Great Ocean Road Area Information Guide

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Great Ocean Road Stretching for 243 kilometres across eleven townships, this world-famous tourist attraction boasts one of the most picturesque coastal drives in the world.

Work began on the Great Ocean Road in 1918 and was completed in 1932. Today, it officially commences at Torquay and finishes at Allansford, where it then joins the Princes Highway near Warrnambool.

Your camera is a mandatory item when out and about touring along the Great Ocean Road. Some of the world’s best photography has been shot from the many panoramic locations on offer.

There’s an unfathomable amount of things to do along the Great Ocean Road. Try catching exhilarating waves in Torquay or taking in the breathtaking views at Aireys Inlet. If being amongst nature is your thing, then don’t miss the mesmerising waterfalls in Lorne,

the intriguing rockpools in Wye River and the local fauna at Kennett River.

Then again you could always do a spot of fishing in Apollo Bay or venture out for an unforgettable adventure through the Otways. Witnessing the 12 Apostles phenomenon at Port Campbell is an absolute must.

After a day of exploring one of the world’s most inspiring coastlines, call into one of the townships for dinner, catch a sunset by the beach or slip into comfort!

Whatever you do, you’re sure to have a wonderful time while touring the Great Ocean Road and experiencing all that is has to offer.

For more information on the Great Ocean Road, please visit www.visitgreatoceanroad.org.au. Alternatively, drop into one of the many visitor information centres dotted along the way.

Marengo

GREAT OCEAN ROAD

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TORQUAY Torquay, a popular coastal town and the official start of the Great Ocean Road, boasts great surf beaches and plenty of gourmet culinary experiences.

Torquay is renowned for its surf beaches and plays host to the world’s largest surf contest, the RipCurl Pro, every Easter. Bells Beach and Winki Pop offer surf conditions suitable for experienced surfers while Torquay and Jan Juc are beaches better suited to novice surfers or those wanting to learn how to surf.

On most days, small surf makes Torquay’s Front Beach the perfect swimming location for families. The beach is patrolled in summertime and backs onto a lovely reserve.

There are great walks, shops, eateries and local produce available in and around Torquay. For a gourmet adventure, drop into the visitor information centre at Surf City Plaza and pick up a brochure on the local food and wine touring routes.

For a unique and immersive cultural experience, drop into the Narana Aboriginal Cultural Centre. Located on the Surf Coast Highway in Grovedale, the centre showcases indigenous artworks and artefacts, native gardens and much more.

PHONE

03 5289 7322 OR

0418 528 647

E: bsaddles115@gmail.com 115 BIMBADEEN DRIVE, FAIRHAVEN 3231

AIREYS INLET

ANGLESEA

The Split Point Lighthouse points the way to Aireys Inlet and is a welcome sight for visitors keen to enjoy this picturesque seaside town.

Anglesea is surrounded by long sandy beaches, coastal heathland and eucalypt forests.

Aireys Inlet has magnificent scenery with its bush setting and beautiful sandy beaches. The area is rich in flora and has a huge national park right at its backdoor.

There are many things to explore at Aireys Inlet including the lighthouse, the historical bark hut, and activities such as fishing, hang gliding and bushwalking.

For a unique way to explore the region, embark on a beach or bush horseriding adventure. For more information on tours, call Blazing Saddles on 5289 7322.

Each year in March, the township plays host to the Aireys Inlet Open Mic Music Festival.

SPLIT POINT LIGHTHOUSE The Split Point Lighthouse was built in 1891 and is a welcome sight to visitors on the Great Ocean Road as well as seafarers heading around Cape Otway.

Originally called the Eagles Nest Lighthouse, it allows visitors who climb its stairs or stroll along the cliff top walk to enjoy amazing views up and down the coast.

Anglesea is the point where the Great Ocean Road first winds its way down to greet the sea. This quaint township has something for all ages and interests.

Things to see and do in Anglesea include learning to surf, playing golf with the local kangaroos watching on, and taking an exciting Harley motorcycle tour.

Activities on the Anglesea River such as boating, paddleboarding, canoeing and swimming are also popular pastimes.

Anglesea also has a great variety of restaurants and coffee shops to suit every taste and budget.

For more information on Anglesea, please visit www.angleseaadventure.com.au.

LORNE Set between the sparkling waters of Louttit Bay and the beautiful forests of the Otway Ranges, Lorne has a special quality that charms locals and visitors alike.

Stroll along Mountjoy Parade and check out the tempting restaurant and café menus as well as the unique boutiques and shops.

Lorne offers many exciting activities that range from surfing the point to fishing from the rock ledges and pier, to browsing the bookshops and galleries. Or perhaps you’d prefer to enjoy a picnic on the foreshore, take an ocean drive or discover the local wildlife on a guided nature tour.

The main beach in Lorne is patrolled during summertime and offers the perfect opportunity to take a dip before heading up to the main drag for a bite to eat.

THE FALLS FESTIVAL The Falls Music and Arts Festival is one of the finest, long-standing, boutique music events in Australia.

Situated in alluring surrounds, this is the place where music and arts from around the globe come together.

Nestled on a farm near the beautiful Lorne beaches and set amongst the countries most spectacular scenery, the festival is based on European style events, including camping, a great atmosphere, music and a variety of activities and entertainment across a couple of days. For more information on the festival visit www.fallsfestival.com.au.

WALKS, WATERFALLS AND LOOKOUTS Lorne is a great place explored on foot. An easy stroll takes you to the Lorne Pier where you can see locals catching their dinner. A short drive to the top of George Street and you’ll arrive at Teddy’s Lookout, which offers gorgeous views of the coast and hinterland.

The popular Erskine Falls is only a 9km drive from Lorne along Erskine Falls Road. A short five minute walk from the carpark will take you to the base of these spectacular falls. Straw Falls which is a 15m cascade is only a 400m hike downstream along the Erskine River.

Other waterfalls in the area include the lovely Henderson Falls, Phantom Falls, Kalimna Falls, Sheoak Falls and Cora Lynn Cascades.

For more information, drop into the Lorne Visitor Information Centre located at 15 Mountjoy Parade.

WYE RIVER Wye River is located in the middle of the Great Ocean Road in a natural amphitheatre between Lorne and Apollo Bay. Wye River offers a safe swimming beach - patrolled in summertime - with great fishing and sumptuous food options. Walking tracks around Wye River and Separation Creek take in all the quiet bush beauty and alluring beach surrounds that the area has to offer.

Birdwatching is a popular pastime in Wye River, with visitors privy to the likes of king parrots, rosellas and yellow-tailed black cockatoos. You can also spot iconic Australian fauna such as possums, wallabies, kangaroos and koalas.

Grab a bike and explore any of the number of trails that navigate through the Great Otway National Park.

KENNETT RIVER Kennett River is located in the middle of perhaps the most spectacular stretch along the Great Ocean Road.

Kennett River enjoys a safe, pristine beach, one of the few patrolled between Lorne and Apollo Bay, which offers great walks in winter and great swimming in summertime.

Native fauna is not shy around Kennett River and it’s a great place to spot kangaroos and koalas, native birds, dolphins and even whales. Grey River Road, which runs behind Kennett River, is a well known area for spotting koalas.

ATTRACTIONS along the

Attractions

Great Ocean Road

• Bells Beach, Torquay

• Crow’s Nest Lookout, Tuxion Road, Apollo Bay

• Great Otway National Park, from Torquay to Princetown and back toward Colac

• Marriners Lookout Walk (30mins), Apollo Bay

• Anglesea Heath, inland from Anglesea

• Great Ocean Walk, stretches 96kms from Apollo Bay to the 12 Apostles

• Split Point Lighthouse, Aireys Inlet

• The Gables Lookout Walk (20mins), Wattle Hill

• Teddy’s Lookout, George St, Lorne

• Marengo Marine Sanctuary, Marengo

• Erskine Falls, a 9km drive from Lorne

• Cape Otway Lightstation, Cape Otway

• Birdwatching in Wye River

• Cape Otway to Aire River Hike (4hrs)

• Grey River Road behind Kennett River for spotting koalas

• 12 Apostles, on the coastline near Port Campbell

• Cape Patton Lookout, Great Ocean Road, East of Apollo Bay

• 12 Apostles Gourmet Trail, a 70km loop west and east of Port Campbell

MARENGO

APOLLO BAY

Marengo is located on the Great Ocean Road, just under 3kms past Apollo Bay.

Apollo Bay is a gorgeous fishing and farming village nestled in the picturesque foothills of the Otway Ranges.

Considered Apollo Bay’s quiet retreat, this resort area has a ‘small hamlet’ overlooking Marengo Reefs Marine Sanctuary and the Southern Ocean.

MARENGO REEFS MARINE SANCTUARY The Marengo Reefs Marine Sanctuary covers 12 hectares and is comprised of two small reefs containing a variety of microhabitats. Protected conditions on the leeward side of the reefs (unusual for reefs on this high wave energy coastline) allow bull kelps and other seaweed to grow densely.

Apollo Bay’s magnificent coast combines superb scenery with perfect beaches for swimming, fishing and boating. Great restaurants, rainforests, waterfalls and a golf course overlooking the ocean make this popular holiday destination an ideal base from which to explore the region. Check out the 24 sculptures along the foreshore, which were created by nine artists inspired by the sea.

APOLLO BAY MARKETS

The reef boasts an abundance of soft corals, sponges and other marine invertebrates. Paddle out on a kayak tour to see the local seals that have provided Apollo Bay with their “seal” of approval.

The Apollo Bay Community Market occurs every Saturday morning along the foreshore. Meanwhile the Apollo Bay Farmers Market occurs the third Sunday of every month along Moore Street between 9am to 1pm.

For more information on Marengo, drop into the Apollo Bay Visitor Information Centre at 100 Great Ocean Road.

For more information on Apollo Bay, please visit www.visitapollobay.com.

2016 Winner

Established 2009

THE OTWAYS Boasting some of Australia’s most lush and scenic rainforests, The Otways offer a range of nature-based experiences.

SCENIC DRIVES Otways Trails offer the opportunity to experience historic walks through fertile rainforests, spectacular volcanic landscapes and coastal scenery, including the chance to discover gourmet food and wine along the way. Try Maits Rest, a self-guided tour along a rainforest boardwalk through The Otways.

CAPE OTWAY Set in the heart of the Great Otway National Park, 30kms west of Apollo Bay, Cape Otway is where rugged hinterland meets rolling beaches. If you’re up for a hike, try the Cape Otway to Aire River Hike, which takes around 4 hours.

CAPE OTWAY LIGHTSTATION Cape Otway Lightstation is an iconic feature and offers a wonderful opportunity to experience the region’s amazing maritime history through a guided tour. Open daily, tours cost $19.50 adults, $17.50 concession and $7.50 children. For more information on this attraction, visit www.lightstation.com.

SAFETY TIPS IN THE OTWAYS • Carry all-weather clothing as changes are common.

• Mobile phones are frequently out of range.

• Stay on marked paths to respect the environment.

• Advise someone of your trip and the estimated time of arrival back at your accommodation.

• Allow plenty of time because of winding roads.

• Beware some roads are travelled by large log trucks from November to May. • If aware of bushfires, plan an alternate route. If you come across smoke while travelling, turn around and go back. Listen to the radio and ask locally for help to find a safe way through. On bushfire danger days, reconsider entering national parks.

GREAT OCEAN WALK The Great Ocean Walk is a stunning trail linking Apollo Bay to Gibson Steps, adjacent to the 12 Apostles, and passing through the Otway and Port Campbell National Parks. It stretches 96kms but you can do shorter walks or complete the walk in a little over a week. Seven Great Ocean Walk hike-in camp sites have been established providing welcome rest spots and a chance to relax. Walkers can enjoy the park’s beauty and experience the wildlife such as koalas, kangaroos, eagles and southern right whales.

Overnight campers must register with Parks Victoria (131 963). For more information on the Great Ocean Walk, please visit www.greatoceanwalk.info.

For more information on the Otways, please visit www.visitotways.com.

PORT CAMPBELL With its quiet harbour, Port Campbell is a study in picturesque serenity.

The pretty village of about 500 people stands in one of the world’s most scenic national parks and at the centre of what is arguably Victoria’s finest collection of natural wonders. Flanked by the estuary towns of Peterborough and Princetown, Port Campbell invites close inspection, by land, sea or air.

Great Ocean Road

DRIVE TIMES & DISTANCES

With more than 400 kilometres of coastal road and inland highways, the Great Ocean Road is definitely a holiday experience.

MELBOURNE to

KM

TIME

Geelong

75

55min

Warrnambool – Inland via Princes Hwy – via Great Ocean Road

265 353

3hrs 30min 5hrs 30min

Queenscliff

30

35min

Torquay

24

30min

Lorne

67

1hr 15min

Apollo Bay – via Cape Otway Road – via Great Ocean Road

119 112

1hr 35min 1hr 55min

Colac

74

1hr

Surrounding Port Campbell is a colossal natural sculpture park, where soaring rock stacks and tall cliffs will redefine your sense of scale. Along 25kms of wild coastline you’ll find the 12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, Bay of Islands and a London Bridge that did fall down. Catch the nightly show of Little Penguins at the 12 Apostles and the mutton-birds at Loch Ard Gorge (no ticket required). Alternatively, take a hike and join the 96kms Great Ocean Walk linking Apollo Bay and the 12 Apostles to explore the coast on foot.

GEELONG to

Camperdown

121

1hr 30min

For more information on Port Campbell, please visit www.visitgreatoceanroad.org.au/port-campbell.

12 Apostles – inland via Colac – via Great Ocean Road

146 270

2hrs 30min 4hrs 30min

Warrnambool – inland via Princes Hwy – via Great Ocean Road

187 270

2hrs 30min 4hrs 30min

Camperdown

66

55min

Port Fairy

30

30min

Portland

100

1hr 20min

Nelson

167

2hrs

Mt Gambier

205

2hrs 35min

Adelaide

655

8hrs

12 APOSTLES Rising like giant exclamation marks from the ocean floor, the famous 12 Apostles dominate the coastline near Port Campbell.

The towering limestone stacks, some of them standing 45 metres above the wild waves crashing at their bases, are nothing short of spectacular.

Like many of the stunning natural formations that you’ll find along this rugged stretch of coast, the 12 Apostles were fashioned over millions of years by the relentless action of the wind and waves.

For more information on the 12 Apostles, please go to visit12apostles.com.au.

WARRNAMBOOL to

Note: Times are a guide only and may be longer during peak holiday periods such as Easter and summer or when the region is experiencing extreme weather conditions. By using the Geelong Ring Road drivers can reduce their travel times to destinations on the Great Ocean Road.

WARRNAMBOOL Centrally located on the Shipwreck Coast, 263 kilometres south-west of Melbourne, lies the city of Warrnambool.

This 19th century seaport has evolved into one of Australia’s most sophisticated rural cities, making it an ideal base from which to explore the dramatic Shipwreck Coast and its hinterland.

Warrnambool is well known as the Southern Right Whale Nursery. Once hunted almost to the point of extinction, these gentle creatures now return to the shallows off Logan’s Beach to give birth. They can be seen from a viewing platform most years during the months of June to September.

Find us at Albert Park Cramer St, Warrnambool Victoria 3280 admin@warrnamboolfc.com.au www.warrnamboolfc.com.au

Bookings: 03 5562 3600

At Thunder Point Coastal Reserve you’ll experience the rugged coastal view of the Breakwater, Merri and Middle Islands. For an enjoyable day with the children, visit Lake Pertobe on Pertobe Road and its amazing Adventure Playground.

Be sure to check out the spectacular Shipwrecked!

Sound and Laser Show at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village.

There’s so much more to see and do in Warrnambool.

For more information on the region, please visit www.visitwarrnambool.com.au.

Gourmet

FOOD TRAILS With lush hinterland meeting a beautiful coastline which snakes around the Great Oean Road, visitors are spoilt for choice when it comes to gourmet delights in the region.

12 APOSTLES GOURMET TRAIL

THE OTWAY HARVEST TRAIL

Fancy some crayfish with an award winning south coast Pinot Gris? How about a gold medal washed rind camembert or marinated feta? Perhaps you’d like to choose between a locally distilled whisky or vanilla vodka? Or maybe you’d like to indulge your sweet tooth with fresh strawberries, raspberry filled white chocolate or Timboon Fine Ice Cream?

The Otways region is privy to a perfect blend of soil and climate conditions which gives rise to a sumptuous feast of fresh produce. Olives, berries, organic meat, cheese, chocolate and wine are plentiful in the region.

If so, be sure to pick up a 12 Apostles Gourmet Trail Brochure for a map outlining the trail at the Port Campbell Visitor Information Centre at 26 Morris Street, Port Campbell.

Be sure to try Apostle Whey Cheese, Gorge Chocolates, Winchelsea Larder, Otway Estate Winery and Brewery, and the many providores in the region. And there’s so much more!

To download a brochure and map of the Otway Harvest Trail, visit www.otwayharvesttrail.org.au.

Calendar of

EVENTS JANUARY

JUNE

• GMHBA Lorne Pier to Pub, Lorne • Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race

• Fun for Kids Festival, Warrnambool Jun-Jul

• Aireys Inlet Music Festival, Aireys Inlet

AUGUST

• Moyneyana Festival, Port Fairy

• International Lighthouse Weekend, Cape Otway Lightstation

FEBRUARY • Apollo Bay Seafood Festival, Apollo Bay

SEPTEMBER

• Otway Odyssey, The Otways

• Amy’s Gran Fondo, Great Ocean Road

MARCH

• Lorne Festival of Performing Arts, Lorne

• Lorne Sculpture Festival, Lorne

OCTOBER

• Port Fairy Folk Festival, Port Fairy

• Birregurra Festival and Art Show, Birregurra

• Aireys Inlet Open Mic Music Festival, Aireys Inlet

• Upwelling Festival, Portland

APRIL

DECEMBER

• RipCurl Pro, Bells Beach, Torquay Easter weekend

• Lorne Adventure Race, Lorne

• Kids Adventure Outdoors, Anglesea

• The Falls Festival, near Lorne Dec-Jan

MAY • Great Ocean Road Running Festival, Lorne

For more information on events, visit www.visitgreatoceanroad.org.au.

Essential

SERVICES HOSPITALS

LORNE

University Hospital Geelong Bellerine Street

4215 0000

Lorne Police Station 44 Smith Street

Warrnambool Base Hospital Ryot Street

5563 1666

Lorne Medical Centre 230 Mountjoy Parade Lorne Taxi Service

TORQUAY Torquay Police Station 122 Surf Coast Highway

5264 3400

Surfcoast Medical Centre 100 Surf Coast Highway

4215 7900

Pacific Smiles Dental 110 Geelong Road Surfcoast Pharmacy 100 Surf Coast Highway Torquay Taxis

5289 4333 0409 892 304

Banks & ATMs located on Mountjoy Parade

APOLLO BAY Apollo Bay Police Station 31 Nelson Street

5237 6750

5261 2240

Apollo Bay General Practice 40 Pascoe Street

5237 6844

5264 7967

Community Care Chemist 121 - 123 Great Ocean Road

131 008

Banks & ATMs located on Gilbert Street

Apollo Bay Taxi Service

5237 6312 0400 229 222

Banks & ATMs located on Pascoe Street and Great Ocean Road

ANGLESEA Anglesea Police Station 55 Great Ocean Road

5263 3468

PORT CAMPBELL

Surfcoast Medical Centre McMillan Street

4215 6700

Port Campbell Police Station 61 Lord Street

Anglesea Pharmacy 93 Great Ocean Road

5263 1540

Great Ocean Road Cabs

5289 2712

131 008

Banks & ATMs located on Great Ocean Road

AIREYS INLET Aireys Inlet Medical Centre 37 Great Ocean Road

5289 6432

Aireys Inlet Pharmacy 44 Great Ocean Road

5289 7434

5598 6310

WARRNAMBOOL Warrnambool Police Station 214 Koroit Street

5560 1333

South West Medical Centre 281 Koroit Street

5563 4370

Priceline Pharmacy Warrnambool 110 Liebig Street

5560 5187

Warrnambool Cabs

132 227

Banks & ATMs located on Koroit and Liebig Streets

REGIONAL SERVICES Vline buses RACV Road Service

1800 800 007 13 11 11

Electric Car Charging Stations located at: Lorne Visitor Information Centre, Cumberland Lorne and RACV Torquay Resort Injured Wildlife

1300 094 535

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This guest services room publication is compiled and produced

by John Batman Group – The Hospitality Supermarket, publishers of specialist room directories and magazines.

John Batman Group – The Hospitality Supermarket, and Just Brilliant Guides are trademarks of Binders Compendiums Menu Covers Pty Ltd. © Copyright all rights reserved. JBG–R John Batman Group – The Hospitality Supermarket.

PO Box 726, Ringwood, Victoria, Australia 3134.

Tel: (03) 9879 8588 Fax: (03) 9879 8688 Email: info@johnbatman.com.au Web: www.johnbatman.com.au Compiled with the assistance of Great Ocean Road Tourism, Shipwreck Coast Marketing and Geelong Otway Tourism Inc. Images courtesy of Visions of Victoria.

Managing Director Jarrod La Canna

Studio Editor Karla Dondio

Administration Manager Lyn Burrows

Accounts & Administration Sue Power

Graphic Design Carolyn Tellus

Distribution Michael McDonald Deborah Harris Matt Treacy

Design Assistance Calum Beech Leeanne Lisle

The information contained in this publication is provided as a guide only. Although every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information, John Batman Group disclaims any liability or responsibility for the accuracy of the information contained herein. Advertising material appearing in this publication is supplied by the operator or service provider and John Batman Group is not responsible for the accuracy of advertising content.