The park’s great facilities aren’t the only things that will keep you entertained. The Great Ocean Road is home to a number of iconic and unique attractions for everyone to enjoy. These include:
Things to do
Walking Trails
Warrnambool and its surrounding area offer a great range of town, coastal and hinterland walking trails, allowing you to explore at your own leisure. For a coastal walk, visit Warrnambool’s award-winning Foreshore Promenade. Stretching over 5.7km, it runs from the Breakwater along the coastline back to the mouth of Hopkins River. Or take in history on the 3km Heritage walk, which visits some of the town’s most famous and attractive historic buildings. To immerse yourself in the natural environment the Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve offers spectacular scenery and landscapes, while allowing you to get up close and personal with native wildlife.
Image source: Warrnambool City Council
Wine and dine
A seemingly endless number of cafes, restaurants and bars are available to indulge your taste buds. Set overlooking the ocean, enjoy waterfront dining at The Pavilion Café and Bar, open for breakfast and lunch seven days a week. Dine on delicious meals with a side of historic ambience at Proudfoots on the River, or, if you’re looking to unwind make sure to drop into Hotel Warrnambool, the comfortable setting and personalised service will leave you wanting more.
History and culture
Discover Warrnambool’s rich history at one of the towns many cultural attractions. Don’t just learn about the region’s history, experience it at the Flagstaff Hill Historic Maritime Village. The museum tells the story of the hundreds of ships claimed by Shipwreck Coast and life for the first European settlers. Stroll through the cobblestoned streets and explore more than 40 historic on-site buildings. Built in 1887, the Warrnambool Garrison is another significant historic attraction found in the area. Home to rare muzzle-loading cannons, the fort was built to protect the colony from an anticipated Russian invasion.
Whale Watching
Off the coast of Warrnambool is well-known for its high-level of whale activity. From June until September the whales swim along the coastline, keeping close to shore to raise their young. Logan’s Beach Whale Viewing Platform is the prime location for avid whale watchers. The whales often swim within a hundred meters of the shore, breaching and waving on their way. Tours operate daily for those looking to get out on the water and view the whales up close.
Hopkins Falls
Measuring 90 metres in length and plunging 12 metres over basalt rocks into a pristine pool of water, Hopkins Falls is a stunning natural attraction located close to the park. Especially impressive over the winter months or after rainfall, the falls are the perfect spot for a picnic. An easy 5-minute drive from the park, soak up views of the falls from the two lookout platforms. Once you’ve taken in the view you can explore the surrounding scenic reserve which provides the perfect opportunity to take in the serenity of nature and breath in the fresh coastal air.
Image source: Visit Victoria
Great Ocean Road
Located close to the iconic Great Ocean Road, the park is the perfect base to stop off and relax as you explore its famous natural attractions. Stretching over 243kms from Allansford to Torquay, discover the rugged splendour of the winding coastal road and towering limestone formations. You can find the iconic 12 Apostles, less than an hour from the park. A bucket list destination for most, the remaining seven apostles stand against the eroding winds to form one of the most breathtaking attractions on the Great Ocean Road. For a different perspective visit Loch Ard Gorge and take the stairs down to the beach to witness the true magnitude of the towering rock formations.
