanctuary

National Parks and Reserves

Eagle Rock Marine Sanctuary

Located at Aireys Inlet, this park protects 17ha of ocean waters and projects about 300 metres offshore. Composed of both hard basalt and rubbly limestone, the cliffs are full of caves and ledges. The shore is covered with boulders and offshore there are two large rocks: Eagle Rock and Table Rock. Table Rock has been levelled by incessant waves whereas Eagle Rock is a tall volcanic stack capped by limestone. The intertidal and subtidal, basalt and sandstone reefs provide habitats for many species. The rock platforms are covered in the iconic brown seaweed Neptune's Necklace which is unique to Australia and New Zealand. Within the rockpools you can find fascinating creatures such as octopus, chitons and decorator crabs. Offshore, Eagle Rock and Table Rock are fringed with swirling Bull Kelp and in deeper waters colourful sea tulips and encrusting sponges can be found. The beautiful habitat provided by these species supports a vast array of marine life from wrasse and mullet to Cat Sharks, Port Jackson Sharks, skates and rays. Many birds use the area as feeding and roosting habitat and at certain times of year you may also be able to spot whales passing through the area.

Aireys Inlet VIC

38 km away

Beauchamp Falls — Image credit: DEECA

Natural Attractions

Beauchamp Falls

One of the Otways' most spectacular waterfalls, Beauchamp Falls is in the Otway Forest Park. It is 2.5 hours drive south west of Melbourne, near the town of Beech Forest. The Beauchamp Falls Walk is a three kilometre one-hour return walk. The walk leaves from the Beauchamp Falls Campground picnic area and takes you to the spectacular 20 metre waterfall. Walk through the beautiful towering rainforest and enjoy scenic views of mountain ash forests and thick ferns. The Beauchamp Falls Campground is tucked away in the lush rainforest. This family-friendly campground is flat and spacious with dedicated areas for tents, caravans, campervans and camper trailers. There are fire pits, picnic tables and toilets available for use for campers and for day visitors at the nearby picnic area. This is a free and popular camping spot so it's best to arrive early to secure your spot. The road into the campground is unsealed but can easily be accessed by a two wheel drive vehicle and caravan. The Forrest Mountain Bike Trail network is less than an hour's drive north east of this site via Forrest-Apollo Bay Road. Bring your own water for drinking and cooking as there is no access to potable water. Firewood around the campground is limited and may be wet, so it is recommended to bring your own.

Beech Forest VIC

38 km away

Golf amongst the roos — Image credit: Anglesea Golf Club

Sports and Recreation Facilities

Anglesea Golf Club

Anglesea Golf Club is a regional Victorian gem, just over an hour from Melbourne on the scenic Great Ocean Road. Renowned for its natural beauty, it's one of Australia's most unique courses. Designed by Vern Morcom, the 18 hole course features a challenging layout set amidst natural bushland, complete with 42 bunkers, three practice fairways, two practice putting greens, and a twelve-bay driving range. Adding to its charm, the course is home to a resident population of around 300 Eastern Grey Kangaroos, often seen grazing peacefully across the fairways. The club facilities and experiences include an 18-hole course, golf lessons with professional instructors, fully equipped pro shop with hire, twelve-bay driving range, mini golf for families and groups. Join a popular volunteer-led Kangaroo Tour and get up close to the famous local residents. This 25-minute guided tour shares fascinating insights into kangaroo behaviour, life cycles, and habitat while visiting prime viewing spots around the course. Golf and social memberships are available. The clubhouse bar and bistro are open daily, and there is onsite accommodation.

Anglesea VIC

41 km away

Otway Fly Treetop Adventures

Amusement and Theme Parks

Otway Fly Treetop Adventures

Otway Fly Treetop Adventures is the ultimate outdoor nature experience and is located less than three hours away from Melbourne (via Princes Highway inland route) and 90 minutes from Geelong (via Princes Highway). Experience a breathtaking view of the magnificent Otway Ranges from the 25 metre-high elevate walkway or fly 30 metres high from tree to tree on the Zipline Tour. The Treetop Walk is a one hour rainforest walk experience, that is approximately two kilometres in total and features a 600 metre long and 47-metre high steel structured treetop canopy walkway. The Zipline Eco-Tour is a two-and-a-half hour, fully guided experience including training and simulation, eight cloud stations, six flights and two suspension bridges. Home to magical enchanted forest featuring fairies and dragons! Discover a whimsical neighborhood of fairy homes and their magical inhabitants, snuggled within a magical nook in the Otway Fly Treetop Adventures trail. Check website for current operating hours.

Ferguson VIC

42 km away

Lux Spa and Wellness

Spas and Retreats

Lux Spa and Wellness

Lux Spa and Wellness offers a sanctuary from the noise of the outside world and has been designed with your every need in mind. It is located at the Great Ocean Road Resort surrounded by natural beauty in the heart of Anglesea. Be ready for a change of pace where you can spend time amongst pristine beaches and towering limestone cliffs. Take a deep breath and fill your senses with rejuvenating salt air and be assured of rest and relaxation. Lux Spa and Wellness offers guests luxurious treatments and facilities including high performance facials with LED, relaxation massage, body wraps and muds, Shirodhara, Vichy shower, infrared sauna, reiki, and yoga. Lux Spa also offers all-inclusive spa, wellness and corporate retreats.

Anglesea VIC

42 km away

A lively gathering outside Anglesea Art Space, celebrating art and community. — Image credit: Surf Coast Shire

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Anglesea Art Space

Anglesea Art Space is a vibrant, community-based gallery supported by Surf Coast Shire Council, located along the Great Ocean Road in Anglesea. This light-filled, shopfront gallery showcases a rotating program of local artists, offering visitors the opportunity to experience and purchase original work directly from the Surf Coast creative community. Exhibitions change regularly, so there is always something new to discover. Open to both emerging and established artists, the space supports creative development, experimentation and professional growth, while fostering connections between artists and audiences. Free entry and perfect for a short stop, Anglesea Art Space invites you to slow down, explore and take home a piece of the region's creative spirit. Visit the website for current opening hours.

Anglesea VIC

43 km away

Seahorse Natural Therapies

Spas and Retreats

Seahorse Natural Therapies

Welcome to Seahorse Natural Therapies and Accommodation. If you are looking for a really relaxing piece of paradise by the sea to unwind or chill for a bit, then this is it. The studio is located in the seaside village of Skenes Creek, six kilometres from Apollo Bay and 45 minutes from Lorne, one street back from the Great Ocean Road. You can hear the soothing sounds of the waves crashing upon the Snapper Rocks from the Bali Hut, while you are enjoying a, Therapeutic Relaxation Massage, Gua Sha Facial, Bowen / Remedial Massage or Ear Candling. Run by Lizzie, a qualified and registered Remedial Massage practitioner with over 23 years experience in the health and wellness services. Seahorse is perfect for people of all ages visiting the greater Apollo Bay area, who are looking to add an extra activity to their health and relaxation routine on their break. For appointments please contact the operator by phone.

Skenes Creek VIC

46 km away

Heritage listed Cable Station Museum housing some of the original cabling and equipment from 1930's

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Apollo Bay Museum

Apollo Bay Museum displays a collection of historical artefacts relating to the history of Apollo Bay and its surrounds. The heritage-listed Cable Station houses three vast rooms of objects and photographs. Features include items from local shipwrecks such as the Casino, Wollamai and Speculant as well as tools, furniture and textiles from as far back as the 19th century. A collection of family histories is also available for viewing. There is also an extensive photographic collection.

Apollo Bay VIC

47 km away

Marriners Lookout

Natural Attractions

Marriners Lookout

Marriner Lookout overlooks Apollo Bay and is located on the outskirts of the township. An easy but steep 10 minute walk from the carpark is rewarded with a spectacular ocean, beach, hinterland and town view, especially pretty for watching the sunrise. Note that this is a popular spot and the carpark can be quite busy of weekends and public holidays. The track and lookout are located on private property so please follow instructions on signage, closing gates and taking any rubbish with you when you leave. Distance: one kilometre return. Time: 20 minutes. Difficulty: Easy – Moderate

Apollo Bay VIC

48 km away

Friendly Koalas: all abilities staff

Zoos, Sanctuaries, Aquariums and Wildlife Parks

Fauna Australia Koala Experience and Accommodation

Experience Australia's wildlife at Fauna Australia, where you can interact personally with iconic animals in a stress free environment. Join their 30-minute Koala Experience where you can take your own photos, tailored for busy travellers. Undercover photo area enables all weather experience. Connect with koalas, capture your memories, and enhance your Great Ocean Road itinerary. Book your Koala Experience today. Conveniently located midway between Apollo Bay and The Twelve Apostles, Fauna Australia is only 45 minutes away from Twelve Apostles, Apollo Bay and Colac. Some other nearby attractions such as Triplet Falls is 15 minutes away, Otway Fly Treetop Walk is 20 minutes away and Melba Gully glowworms is only five minutes. At Fauna Australia, they prioritise inclusivity and diversity within the team through the Progressive Pathways Program. The talented all-abilities keepers and guides, including individuals with disabilities, bring unique perspectives that enhance the organisation. For travellers with more time on their hands, experience the Great Ocean Road and Otways with their conveniently located accommodation. Watch the place come alive at night with their nocturnal species from your fully self-contained spa cottages that sleeps four. Feed friendly kangaroos and wombats.

Lavers Hill VIC

48 km away

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