The Great Ocean Road
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Activities & Attractions - Apollo Bay | |||
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| 3 kilometres west of Lavers Hill approximately 1 hour leisurely drive from Apollo Bay. Known as the Jewel of the Otways, this is one of the wettest places in the state. The gully has prolific plant growth and is a dense rainforest of Myrtle Beech, Blackwood and Tree-ferns, with an understorey of low ferns and mosses. Perhaps the most unusual inhabitants of the area are the glow worms, which can be seen at night along the walking tracks. The 35 minute Madsen's Track Nature Walk departs from the picnic area, providing an adventure into a world of ancient, mossy trees and cool fern gullies. Picnic tables, a gas barbecue and toilets are provided at this site. Camping is not permitted. Conditions can change in parks for many reasons. For the latest information on changes to local conditions, please visit the relevant park page on the Parks Victoria website. | |||
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| Explore the Great Otway National Park – One of the finest temperate rainforests in Australia. Magnificent fern gullies, waterfalls, huge trees, some hundreds of years old. Walks and self drive tours await exploration in Victoria’s newest National Park which covers some 103,000 hectares and combines what was the Otway National Park, Angahook-Lorne State Park, Carlisle State Park, Melba Gully State Park and State Forest areas. Walking tracks in the Great Otway National Park and the Otways can become muddy and slippery after rain. Appropriate footwear is recommended. Also be aware that mobile phones are frequently out of range in the Otways. And always stick to the nominated tracks do not venture off on your own. Shelley Beach - Elliott River Walk Approx 8kms west from Apollo Bay on the Great Ocean Road is the turn off to Elliott River picnic area. There is a 1 hour return walk to Shelley Beach. The longer walk to Elliott River takes about 2 hours. Toilets, picnic tables. Be aware of tide movements avoid at high tide. Blanket Bay If planning a visit to Blanket Bay off season check road conditions From Blanket Bay camp ground there is a diverse walk through coastal forest descending to Parker Inlet. Two lookouts along the way provide panoramic ocean and estuary views. Approx 1.5 kilometers 30-40 minutes. During the Summer and Easter holiday periods Blanket Bay campsites are allocated by ballot. Outside of this period the campground is available on a first-in first-served basis. Cape Otway Lightstation Walks follow the Great Ocean Road 20kms turn left onto Cape Otway Lighthouse Road (clearly signed) approx 13 kilometers to the carpark. From car park there are marked walking tracks including a short walk to the fascinating cemetery the final resting place of early pioneers and ship wreck victims approx 30 minutes return. There is also a longer walk to Rainbow Falls approx 4-5 hours return. The Lightstation (entrance fee) is the oldest surviving lighthouse on the Australian mainland and was built by convicts in 1848. Guided tours allow you to experience views of the Southern Ocean from 90 metres above ground (take your camera or video) the tour also includes the Telegraph Station (1859) and other historic buildings. Accommodation is available and the café has great coffee and light meals. Great Ocean Road Walk 91 km walk which links Apollo Bay to Glenample (opposite the 12 Apostles) passes through Great Otway and Port Campbell National Parks. Short walks, day hikes and overnight treks, guided walks, hire equipment, accommodation. Overnight camps Information Parks Victoria 13 1963 Apollo Bay to Cape Otway Lightstation Distance 33kms Duration Approx 3 days. Outstanding coast and forest scenery. Shorter walks – step on step off include Shelley Beach, Blanket Bay, Parker Hill. Maits Rest Approx 17kms (25 minutes) from Apollo Bay on the way to Lavers Hill this walk is about 40 minutes return and is a great walk for any age. The boardwalk takes you into the heart of the rainforest under a canopy of trees. The viewing platform is located beneath the old Myrtle Beech tree which is approximately 300 years old. Melba Gully 3kms west of Lavers Hill 30 minute return walk relatively easy walk amongst huge blackwood, myrtle beech and tree ferns. Glow worms are seen at night. Toilets, picnic tables and free gas BBQ. Safety Tips Carry all weather clothing as sudden weather changes are common. Mobile phones are frequently out of range. Stay on the marked paths – do not wander off Check conditions before heading out ie extreme weather Inform someone of your plans Be aware of slippery, winding roads and oncoming traffic. Before setting out check conditions at The Apollo Bay Information Centre or go to Parks Vic website www.parkweb.vic.gov.au | |||
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| Travelling the Cape Otway Road C119 to Skenes Creek a few kilometers from Barramunga on your right you will see the road (C159) to Beech Forest (18kms) and The Otway Fly (26kms) also Hopetoun, Beauchamp and Triplet Falls. The road is very narrow and winding but a fine example of the magic of the Great Otways National Park. Follow through to Lavers Hill and the 12 Apostles (closed certain times of the year). | |||
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| Caution Walking tracks to the various waterfall in the Otways can become muddy and slippery after rain. Appropriate footwear is recommended and stick to the designated tracks. Also be aware that mobile phones are frequently out of range in the Otways. Mariners Falls - CURRENTLY CLOSED Turn right at the post office and follow the signs to Paradise and the Barnham River Road approx 13kms to the carpark. Follow the track along the river you will come to stepping stones (not always passable after heavy rains). Walk 3.4km (allow 1 hour return). See magnificent tree ferns, lichens and mosses on this stunning walk which takes you across several creek crossings. Waterproof footwear is recommended. Triplet Falls One of the most spectacular waterfalls in the Otways which has in recent times undergone an extensive upgrade. View the lower cascades as you follow the raised boardwalk through to the main falls. 3 cascades thunder past the viewing platform. Triplet Falls is approx 90 minutes from Apollo Bay via Lavers Hill. At Lavers Hill turn right into Colac Lavers Hill Road follow for approx 14 kilometres turn right onto Phillips Track. This gravel road will lead you to the falls a great place for a family picnic, facilities include toilets and tables. Beauchamp Falls Return to Lavers Hill Colac Road and turn right towards Beech Forest, approximately 8 kms. Just past Beech Forest turn right into Aire Valley Road (gravel road) a short drive turn left to Beauchamp Falls Picnic facilities include tables and toilets. The walk to the falls is quite strenuous for some, moderate for others. It is recommended that you are of a certain fitness level. Hopetoun Falls Return to Aire Valley Road turn left travel approx 6kms and you will arrive at the falls carpark. Easy walk down the steps with hand rail, approx 10 minutes, but be aware its a hard, steep, walk back to carpark. Boardwalk with viewing platform at the spectacular falls makes the effort worthwhile. Well worth continuing for a short distance down Aire Valley Road to the forest of Californian Redwoods planted in 1936. To experience this forest, stop at the river crossing. | |||
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| P.O. Box 346 Apollo Bay VIC 3233 Come and visit the Marengo Marine Santyary and experience up close the seals in their natural environment. 2 hours of kayaking fun led by qualifies guides All equipment and wetsuit is provided. Schools and group bookings available. | |||
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| P.O. Box 346 Apollo Bay VIC 3233 Surfing is awesome fun and great exercise. Apollo Bay Surf School conduct 1hour 30 minute lessons for all ages and all skill levels. All equipment is provided. School and groups welcome. Gift Vouchers Available | |||
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| 17 kilometres west of Apollo Bay on the Great Ocean Road is Mait's Rest Rainforest walk in the Great Otway National Park. Easy stroll along boardwalks under a canopy of trees to viewing platform. Beautiful ferns and tall rainforest trees. Walk approximately 1 kilometre allow 30-40 minutes. | |||
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| Koalas can be seen in their natural habitat on the Cape Otway Lightstation Road. The road is narrow and traffic can be heavy so be aware as visitors tend to get excited and stop suddenly when they see a koala. The area with the most koalas is approximately 2 kilometres from the Lightstation. Remember do not pat or try and pick up a koala as they are not pets. Did You Know One of Australia's most famous and unique native animals is the Koala. Koala's are marsupials, that is the young are born and nutured in a pouch - They are not related to Bears. | |||
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| Shop 6/7, 157-159 Great Ocean Road Apollo Bay VIC 3233 For all your fishing, boating, scuba & surfing needs. Stocking the major surf clothing brands. Huge range of hire gear available. Directly Opposite Information Centre | |||
Activities & Attractions - Lorne | |||
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| Historic Grave - approximately 5 kilometers east of Wye River, is a memorial to several seamen who drowned trying to salvage the cargo from the ill fated W. B. Godfrey which was wrecked there in 1891. The story of the Godfrey is on the display board in front of the lookout just past the grave. | |||
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