Discover Greatopia through the eyes of a local. This is why they call the Great Ocean Road their utopia…
Why do you love Greatopia?
We love the unique and breathtaking coastal experience that is unmatched by any other place we’ve been to. The rugged coastline, dramatic rock formations, and clear blue waters create an atmosphere of natural beauty and tranquillity that I find extremely appealing. Whether we’re hiking along the scenic coastal trails, surfing the waves, or simply lounging on the beach, there’s always something to do and see.
What is your number one suggested must-see attraction?
There’s one destination that holds a special place in our heart – the Bay of Islands Coastal Park. It is, without a doubt, our favourite destination for several reasons.
Firstly, the park’s rugged coastline, dramatic rock formations, and crystal-clear waters create a unique and breathtaking coastal experience that’s unmatched by any other place we’ve visited. Every time we visit the park, we are in awe of its natural beauty and the sense of peace it provides.
Secondly, the park offers a range of outdoor activities that cater to our interests and preferences. Whether we’re hiking along the scenic coastal trails, surfing the waves, or simply lounging on the beach, there’s always something to do and see.
Thirdly, the park’s diverse wildlife and natural habitats provide a unique and enriching experience for nature lovers like us. The park is home to a wide variety of birds, marine life, and plant species, which always leave me fascinated and impressed.
Finally, the park’s seclusion and tranquil atmosphere provide a much-needed escape from the busy and chaotic city life. Whenever we need to unwind, de-stress, and reconnect with nature, we head straight to the Bay of Islands Coastal Park, our ultimate utopia.
The Bay of Islands Coastal Park in Victoria is a truly special and magical place that captures the essence of natural beauty, adventure, and tranquility. It’s our favorite destination that we highly recommend to anyone looking for a memorable and unique travel experience.
Why do you love Greatopia?
Janet: I love the sense of space, the immense beauty of the forests, the rugged ever-changing beaches, rock-hopping, friendly coastal vibes and the surfing playground.
Tom: Greatopia provides a sophisticated response to the GOR/Otways, a region that has more world-class natural assets than most. You’ve brilliantly captured the landscape grandeur in a fun, cheeky way – it puts a smile on my face each time I see the ad. Can’t wait to see Greatopia 2.0
What is your number one suggested must-see attraction?
Janet: Smell in the air after the rains in Otways rainforest.
Tom: Hopetoun Falls after decent rain – deep Otways rainforest combined with the immense power of the falls themselves – an incredibly beautiful, photo-worthy spot.
Why do you love Greatopia?
I love that you can walk the trails and be in awe of countless natural attractions but no two days will ever look the same thanks to the wild and everchanging Southern Ocean.
What is your number one suggested must-see attraction?
The Port Campbell Discovery Walk – I have spent hours, days, months on this trail and it’s beauty never ceases to amaze me.
Why do you love Greatopia?
I love how beautiful the area is.
What is your number one suggested must-see attraction?
Why do you love Greatopia?
I think mountain biking (MTB) is a huge draw card for the area, just last week I had 8 mums book a weekend to ride together. Riding MTB is a big part of what attracted me to move here to Forrest, and it’s only going to get better with new trails currently being built and upgraded.
What is your number one suggested must-see attraction?
If I must choose something other than the Forrest MTB trails, Lake Elizabeth or Stevensons Falls.
Why do you love Greatopia?
It’s so beautiful down here, especially in Lake Elizabeth – I just took a large group of scouts hiking and camping there a couple of weeks ago. We’re so lucky to live in and call home these wonderful places, and it’s great to be able to help share them with the wider world.
What is your number one suggested must-see attraction?
Wildlife Wonders. Such an incredibly curated experience by people doing important work.
Why do you love Greatopia?
I love this region. We moved from Melbourne about 6 years ago and I have had the chance to do things I would never have learnt living in Melbourne like surfing. I have done surf groms and private lessons, and my favourite places for beginners are Cosy Corner Torquay or Anglesea Beach.
What is your number one suggested must-see attraction?
I love waterfalls. My brother and I love running ahead and feeling like explorers discovering a waterfall for the first time. I do also love the beach, I love going for a run and then finishing with a swim, although I drive mum nuts because I never take my boardies or a towel!
Why do you love Greatopia?
I love this fantastic area called the Great Ocean Road and for me personally, our crayfish industry.
What is your number one suggested must-see attraction?
The winding road with all its fabulous scenery, carved out with pick and axe by the returned soldiers to form the longest war memorial in the world.
Why do you love Greatopia?
I love most the springtime wildflowers in the Angahook-Lorne State Park, Ted’s Track, Distillery Creek and Snake Gully Track.
What is your number one suggested must-see attraction?
Definitely fishing off many of the great beaches or on a fishing boat and walking up the back of Anglesea and Aireys Inlet.
Why do you love Greatopia?
I really enjoy spending time with our guests on the western end of the Great Ocean Road and learning about the shipwreck history of the Great Ocean Road.
What is your number one suggested must-see attraction?
The jewel in the crown for me is Loch Ard Gorge. I love telling our guests the story of our most famous shipwreck and the 2 young survivors. Then to be able to walk on the sand where they were shipwrecked, trying to work out where Tom could have scaled the cliffs to go for help really takes you back in time it makes my skin tingle every time I go there.
It’s a very special destination. For our guests to be able to call into the Port Campbell Visitor Centre and see the artifacts and touch the Loch Ard anchor which was used to try to save the ship from hitting Mutton Bird Island. Our guests can then spend the evening in Warrnambool and attend the Sound and Light Show which tells the story in light. It’s a full Loch Ard experience and it tells a story and enables our guests to realise how special Loch Ard Gorge is. I always say if you were unfortunate enough to be in a shipwreck, at least what a beautiful spot to be stranded.
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Great Ocean Road Regional Tourism acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the Great Ocean Road region the Wadawurrung, Eastern Maar & Gunditjmara. We pay our respects to their Elders, past, present and emerging. We recognise and respect their unique cultural heritage and the connection to their traditional lands. We commit to building genuine and lasting partnerships that recognise, embrace and support the spirit of reconciliation, working towards self-determination, equity of outcomes and an equal voice for Australia’s first people.
