Southwest Victoria

Travel Guide
Twelve Apostles featuring a sunset, a beach and a gorge or canyon

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 Road.

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 Lorne, Aireys Inlet and Apollo Bay.

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 Campbell to see the awe-inspiring Twelve Apostles, 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 You Yangs Regional Park or Kevin Hoffman Walk.

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 Balyang Sanctuary or Little Creatures Brewery during your time in the area.

Belmont
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Waurn Ponds

Visitors to Waurn Ponds enjoy its shopping, and if you want to do some exploring, Saint Regis Winery is worth a stop.

Waurn Ponds
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Mount Duneed

While visiting Mount Duneed, you might make a stop by sights like Narana Aboriginal Cultural Centre and Conewarre K47 Streamside Reserve.

Mount Duneed
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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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Geelong West

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Geelong West and surrounding area, you can visit Rippleside Park and Geelong Golf Course.

Geelong West
Admiralty Inn
Admiralty Inn
3 out of 5
66 Mckillop Street, Geelong, VIC
The price is ¥11,843 per night from Nov 5 to Nov 6
¥11,843
¥13,027 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 5 - Nov 6
Stay at this 3-star motel in Geelong. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,004 reviews)
"The show was terrific. Room & kitchen eta vv good. Couldn’t get soap out of container in short or sink"

Reviewed on Nov 3, 2024

Admiralty Inn
Deep Blue Hotel & Hot Springs
Deep Blue Hotel & Hot Springs
4.5 out of 5
Worm Bay Road, Warrnambool, VIC
The price is ¥13,348 per night from Nov 7 to Nov 8
¥13,348
¥14,799 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 7 - Nov 8
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Warrnambool. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and hot springs on site. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,008 reviews)
"Nice room, staff are really good and our visit to the Sanctuary was a highlight!"

Reviewed on Oct 31, 2024

Deep Blue Hotel & Hot Springs
Mantra Lorne
Mantra Lorne
4.5 out of 5
Mountjoy Parade, Lorne, VIC
The price is ¥17,966 per night from Dec 1 to Dec 2
¥17,966
¥17,966 total
includes taxes & fees
Dec 1 - Dec 2
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! (1,008 reviews)
"Was great few days amenities good drinks everything was great"

Reviewed on Nov 4, 2024

Mantra Lorne
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.
Quest Geelong Central
Quest Geelong Central
4 out of 5
71-77 Gheringhap St, Geelong, VIC
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly apartment in Geelong. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (114 reviews)
"Very impressive property and the staff are excellent. Highly recommended; we would certainly stay there in the future."

Reviewed on Nov 1, 2024

Quest Geelong Central
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! (1,970 reviews)
"Well-appointed room with water views from the balcony and the bathroom!"

Reviewed on Oct 10, 2024

Cumberland Lorne Resort
Vue Apartments Geelong
Vue Apartments Geelong
4.5 out of 5
6 Bellerine St, Geelong, VIC
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Geelong. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,391 reviews)
"Great room , clean , staff great and location is excellent"

Reviewed on Nov 4, 2024

Vue Apartments Geelong
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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