The Great Ocean Road Area Information Guide

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GREAT OCEAN ROAD JUST BRILLIANT GUIDES The Great Ocean Road WELCOME to • Torquay • Anglesea • Aireys Inlet • • Lorne • Wye River • Kennett River • • Marengo • Apollo Bay • Cape Otway • • Port Campbell • Warrnambool •

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Transcript of The Great Ocean Road Area Information Guide

Page 1: The Great Ocean Road Area Information Guide

GREAT OCEAN ROAD

JUST BRILLIANT

GUIDES

The Great Ocean Road

W E LCO M Eto

• Torquay • Anglesea • Aireys Inlet • • Lorne • Wye River • Kennett River •

• Marengo • Apollo Bay • Cape Otway • • Port Campbell • Warrnambool •

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GREAT OCEAN ROAD

The Great Ocean RoadStretching for 243 kilometres, across 11 townships, this world-famous tourist attraction boasts one of the most picturesque coastal drives in the world.

Work began on the Great Ocean Road in 1918 and was completed in 1932. Today, it officially commences at Torquay and finishes at Allansford, where it then joins the Princes Highway near Warrnambool.

Your camera is a mandatory item when out and about touring along the Great Ocean Road. Some of the world’s best photography has been shot from the many panoramic locations on offer.

There’s an unfathomable amount of things to do along the Great Ocean Road. Try catching exhilarating waves in Torquay or taking in the breathtaking views at Aireys Inlet.

If being amongst nature is your thing, then don’t miss the mesmerising waterfalls in Lorne, the intriguing rockpools in Wye River and the local fauna at Kennett River.

Then again you could always do a spot of fishing in Apollo Bay or go on an unforgettable adventure through the Otways. An absolute must is witnessing the 12 Apostles phenomenon at Port Campbell.

After a day of exploring one of the world’s most inspiring coastlines, call into one of the townships for dinner, catch a sunset or slip into comfort! Whatever you do, you’re sure to have a life-changing experience while touring the Great Ocean Road.

Whatever you do along the Great Ocean Road, you’re guaranteed to have a great time.

For more information on the Great Ocean Road,

please visit www.visitgreatoceanroad.org.au.

W E LCO M Eto

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Mar

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PLEASE DO NOT REMOVE MAP FROM ROOM

CALL INTO AN ACCREDITED VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE FOR FREE MAPS, FRIENDLY ADVICE AND DISCOUNTED ATTRACTION PASSES.

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TorquayTorquay, a popular coastal town and official start of the great ocean road, boasts great surf beaches and plenty of culinary experiences to sate your appetite.

Torquay is renowned for its surf beaches and plays host to the world’s largest surf contest, the RipCurl Pro, held every Easter. Bells Beach and Winki Pop offer surf conditions suitable for experienced surfers while Torquay and Jan Juc are beaches better suited to novice surfers or those wanting to learn how to surf. Safe swimming beaches for families include Cosy Corner, located between Torquay’s Front Beach and the rocks at Point Danger, and Fisherman’s Beach located between Whites Beach and Zeally Bay.There are great walks, shops, eateries and local produce available in and around Torquay. Be sure to pick up a copy of the ‘Surf Coast Wine & Produce Trail’ to guide you on a sumptuous adventure throughout the area.For more information on Torquay, please visit www.visitgreatoceanroad.org.au/torquay.

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AngleseaAnglesea is surrounded by long sandy beaches, coastal heathland and eucalypt forests, and is where the Great Ocean Road first winds its way down to greet the sea. Anglesea has something for all ages and interests.

Things to see and do here includes horse riding, learning to surf, playing golf with the local kangaroos watching on, taking a Mac Harley tour as well as activities on the Anglesea River such as boat rides, canoeing and hiring a paddle boat. Anglesea also has a great variety of restaurants and coffee shops to suit every taste and budget.For more information on Anglesea, please visit www.visitgreatoceanroad.org.au/anglesea.

Aireys InletLike the jewel in the crown, the Split Point Lighthouse points the way to Aireys Inlet and is a welcome sight to visitors keen to enjoy the delights of this picturesque seaside town.

Aireys Inlet has magnificent scenery with its bush setting and beautiful sandy beaches. The area is rich in flora and has a huge National Park right at its backdoor. There are many things to explore at Aireys Inlet including the lighthouse, the historical bark hut and art, and activities such as fishing, hang gliding, horse riding and bushwalking.

SPLIT POINT LIGHTHOUSEThe Split Point Lighthouse was built in 1891 and is a welcome sight to visitors on the Great Ocean Road as well as seafarers heading around Cape Otway. Originally called the Eagles Nest Lighthouse, it allows visitors who climb its stairs or stroll along the cliff top walk to enjoy amazing views up and down the coast. For more information on Aireys Inlet, please visit www.visitgreatoceanroad.org.au/aireys-inlet.

Great Ocean RoadDrive times & distancesWith more than 400 kilometres of coastal road and inland highways, the Great Ocean Road is definitely a holiday experience.

MELBOURNE to KM TIME

Geelong 75 55min

Warrnambool– Inland via Princes Hwy 265 3hrs 30min– via Great Ocean Road 353 5hrs 30min

GEELONG to

Queenscliff 30 35min

Torquay 24 30min

Lorne 67 1hr 15min

Apollo Bay– via Cape Otway Road 119 1hr 35min– via Great Ocean Road 112 1hr 55min

Colac 74 1hr

Camperdown 121 1hr 30min

Twelve Apostles– inland via Colac 146 2hrs 30min– via Great Ocean Road 270 4hrs 30min

Warrnambool– inland via Princes Hwy 187 2hrs 30min– via Great Ocean Road 270 4hrs 30min

WARRNAMBOOL to

Camperdown 66 55min

Port Fairy 30 30min

Portland 100 1hr 20min

Nelson 167 2hrs

Mt Gambier 205 2hrs 35min

Adelaide 655 8hrs

Note: Times are a guide only and may be longer during peak holiday times such as Easter and summer or when experiencing extreme weather conditions. The Geelong Ring Road opened in 2009. By using the Ring Road drivers can reduce their travel times to destinations on the Great Ocean Road.

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LorneSet between the sparkling waters of Louttit Bay and the beautiful forests of the Otway ranges, Lorne has a special quality that charms locals and visitors alike.

A stroll along Mountjoy Parade is an activity in itself, as you check out the tempting restaurant and café menus, boutiques, galleries and shops. Stroll down to the Lorne Pier and the fisherman’s coop will further tempt you with the freshest of seafood the ocean has to offer! Lorne offers many exciting activities that range from surfing the point to fishing from the rock ledges and pier, to browsing the bookshops and galleries. Or perhaps you’d prefer to enjoy a picnic on the foreshore, take an ocean drive, a ramble to Erskine Falls or discover the local wildlife on a guided nature tour.

THE FALLS FESTIVALThe Falls Music & Arts Festival is one of the finest, long-standing, boutique music events in Australia. Situated in alluring surrounds, this is the place where music and arts from around the globe come together.

Nestled on a farm near the beautiful Lorne beaches and set amongst the countries most spectacular scenery, the festival is based on European style events, including camping, a great atmosphere, music and a variety of activities and entertainment across a couple of days.For more information visit www.fallsfestival.com.au.

WALKS, WATERFALLS AND LOOKOUTSLorne is a great place explored on foot. An easy stroll takes you to the Lorne Pier where you can see locals catching their dinner. A short drive to the top of George Street and you’ll arrive at Teddy’s Lookout, which offers gorgeous views of the coast and hinterland. The popular Erskine Falls is only a 9km drive from Lorne along Erskine Falls Road. A short 5 minute walk from the carpark will take you to the base of these spectacular falls. Straw Falls which is a 15m cascade is only a further 400m hike downstream along the Erskine River.Other waterfalls in the area include the lovely Henderson Falls, Phantom Falls, Kalimna Falls, Sheoak Falls and Cora Lynn Cascades.For more information on Lorne, please visit www.visitgreatoceanroad.org.au/the-otways-coast/lorne.

Attractions andNature Walks• Bells Beach, Torquay• Kents Cavern, 91 Ilsham Rd, Torquay• Great Otway National Park, from Torquay to

Princetown and back toward Colac• Anglesea Heath, inland from Anglesea• Split Point Lighthouse, Aireys Inlet• Teddy’s Lookout, George St, Lorne• Erskine Falls, 9 km drive from Lorne• Wye River Heritage Walk (90min’s), Wye

River• Grey River Road for spotting koalas, behind

Kennett River• Cape Patton Lookout, Great Ocean Road,

East of Apollo Bay• Crow’s Nest Lookout, Tuxion Road, Apollo

Bay• Marriners Lookout Walk (30min’s), Apollo

Bay• Great Ocean Walk, stretches 96km’s from

Apollo Bay to the 12 Apostles• The Gables Lookout Walk (20min’s), Wattle

Hill• Marengo Marine Sanctuary, Marengo• Cape Otway Lightstation, Cape Otway• 12 Apostles, on the coastline near Port

Campbell

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Wye RiverWye River is located in the middle of the Great Ocean Road in a natural amphitheatre between Lorne (16km’s) and Apollo Bay (27km’s). Wye River offers a safe swimming beach - patrolled in summer - with great fishing and good food. Walking tracks around Wye River and Separation Creek take in all the quiet bush beauty and alluring beach surrounds that the area has to offer.If you’re a history buff, don’t miss the Wye River Heritage Walk. For more information on Wye River, please visit www.visitgreatoceanroad.org.au/wye-river.

Kennett RiverKennett River is located in the middle of perhaps the most spectacular stretch along the Great Ocean Road. The town enjoys a safe, pristine beach, one of the few patrolled beaches between Lorne and Apollo Bay, offering great walks in winter and great swimming in summer.Native fauna is not shy around Kennett River and it’s a great place to see kangaroos and koalas, native birds, dolphins and even whales. Grey River Road which runs behind Kennett River, is a popular area for spotting koalas.For more information on Kennett River, please visit www.visitgreatoceanroad.org.au/kennett-river.

MarengoMarengo is located on the Great Ocean Road, just under 3 km’s past Apollo Bay. Considered Apollo Bay’s quiet retreat, this resort area has a ‘small hamlet’ overlooking Marengo Reefs Marine Sanctuary and the Southern Ocean.

MARENGO REEFS MARINE SANCTUARYThe Marengo Reefs Marine Sanctuary covers 12 hectares and is comprised of two small reefs containing a variety of microhabitats. Protected conditions on the leeward side of the reefs (unusual for reefs on this high wave energy coastline) allow bull kelps and other seaweed to grow densely.There’s an abundance of soft corals, sponges and other marine invertebrates. Paddle out to see the local seals that have provided Apollo Bay with their “seal” of approval.For more information on Marengo, please visit www.visitgreatoceanroad.org.au/marengo.

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Apollo BayApollo Bay is a gorgeous fishing and farming village nestled in the picturesque foothills of the Otway Ranges.

Apollo Bay’s magnificent coast combines superb scenery with perfect beaches for swimming, fishing and boating, as well as sweeping views from spectacular lookouts. Beaut restaurants offering fresh seafood and local produce along with rainforests, waterfalls and a golf course overlooking the ocean make this popular holiday destination an ideal base from which to explore. Check out the 24 brilliant sculptures along the foreshore; created by nine artists who drew on the sea for their inspiration, these artworks range from fountains to seats to decorative poles.

APOLLO BAY MUSIC FESTIVALThis coastal extravaganza is held over one weekend in April and presents a dynamic program of national and international performers in a variety of genres. Genres include jazz, blues, roots, classical, pop/rock, jazz world

and country as well as free activities are available for the whole family along the foreshore.For more information, please visit www.apollobaymusicfestival.com.

APOLLO BAY MARKETSThe Apollo Bay Community Market occurs every Saturday throughout the year and provides an excellent array of locally-made goods from sumptuous food to fine arts and craft. Venue: Apollo Bay Foreshore (weather permitting)The Apollo Bay Famers Market occurs the 3rd Sunday of every month between 9am - 1pm. Offering up locally-grown produce and cooking demonstrations from chefs within the area, this is one market not to miss.Venue: The Youth Club, 19-21 Moore Street.For more information on Apollo Bay, please visit www.visitgreatoceanroad.org.au/apollo-bay.

Water SafetyBeaches along the Great Ocean Road are patrolled seasonally on every Saturday, Sunday and public holiday (from November/December until April). Times can vary with each location and so it is recommended you check patrolling times before heading to the beach. For a list of lifesaving clubs that perform beach patrols, please visit www.lifesavingvictoria.com.au and find the related club in your area for further information.For water safety information, there is an app available located at http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/victorian-water-safety-guide/id483031447?mt=8

One of the great features on this app is an interactive map that locates patrolled beaches. Search the app store for ‘water safety’ for further details.

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The OtwaysBoasting some of Australia’s most lush and scenic rain forests, The Otways offers a range of nature-based experiences for those who simply love the environment.

SCENIC DRIVESOtways Trails offers the opportunity to experience historic walks through fertile rain forests, spectacular volcanic landscapes and coastal scenery, including the chance to discover gourmet food and wine along the way. Try Maits Rest, a self-guided tour along a rainforest boardwalk through The Otways, and be privy to the alluring surrounds with trees that are 300 years old. For more information on Cape Otway, please visit www.visitgreatoceanroad.org.au/cape-otway.

CAPE OTWAYLocated 30km’s west of Apollo Bay and set in the heart of the Great Otway National Park, Cape Otway is where rugged hinterland meets rolling beaches. If you’re up for a hike through the majestic surrounds, try the Cape Otway to Aire River Hike. It’s a medium-strength hike that will take you around 4 hours to complete.Alternatively, visit the Cape Otway Centre for Conservation, situated on Otway Lighthouse Road,

where you can take guided tours while you observe amazing Australian wildlife.

CAPE OTWAY LIGHTSTATIONCape Otway Lightstation is an iconic feature in the area and offers a wonderful opportunity to experience the area’s amazing maritime history through a guided tour of the lighthouse and telegraph station. Free guided tours take about 45 minutes. For more information on Cape Otway Lightstation visit www.lightstation.com.

SAFETY TIPS IN THE OTWAYS• Carry all-weather clothing as changes are common.• Mobile phones are frequently out of range.• Stay on marked paths to respect the environment.• Advise someone of your trip and estimated time of

return.• Allow plenty of time because of winding roads.• Beware some roads are travelled by large log trucks

from November to May.• If you are aware of bushfires before you leave home,

plan an alternate route. If you come across smoke while travelling, turn around and go back. Listen to the radio and ask locally for help to find a safe way through. On high bushfire danger days, reconsider

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Port CampbellWith its quiet harbour, Port Campbell is a study in picturesque serenity.

The pretty village of about 500 people stands in one of the world’s most scenic national parks and at the centre of what is arguably Victoria’s finest collection of natural wonders. Flanked by the estuary towns of Peterborough and Princetown, Port Campbell invites close inspection, by land, sea or air.Surrounding Port Campbell is a colossal natural sculpture park, where soaring rock stacks and tall cliffs will redefine your sense of scale. Along 25km’s of wild coastline you’ll find the 12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, Bay of Islands and a London Bridge that did fall down. Catch the nightly show of Little Penguins at the 12 Apostles and the mutton-birds at Loch Ard Gorge (no ticket required). Alternatively, take a hike and join the 96km’s Great Ocean Walk linking Apollo Bay and the 12 Apostles to explore the coast on foot.For more information on Port Campbell, please visit www.visitgreatoceanroad.org.au/port-campbell.

WarrnamboolCentrally located on the Shipwreck Coast, 263 kilometres south-west of Melbourne, is the City of Warrnambool.

This 19th century seaport has evolved into one of Australia’s most sophisticated rural cities, making it an ideal base from which to explore the dramatic Shipwreck Coast and its hinterland. For more information on Warrnambool, please visit www.visitwarrnambool.com.au.

The 12 ApostlesRising like giant exclamation marks from the ocean floor, the famous 12 Apostles dominate the spectacular coastline near Port Campbell.

The towering limestone stacks, some of them standing 45 metres above the wild waves crashing at their bases, are nothing short of spectacular. Like many of the stunning natural formations that you’ll find along this rugged stretch of coast, the 12 Apostles were fashioned over millions of years by the relentless action of the wind and waves.For more information on the 12 Apostles, please visit visit12apostles.com.au.

12 Apostles Gourmet TrailFancy some crayfish with an award winning south coast Pinot Gris? How about a gold medal washed rind camembert or marinated feta? Perhaps you’d like to choose between a locally distilled whisky or vanilla vodka? Or maybe you’d like to indulge your sweet tooth with fresh strawberries, raspberry filled white chocolate or Timboon Fine Ice Cream? If so, be sure to pick up a 12 Apostles Brochure for a map of the Gourmet Trail at the Visitor Information Centre at 26 Morris Street in Port Campbell.

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GREAT OCEAN ROADEvents

JULY 2013• Australia’s Greatest Kids Festival, Warrnambool

30th June - 7th July 2013

AUGUST• International Lighthouse Weekend,

Cape Otway Lightstation 3rd weekend in August every year

• 12 Apostles Mountain Bike Classic, Port Campbell 22 - 24 August 2013

SEPTEMBER• Amy Gillet Gran Fondo, Lorne

15 September 2013

DECEMBER• Lorne Adventure Race, Lorne

7 December 2013

• The Falls Festival, near Lorne December 2013 - January 2014

JANUARY 2014• Lorne Pier to Pub, Lorne

10 - 11 January 2014

MARCH• Lorne Sculpture Festival, Lorne

8 - 30 March 2014

APRIL• Apollo Bay Music Festival, Apollo Bay

RipCurl Pro, Bells Beach, Torquay Easter weekend

MAY• The Great Ocean Road Marathon, Lorne

3rd weekend in May every year

For more information on events, please visit

www.visitgreatoceanroad.org.au.

C A L E N DA Rof

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GREAT OCEAN ROAD

POLICE/ FIRE/ AMBULANCE 000

TORQUAYTorquay Police Station 5264 3400 122 Surf Coast Hwy

Surfcoast Medical Centre 4215 7900 100 Surf Coast Hwy

Torquay Dental Practice 5261 5496 94 Geelong Rd

Surfcoast Pharmacy 5264 7967 100 Surf Coast Hwy

ANZ Bank & ATM 15 Gilbert St

Commonwealth Bank & ATM 21 Gilbert St

NAB Bank & ATM 9 - 17 Gilbert St

Admin Network – Internet access Shp1/ 3 Cliff St

ANGLESEAAnglesea Police Station 5263 3468 55 Great Ocean Rd

Anglesea Medical Centre 5263 3555 63 Great Ocean Rd

Anglesea Pharmacy 5263 1540 93 Great Ocean Rd

Bendigo Bank 101 Great Ocean Rd

Commonwealth Bank & ATM 85 Great Ocean Road

AIREYS INLETAireys Inlet Medical Centre 5289 6432 37 Great Ocean Rd

Aireys Inlet Pharmacy 5289 7434 28-30 Great Ocean Rd

LORNELorne Police Station 5289 2712 5 Charles St

Lorne Medical Centre 5289 4333 230 Mountjoy Pde

CBA Branch & ATM 68 Mountjoy Pde

Westpac Bank & ATM 150 Mountjoy Pde

E S S E N T I A Lservices

APOLLO BAYApollo Bay Police Station 5237 6750 35a Nelson St

Apollo Bay General Practice 5237 6844 40 Pascoe St

Apollo Bay Pharmacy 121 - 123 Great Ocean Rd

Bendigo Bank & ATM 14 Pascoe Street

Commonwealth Bank & ATM 133 Great Ocean Rd

Westpac Bank & ATM 43-45 Great Ocean Rd

PORT CAMPBELLPort Campbell Police Station 5598 6310 61 Lord Street

Timboon Pharmacy Port Campbell Depot 5598 6463 3/ 26 Lord St

Bendigo Bank ATM 16 Lord St

WARRNAMBOOLWarrnambool Police Station 5560 1333 214 Koroit Street

South West HealthCare 5563 1666 Ryot St

Injured Wildlife 1300 094 535

NAB ATM 140 Koroit St

Commonwealth Bank ATM 118 Liebig St

Welcome Computers – Internet Access 105 Kepler St

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This guest services room publication is compiled and produced by John Batman Group – The Hospitality Supermarket, publishers of specialist room directories and magazines. John Batman Group – The Hospitality Supermarket, and Just Brilliant Guides are trademarks of Binders Compendiums Menu Covers Pty Ltd. © Copyright all rights reserved. JBG–O John Batman Group – The Hospitality Supermarket.

PO Box 726, Ringwood, Victoria, Australia 3134.Tel: (03) 9879 8588 Fax: (03) 9879 8688Email: [email protected]: www.johnbatman.com.au

Compiled with the assistance of Shipwreck Coast Marketing and Geelong Otway Tourism Inc.

Images courtesy of Visions of Victoria.

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