Southwest Victoria

Travel Guide

Twelve Apostles featuring a sunset, a beach and a gorge or canyon
Bay of Islands Coastal Park showing rugged coastline
Griffiths Island Lighthouse which includes a bay or harbor
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village showing a lighthouse, signage and a bay or harbor
Southwest Victoria featuring surf and a sandy beach

Go on a culinary journey through this region’s fertile plains or experience an adventure in the surf and the sun on the breathtaking coastline.

Southwest Victoria is a rich farming region underlined by a coastline of sweeping sandy beaches. With its fertile soils and lush volcanic plains, the region has a reputation for its magnificent local produce and beautiful woodlands. The region is home to pristine lakes and some of southeastern Australia’s most popular coastal destinations. Explore Southwest Victoria’s pristine national parks, learn about its rich Aboriginal cultural heritage, check out its picturesque towns and take a trip on the unbeatable Great Ocean RoadOpens in a new window.

The Great Ocean Road follows the breathtaking coastline of Victoria’s southwestern region from Torquay in the east to Portland near the South Australian border. Check out laid-back beach towns fringed by eucalyptus forests, such as LorneOpens in a new window, Aireys Inlet and Apollo BayOpens in a new window.

Discover the natural beauty of the southern tip of Cape Otway and the Great Otway National Park, which features a network of trails that lead through tranquil native forests to waterfalls. Don’t miss stopping by Port CampbellOpens in a new window to see the awe-inspiring Twelve ApostlesOpens in a new window, which are a collection of limestone rock stacks standing offshore from plunging cliffs.

Toward the western end of the Great Ocean Road, you’ll find the busy waterfront hub of Warrnambool and the historic wharves of Port Fairy. Visit the far-west town of Portland to see Victoria’s first permanent European settlement and preserved heritage architecture. North of here lies the former volcano of Mount Eccles, known to its traditional custodians, the Gunditjmara, as Budj Bim. Explore lava-flow lakes, such as Lake Condah, which is an important Aboriginal cultural heritage site.

The Glenelg River meanders through the breathtaking Lower Glenelg National Park near the border of South Australia, and is an ideal destination for canoeing and kayaking. See galleries of caves and cliffs as you paddle through the river’s deep gorge.

Southwest Victoria is best explored by car however, some areas can be reached by regional trains and buses. Join a charter tour of the Great Ocean Road or go at your own pace to stop by the numerous beach towns and farming communities along the way.

Where to stay in Southwest Victoria

Serendip Sanctuary is a great place to see Emus and Kangaroos in a 'wild' setting. They let many native animals roam free and you can just walk past them. They have a number of bird hides and enclosures where you can also see native animals.

It's free to visit and is close to Lara train station.

Lara

You'll enjoy the museums and parks in Lara. You might want to make time for a stop at Lara Heritage and Historical Museum or You Yangs Regional Park.

Lara
Belmont Common is one of my favourite birdwatching areas in Geelong. There is a bird hide at Jerringot Wildlife Research. You get a lot of waterbirds in the area and also the occasional bird of prey. It's well known for crakes, rails and lathams snipe. #localgem

Belmont

Get to know Belmont by checking out its shopping, spas, and river views. Consider a visit to nearby sights like Kardinia Park or GMHBA Stadium during your time in the area.

Belmont
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Leopold

When in Leopold, you can plan a visit to Adventure Park Geelong and Curlewis Golf Club, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Leopold
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Corio

You'll enjoy the restaurants and seaside views in Corio. You might want to make time for a stop at Corio Native Grasslands Reserve or Limeburners Lagoon Flora and Fauna Reserve.

Corio
During the Australian International Airshow

Avalon

While Avalon isn't home to many top sights, Avalon Coastal Reserve and Kevin Hoffman Walk are some notable places to visit nearby.

Avalon
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Moolap

When in Moolap, you can plan a visit to Bellarine Rail Trail and Geelong Showground, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Moolap
The Sands Torquay
The Sands Torquay
4 out of 5
2 Sands Boulevarde, Torquay, VIC
The price is ¥14,331 per night from May 20 to May 21
¥14,331
¥15,839 total
includes taxes & fees
May 20 - May 21
Stay at this 4-star golf hotel in Torquay. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a golf course. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9/10 Wonderful! (435 reviews)
"good parking"

Reviewed on Apr 16, 2025

The Sands Torquay
Mantra Lorne
Mantra Lorne
4.5 out of 5
Mountjoy Parade, Lorne, VIC
Fully refundable
The price is ¥15,851 per night from Apr 27 to Apr 28
¥15,851
¥17,136 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 27 - Apr 28
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Lorne. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
Nice stay!
"Super friendly staff & service."

Reviewed on Apr 16, 2025

Mantra Lorne
Wyndham Resort Torquay
Wyndham Resort Torquay
4 out of 5
100 The Esplanade, Torquay, VIC
The price is ¥17,433 per night from May 4 to May 5
¥17,433
¥19,176 total
includes taxes & fees
May 4 - May 5
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Torquay. Enjoy free parking, 2 outdoor pools, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,001 reviews)
"Great location. Staff were amazing. Definitely stay here again"

Reviewed on Apr 16, 2025

Wyndham Resort Torquay
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Cumberland Lorne Resort
Cumberland Lorne Resort
4.5 out of 5
150 Mountjoy Parade, Lorne, VIC
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Lorne. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 coffee shops/cafes. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,997 reviews)
"Great spot with a view of the beach. Lorne is an excellent stop on the Great Ocean Road. Good value."

Reviewed on Apr 14, 2025

Cumberland Lorne Resort
Quest Geelong Central
Quest Geelong Central
4 out of 5
71-77 Gheringhap St, Geelong, VIC
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Geelong. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (185 reviews)
"The beds were very comfortable and the studio apartment was spotlessly clean. The studios are very pokey for two people. There is no room for two suitcases and the bathroom is quite small. Overall the studio apartments would be fine if you weren't sharing with anyone. If you are arriving in Geelong ..."

Reviewed on Apr 11, 2025

Quest Geelong Central
Great Ocean Road Resort
Great Ocean Road Resort
4 out of 5
105 Great Ocean Road, Anglesea, VIC
Stay at this 4-star beach aparthotel in Anglesea. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (943 reviews)
I'll be back!
"2nd time staying here,but this time in a waterfront apartment which was awesome & spacious. My only gripe is that terrible slow old electric stove and old dirty fry pans that caused all our food to stick and burn. Reception staff were great and gave me a new fry pan when I asked- which was great. ..."

Reviewed on Apr 12, 2025

Great Ocean Road Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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