Southwest Victoria Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Twelve Apostles showing a beach, a gorge or canyon and a sunset
Bay of Islands Coastal Park which includes rocky coastline
Griffiths Island Lighthouse featuring a bay or harbour
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village showing a lighthouse, signage and a bay or harbour
Southwest Victoria featuring waves and a sandy beach
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 RoadOpens in a new window.

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 LorneOpens in a new window, Aireys Inlet and Apollo BayOpens in a new window.

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 CampbellOpens in a new window to see the awe-inspiring Twelve ApostlesOpens in a new window, 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

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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
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Belmont

Get to know Belmont by checking out its shopping, spas and river views. Consider a visit to nearby sights like Kardinia Park or GMHBA Stadium during your time in the area.

Belmont
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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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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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East Geelong

You'll enjoy the beaches and gardens in East Geelong. You might want to make time for a stop at Eastern Beach Swimming Enclosure or Geelong Botanical Gardens.

East Geelong
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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
Quest Geelong Central
Quest Geelong Central
4 out of 5
71-77 Gheringhap St, Geelong, VIC
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Quest Geelong Central
Loch Ard Motor Inn
Loch Ard Motor Inn
3.5 out of 5
18 Lord Street, Port Campbell, VIC
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Loch Ard Motor Inn
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 ...
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Vue Apartments Geelong
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