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Outdoor Activities

Although the region is most famous for its road, there are plenty of opportunities to put on your hiking boots or walking shoes and be rewarded with amazing views, fresh air and the rush of endorphins that comes with an invigorating hike in a spectacular location.

Throughout the Otways there are walks of varying length and difficulty that will allow every family member the chance to enjoy nature on foot.  Most of them reach a crescendo at a spectaularly gushing waterfall - some particularly strenuous walks are a tease when the final stretch is within earshot of the running water.

The Great Ocean Walk stretches 104km from the idyllic resort town of Apollo Bay, to within sight of the magnificent 12 Apostles.  The walk can be broken down into short walks of up to three hours or day-long walks.  The walk in its entirety takes 8 days (7 nights) to complete.  Hike in campsites can be booked, and a range of tour operators provide support services, including luggage transfer or passenger drop off.

The public land throughout the Otway National Park is managed by Parks Victoria and there are opportunities to camp in designated sites throughout the park - check with Parks Victoria for conditions and facilities (link?)  There are also caravan parks throughout the region offering excellent facilities and sites for campers.

Highlights

Bimbi Park Trail Rides

Horse rides at Bimbi Park cater for all ages and levels of ability. Rides are carefully graded, there are experienced horses, qualified instructors, safe trails and approved safety helmets. The sandy soil of the region makes for good riding even after rain. Trail rides in the Otway's are exciting affairs. You can ride along marvellous beaches where the wild windswept waves of the Southern Ocean form an exhilarating background. You can amble through lush expanses of forest and long the cliff tops at sunset. Rides also take you to Cape Otway Lighthouse, scenic lookouts and some of the pretty bays that dot the Otway coastline. - All rides are strictly programmed and led by an accredited leader - Rides are graded - Suitable footwear is required - Helmets supplied and compulsory - No personal acceptance of responsibility - NO RIDE

Great Ocean Walk

The Great Ocean Walk, on Victoria's spectacular west coast, stretches 104km from the idyllic resort town of Apollo Bay, to within sight of the magnificent 12 Apostles. Weave through beautiful National Parks, walk deserted beaches and gaze over pristine marine sanctuaries. Step on and off the trail with convenience; enjoy comfortable accommodation and excellent local meals or pitch your tent at wildly picturesque spots along the way. You can walk at your own pace and within your own timeframe along the Great Ocean Walk. Short walks of up to 3 hours long are available and take in old shipwrecks, historic lighthouses and lookouts. Or, take a full-day walk and experience breathtaking ocean views, stunning waterfalls, lush forest, and more natural wonders. The full walk from Apollo Bay to Glenample, within sight of the 12 Apostles, is an 8 day, 7 night walk. There are hike in campsites along the way, or for a more luxurious approach stay in quality accommodation properties nearby and have licensed tour operators shuttle you and your belongings back and forth each day.

Apollo Bay Fishing & Adventure Tours

With 30 years of professional fishing knowledge, the skipper knows the best spots. Apollo Bay Fishing & Adventure Tours generally travel 15-20 mins south of Apollo Bay Harbor, about half to 1km offshore. The area is surrounded by spectacular rugged coastline of the Otway rangers and the beauty of the waters of Bass Strait and the Southern Ocean. Apollo Bay Fishing & Adventure Tours cater for the inexperienced to the professional fisherman. From baiting up for you and taking your fish off your hooks, to teaching you how to fish. You will fish in 20 fathoms of water using heavy gear, targeting bottom feeding fish, such as flathead or gummy shark, barracouta and snapper. Trips vary from two hours for families to eight hours for the more keen fisherman. The most popular trip is four hours long. This trip usually runs twice a day starting at 7am or 8am in the morning and again at 2pm or 3pm in the afternoon. Apollo Bay Fishing & Adventure Tours supply all the best fishing gear, rod, bait and tackle; Ice for your fishing and to keep your drinks cold; bags to take your catch home. The crew is trained and helpful. The skipper is an expert operator with all the necessary local knowledge.

Apollo Bay Fishing

There are loads of great fishing spots in and around Apollo Bay. Try near the harbour, from the beach or just beyond the point towards Marengo. There are also freshwater streams nearby worth a try.

Apollo Bay Foreshore

The sheltered, sandy Apollo Bay main beach is a great place to swim or bodysurf. Just behind the sand dunes, the Apollo Bay foreshore area has a terrific playground, skate park, lots of open space for games and picnic and BBQ facilities. Right opposite the main street food outlets and ice-creameries, it’s perfect for grabbing an al fresco bite to eat.

Apollo Bay Walks

MARRINERS FALLS WALK An easy to moderate, 40-minute return walk. Located at the end of the Barham River Road, with a large car park. You will cross over large stepping stones at 4 creek crossings and view Magnificent tree ferns, lichens and mosses, with a close view of the falls. Dogs on lead. Note: Track is subject to flooding at times, take care after rain. MAITS REST RAINFOREST WALK The walk at Maits Rest is a great introduction to Victoria's tall wet eucalypt forests and rainforests. The forest walk has sections of raised boardwalk, compacted soil and aggregate. Some steep sections lack handrails. There are excellent interpretive signs along the path. Vehicle access to this site is excellent, and the area around the car park is free of obstacles. There are no picnic or toilet facilities. The closest are at Apollo Bay or the Aire River Camping area. SHELLY BEACH CIRCUIT WALK This is one of the best short walks on the Great Ocean Walk. The track traverses through fern gullies, coastal scrub, along Shelly Beach and across rocky platforms to Elliot River. Return through a majestic stand of blue gums, inhabited by koalas and nocturnal Yellow-bellied Gliders. THREE CREEKS CIRCUIT WALK A moderate walk that features coastal forests, sea views, beaches and rock platforms. Start at the Shelley Beach Picnic Area car park and descend to Shelley Beach. Turn left at the Three Creeks junction and walk through coastal scrub with views over the ocean. The small beach is the western end of a larger beach just around the rocks. Note: only attempt the coastal return leg if the tide is low and the seas are calm. ELLIOT RIVER CIRCUIT WALK A moderate walk that features river, forest and ferns. From the carpark follow the Elliot River Track down to the mouth of the river crossing on stepping stones. Climb up the ridge into Blue Gum and Wet Forest. Return via the Management Vehicle Track and road. Note: only attempt the coastal leg if the tide is low and seas are calm. AIRE RIVER ESCARPMENT LOOKOUT Starting from the Aire bridge, discover the peaceful estuarine waters of Aire River, the Hordenvale Wetlands and the impressive view from the Escarpment Lookout over the ocean and wetlands on this moderate walk. Keep an eye out for kangaroos and wallabies in the coastal scrub. KATABANUT CIRCUIT WALK From the north east end of the main Blanket Bay campground the track climbs steeply through foothill forests with a dense understorey of banksia's and small shrubs. The track turns right down over the Blanket Bay creek into a damp environment. Continue to the right descending onto the beach and returning to the campground. PARKER FOREST CIRCUIT WALK From the Parker Hill campground, following the cliff tops to Point Franklin. Watch along the coast as the Cape Otway Lightstation emerges. Step onto the beach but keep a watchful eye out for the Hooded Plovers which need a wide berth. Stringybark Track will bring you back past Koala habitat to your starting point. LIGHTHOUSE CEMETERY AND LOOKOUT WALK From the Cape Otway Lightstation car park, this easy walk leads walkers through the Beard Heath to a lookout point with views across to the lighthouse, telegraph station and the ocean. Visit the historic cemetery which bears witness to the harsh times of early lightstation life. GLORIOUS LOOKOUTS The lookouts close to Apollo Bay provide magnificent views of the countryside and ocean. These are a few that should not be missed: • Cape Patton Lookout: Great Ocean Rd, east of Apollo Bay • Crows Nest Lookout: Tuxion Rd, Apollo Bay • Marriners: Marriners Lookout Rd, Apollo Bay • The Gable: Moonlight Head Rd, Wattle Hill • West Barwon Reservoir: Apollo Bay Forrest Rd, Barramunga • Wongarra: Sunnyside Road, Wongarra

Walk91 Self Guided Great Ocean Walk

Based in Apollo Bay on the Great Ocean Road, 'Walk 91' will plan your itinerary for your perfect 'Great Ocean Walk'. As Walk91 Self Guided Great Ocean Walk is a self guided walking tour, so you can walk at your own pace. All you have to decide is who to bring along and which date suits you. Before the self guided walk begins, there will be a safety briefing by a previous Parks Victoria Ranger in Apollo Bay, to provide you with expert advice before your walk commences. The walks are well signposted, so perfect for a self-guided walk. All walkers are provided with 'Personal Locator Beacons', so that you are never far from help if it is needed. Before the walk you will be given a personal safety beacon (EPIRB), a small lightweight first aid kit, walking poles, detailed walking notes, photos of flora and fauna and maps. Also on the tour you will receive fly nets, Otway Light Station entry tickets and an experienced driver who lives along the Great Ocean Walk. Walk 91 will transfer your heavy bags, so on your self guided walks you just have a small backpack. While your heavy luggage waiting for you at your chosen accommodation. Enjoy hiking to your accommodation or campsites, changing locations whilst walking. This reduces long transfer times and gives you the opportunity to experience different accommodation and camping spots along the Great Ocean Walk. The 12 Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge visits are available, and are included in several Walk91 Self Guided Great Ocean Walk packages. For further information please visit the website or contact one of the team.

Apollo Bay Harbour

The Apollo Bay Fishing Fleet is moored at the harbour, sheltered by a large breakwater. As a working harbour it is an interesting site to wander through and see the professional fishermen either unloading their catch or preparing to depart on another voyage to sea. Apollo Bay is renowned for crayfish, and the stacks of lobster pots stacked up on the wharves make an interesting spectacle. The daily catch is available fresh from the boat at the local fishermens cooperative.

Apollo Bay Fisherman's Co-op

Apollo Bay Fisherman's Co-op is located along Great Ocean Road past Torquay, south of Melbourne and Geelong, in the Otway wine region, in South Western Victoria. Apollo Bay Fisherman's Co-op is the perfect one stop seafood shop and an excellent way to purchase the local seafood. The local fishing fleet of Apollo Bay ensures a fresh supply of seafood throughout the region, especially known for the excellent supply of flake and crayfish (available live from the tank or freshly cooked). Locally caught fish includes flathead, grenadier, king george whiting, couta, sea bream and (in season) snapper. Apollo Bay Fisherman's Co-op also stocks the best available fish from wholesale markets, to supplement the excellent local catches (and inclement weather) so there is an abundance of salmon, oysters, prawns, the list goes on.

Otway Fly Treetop Adventures

Otway Fly Treetop Adventures - One Location two adventures. Located in Victoria's magnificent Otways providing visitors with a unique opportunity to view the forest from a bird's eye view through its two unique eco-adventure experiences, the famous Tree Top walk and Zip Line tour. The Tree Top Walk - the longest and tallest elevated walk of its kind in the world. At 600 metres long and 30 metres above ground level. A 45 metre high lookout is ascended via a spiral stairway through the under story to emerge amongst the crowns of the giants of the forest, whilst the springboard cantilever bounces precariously high over picturesque Young's Creek. The walk is a 1.9 kilometres round walk starting from the visitor centre and takes approximately 45 minutes to one hour to complete. The walk is full of quality interpretive panels educating our visitor on the forest and surrounds on display. For the thrill seeker Zip lining is the perfect adrenaline fuelled activity where you can Zip across the treetops in this unique forest experience, gaining a bird's-eye view of Otways beautiful forests. The Zip Line tour involves traversing from one platform to another connected by tree platforms called 'cloud stations', and attached so steel cable suspended up to 30 metres above the forest floor. This exciting adventure lasts 3 hours and is unlike any other experience, we recommend pre booking the Zip Line Tour via the Otway Fly Tree Top Adventures website. The visitor centre is home to a licensed cafe which seats up to 100 people. The car-park also provides for Campervans, Caravans and Coaches. Group bookings can be made and need to be booked in advance, guided tours and catering are available for these bookings.

Koala and wildlife Spotting

The coastal bushland between Lorne and Apollo Bay is home to a large population of koalas. A short drive up Grey River Road is usually rewarded with a sighting and, as soon as you’ve spotted one, you’ll be an expert spotter! During cooler months whales are often spotted offshore as they migrate from Antarctica or use the sheltered beaches in the region to deliver and nurse calves. A nocturnal visit to the Kennett River picnic ground will also reveal tiny but glorious glow worms.
 

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Packages & Offers

See, Do, Stay & Save

Welcome to goTravlr, your passport to great deals in Geelong, the Bellarine and the Great Ocean Road.

Whitecrest Winter Indulgence Package

A special romantic experience.

Golf Getaway on the Bellarine

$225 per person twin share.

Otway Fly - Friday Fly Day

Friday Fly Day - activate your winter!

Chris's Beacon Point Restaurant & Villas Winter Warmer Getaway Package

Package for two from $350.00.

Stay & Save at Cumberland Lorne Resort

From $411 for a three night stay.

BIG 4 Beacon Resort Blues Train Package

A unique musical experience! Toe tapping entertainment, a cool drink and a good laugh. Rock your stay in Queenscliff with Blues Train tickets and award winning accommodation at BIG4 Beacon Resort.

Seahaven Village - Taste of The Bellarine $495

Relax at stunning Barwon Heads Friday and Saturday night in a cosy 4.5 star one bedroom spa suite.

Barwon Heads Golf Club Winter Escape

$240 per couple per night

See, Do, Stay & Save

Welcome to goTravlr, your passport to great deals in Geelong, the Bellarine and the Great Ocean Road. Accommodation, activities and dining specials are available at up to 66% off.

Visit goTravlr now.
 

Whitecrest Winter Indulgence Package

What a time for a special romantic experience, a cosy three days by the fire in isolation by the ocean and available from 1 May until 31 July each year?

Pay for two nights and stay for three in a studio, one, two or three bedroom self-contained apartment with your own private balcony and spectacular views overlooking the ocean. Listen to the waves, warm by the gas log fire and enjoy everything that the Whitecrest Great Ocean Road Resort has to offer, including a selection of fine handmade chocolates waiting for you on arrival.

What's included?

  • three nights accommodation for the price of two
  • a complementary gift box of locally handmade chocolates waiting for you on arrival
  • a late checkout (up to 2pm)
  • optional romantic seafood dining experience at Apollo Bay's La Bimba restaurant

Offer is for off-peak periods with bookings required 7 days in advance.

Book here.

Contact Us

5230 Great Ocean Road, Wongarra,
Apollo Bay 3233, Victoria Australia
T. +61 3 5237 0228, F. +61 3 5237 0245
Email: info@whitecrestonline.com.au

 

Golf Getaway on the Bellarine

The BIG4 Beacon Resort makes the perfect base for exploring all the attractions of beautiful classic Queenscliff and with this package you can enjoy the best of classic Queenscliff and one of the best Greens around. Secure this decadent deal by calling now!

  • 2 nights accommodation in a Bellarine King Room (twin share)
  • Breakfast Pack Daily
  • 27 Holes of Golf at the Lonsdale Golf Club
  • 6pm Late Check-Out
  • You may choose to swap golf for a day spa treatment (to the value of $65)

Conditions and availability apply. This great getaway is valid from 15th May 2013 to 20th December 2013. Quote "Golf Getaway" when booking.

Ph: 1800 351 152 to book.

 

Otway Fly - Friday Fly Day

Book a Zip Line Eco-Tour for any Friday over Winter online at 10% off and also receive:

  • A Free Otway Fly Beanie
  • A Free Bowl of Soup or Devonshire Tea from the Black Snail Café.

Zip Line Eco Tour includes:

  • Guided 2.5 hour zip lining experience up to 30m high in the rainforest
  • Admission to the breathtaking Otway Fly Treetop Walk.
  • Safety briefing and harness

Book online at www.otwayfly.com.au

 

Chris's Beacon Point Restaurant & Villas Winter Warmer Getaway Package

Package for two includes:

  • Accommodation for two in a Queen Studio or Villa
  • A continental a la carte breakfast
  • A three course dinner for two from our a la carte menu
  • Free parking
  • Free Internet in the lounge

Offer excludes alcohol and market price menu items.

From $350.00

Valid until October 31st.

To book call 03 5237 6411
or book online at www.chriss.com.au

 

Stay & Save at Cumberland Lorne Resort

Take a short break down the Great Ocean Road at Cumberland Lorne Resort with this terrific value package from $411 for a three night stay!

  • Self Contained Apartment located in the heart of Lorne
  • Private balcony, Corner Spa Bath and modern spacious living
  • Complimentary use of all facilities including indoor heated pool; spa; gymnasium; tennis and squash courts

Terms and conditions apply.

Valid until 6th June 2013.

To make a reservation call 1800 037 010 or email res@cumberland.com.au

 

BIG 4 Beacon Resort Blues Train Package

A unique musical experience! Toe tapping entertainment, a cool drink and a good laugh. Rock your stay in Queenscliff with Blues Train tickets and award winning accommodation at BIG4 Beacon Resort.

Phone: 1800 351 152 or visit BIG4 Beacon Resort Website for more information.
 

Seahaven Village - Taste of The Bellarine $495

Relax at stunning Barwon Heads Friday and Saturday night in a cosy 4.5 star one bedroom spa suite. Enjoy fabulous bonuses including:

  • A $70 dinner voucher
  • Welcome pack including wine, chocolates and a breakfast basket
Stay between Sunday and Thursday nights and receive THREE nights accommodation for the same price.

T: 03 5254 1066
 

Barwon Heads Golf Club Winter Escape

Embrace the cooler temperatures, avoid the crowds and be warmed by the hospitality and open fires at Barwon Heads Golf Club. Stay on our B&B package to enjoy a fully cooked breakfast, complimentary three-course dinner and golf at our guest green fee rate.

  • Accommodation in a standard room with ensuite at Barwon Heads Golf Club
  • Fully cooked breakfast
  • Three course dinner
  • Golf available at our guest green fee rate

Address: Golf Links Rd, Barwon Heads, Victoria 3227

To book:

Phone: 03 5255 6255
Fax: 03 5255 6266
Website: www.bhgc.com.au
Email: reservations@bhgc.com.au

T&C's: Valid Monday to Thursday inclusive. Dress requirements apply.