Great Ocean Road Journey, Victoria, Australia

Bannockburn

Austins Wines

Austins is an outstanding vineyard and winery at Sutherlands Creek, in the heart of the Moorabool Valley, North West of Geelong. About an hour's drive South West from Melbourne, you enter Austins 'Greenbanks' property off Steiglitz Road. Richard Austin planted 150 acres of vines with the single-minded determination to produce the best pinot noir, in the world. Austins now has 90 acres of pinot noir at Sutherlands Creek. Austins believe this is the second largest family holding of the variety in Australia. The bonus for Richard and his family is that the soil and climate at Sutherlands Creek also does well with Riesling, Chardonnay and Shiraz. In fact, all three are prominent in their own right. While the reviews and trophies are mounting, the best way to understand the philosophy and determination behind the Austins brand is to taste the wine. Pinot Noir is the essence of Austins; fine fruit, first and foremost. Bounded by the vineyard at Sutherlands Creek and based on the history of the Geelong region, that core is shaped by the site's terroir and given momentum by the perception and acumen of the Austin family. The blend of these elements transforms premium grapes into wines of finesse.

Near Lethbridge

Brisbane Ranges National Park

Little more than an hour's drive from Melbourne takes you to the state's richest wildflower habitat. Set in a low range of mountains dissected by rocky gullies, the unusual geology of Brisbane Ranges National Park has preserved plants that have long since vanished from the region, together with a correspondingly diverse bird population and the greatest density of koalas in Victoria. Things to Do - The 3 kilometre Anakie Gorge Walk leads through the gorge between the picnic areas at Anakie Gorge and Stony Creek. Nelsons Track climbs to the ridge top to Nelsons Lookout with views over the gorge and Lower Stony Creek Reservoir. This is a high standard walking track which uses small foot bridges to traverse several creek crossings - Panoramic views over much of the Stony Creek catchment can be had from the Outlook. An easy 2.5 kilometre return track, the Kurung Walk, climbs steadily from Stony Creek Picnic Area north to join Switch Road from where there are good views over the You Yangs and Anakie Gorge - The Burchell Trail is a three day walk through the park. Notes and a map for this walk can be obtained from the park office. Please note, from the 1 January 2009 a fee will be payable for overnight camping on the Burchell Trail. For the latest information on track closures and park access, please see the Parks Victoria website. Be bushfire smart. Follow the Parks Victoria checklist before travelling.

Near Lethbridge

Camilo Olives

Camilo Olive Grove is located near Teesdale between the grassy woodland of the Inverleigh Flora and Fauna Reserve and the Leigh River, among rolling hills in South West Victoria. Founded by Joan and Peter McGovern in 2002, Camilo was the result of an extensive search for a location that would provide a great climate, position and soil for growing premium quality olives, and a property that would give them much pleasure. The Leigh River winds its way through a valley at the edge of the property providing a home to beautiful and very old river gums and blackwood trees as well as an abundance of Australian wildlife including kangaroos, koalas, platypus, wedge-tailed eagles, parrots and possums. Camilo's olives are planted on flat plains between the reserve and the river valley. Extensive wildlife corridors, planted on Camilo at the same time as the olive grove, provide shelter and are home to local native animals and a safe bridge for wildlife travelling between the reserve and the river. The cool climate environment of the region means Camilo olives enjoy maximum sunshine and a prolonged ripening period, producing premium extra virgin olive oils.

Lethbridge

Clyde Park Vineyard + Bistro

Clyde Park is a cellar door and bistro set on the beautiful Moorabool Valley just off the Midland Highway half an hour north of Geelong, 35 minutes from of Ballarat. The speciality is the wines, in particular, Pinot Noir, Shiraz, Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. The food, lovingly cooked by the chef and owner Sue include a wonderful array of wood fired pizza, anti Pasto tasting plates, salt and pepper calamari. Clyde Park offers a cellar door and offer weekend specials. A James Halliday 2012 ***** (5 star red) winery.

Near Lethbridge

del Rios of Mt. Anakie

Experience the Del Rios winery which is located on the western slopes of Mt Anakie, an ancient volcano just west of Port Phillip Bay. This unique site produces chardonnay, marsanne, sauvignon blanc, shiraz, merlot, cabernet sauvignon and pinot noir. The vines are tended by hand, the fruit is hand harvested and the wines are handcrafted. Del Rios cool climate wines are made in small quantities, from premium estate grown fruit, produced in low yields using meticulous vine management in the vineyards. The wines are elegant, complex and reflect the true varietal character of the Anakie region. Visit the del Rios cellar door and Cafe@Anakie Ridge which is open every weekend for lunch from 12pm to 4 pm. Situated near the picturesque Brisbane ranges and with fabulous sweeping views to the You Yangs and Geelong, this is the ideal location for a nice lunch, catch up with friends and family and also enjoy tastings of the many award winning wines. The menu will include delicious spanish paella and tapas.

Near Lethbridge

Fairy Park

Fairy Park is a place dedicated to story telling of fairy tales and ancient myths and legends. A spectacular rocky hilltop has been crafted into a truly unique place where family and friends come to relax and enjoy a day out together in a tranquil environment. Most visitors spend the day but if you are in a hurry allow a couple of hours to get a feel for the place. The three main areas that combine to form Fairy Park are the Fairytale Land, Camelot Playground and the Elephant Rock Picnic Grounds. Suitable for the young and the young at heart, Fairy Park will delight and intrigue all those who make take the journey.

Near Bannockburn

Leighgrove Olives

Leighgrove Olives is a boutique olive grove, totally family owned and operated by the White family. Grant and Yvonne White invite you to visit their olive grove and Farmgate Olive Shop in the delightful township of Inverleigh, just 26km west of Geelong. Located on a picturesque stretch of the Barwon River, the 4500 tree olive grove is producing extra virgin olive oil of the finest quality. The cool climate conditions with a long, slow ripening period, together with the rich pastoral soils, results in oil of particularly deep, full-flavoured characteristics. With more than ten different olive tree varieties originating from Tuscany, Greece and Spain, the range of flavours and styles of oil makes each season's harvest an exciting time at Leighgrove. Some are very fruity, whilst others are quite peppery and robust, each with its own character. In a true boutique way, the aim is to offer the finest quality Leighgrove Olives can achieve in a choice of styles to suit both differing tastes and culinary uses - to compliment all your cooking. Leighgrove Olives are not bound by big supermarket demands for exactly the same taste every year - indeed the annual variations in temperatures, rainfall and quantities of fruit harvested are a welcome addition to the exclusive nature of the oil.

Lethbridge

Lethbridge Wines

'Lethbridge Wines pursues ecologically sound principles across viticulture and winemaking, and the straw bale construction of the winery seems to reinforce the commitment. The Euro-accented wines are among the region's best. Complex Chardonnay, forceful Pinot Noir, savoury Shiraz, and an unusual, sweetish Riesling are high points. Cheese from nearby Meredith keeps good company with the wines, and recent recognition via a clean sweep of wine show trophies at Geelong and nomination as Australian Winemaker of the Year has cemented Lethbridge's place as a winery to watch.' Ralph Kyte-Powell At Lethbridge Wines 'Real Wine' is their passion, wines that are produced from fruit off carefully grown vines and made using traditional techniques allowing the true terroir to be expressed. The cellar door experience offered is quite unique. They have done away with the traditional bar and instead prefer to sit down with their visitors and show them their wines in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. They like to be directly involved with their visitors and so it is usually Ray or Maree (owners and winemakers) who will take you through the range of wines providing first hand information on styles and winemaking techniques. Groups of eight or more and tours are also welcome - bookings essential. Often the groups enjoy some special barrels tastings and a behind the scenes winery tour, so if you are interested in this then please mention this at the time of booking. As the wines are made to be enjoyed with food, they offer a selection of local award winning Meredith Dairy farmhouse cheeses which can be tasted together with the wines. For those who would like to linger, they also offer Meredith cheese platters matched with a flight of wines which can be enjoyed in the outdoor seating area looking onto the heritage rose garden.

Near Bannockburn

Saddle On Riding School

Saddle On Horse Riding School is situated 15km north east of the Geelong CBD. At Saddle On Riding School facilities include an indoor riding arena, three outdoor arenas, lunging arena, cross country and jumping course, undercover horse bays and more. Whilst the locals enjoy riding lessons and celebrating birthday parties, visitors are welcome to visit the animal nursery and feed the animals for a small fee, or have a led pony ride on Fridays between 10.00am and 12 noon. For people wanting to settle in the Geelong Region or close proximity, Saddle On Riding School is a Registered Training Organisation offering accredited equine courses of study. These include: stable hand course, assistant instructor and instructor / coach courses. Canteen facilities and clubrooms are available for all to enjoy. Bookings can be made for riding lessons, led pony rides, animal petting and birthday parties. Parties include: pony, BMX, buggy, archery, animal or any combination. School holiday day programs are also available for horse riding enthusiasts. For further information, please visit the website.

Near Lethbridge

Steiglitz Historic Park

Steiglitz, situated between Geelong and Ballarat, is almost a ghost town today, but in the 1860's and 1890's it was a busy goldmining township with hotels, shops, churches and a population of over 1,000. At the height of the 1860's gold rush, Steiglitz township had more than 1,500 residents, 4 hotels, a newspaper, a variety of shops and even an undertaker. Now most of the town and its surroundings are included in the 469ha Steiglitz Historic Park, declared in 1979. Images of Steiglitz in its boom years are displayed in the historic Court House, open Sundays and public holidays. Things to see and do * Much of the park can be explored on foot. Try the Discovering Old Steiglitz self-guided walk described in a parknote available at Steiglitz. Walks along bush tracks in spring reveal a variety of wildflowers. * There are many pleasant picnic spots around Steiglitz. Toilets and water are available at the Bert Boardman Recreation Area * Explore the surrounding bush for evidence of mining. However, beware of mine shafts and please don't remove any relics you find * The cemetery on the Maude-Steiglitz Road is worth a visit if you're interested in history * During some holiday periods, the rangers organise guided walks and other activities * Note that gold panning is permitted only in the section one kilometre downstream from the Meredith Road bridge on Sutherlands Creek. Prospectors are permitted to use pans, cradles and hand tools within the creek-bed. Please protect the creek-bank environment. A miner's right is required Precautions Historic mines dot the landscape around the township of Steiglitz. Many of these are now overrun with vegetation and as such are hard to find. Visitors need to be careful when walking and remain on walking trails and management tracks.

Near Lethbridge

5 Day Great Ocean Walk for Solo Travellers

The 5 Day Great Ocean Walk for Solo Travellers is specially designed for solo travellers and includes the best highlights of Victoria's Great Ocean Walk. The trip starts & finishes in Melbourne and includes deluxe walking cabin accommodation, all meals, transport, walking guides and interpretive tours. This is one of Australian Walking Tours most popular trips. Also included is an interpretive shipwreck coastal tour by local guide Mark Brack, who you may have seen on the Art of Walking DVD. The trip also includes a guided tour from a local Aboriginal guide who will provide guests with insights into the fascinating indigenous culture and history of the Cape Otway region. Australian Walking Tours is also working closely with Birds Australia and the Australian Koala Foundation to assist in the observation and preservation of the koalas and threatened hooded plovers who precariously inhabit this coastline - you will have the chance to contribute to these projects too.

Lethbridge

Moorabool Valley Wine Region

The Moorabool Valley is one of Australia’s finest and most awarded cool climate wine regions. Bannockburn is the gateway to the Moorabool Valley Wine Region and is located less than an hours drive from Melbourne and 20 minutes from Geelong. Boutique wineries producing hand crafted wines are forging an international reputation for the Moorabool Valley. The Moorabool Valley is a sub region of Victoria's highly regarded Geelong Wine Region. Wineries in the Moorabool Valley region include Austins Wines, Bannockburn Vineyard, Clyde Park Vineyard and Lethbridge Wines.

Lethbridge

Clyde Park Vineyard + Bistro

Clyde Park is a cellar door and bistro set on the beautiful Moorabool Valley just off the Midland Highway half an hour north of Geelong, 35 minutes from of Ballarat. The speciality is the wines, in particular, Pinot Noir, Shiraz, Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. The food, lovingly cooked by the chef and owner Sue include a wonderful array of wood fired pizza, anti Pasto tasting plates, salt and pepper calamari. Clyde Park offers a cellar door and offer weekend specials. A James Halliday 2012 ***** (5 star red) winery.

Near Lethbridge

del Rios of Mt. Anakie

Experience the Del Rios winery which is located on the western slopes of Mt Anakie, an ancient volcano just west of Port Phillip Bay. This unique site produces chardonnay, marsanne, sauvignon blanc, shiraz, merlot, cabernet sauvignon and pinot noir. The vines are tended by hand, the fruit is hand harvested and the wines are handcrafted. Del Rios cool climate wines are made in small quantities, from premium estate grown fruit, produced in low yields using meticulous vine management in the vineyards. The wines are elegant, complex and reflect the true varietal character of the Anakie region. Visit the del Rios cellar door and Cafe@Anakie Ridge which is open every weekend for lunch from 12pm to 4 pm. Situated near the picturesque Brisbane ranges and with fabulous sweeping views to the You Yangs and Geelong, this is the ideal location for a nice lunch, catch up with friends and family and also enjoy tastings of the many award winning wines. The menu will include delicious spanish paella and tapas.

Lethbridge

Moranghurk

Moranghurk is a 135 acre sheep farm between Ballarat and Geelong just over an hour from the West Gate Bridge. The bluestone shearer's quarters accommodates up to 30 people in eight bedrooms in bunk beds. The large kitchen has a wood fired stove and original bread oven as well as modern cooking facilities. The small sitting room has an open fireplace and all rooms face onto a brick courtyard overlooking the Moorabool valley. It is ideal for family reunions, small conferences, bushwalkers, cycling groups and suits young and old. Please call for more information.

Bannockburn

Golden Plains Arts Trail

Just one hour from Melbourne and half an hour from Geelong and Ballarat, the Golden Plains Arts Trail offers a weekend adventure in the quiet and rural shire of Golden Plains. The Trail invites art lovers on a tour of studios and vibrant creative spaces which are set to inspire with the diversity of arts on display. It is a special opportunity to gain an inside perspective of art creation and imagination and to learn the secrets of a broad range of art mediums. The upcoming 4th Golden Plains Arts Trail will include more than 25 venues featuring over 50 artists. The Trail will present exclusive exhibitions, live demonstrations and workshop activities during a weekend long art festival for all. Also to be enjoyed along the Trail will be performances, family entertainment, exquisite local wine and produce, great food and B&B retreats. The Trail discovers art and the many wonders in the region including forest parks, colourful farm land, the Moorabool Valley and rich historical heritage. The official map brochure will be released in 2012, and can be now requested via the website. A day tour Trail Bus is available for prior bookings (find details on the website). Family friendly, free entry to all venues, disabled access to many venues.

Bannockburn

Golden Plains Farmers Market

Come and taste the real food and produce from the farms and vineyards of Golden Plains and Moorabool Valley. Fresh from the farm, sold by the farmers. The award winning Golden Plains Farmers’ Market is authentic and accredited, held in the heart of Bannockburn just 20 minutes from Geelong. Held on the first Saturday, every month, every season, from 9am to 1pm—you can start at the farmers’ market then spend the day touring Golden Plains.

Near Lethbridge

Warrambeen Film Festival

One of the most unique short film festivals in Australia, the third annual Warrambeen Film Festival is held on a working sheep, crop and free range pig farm between Geelong and Ballarat in country Victoria. Screens can be found in unique locations including the 1832 bluestone woolshed, an outdoor fruit orchard and old paddock creek bed. For the first time in 2012, campers will be invited to pitch a tent on the property with feature films (including some horror!) screened throughout the night, adding another dimension to this popular event. Attracting almost 1,500 people in 2011, the Warrambeen Film Festival is now an established event on the Victorian arts calendar. With a focus on films showcasing rural life, the Warrambeen Film Festival is a must for film enthusiasts of all ages. With over 100 films expected to be submitted from all over the world, the final line up for 2012 will be confirmed in February. Giving a sneak preview, Festival Director Geordie Taylor has confirmed that the highly awarded Australian short film Jerrycan will be on the bill. And, for those brave enough to camp overnight, the feature Aussie horror film, The Tunnel, is a definite for the program. Starring Sigrid Thornton, Jack Thompson and Gary Sweet, The Telegram Man is also an exceptional short film that will appear in the 2012 event. In addition to film, Warrambeen Film Festival will provide a great day out for the whole family including a farmer's market of local producers with Clyde Park Winery, Three Troupers Brewery, Sudanese cuisine from Colac, local pork sausages from James Knight and the world famous Calamari man; live music, camel rides and an animal farm.

Golden Plains

Stay Connected

Golden Plains

Highlights

Austins Wines

Brisbane Ranges National Park

Camilo Olives

Clyde Park Vineyard + Bistro

del Rios of Mt. Anakie

Fairy Park

Leighgrove Olives

Lethbridge Wines

Saddle On Riding School

Steiglitz Historic Park

5 Day Great Ocean Walk for Solo Travellers

Moorabool Valley Wine Region

Clyde Park Vineyard + Bistro

del Rios of Mt. Anakie

Moranghurk

Golden Plains Arts Trail

Golden Plains Farmers Market

Warrambeen Film Festival

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