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Follow meandering roads north from the coast to explore sublime volcanic landscapes and charming inland towns
Enjoy the contrast of conical peaks and deep crater lakes that punctuate the even carpet of rolling farmland
Camperdown Botanic Gardens
The Camperdown Gardens land was put aside in 1869 with work being carried out by Daniel Bunce from 1870, in 1888 inprovements were made under the guidance of William Guilfoyle.
Camperdown Timboon Rail Trail
The completed 34km Camperdown to Timboon trail is a wonderful family adventure, dotted with statuesque trestle bridges and spellbinding scenery.
Lake Bookar
Lake Bookar offers good bird watching opportunity over spring and summer presided over by the bulk of nearby Mt Elephant. Look for hoary headed grebe and freckled duck.
Lake Bullen Merri
Lake Bullen Merri South Beach - find your own space on this crystal clear volcanic lake on the southern outskirts of Camperdown
Gnotuk Lookout
Lake Bullen Merri - A fantastic lookout and interpretive sign describing the dynamics of the lakes and the reasons for their differing salinity.
Lake Tooliorook
Picturesque sand bottomed Lake Tooliorook is located 5km from Lismore. The lake offers good fishing and boating amenity and superb views across to Mt Elephant near Derrinallum
Mt Leura & Sugarloaf
The car park and lookout offer commanding views of Lake Corangamite and views across Lake Colongulac towards Mt Elephant.
Mount Elephant
Walks to the summit every Sunday from 1 - 4pm, other times by arrangement (dogs on leads welcome)
Mt Noorat Walk
Alan Marshall Discovery Trail. One of Australia’s best preserved dry craters offering commanding views of surrounding peaks on the volcanic plain.
Ballarat Skipton Rail Trail
Enjoy this wonderful 53km trail in parts or plan a wonderful meandering through historic goldfield sites, traversing a majestic trestle bridge and taking in the wonderful rolling hills and a pocket of forest between Ballarat and Skipton
Lake Purrumbete
Renowned for it trout fishing, Lake Purrumbete near Camperdown is famous for its Rainbow, Brown Trout, Chinook Salmon and Brook Trout. This is where to go if you're looking for that BIG CATCH photo to show your friends!
Red Rock Lookout
Views over Victoria’s largest permanent inland lake and west to the scattered volcanic peaks of the western regions lakes and volcanic craters.
Terang & Noorat Bike Trail
This is a great trail with views north towards Mount Noorat and south towards the rise of Terang and its distinctive crown of deciduous trees.
Terang Dry Lake Walk
An interesting trail that chronicles the science and history of the dry lake bed situated on the pretty lowland of the town’s southern edge.
Tower Hill
Nestled in the crater of a dormant volcano this reserve between Warrnambool and Port Fairy is a haven for wildlife, a fascinating ecological site and a showcase for local indigenous culture.
Spectacular regional villages and towns and warm country hospitality
Camperdown
Camperdown is situated on the world's third largest volcanic plain dotted with dormant volcano cones, craters and waterways created from lava flows thousands of years old. Climb to the top of Mt Leura and Mt Sugarloaf for 360-degree views of the coastal ranges and rolling western plains.
Cobden
Cobden is surrounded by undulating pastures and the distinctive features of the Volcanic Lakes and Plains, this friendly community offers much for the visitor and is an ideal place to base yourself for a Great Ocean Road and Volcanic Lakes and Plains Adventure.
Terang
Terang is a town lined with 19th century buildings and 100-year-old National Trust listed trees. To enjoy the towns early settler past, a Heritage Trail leads visitors around many of the towns historic points of interest including the old Post Office and Terang church.
Noorat
Nestled at the base of one of Australia's best preserved dry Craters (Mt Noorat) lies the charming village of Noorat. Explore the setting of iconic Australian novel "I can jump puddles," take a step back slow down and give in to warm country hospitality.
Lismore
Lismore has well preserved its colonial history with icons such as the town’s gothic revival chapel and 1840’s woodshed providing prominent landmarks. The recent opening of the Lismore Discovery Trial makes walking the site easy, inviting onward travellers to explore the town a little deeper.
Derrinallum
Derrinallum lies at the foot of Mount Elephant, surrounded by a series of lakes and grazing cattle. The town acts as a hub for the local farming network, fielding all the essential services including the ever-important local pub. Derrinallum is located 2 hours west of Melbourne and 1 hour from Geelong, Warrnambool and Ballarat.
Darlington
Dry stone walls, weathered windmills, a bluestone bridge. Use the tiny village of Darlington as a base for exploring Volcanic Lakes and Plains and southern edge of the Grampians.
Skipton
Skipton is known as the ‘home of the platypus’. If you are yet to encounter this unique egg-laying mammal, a walk in Stewart Park is a must. Sit quietly along the banks of Mount Emu Creek, keeping a close eye on the waters edge where the platypus burrows its shelter.
