Visitor Information, Winchelsea, Great Ocean Road and Region, Victoria, Australia

Visitor information

Visitor Information Centres

The Great Ocean Road has several local accredited Visitor Information Centres. Drop in or call for more information on the region and help with planning your holiday.

	Geelong and Great Ocean Road Princes Hwy Little River, Victoria 3211 Phone (toll free): 1800 620 888 Ph: +61 3 5283 1735 Fax: +61 3 5223 2069
	Geelong 26 Moorabool St Geelong, Victoria 3220 Phone (toll free): 1800 620 888 Ph: +61 3 5222 2900 Fax: +61 3 5223 2069
	Apollo Bay 100 Great Ocean Road Apollo Bay, Victoria 3233 Ph: +61 3 5237 6529 Fax: +61 3 5237 6194
	Colac Cnr Queen & Murray Sts Colac, Victoria 3250 Ph: 1300 689 297 Fax: +61 3 5232 2764
	Lorne 15 Mountjoy Pde Lorne, Victoria 3232 Ph: +61 3 5289 1152 Fax: +61 3 5289 2492
	Queenscliff 55 Hesse St Queenscliff, Victoria 3225 Ph: +61 3 5258 4843 Fax: +61 3 5258 3726
	Torquay Surf City Plaza Torquay, Victoria 3228 Ph: +61 3 5261 4219 Fax: +61 3 5261 4756

Look for the sign. Offices are open 9am to 5pm, 7 days a week.

When in Melbourne...

If you're in Melbourne we suggest you visit the Visitor Information Centre at Federation Square.

Situated on the corner of Swanston and Flinders Streets, directly across from Flinders Street train station and its tram interchanges, the Visitor Centre is a one-stop shop for discovering what Melbourne and the Great Ocean Road have to offer visitors.

Open: 9am to 6pm, 7 days a week
Ph: +61 3 9658 9658

Highlights

Winchelsea

Winchelsea Larder

Winchelsea Larder - for a relaxing break or meal, regional food and wine, and local art. 100% carbon neutral Freetrade Organic coffee by Jasper, leaf tea including organic, homemade cakes, pastries, pies and sausage rolls, great-tasting menu with regional and seasonal ingredients, local beers and Geelong Wine Region wines. Browse the shelves stocked with a range of gourmet regional produce - scrumptious stuff!

Near Winchelsea

Dinny Goonan Wines

Dinny Goonan Wines is one of a handful of families pioneering grape and wine production in the Otway hinterland. Their wines have won numerous awards since the first commercial release in 2001. The vineyard and cellar door are conveniently situated on the inland road to Lorne, between Winchelsea and Deans Marsh. This location provides a great springboard to explore the Otways and surrounding attractions, and they are happy to share some local knowledge of other places to see and visit. Visitors are welcome to taste their wines and relax in the peaceful vineyard setting. You can find out more about the wines by talking to Dinny the winemaker, or stroll around the vineyard and winery. Vineyard platters are available on weekends between November and April and every day during January, so it is a great chance to take some time out to enjoy the wines, surrounded by the vines that produced them. The platters have a regional focus providing the opportunity to match local wines with regional produce. The only distractions will come from the Crimson Rosellas and Blue Winged Grass Parrots that have made the vineyard their home. They also offer a great coffee and a selection of local foodstuffs and oils. And then of course, there are their award winning wines. As a family run enterprise, everything is very much "hands on". The vines are hand pruned; they pick the grapes by hand and use traditional vinification and elevage techniques within the modern winery. They specialize in the production of cool climate Shiraz and Riesling. They also produce limited quantities of Cabernets (a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Malbec), a Semillon/Sauvignon and a Sparkling wine (a blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay) which are available exclusively to their cellar door customers.

Winchelsea

Barwon River

Near the Barwon Hotel a beautiful bluestone triple-arched bridge crosses the Barwon River. There are a number of picnic spots and walks along the river. Early morning walkers have, on occasion, spotted a platypus close to the bridge.

Winchelsea

Winchelsea Heritage Walk

The trail commences at the Winchelsea visitor centre and includes such landmarks as the Globe Theatre, Barwon Park Mansion, the Barwon River and the triple-arched bluestone bridge. The heritage walk takes about one hour and offers an intriguing insight into Winchelsea’s rich history.

Winchelsea

Winchelsea Tea Rooms

A café-restaurant with arts and crafts. Enjoy Devonshire teas and generous lunches in a warm friendly atmosphere. Inside, the walls are lined with history. Plaques, honour-boards, maps, photos and more detailing the past of this regional town and country centre.

Winchelsea

Barwon Park

This is a majestic 42 room bluestone mansion set in a sweeping rural landscape, built in 1871 for Thomas and Elizabeth Austin. The Enclosed bluestone courtyard catering for up to 120 guests, provides a stylish and enchanting venue for wedding receptions and functions. The elegant formal dining room with its superb polished tables and balloon-back chairs is available for smaller functions and receptions and caters for up to 30 guests. Barwon Park also features a novel cast iron veranda, monumental entrance hall and magnificent central staircase. The mansion captures the glory of Victoria's pastoral heritage. Visitors to Barwon Park are truly rewarded with a vision from the past.

Winchelsea

Country Dahlia

Country Dahlia is a flower farm offering Australia’s largest collection of Dahlias. Spread across 2 acres and with 1,800 different types of flower, you can visit beautiful Country Dahlia during March and April each year and are welcome to bring a picnic lunch with you. Tea and coffee are available.

Near Jan Juc

Brown Magpie Wines

'The Brown Magpie cellar door is backed by a row of cypress trees populated, appropriately enough, by an extended family of industrious magpies who stalk around the vineyard with a proprietorial air. This is a tranquil spot in the Surf Coast hinterland with a plot of vineyard that looks towards Mount Moriac's gentle slopes. It's well worth a detour when you're in the region for its award-winning Shiraz and Pinot Noir.' Ralph Kyte-Powell Brown Magpie Wines is located in the picturesque hinterland of the Surf Coast and Great Ocean Road, 15 minutes Anglesea and Torquay, and 25 minutes south west of Geelong. Shane and Loretta Breheny selected the property specifically for the purpose. Planted in 2000 and 2001 the vineyard consists of nine hectares of north facing gentle slope. Dense, well established cypress trees along the borders shelter the vineyard from strong winds and moderates temperature. All wines are handcrafted on site from estate grown, hand picked fruit, and are a true reflection of the vineyard. The vineyard is ideally located for producing premium quality shiraz, pinot noir, gris and grigio, wine. The quality of the wines has been acknowledged since the first vintage in 2003, with multiple gold medals and trophies being awarded. Recent awards include: - Gold Medal and Trophy - Shiraz 2006 - Geelong Wine Show October 2007 - Silver Medal - Pinot Noir 2008 - International Wine Show 2010 - Bronze - Pinot Gris 2010 - Geelong Wine Show2010 - Silver - Blanc de Noir 2008 - Concours de Vins 2010 - Bronze - Pinot Grigio 2010 - Pinot Noir 2010 - Pinot Noir 2009 - International Cool Climate Wine Show 2011 The Surf Coast and Great Ocean Road hinterland is a treat for all wine and food lovers, abounding with great restaurants, produce and wineries.

Torquay

Surf World Museum

The Surf World Museum in Torquay, Australia’s surfing capital, celebrates the story of surfing. It also charts Australia’s significant contribution to the development of surfing around the world. Through the colourful and exciting permanent displays and temporary exhibitions of important surfing artefacts and memorabilia, the museum commemorates Australia’s fantastic surfing heritage and rich beach culture. An unforgettable experience, Surf World provides the opportunity to immerse yourself in one of Australia’s most popular pastimes. It’s a place where you can experience or relive, surfing’s sense of fun, and marvel at the changes that have taken place over the years. We look forward to welcoming you.

Jan Juc

2012 Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach

The ASP World Tour's best 34 male surfers, one Rip Curl Wildcard and one local Victorian Wildcard from the Wingman Trials will be at Bells over Easter to compete in the year's second Men’s ASP World Tour contest. There will be only one winner at the end of the marathon slog, earning the opportunity to ring the prized Bell on the final day of competition. Australian Taj Burrow, straight from a win on the Gold Coast, will come to Bells with confidence, hopeful of taking down defending champion Joel Parkinson and the other contenders. Two-time ASP World Champion Mick Fanning, rising stars Owen Wright, Gabriel Medina and Julian Wilson, and of course 11-time ASP World Champion Kelly Slater are all must-watch surfers during the event. The guys will share the Southern Ocean swells with the ASP Women’s World Tour's best 17 surfers, who will also be at Bells this Easter to compete the Rip Curl Women's Pro Live Sites Don’t miss a second of the Rip Curl Pro 2012. Surf Coast Shire has joined with local businesses in Torquay to provide Live Sites where you can enjoy the action and some of the best local hospitality available. Surf City Rip Curl Pro Shop Torquay Visitor Centre Jan Juc The Beach Hotel Bell Street Torquay Hotel Bell Street Printworks and Gallery Gilbert Street Westpac Bank Sandbah Café’ Torquay Esplanade Growlers Front Beach Café’ Zeally’s Bar & Grill Wyndam Resort Torquay In Salt Café Torquay Central The Coffee Club The Sands Peppers the Sands Resort Torquay Surfcoast Highway Soul Fuel Café Bar Pro Spots Need a break? Join the tribe and visit a Pro Spot venue offering special deals for Pro Surfers. THE best spot to grab a bite to eat or drink and possibly SPOT a Pro! For more information and details of Live Site and Pro Spot venues call Torquay Visitor Information Centre on 1300 614 219, check out www.visittorquay.org or download the “Torquay App” Surf World Museum Bells Gold Exhibition Surf World Museum Torquay has marked a significant surfing milestone with the Bells Gold Exhibition celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Bells Easter Classic/Rip Curl Pro. The exhibition features treasured and iconic surfing artefacts and images from the rich and eventful history of the world’s longest running surfing contest. It’s a must-do as part of your 2012 Rip Curl Pro visit. The exhibition closes in May 2012 – so don’t miss it. Surf World Museum is open 9am – 5pm, seven days per week. For information on Surf World and the exhibition call 5261 4606, visit www.surfworld.com.au or connect with us on Facebook. Free for 3228 Following last year’s ‘free for 3228 residents’ policy, Torquay residents will once again gain free admission to the Rip Curl Pro providing they show photo identification at the ticket gate while choosing whether they would like to make a donation or not. Tickets and How to Get There Dates: April 3rd– 14th 2012 2012 RIP CURL PRO TICKET PRICES - Tickets can be purchased from on-site at the Bells Beach ticket office from April 3rd. Adult: $8 Concession: $5 Event pass: $25 Children (16 and under): Free Parking: $2 - (Donation to the Jan Juc Cricket Club) Proceeds go to the Bells Beach Surfing Reserve 3228 residents free - present your Photo ID license at the entry gate. Free Shuttle Service A free shuttle will run from Torquay and Jan Juc to Bells Beach (and back) from the 6th to the 9th of April. Stopping at: Rip Curl Store - Surf Coast Highway Growlers – Esplanade, Torquay Torquay Hotel – Bell St, Torquay Bird Rock Café – Stuart Avenue, Jan Juc Bells Beach – Event Location

Torquay

Bells Beach

With an international reputation as one of Australia’s best surf beaches, Bells Beach is amazing spot – either in the water or out. There isn’t much ‘beach’ at Bells, it’s mostly a glorious cliff-face, and views from the cliff-top car park are spectacular – a great spot to watch local surfers out in the water. There are several quality surfing spots in the precinct from Southside to Steps Reef. Every Easter Bells Beach hosts the international professional surfing community for the Rip Curl Pro event. To get to Bells Beach, travel along the Great Ocean Road past Jan Juc – turn left into Bells Boulevard and follow the signs. General Beach Hazard Rating: 6 Least hazardous: 1-3 Moderately hazardous: 4-6 Highly hazardous: 7-8 Extremely hazardous: 9-10 Hazard rating refers to physical beach and surf conditions ONLY and does not include potentially dangerous marine life. Surfing Bells is a world class right when above 1.5 m. When smaller, the waves break close in to the headland and produce a right called Rincon. Further around the head are two more reef breaks which work below 2 m, called Centre Side (a right) and Southside (a left). Fishing The water is deep right off the beach, while at low tide you can fish from the reefs at each end. General One of the meccas of surfing and well worth a visit, if only to view the beach and surf from the bluffs. Carpark Type: Formal parking area Surface: Sealed Spaces: 200 SLSA provides this information as a guide only. Surf conditions are variable and therefore this information should not be relied upon as a substitute for observation of local conditions and an understanding of your abilities in the surf. SLSA reminds you to always swim between the red and yellow flags and never swim at unpatrolled beaches. SLSA takes all care and responsibility for any translation but it cannot guarantee that all translations will be accurate.

Cape Otway

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.

Near Beech Forest

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.

Apollo Bay

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.

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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.

Winchelsea

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