Must-visit places just beyond the Great Ocean Road
Everyone knows the Great Ocean Road – it is one of Australia’s most well-known and beloved tourist attractions. However, not everyone is aware of how many amazing attractions there are for those willing to venture just beyond the end of the Great Ocean Road. If you’re looking to extend your trip and see some incredible lesser-known sights, read on!
1. Port Fairy
Okay, this is more of a township rather than an individual attraction. But once you visit, you’ll see why it made the list. Port Fairy combines small town charm with a thriving art scene. Add to this a picturesque setting and loads of great local food, and you’ve got a must stop location on your Great Ocean road adventure. Enjoy beautiful heritage buildings, cute art and craft stores, or just hit the beach and relax. If you can make it, be sure to visit during the annual Port Fairy Folk Festival – the town transforms into a hive of folk music fun.
2. Tower Hill
Rising imperiously from the surrounding green fields, with views over the Southern Ocean and the nearby Port Fairy and Warrnambool, as well as across the lake inside the crater of the mountain itself, Tower Hill is one of Victoria’s most spectacular and interesting geological formations – and a great spot to get some epic photos. It’s the perfect location for a picnic, a short walk, or a day of hiking – who knows, you might come face to face with koalas, emus and kangaroos! For a truly unique tourism experience and to learn more about the cultural heritage of the area, be sure to attend one of the daily Worn Gundidj Indigenous guided tours.
3. Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village
Ever dreamt of travelling back in time? Well, we still haven’t figured out time travel yet, but Warrnambool has the next best thing – Flagstaff Hill. Here, you don’t just learn about history – you get to experience it! The “living museum” includes more than 40 buildings including a school, a lighthouse and a Blacksmith’s forge, with in-character volunteers taking on roles as schoolteachers, blacksmiths and much more. This gives a pretty unique taste of what 19th century life was like! If you’re staying the night in Warrnambool, don’t miss the Tales of the Shipwreck Coast sound and light show – this multimillion dollar experience combines sound and light to tell several tales about Australia’s maritime history.
4. Hopkins Falls
There are a number of waterfalls just off the Great Ocean Road, particularly throughout the Otways, but Hopkins Falls, near Warrnambool has to be one of the lesser known and more unique. It is relatively short, but at 90 metres wide is claimed by some to be the widest waterfall in the country! Certainly, it makes a great spot for a walk, picnic, and some cool photo ops.
5. Logans Beach
Ever wanted to see a whale? If so, then Logan’s Beach is a must-visit! Between the months of June and September each year, Southern Right Whales visit the waters near the beach to birth and raise their young. If you’re lucky, these whale families often hang around just off the shore, playing in the sheltered bay. A dedicated viewing platform at the beach provides the perfect vantage point to try and spot one of these giants. Here at the wrong time of year, or no whales around during your visit? Well, you’ll just have to enjoy a beautiful view and a pleasant beach walk – you could do worse!
So there you have it – five of our favourite spots to extend your Great Ocean Road trip. We hope you enjoy them on your next getaway as much as we did! Have we missed any of your favourites? Let us know on social media.
