Bridgewater Lakes Rd, Cape Bridgewater, Victoria, 3305
Email: info@parks.vic.gov.au
Website: www.parkweb.vic.gov.au

Discovery Bay Coastal Park is a majestic 50 km sweep of ocean beach, huge dunes, Aboriginal middens and coastal lakes. Things to Do * Attractions include freshwater lakes, massive dune systems, magnificent coastal cliffs, volcanic features and sweeping ocean beaches. * Outstanding features of Discovery Bay Coastal Park at Cape Bridgewater include a seal colony, blowholes, the "petrified forest" and the highest coastal cliffs in Victoria, 130 metres above sea level. * The Bridgewater Lakes within the Park, 16 km west of Portland, are popular for picnics, swimming, boating, water skiing and surf-fishing. * Other activities include surfing, scenic driving, walking (The Great South West Walk passes through Discovery Bay Coastal Park) and camping at Swan Lake and Lake Monibeong. * Ocean beaches are near Nelson, Lake Monibeong and Bridgewater Bay. Heritage Discovery Bay was named by Lieutenant Grant in 1800 during a voyage along the south-western coast of what is now Victoria. The first Europeans to traverse the Discovery Bay area were Stephen and Edward Henty who set out west from Merino Downs (near Portland) in June 1839 and discovered Mount Gambier. Three schooners that worked the coastal routes were wr

Great Ocean Rd, Port Campbell, Victoria, 3269
Email: info@parks.vic.gov.au
Website: www.parkweb.vic.gov.au

Located seven kilometres east of Port Campbell, the Twelve Apostles Marine National Park is Victoria's second largest Marine National Park and covers 7,500 hectares along approximately 17 kilometres of coastline. The park extends out from the renowned Twelve Apostles and includes some of Victoria's most spectacular underwater scenery. There are rich intertidal and subtidal invertebrate communities, dramatic underwater arches, canyons, fissures, gutters and deep sloping reefs. Although the Marine National Park itself is relatively inaccessible from the shore because of the high cliffs and powerful sea conditions, the park includes the Twelve Apostles rock formations, and is the third most visited natural site in Australia. The wild and powerful Southern Ocean that sculpts the area's limestone landscape also shrouds a remarkable seascape beneath the waves; a submarine labyrinth of towering canyons, caves, arches and walls. These natural features are festooned with colourful seaweed and sponge 'gardens', resident schools of reef fish, such as sweep, gliding above and the occasional visit by an Australian Fur Seal. Breeding colonies of seabirds regularly inhabit the rock stacks and islands within the park and the adjacent coas

Princes Hwy, Winnap, Victoria, 3304
Email: info@parks.vic.gov.au
Website: www.parkweb.vic.gov.au

Lower Glenelg National Park, 27,300 hectares in area, is situated in the south-western corner of Victoria. The Glenelg River is the central feature. Along the last part of its winding 400 kilometre path to the sea the river has carved a spectacular gorge up to 50 metres deep through limestone. River erosion and the action of rainwater have created some remarkable caves. These and the rich variety of bush plants and animals, not to mention activities such as canoeing, fishing and bushwalking, are ample reasons to visit Lower Glenelg National Park. Things to Do * Visit Princess Margaret Rose Cave. Commercial boat trips run from Nelson to the cave. * Take a canoe along the river, camping at the various sites provided. * The Glenelg estuary provides salt water habitat far upstream for a wide range of fish, including mulloway, bream, mullet, salmon trout and estuary perch, making it one of Australia's most popular fishing destinations. * Visit points of interest such as Jones Lookout, the Bulley Ranges, and the Inkpot. * The park is criss-crossed by fire trails, which offer short scenic bush walks. The Great South West Walk also passes through the park. * There are cabins and a camping ground at Princess Margaret R

Great Ocean Road, Warrnambool, Victoria, 3280
Website: www.warrnambool.org

Warrnambool is known as Victoria's southern right whale nursery. Most years between June and September, female southern right whales return to the waters of Logans Beach near Warrnambool to calve. The whales often swim within 100 metres of the shore and can be viewed from a specially constructed platform in the sand dunes or from the beach. In summer southern right whales live in the sub-Antarctic. In winter they migrate to warmer waters around the southern areas of Australia. The females migrate to the 'nursery' areas close to the shore to bear their calves, while the males, yearlings and young adults remain further out to sea. The females generally stay in the nursery for many weeks, allowing the calves to feed and gather strength for their journey back to the sub-Antarctic waters. The southern right whale can be recognised by its smooth, black back and lack of a dorsal fin. On the head of each southern right whale are a number of crusty outgrowths called callosities, markings that differ from whale to whale. Irregular white patches sometimes found on the whale's belly distinguish these animals from other species. Whales are protected in Australian waters by Federal and State laws.

25 Main St, Winchelsea, Victoria, 3241
Email: email@atasteoftheregion.com.au
Website: www.aTasteOfTheRegion.com.au
Phone Number: 61 03 5267 2832
Fax Number: 61 03 8610 0302

A Taste of the Region specialises in the gourmet regional food and wine of Southwest Victoria. Sourced from farmer's markets, wineries, breweries and small-scale producers between Geelong & Warnambool and south of Ballarat, we collect together for your convenience some of the best tastes of the region. Drop by our Winchelsea Larder shop, right on the Princes Highway in the centre of historic Winchelsea, for great coffee and cakes, snacks and light meals either made in the region by artisan bakeries or made with regional produce. Not passing through Winchelsea? Then turn to our website for a full online ordering service, with local overnight local delivery (Surf Coast, Otways, Bellarine and Geelong, Ballarat) and express delivery nationwide. We have a range of the region's excellent wines and microbrewery beers, along with information leaflets. We have Certified Organic items; we have jams, preserves, chutneys, spices, olives & olive oils, honey, chocolate and more. Select your own items to take with you to your holiday accommodation or back home as an edible souvenir. Choose a superb gift hamper as a great gift for someone who deserves something special. And don't forget to treat yourself with some a

Great Ocean Rd, Port Campbell, Victoria, 3269
Email: info@parks.vic.gov.au
Website: www.parkweb.vic.gov.au

To the south of Port Campbell, offshore in 20 metres of water, the limestone seafloor breaks up into a series of amazing canyons, arches and tunnels that are locally known as 'The Arches'. This area is typical of the southwest Victorian coast and exposed to high-energy waves and cool water that flows from the Southern Ocean. This 45 hectare marine sanctuary contains some of Victoria's most spectacular limestone formations and is home to a diverse array of marine plants and animals. Due to the shaded underside of the Arches, habitat is provided for invertebrate life that is characteristic of deeper Bass Strait waters and includes a diverse range of sponges, bryozoans, gorgonians, hydroids and an abundance of colourful seastars. Giant kelp forests also occur within the Marine Sanctuary. Things to Do The area is a popular destination for dive charters due to the spectacular underwater scenery.

105 Inverleigh winchelsea Rd, Winchelsea, Victoria, 3241
Email: barwon.park@bigpond.com
Website: www.nattrust.com.au
Phone Number: 61 03 5267 2209

Visitors to Barwon Park are rewarded with a vision from the past.... Built in 1869 for Thomas & Elizabeth Austin, Barwon Park was once one of Australia's grandest mansions. Barwon Park is a majestic 42 room bluestone estate that features a magnificent central staircase and iron lace verandah. With its interiors remaining largely in original condition, Barwon Park resonates the glory of Victoria's pastoral heritage.

Phillips Trk, Beech Forest, Victoria, 3239
Email: manager@otwayfly.com
Website: www.otwayfly.com
Phone Number: 61 03 5235 9200
Fax Number: 61 03 5235 9388

Fancy a walk at bird's eye level? The Otway Fly Treetop Walk and Cafe in Victoria's magnificent Otways will provide visitors with this unique opportunity. The Fly itself is the longest and tallest elevated walk of its kind in the world. It varies between 20-37 metres in height and is over 600 metres in length. For the thrill seeker 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 1 hour to complete. The visitor centre subtly introduces you to the rainforest, whilst providing gourmet local organically produced food, beverages, wine and the opportunity to relax and absorb the rich beauty that surrounds. Alfresco dining and a comfy lounge area with a fire-place are also relaxing and scenic options. During the weekends in summer and school holidays traditional Aussie barbecue fare is served up in the barbecue pavilion which also houses seating. A car-park is provided for visitors and there is a 300 metre amble through the padd

Great Ocean Rd, Lorne, Victoria, 3232
Email: info@parks.vic.gov.au
Website: www.parkweb.vic.gov.au

This park represents all that is special about the Otways: the tall wet forests, ancient rainforests, the drier forests of the inland slopes and the very diverse heathlands and woodlands, fringed by a spectacularly rugged coastline and studded with some of Victoria's most striking waterfalls and other attractions. Things to do: Walking Whether it is an afternoon stroll with the whole family, or a challenging multi-day hike there is something to suit everyone. Separate brochures are available from local Visitor Information Centres with details on the variety of walks available. Horse riding and mountain biking Experience and enjoy the natural environment on horse back or on a mountain bike. A permit is required for horse riders to ride in the National Park and Parks Victoria staff can assist you with this. The formed roads and tracks provide ideal trails for these active endeavours. The 12km mountain bike loop linking West Barwon Reservoir and Lake Elizabeth is suitable for mountain bikers with moderate levels of fitness and experience. There are excellent camping opportunities throughout the Parks. Whether you are looking for a family friendly place to park your caravan or a solitary night under the stars there

Great Ocean Rd, Marengo, Victoria, 3233
Website: www.parkweb.vic.gov.au
Phone Number: 61 03 8627 4699

Otway National Park is perfect for a wide variety of recreational and nature based activities. Some of the most rugged and inaccessible coastline in Victoria lies in the 13,000 hectare park, an invitation to the adventurous to explore this 60-kilometre stretch from Apollo Bay to Princetown, reached via the Great Ocean Road. Things to Do * At Maits Rest, near Apollo Bay, take the 40 minute self-guided rainforest walk. * Walk through cool temperate rainforest of towering trees beside streams cascading seaward to Bass Strait. * Visit Melba Gully, a cool temperate rainforest pocket near Lavers Hill, and walk the Madsen Track. * See ancient and intricate plant life, lush ferns, mosses and fungi. * Swim, snorkel, surf or fish at secluded beaches and estuaries. * Glimpse Swamp Wallabies, Pygmy Possums, gliders and koalas, and (in winter) Southern Right Whales. Facilities You can camp at Blanket Bay, Aire River and Johanna; all sites have basic toilets. Accommodation in other camping areas, cabins and motels is available at nearby Apollo Bay and Lavers Hill - contact the Apollo Bay Tourist Information Centre for details on (03) 5237 6529. The Light Station at Cape Otway is considered to be the best collect