Moonscapes & Mystical Caves
This stretch of the Great Ocean Road is much less visited than the icons to the east but rewards the intrepid traveller with some incredible sights and truly unique locations.
Moonscapes, volcanic craters, azure blue waters, white sandy beaches, historic lighthouses, small towns and villages and wonderful scenery reward the traveller who seeks true raw nature.
Cape Bridgewater and the Petrified Forest
This little seaside village is a delight. It’s very easy for time to melt away as you stare out across the beautiful beach. There is actually a cafe right on the beach which makes the perfect place for a scenic coffee and chat.
After your tea or coffee, it’s time to drive on to the Petrified Forest and the Blowholes on the other side of the cape.
You almost need to pinch yourself once you start walking amongst these amazing lunar-like landscapes. Just to check you are still on earth and haven’t slipped through some vortex and landed on the moon. It’s like nothing else I have seen on my travels anywhere in the world. The forest is actually a collection of sandstone stacks that have been hollowed out over millions of years by rainwater.
Tip: The Bridgewater Blowholes are a great spot to watch the power of the ocean below you. An excellent boardwalk and viewing platform have been constructed but hold on to your hat! It can be seriously windy as the wind howls in from the ocean. Watching the waves crash into the rocks below is mesmerizing.
Tower Hill
This amazing sight, only minutes west of Warrnambool, is one of Australia’s most unique locations formed more than 30,000 years ago by a series of volcanic eruptions. This landscape may have been shaped by violent beginnings, but today it’s a place of nature, stillness and calm. The sweeping views across the crater are jaw-dropping.
A network of short walks fan out across the reserve so it’s easy to pick one or two. They are a great way to absorb your surroundings. Some walks are dead flat whilst others have some steeper sections. You’re likely to spot animals such as koalas, emus, kangaroos, wallabies and echidnas as you wander. You can do both self-guided and guided tours.
Tip: Visit the on-site visitor centre, which has incredible environmental and cultural displays, organises guided tours and also provides a fascinating insight into how our First Peoples lived off these lands.
Port Fairy
First up a warning: you might not want to leave! This quiet regional town has so much going for it. It’s obvious that over time there has been great care taken to preserve the heritage of Port Fairy, and much of the early 20th Century architecture still remains.
The true hero here though is water. The tranquil Moyne River on one side of the town and Port Fairy Bay on the other. If you wander along the eastern side of the river you can access the beautiful beaches of Port Fairy Bay directly. Choosing the western side will lead you to the Port Fairy Coastal Reserve and Griffiths Island. The marina area packed with impressive yachts is also a great spot to visit and linger taking in the views.
Tip: The lighthouse on Griffiths Island is a must-see. Built in 1859 it makes for a great photo stop. Early and late in the day keep an eye out too for wallabies hopping about the island.
Portland & Cape Nelson
The regional city of Portland makes a great base to explore the region and further west and there are plenty of excellent accommodation options to choose from. This is a great-value-for-money option with many cabins facing directly out towards the ocean. If there is a site in Victoria with better views I’d be keen to see it.
A true highlight is the Great South West Walk where you can stare out towards Bass Strait as it crashes into the cliffs below. You may even get to see mighty Southern Right and Humpback Whales in winter, so keep an eye out!
Tip: The Cape Nelson Lighthouse has stood for more than 150 years and is still in operation today. There are guided tours; just book ahead. The lighthouse keepers cottages have also been recently renovated.
Nelson
This small holiday town is only two kilometres from the South Australian border. For a small village it packs a punch in terms of attractions!
Nelson is a place that is all about the outdoors and interacting with nature. Walking and hiking, fishing, boating, canoeing and swimming. You can also visit the Margaret Rose Caves a short drive away. The town is also the gateway to the stunning Glenelg National Park which encompasses more than 27000 hectares of pristine wilderness. Or if you prefer the beach there is an incredible 45 km stretch of white sands stretching all the way back to Cape Bridgewater to explore!
The real icon of Nelson though is the Glenelg River. It is as mighty as the Murray and is truly a little known gem.
Tip: If you are tempted to stay the night – and why not, you are almost 700kms from Melbourne after all – check out your home away from home options.
Discover More Portland
Portland’s Wonders
Fishing in the Portland region
National Parks near Portland
Great South West Walk
6 Reasons to Wake Up To Portland & Surrounds
Birdwatching in Portland and Surrounds
Cape Nelson Lighthouse Walk
5 Reasons to Spend Summer in Portland
Wildlife in Portland
Exploring Cape Bridgewater
Discover More Nearby
Explore more places to stay, play, and reconnect with nature in Portland and the Great Ocean Road Region
