Be in your Adventure Element
Uncover wild coastlines, ancient forests, and unforgettable moments off the beaten track.
Base yourself in the West of the region for more dramatic landscapes and next-level nature! Be rewarded for travelling a little further by some of the most magical, unexpected experiences in the Great Ocean Road region.
DAY 1: Melbourne to Portland
Depart Melbourne along the Hamilton Highway, winding your way west through wide pastures, volcanic plains and small historic towns.
Stop in Mortlake
The first stop is Mortlake, sitting in the shadow of the extinct volcano, Mount Shadwell. This town is steeped in bluestone history and agricultural charm. It’s worth pausing here for one of Clarke’s famous hand-made pies—something of a local legend and perfect for a road trip snack.
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Clarke's Cafe
94 Dunlop Street, Mortlake
Continue to Portland
Continue the scenic to Portland. This port town has a rich maritime history and a working harbour that’s still busy with fishing vessels and shipping.
The Portland Cable Tram offers a relaxed introduction to the town’s foreshore, with views over the bay and informative commentary on the area’s past. The Portland Maritime Discovery Centre gives further insight into the region’s history, including whaling, shipwrecks and early trade.
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Portland Cable Trams
2A Bentinck Street, Portland
Arrive at Cape Nelson Lighthouse Cottages
Welcome to your home for the next few nights. This 19th-century lighthouse precinct sits high on the cliffs overlooking the Southern Ocean. Guided tours of the lighthouse share stories of shipwrecks, isolation and life for the lighthouse keepers.
If visiting during whale season (June to September), head to nearby Cape Bridgewater for a chance to spot Southern Right whales close to shore.
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Cape Nelson Lighthouse Cottages
Cape Nelson Road, Portland West
Day 2: Culture, History and the Birthplace of the Kelpie
Visit a gallery
Start the day at Two Rivers Gallery in Tyrendarra, a community-run space featuring paintings, sculptures and crafts by local artists that reflect the landscapes and stories of the region.
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Two Rivers Gallery
7098 Princes Hwy, Tyrendarra
Budj Bim Cultural Landscape
Next, take a guided tour at Budj Bim Cultural Landscape, a UNESCO World Heritage site that showcases an ancient aquaculture system built by the Gunditjmara people more than 6,000 years ago. The stone eel traps, lava flows and channels reveal one of the oldest known examples of sustainable aquaculture in the world.
Enjoy lunch at Tae Rak Aquaculture Centre and Café, where you can try an eel tasting plate and learn more about the ongoing cultural practices of the Gunditjmara.
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Budj Bim Cultural Landscape
Mt Eccles Rd, Macarthur
Birthplace of the Kelpie
In the afternoon, drive inland to Casterton—known as the birthplace of the Australian Kelpie. The Australian Kelpie Centre tells the story of this working dog’s origins and its role in Australian farming. Outside, bronze sculptures pay tribute to this iconic breed.
Return to Portland for dinner at Clock by the Bay, a local restaurant serving fresh regional produce and seafood.
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Clock by the Bay
105 Cliff Street, Portland
DAY 3: Coastal Landscapes and the Glenelg River
Coastal Landscapes
Spend the morning exploring Cape Bridgewater. The clifftop trail offers views of a large seal colony. From the lookouts, you can spot seals sunning on the rocks or swimming in the ocean below.
Nearby, the Petrified Forest features unusual limestone formations shaped by wind and water over time, creating a landscape that looks frozen in stone. The Blowholes are also close by—watch as the ocean forces water through underground caves, creating dramatic sprays.
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Petrified Forest
Cape Bridgewater
Glenelg River
Later, head west to Nelson, a quiet town on the banks of the Glenelg River. This area is known for its calm waters and limestone cliffs. Hire a canoe or kayak and explore the river through Lower Glenelg National Park, or take a short riverside walk to enjoy the scenery.
Return to Cape Nelson for a peaceful evening.
- Canoeing Glenelg River
DAY 4: Return via Port Fairy
Explore Port Fairy
On the way home, stop at Port Fairy, a historic fishing village with 19th-century cottages and a working wharf. The town is known for its galleries, boutique shops and relaxed coastal charm.
Stroll the main street for local art, handmade goods and homewares, or walk along the wharf to watch the fishing boats come and go. There are also plenty of cafés if you want to pause for coffee or brunch before continuing your journey.
- Port Fairy Wharf
