Things to See & Do
The unique combination of aspect, soils, climate and farming practices of the Otway hinterland produce distinctive and exceptional flavours in our produce that cannot be found anywhere else.
The Otway Harvest Trail is a celebration of the seasons that bestow their rich bounty on a luscious part of Victoria.
Spring is a time of plenty and promise. As the winter gives way to warm sunny days, see the bright patchwork of yellow canola fields appear, the farmers out mowing their grass and baling their hay and the spring lambs frolicking on a frosty
morning. The first berries appear. Green shoots can be seen in the vineyards as the vines burst their buds and flowers and spring vegetables appear at farm gate stalls. New release wines can be found at cellar doors.
Summer is all about being outdoors. All the berry farms have opened and their sweet juicy berries are ripe for the picking. The lush emerald green of the vineyards become more distinctive as the land around slowly turns a golden brown. People clamour for outdoor tables and chairs at cafés and restaurants to soak in the warm days, mild evenings and glorious pastel sunsets. Local wines and beers go so well with the seafood, vegetables and fruits in plentiful supply. Wine lovers are
welcomed at cellar doors and their curiosity is rewarded with the discovery of new wines.
Autumn is a time of harvest. The days become still and warm, and the crisp cool nights are perfect for sleeping. With the winter rains not far away, the wineries are busy harvesting their fruit and the vignerons hands become garnet red as they nurture the new wines through their ferment. It is also time to harvest the olives from their groves before the first frosts of winter arrive. Smell the fruity aroma of the extra virgin olive oil as it flows from the presses. The last of the berries are picked.
Winter is a time for taking stock of the seasons passed and making ready for the farming year ahead. The farmers plough their fields and sow their winter crops. Vineyards, olive groves and orchards are pruned and readied for a new season. Fences are mended. The days shorten and become colder. Cattle turn their backs to the wind. Dams pent over the summer begin to refill. Root vegetables appear at the farm gate stands. It’s a time for reflection and for savouring the joys of recently harvested produce. Lengthy conversations occur over bottles of wine in front of toasty log fires. Eventually the tell tale signs of another Spring begin to appear.
This trail traverses some of the most fertile land in Victoria which grows some of the state’s best produce. Breakfast can be enjoyed anywhere between Apollo Bay and Lorne before turning left into the Otways hinterland. The Deans Marsh and Pennyroyal area is renowned for its berries, olives and wineries.
Further North, Birregurra is the hub of Otway produce and the perfect lunch stop. Heading back towards the Great Ocean Road via Forrest, which has a boutique brewery and an atmospheric cafe. Continue South through towering rainforest to Apollo Bay.
Brochures for the Otway Harvest Trail, which details the growers and producers in this hinterland region, are available at local visitor information centres.
This flight includes all the features seen in a Port Campbell flight, plus you will travel further along the majestic coast to London Bridge, which collapsed in 1990 leaving two people stranded on the newly formed island. Along the way take in Two Mile Bay, The Arch, Point Hesse and more.
On this flight you will see the 12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, Bakers Oven, Sentinel Rock, Port Campbell, 2 Mile Bay, The Arch and London Bridge.
12 Apostles Helicopters duration of the flight is approximately 15 minutes (45 kilometre round tour).
Experience even more of the Shipwreck Coast with this deluxe tour with 12 Apostles Helicopters. See the sights from London Bridge to the west, all the way to the Cape Otway lighthouse in the east, the southern most point of Western Victoria. Take in the sights of the 12 Apostles and all features along the coast to the famous Cape Otway Lighthouse on an unforgettable journey only available at 12 Apostles Helicopters.
Anchors of two ships wrecked, the 'Marie Gabrielle' in 1880 and the 'Fiji' in 1891 can be sighted on Wreck Beach. Fly over Castle Cove, an area where dinosaur fossils found there in recent times. See the world famous surf at Johanna Beach - an alternative venue for world surfing titles. Travel around the impressive 150 year old Cape Otway Light-station constructed to prevent further shipwrecks on Bass Strait coast and King Island.
On this flight you will see the 12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, Bakers Oven, Sentinel Rock, Port Campbell, 2 Mile Bay, The Arch, London Bridge, Point Ronald, Pebble Beach, Moonlight Head, Wreck Beach, Castle Cove, Johanna Beach, Blanket Bay and Cape Otway Lighthouse.
The duration of the tour is approximately 50 minutes and 180 kilometres.
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.
Four Hour Fishing Trip
From: 7am - 11am or 3pm - 7pm
Two Hour Fishing Trip
From: 11.30am - 1.30pm
Seal Colony Cruise
From: 2pm - 3pm
Sunset Cruise
From: 7:30pm - 9:30pm
Apollo Surf, Kayak, Bike provides surf awareness talks to educate students and make them aware of the surf environment. Demonstration on how to carry the board safely and how to enter the water whilst being aware of other surfers.
How to lie and paddle on the board and how to catch broken waves.
Practising back on the beach how to stand on the board and get to your feet, and how to aim the board.
In water instruction given and continued help of pushing students onto the waves.
Mountain Bike and Kayak Expedition is all about discovering the local ecology, incredible wilderness and each other.
With Big Stick Adventures the adventure starts with a guided bike ride through countryside that ranges from dense bush land to cliff top ocean views; from incredible single track action to fast, long down hill descents that really gets the heart rate going.
Wildlife abounds as guests see kangaroos; echidnas; koalas; native bird life and more in their natural habitat.
After our final downhill descent we will change to kayaks for a calm paddle.
It's a change of pace as we paddle from the top of the river or through calm harbour waters to our expedition conclusion.
Paddle as hard and fast as you like or simply relax and enjoy the scenery. The tranquil nature of the kayaks allows us to get up close and personal with mother nature.
This is an exciting, action packed expedition covering several peaks, valleys, stunning ocean views and an unspoilt wilderness.
Both adventures are fully guided with tuition and advice provided when and where required plus all equipment and safety gear.
Spanning 2.5 kilometres and featuring six mosaic art pieces, the Anglesea Art Walk highlights the history and unique flora and fauna of this extraordinary place. It starts at the JE Loveridge lookout with sensational panoramic views of the Surf Coast and concludes in the valley at the Anglesea Primary School.
The Split Point Lighthouse dominates the Aireys Inlet landscape, its 34 metre high tower and typical red cap visible for miles. The still operating lighthouse is open to the public with guided tours available and sweeping views of the Eagle Rock Marine Sanctuary and Great Ocean Road region below.
The grounds surrounding the lighthouse include a replica of the ‘bark hut’ early settlers in Aireys Inlet would have lived in, and the beach at the base of the lighthouse has great rockpools to explore.
The land North of Colac has an explosive past, the area once brimming with volcanic acitivity. Early settlers in the area used the volcanic stones cleared from the fields to build the dry stone walls that are a charming feature of the region.
Through Beeac and Alvie, follow the road signs to the Red Rock viewing platform to see the vast volcanic plains, dormant craters and crater lakes of the Kanawinka Wold listed Geopark. Head back to Colac to explore the botanic gardens or heritage trail.
Learn to surf with Great Ocean Road Surf Tours. They will pick you up in Melbourne, stop to pick up the boards and wetsuits then it's off down the Great Ocean Road.
Great Ocean Road Surf Tours go through an initial two hour surfing lesson which covers everything from water safety to standing up and surfing. Around 12 midday pre-ordered lunch is provided for everyone which is all inclusive.
After lunch head back in the water for the afternoon coaching session. After the surf head to Bells Beach to see the sights before heading back to the shop to view al the photos of the day with some light refreshments. There will be time to head to the Surf Plaza where you have the opportunity to look around the home of Rip Curl and Quiksilver. Then head back to arrive in Melbourne between 5.30pm and 6pm.
*This is based on the summer months and may vary in winter due to weather conditions.
Multiple day surf tours, private lessons, advanced coaching and surf hire are also available.
GO Walk Adventures offers four nights accommodation in private cottages located in two of the most beautiful regions of the walk - two nights at Cape Otway and two nights at Johanna Beach.
- Fully catered: four dinners and deserts, all lunches and four breakfasts.
- Complimentary entry at Cape Otway Light Station
- Complimentary two course luncheon at Cape Otway Light Station
- Complimentary half hour viewing of 12 Apostles
- Full transport service: shuttle service, two per day
- Luggage transfer service
- Day pack - with official map, water bottle, walkers snacks, etc.
- Optional - one complimentary extra night accommodation in Apollo Bay
Forrest is one of Australia's best mountain bike destinations. With over 60 kilometres of purpose built single track, there is more than three days of riding here.
You can stay in a variety of accommodation options and ride right from your front door of your accommodation.
Forrest is the gateway to the Otways, with places to stay, eat and ride. Platypus tours are also available.
Visit the Ride Forrest website to find all you need to know about Forrest and Mountain Bike riding in the Otways.
You'll spot her as you travel the Great Ocean Road. To locals and fans afar she is affectionately known as 'The White Queen'. Don't just wonder as you drive by - yes, you can join a guided tour, which will take about 45 minutes of your time.
The knowledgeable tour guide will introduce you to a life of maritime responsibility, engineering perfection, a pristine Marine Sanctuary, cultural connections, the famous setting for the TV series 'Round the Twist' and ever-changing 360 degree coastal vistas.
Whether you want to step back in maritime, forward in coastal conservation or capture the now with a perfect snapshot, this is a stop worth every minute.
The Split Point Lighthouse was built in 1891 and has only been open for tours for eighteen months. She still shines her guiding light every evening to keep ships passing on their way to and from Port Phillip Bay, off the rocky shores.
The staff at Split Point Lighthouse Tours look forward to guiding you up the cast iron spiral staircase, through the lantern room and out onto the balcony to enjoy a birds-eye view of the dramatic coastline.
On offer are Mountain Bike Tours and Hire by Otway Eco Tours.
With over 50 kilometres of new purpose built Mountain Bike tracks on offer there is a track for you.
Otway Eco Tours can cater for those new to the sport or those wanting a more challenging ride.
Three and a half hour to four hour Otway Eco Tours.
Dawn or dusk canoe tour's on a beautiful mountain lake to see Platypus in the wild. Your guides have a wealth of knowledge about these adorable creatures that will satisfy even the most curious customer.
'You will be standing in no time'
Southern Exposure can guarantee that you are surfing with the best surf school in Australia. Look for the red rash vests on the beaches in Torquay, Anglesea and Lorne all summer and in the school holidays! Southern Exposure operate at the safest learn to surf location, with the best surf instructors, giving you the most value for money!
Southern Exposure also caters for school and corporate groups.
'Love your ride with Southern Exposure'
For as long as people have been surfing the beaches of the Great Ocean Road, Mountain biking has been as popular. Riding the cliff tops into Bell's Beach is the best way to experience this pristine coastline on land and gives riders access to terrain normally unreachable. The rides are tailored to suit the requirement of your group.
Southern Exposure also caters for school and corporate groups.
A stunning way to experience Torquay's Point Danger Marine Park, crack a few waves and have a laugh with your colleagues. The dual 'Sit on Top' sea kayak is designed for wave catching and gentle meandering - it's your choice. All Southern Exposure can say is it is exhilarating...
Southern Exposure also caters for school and corporate groups.
Spring Creek Horse Riding takes you through the Great Otway National Park, for beginners to experienced riders. One hour rides, one and half hour rides, two hour rides or longer. Small friendly groups, families welcome. Discounts available for groups
WP6: six days/ five nights, catered - walking from Marengo to the 12 Apostles.
This Walk 91 self guided walking tour is for those walkers who wish to walk in comfort, staying in comfortable accommodation. The first two nights accommodation are at the award winning wildlife rehabilitation centre, the third at a beautiful farmhouse overlooking a wildlife reserve, and the fourth and fifth at a comfortable B&B with award winning gardens. Changing accommodation along the walk allows you to experience new and wonderful locations, meet new people, and most importantly avoid long transfer times (which you would experience staying in one location).
$1549 per person for two people, $1395pp for four people. View the website for full package description.
Nestled in the valley behind Anglesea, Alcoa’s open cut brown coal mine has been operating a power station for 35 years. For an overview of the mine, there are several good lookouts surrounding the site. Free tours are available for those interested in finding out more about the operation. Bookings are essential: 03 5263 4249.
Been surfing for a while and ready to take your surfing to the Next Level? No matter where you are at, our Video Analysis coaching can help you catch more waves, generate more speed through turns or help you to gain a better insight into problem areas.
The professional coaching surfing packages are aimed at anyone who has been surfing a while and can catch waves but would like to work on problem areas.
Whether you struggle with bottom turns, not knowing what to do on the wave or if you would like to hit the lip with more power or looking at perfecting your cutback, the Next Level Surf Coaching will help you gain more focus on your surfing.
Come with Australian Photo Tours and experience a photographic tour of the Great Ocean Road.
Day 1 Melbourne to Apollo Bay.
Explore the hidden locations that the Great Ocean Road has to offer from Geelong to Apollo Bay. Change your perspective on tourist attractions as you see waterfalls, lighthouses and beaches through the eyes of your professional photographic guides.
Day 2 Apollo Bay to Port Campbell
Your professional photographic guides will take you on an inspiring journey into the hidden forest of the Otway National Park exploring its picturesque beauty on your way to the panoramic 12 Apostles.
Day 3 Port Campbell to Melbourne
Australian Photo Tours save the best until last. The final day of the tour is set aside purely for undisclosed locations which are off the beaten track. You'll have the chance to put into practice the skills you have learnt with your professional photographic guides.
Learn to surf with Great Ocean Road Surf Tours. The 'Explorer' 2 - 5 Day Surf Tours is a great way to experience surfing along one of the most scenic places in the World, the Great Ocean Road.
You will be picked up in Melbourne at 0745am and journey down the coast to get organised for your surfing adventure.
You will enjoy four hours of beach time each day with your easy to follow lesson plans progressing as your skills grow. Your experienced, professional surf coaches will show you all you need to carve it up safely along the crowd free beaches.
Accommodation, lunch and breakfast are all supplied as well as your surf equipment.
The "Tourer" Offers the best of the Great Ocean Road sights and personal in-depth learn to surf lessons along Australia's Breathtaking Coastline.
Start your surf tour adventure by getting picked up from Melbourne near Southern Cross Station at the crack (nice and early). Before hitting the beach, take a ride to the Torquay surf shop where you grab a stick and suit (surfboard and wetsuit).
A fully qualified wave guru (surf instructor) runs you safely through an easy to follow Surf lesson so you don't get drilled (pummelled by a wave after falling off) in surf camp. In your surf lessons, you'll also learn not to do a drop in on a fellow grommet (new surfer). Once you know how to bail out (leap courageously from your board to avoid nasty spills) you receive detailed progressive instruction each day in surf camp.
Hit the gnarly (really quite good) Surf City surf shops after your days in the surf before taking a trip down the road (a mere 260km drive down the Great Ocean Road) for a day before heading back to Melbourne.
Learn to surf with Great Ocean Road Surf Tours. The Packages will have you surfing in no time with a transport pick up from Melbourne you will be journeying down to the Great Ocean Road in search of the ultimate ride. With this three pack you can join Great Ocean Road Surf Tours on three separate surf tours where you can enjoy safe, scenic, crowd free surf lessons that will teach you an ongoing progressive technique to riding waves.
Fully inclusive with transport, lunch, board and wetsuit.