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Cape Otway

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Cape Otway

From the coast at the tip of Cape Otway and Johanna and further inland to Lavers Hill and Beech Forest, this region is rugged, rich and invigorating.  The air is fresh, the land is green and there are loads of things to explore and discovery.

The area is steeped in history, from the discovery of dinosaur fossils in the Glenaire Valley to the Cape Otway Lightstation, the oldest of its type on mainland Australia.  Tours of the lighthouse, the outbuildings and grounds are available, as is accommodation in some of the historic cottages onsite.

This region is home to large sections of the Great Ocean Walk, and there are places to step on and off throughout.  Guides are available, as are tour operators who will simply cart your (heavy) belongings from one point to another, and supply you fresh food along the way.

The rugged hills are matched by the rugged surf that crashes onto the beaches on this stretch of coastline.

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Highlights

Cape Otway Lightstation

Climb to the top of mainland Australia's oldest lighthouse, Cape Otway Lightstation, 90 metres above the wild Southern Ocean, and see why many tragic shipwrecks occurred on this isolated and rugged coastline. Immerse yourself in history with one of Australia's most important and recognisable lighthouses at your doorstep. Spectacular scenery, lighthouse tours, wildlife (koalas, wallabies and whales), rainforests, waterfalls and awesome sunsets will be highlights of your stay. Cape Otway is an excellent location to base yourself, being central to Great Ocean Road and Great Otway National Park activities and walks. Groups of up to 16 people can be accommodated in the heritage Head Lighthouse Keeper's cottage with four bedrooms, two bathrooms, open fires and fully self contained kitchen and laundry facilities. Two night minimum stays. The cottage is a wonderful retreat for families, walking groups or as a unique venue for get-togethers with friends. The Manager's House is a fully self-contained, newly renovated property providing all the comforts of home, comfortably accommodating up to 15 guests. A great location for a house party, or place to relax after walking in the Otways, the Manager's House is filled with natural light. Both properties have bed and breakfast options for smaller groups or couples. The Lightstation also has a delightful café on site which is open daily. Relax over a great coffee and homemade scones, soaking up the views. The café is located in the original Assistant Lighthouse Keeper's cottage, right in front of the lighthouse. Discover the coast on a 4WD Lightkeeper's Shipwreck Discovery Tour, which runs daily and with special offers for accommodation guests. Walk in the footsteps of lightkeepers and pioneers along the Great Ocean Walk with experienced and knowledgeable local guides. Opera in the Otways - Saturday November 17, 2012 - see website for details.

Bimbi Park 1 Hour Trail Ride

Bimbi Park offers the most scenic rides on the Victorian coastline. The unspoilt Station Beach, coastal sand-dunes, bush trails, Cape Otway scenery, Billy Teas, on well trained, good mannered horses. 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. Bimbi Park is one of the oldest riding establishments around still operated by the same Trail Leader. This is because they grade the rides to suit the customers, care for the horses and the environment, and have what they believe is, the best scenic trails. Riding is available on most Saturdays only and at other times group bookings only.

Bimbi Park 1.5 Hour Trail Ride

Trail rides in the Otways 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. 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. Bimbi Park is one of the oldest riding establishments around still operated by the same Trail Leader. This is because they grade the rides to suit the customers, care for the horses and the environment, and have what they believe is, the best scenic trails. Riding is available on most Saturdays only and at other times group bookings only.

Bimbi Park 2 Hour Trail Ride

Bimbi Park offers the most scenic rides on the Victorian coastline. The unspoilt Station Beach, coastal sand-dunes, bush trails, Cape Otway scenery, Billy Teas, on well trained, good mannered horses. Bimbi Park is one of the oldest riding establishments around still operated by the same Trail Leader. This is because they grade the rides to suit the customers, care for the horses and the environment, and have what they believe is, the best scenic trails. Riding is available on most Saturdays only and at other times group bookings only.

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 Hotel

The Apollo Bay hotel is situated on the Great Ocean Road, three hours drive west of Melbourne on one of the most scenic drives in the world. The Hotel with elevated streetscape dining offers locals and tourists a wonderful hotel experience whilst enjoying the atmosphere of a small coastal town. Whether it's the hectic summer holiday period or the quiet winter months enjoying local musical talent beside the fire in the bar, having a few beers and playing a game of pool, all whilst enjoying the great atmosphere at the Apollo Bay Hotel. The reputation for great food and friendly service make the Apollo Bay Hotel the place to visit. The bistro is open seven days, lunch and dinner all year round except for Christmas Day. A public bar, bottle shop and function room are available.

Cafe 153

As self confessed 'foodies', Cafe 153 pride themselves on the use of local produce, and only use seafood from Australian waters. The head chef Jules is excited to deliver a cross section of flavours with his food which is both honest and from the heart! The aim is to provide you with good service in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere and great food that is both visually exciting with balanced flavours and tastes. Be decadent, enjoy!

Otway Dinosaurs

DINOSAURS are back in the Otways! Otway Dinosaurs is a fantastic new attraction that brings the story of Dinosaur Cove to life. Dinosaur Cove is just outside of Apollo Bay where hundreds of palaeontologists and volunteers chipped, jackhammered and blasted away at the Otways foreshore to uncover a raft of dinosaur bone fragments and skulls. The scientists and volunteers found ancient flood deposits that revealed some amazing creatures, changing the way we look at dinosaurs. The current exhibition, Wildlife of Gondwana Exhibition, is a major science exhibition that has smashed museum attendance records around the world is now open in Apollo Bay. It tells the story of world-first and unique discoveries in the Otways. Seen by millions of people in Taiwan, Italy, Argentina and Singapore, the exhibition is located just five minutes' drive from Apollo Bay, and showcases the fossil record from the Great Southern Continent. It includes fossils that span almost 3.8 billion years to the present, covering a massive range of specimens - from the pin-up girl of the dinosaur world, Leaellynasaura, who was a tiny polar dinosaur discovered on the Otways coast, right through to Tarbosaurus bataar an aggressive carnivore more than 8m long.

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.

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 35 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.

The Ridge Organic Food Store & Café

The Ridge Organic Food Store & Café takes a simple approach to life & food. They keep in touch with local organic farmers and when produce is at its finest their chefs create beautiful, rustic food enticing the natural flavours to sing. The breakfast, lunch and take-away menus change with the season and the produce available from local organic and biodynamic farmers. The Ridge Organic Food Store & Café make sensational chutneys, jams and gourmet goodies to help you prolong the taste of the Otways after you've reached home.
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Packages & Offers

Winter Warmer Getaway

A winter escape to Apollo Bay with overnight accommodation for two, three course dinner and continental breakfast

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.

Romantic getaway at Whitecrest Resort from $620

Romantic Getaway package including 2 nights, sparkline wine, fine handmade chocolates and flowers.

Seaside Family Escape $275.00 per night

Includes self-contained two bedroom Apartment, kids eat free at Latitude-38 restaurant, 20% discount off day spa.

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.

Winter Warmer Getaway

From $320 per couple* per night

Take a winter escape to Apollo Bay at Chris's Beacon Point Restaurant and Villas. This deal includes:

  • Overnight accommodation for two at Chris’s Beacon Point
  • Three course dinner for two served in Chris's Restaurant (excluding drinks)
  • Continental breakfast

Valid From 15th May 2012 to 31st August 2012.

To Book:

Web: Click Here
Email: Click Here
Phone: 03 5237 6411

* Prices vary for this special depending on room type and availability is limited.
 

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
 

Romantic getaway at Whitecrest Resort from $620

Romantic Getaway package includes:

  • Chilled bottle of sparkline wine
  • Fine handmade chocolates and flowers
  • Dine at La Bima and receive a complimentary cocktail and premium seating
$620 for two nights mid week.
$680 for two nights weekends.

T: 03 5237 0228.
 

Seaside Family Escape $275.00 per night

$275 per night

Package Includes:

  • Overnight in a fully self contained Two Bedroom Apartment (sleeps 4);
  • "Kids Eat Free" in Latitude-38 restaurant;
  • 20% discount off Day Spa;
  • A Winnie the Wallaby Kids Activity Pack;
  • Valet Parking;

Valid to 7 October 2012. 1 x kids meal per paying adult.
Ph: 03 5261 1500 or www.wyndhamtorquay.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.