Absolutely amazing and delightful experience to visit this unique shoppe. Set in an old church and made most welcome on entry. Vast array of splendid and unusual hats and accessories. Very helpful lady who runs this gorgeous shop. Extra bonus points for free pats of Chloe the golden retriever

Great little hat shop. The owner is very nice and welcoming and the dog is friendly

Such a great find! Quirky and unique hats, hand crafted and beautifully made. Incredibly friendly staff too. Well worth the stop.

Very unique and wide variety, old style hats in what seems to be high quality fabric and well made. Service was lovely too, the lady was happy for a good chat and was helpful when it came time to choose a hat. Costly, but seems well worth it.

A wonderful place. Such a rare and beautiful spot to buy hats. Only one in the world.

Great place, even if you don't wear a hat, cap, Tam O' Shatner or any other type of hat you can think of, this place should be on your list of places to go. Lovely people.

Have just received my Harris Tweed Caddy Cap, and it's absolutely fantastic. The quality and style is exactly what I've been looking for for a while now, in a cap made of genuine Scottish Harris Tweed (Harris Tweed Authority Certification, and all). Who would have thought I'd find a maker right on my back doorstep. Would definitely recommend and will definitely be buying more hats from them.

Absolutely amazing time we had here. We had the gatehouse room sleeps 6!! Loved having the castle to ourselves (and the few other residents) after hours, kids have has the best time even with no amusements on. The castle is amazing to explore and do the maze in the dark by moon light. Location is great too. Just far enough out of Ballarat to be quiet and remote but local enough to drive into town for dinner and back. ☺️ Kids have asked to come back already and we haven't left yet. Lots of activities for everyone to get involved in and staff have been super friendly and helpful. ☺️ Definitely on our list of places to come back to ❤️

We stayed at a caravan site and had park entrance. The site was fantastic! 10/10 you really can’t go wrong with any site! They are all fabulous! The park was wonderful. The kids had a great time, the staff are wonderful and the acting from the charters in the park was fantastic. I don’t usually rate anything but this 100% exceeded our expectations!

Came during school holidays for the goblins and fairies activities and were disappointed as there simply wasn’t anything on! Website says there’s fairies, goblins, wizards etc and characters wandering around with activities to do - nothing like that on all day! Incredibly overpriced and be aware everything inside costs extra and is an obvious money grab. Jousting lasted 20 mins, eatery sold out of everything good before 2pm and all the stores (which are permanent rentals) were overpriced for Temu items. It’s incredibly small also, thought it’d take a day to see, we were done pretty quickly and it does close quite early. Animals are also kept in small, dirty pens during the castle opening hours. Poor Kevin the peacock was a particularly sad sight to see. Also not accessible for the elderly or disabled - no ramps at all, incredibly unstable and hilly stoned paths/roads. Disappointing. We stayed in a King room overnight, again highly overpriced for what you get. Avoid in Winter as big gap under the front door would make it freezing. Dirty bathroom, no water pressure, lumpy mattress. Wouldn’t recommend staying here!

Went to a Halloween event over the weekend. Found the whole experience and what the grounds have to offer extremely underwhelming. Definitely cannot spend a whole day there as there’s minimal to see and do. Quite boring, even for the little kids. Shows were the highlight of the visit. Overpriced for what it is. Our first and last visit there. Do not recommend.

Haven't been here since I was a kid. Took my family with me. And we loved every bit of it! Food was great. The entertainment was abustly amazing. My highlight was having a great chat to the blacksmith. Definitely coming back again!

We took the family up for the faries, goblins and knights school holiday fun and my girls had a blast. They were dressed up as fairies and searched the grounds for different things. They got to be apart of giving the favour to one of the knights and were so excited. All the characters make it super fun. I do love coming here

Interesting place and the unicorn festival was particularly fun for kids. Not sure what it's like on a normal day. I wouldn't go out of my way for it normally but in this case we drove out an hour or so and had a nice day. (And Google, it's not a hotel so I can't comment on the rooms etc!)

I went there today. The best thing about this gallery is location which is close to station and shopping areas. Some of the collections were amazing and visiting it is completely free of charge. Just one show these days is a paid one. There were works from a ballarat based artist which were superb. The gallery also had a gift shop to purchase souvenirs as well as a cafe for relaxing. The washrooms were very clean. The staff was really nice. Overall it was a good experience.

We liked this gallery as it was quiet and well-maintained. It wasn’t a big place, they offered about five different exhibitions, from classic paintings to modern art. They also had a small shop and a cafe on the ground floor, which was nice and cozy.

A well maintained art gallery with beautiful paintings. The guided tour was also very interesting and informative. There were some nice books in the store downstairs as well.

The gallery resides in a beautiful building that dates back to the town's gold rush boom years. Free entry to see a great collection of Australian and European art with some dating back to 1800 or earlier. There were also temporary exhibitions and modern art installations. Apparently only 2% of their art is able to be displayed there at any one time so it may be worth a follow up visit later on.

I went to the Art Gallery of Ballarat today on a Friday. It was not busy. Entry was free which is great. Only a few minutes walk from Ballarat railway station. The Gallery is very interesting with a lot of interesting arts. It's very clean and nice like a 5-star hotel. I loved and enjoyed all the arts that they displayed, really appreciate all the staff for taking care of the place so well and highly appreciate all the artists that provided their artwork there.

Beautiful art gallery with interesting and thoughtful art. Place was packed last Sunday despite the rain, the Vintage Car Show, part of Ballarat's Heritage Festival. It was free entry on that day. We had a walk through downstairs but couldn't handle the crowd so didn't make it upstairs. Will be back.

The building is absolutely lovely! It's so nice to see that it was purpose built, and continues to house many creative works of art. Highly recommend a visit if you are in Ballarat.

Husband and I loved our visit on Wednesday! We were there for roughly 5 hours and there was plenty to see and do that we didn't have much down time or waiting around. Wasn't too busy which was a bonus, so we got to quietly enjoy a lot of the experiences and shops minus the 2-3 school excursions running around, but we didn't cross paths often. The staff did a wonderful job at making the experience feel immersive and authentic, and we loved that there were things to enjoy as adults. Definitely recommend buying the mine tour or the photo time slot in advance!

A fantastic day or 2 out for the whole family. Step back in time and explore Australia's gold rush history. Cute shops, delicious food from a bakery to a Cafe. We live how the staff are not only in costumes but character too. The displays, tours are really well done.

While visiting Vic/Ballarat area thought I'd pop into here for something to do. Allocated a few hours. Ended up staying all day. It was incredible. Best way to describe it was a living museum. The staff there (mostly volunteer) were all in character and dressed up and so amazingly friendly. Themed so well and had a fantastic time. Highly recommended this place and I'll certainly go back. Did a mine tour as well and found that fascinating.

Visiting Sovereign Hill felt like stepping straight into the 1850s. The whole place brings the gold rush era to life with incredible detail, from the mining demonstrations to the dusty streets and costumed characters. We tried our hand at gold panning and, to our surprise, actually found gold! It was such a fun, hands‑on moment that made the day unforgettable. A brilliant experience for anyone wanting history with a bit of adventure.

We attended Aura at Sovereign hill and it was a fantastic experience. The 3 elements of the show were great, breaking up the story telling and the way it was showcased was a great way to see and hear the story. There was a school attending the same night we did (roughly 60ish students) but the team did a great job of moving everyone around through the 3 different experiences. Really worth the visit.

Solid gold. Sovereign Hill is a family friendly romp through early gold mining in Victoria, historical town with a unique blend of hand tools and functioning Industrial Revolution technologies make this a prize in Victoria. From the shops to the Poppet head frame a variety of interesting artifacts and a knowledgeable period attired staff that are eager to explain the town. This will take 4-6 hours to get a good self-guided tour. The gardens on the hill are a pleasant diversion from the rustic backdrop, don’t miss it!!

Even as adults we had a lovely day there, even with a sprinkle of rain. Still have the same memories of the place from 20+ years ago, which speaks to their upholding of the heritage component of the place. Underground tour was great, candy shop was delicious. Red Coats March is a must attend.

Husband and I loved our visit on Wednesday! We were there for roughly 5 hours and there was plenty to see and do that we didn't have much down time or waiting around. Wasn't too busy which was a bonus, so we got to quietly enjoy a lot of the experiences and shops minus the 2-3 school excursions running around, but we didn't cross paths often. The staff did a wonderful job at making the experience feel immersive and authentic, and we loved that there were things to enjoy as adults. Definitely recommend buying the mine tour or the photo time slot in advance!

A fantastic day or 2 out for the whole family. Step back in time and explore Australia's gold rush history. Cute shops, delicious food from a bakery to a Cafe. We live how the staff are not only in costumes but character too. The displays, tours are really well done.

While visiting Vic/Ballarat area thought I'd pop into here for something to do. Allocated a few hours. Ended up staying all day. It was incredible. Best way to describe it was a living museum. The staff there (mostly volunteer) were all in character and dressed up and so amazingly friendly. Themed so well and had a fantastic time. Highly recommended this place and I'll certainly go back. Did a mine tour as well and found that fascinating.

Visiting Sovereign Hill felt like stepping straight into the 1850s. The whole place brings the gold rush era to life with incredible detail, from the mining demonstrations to the dusty streets and costumed characters. We tried our hand at gold panning and, to our surprise, actually found gold! It was such a fun, hands‑on moment that made the day unforgettable. A brilliant experience for anyone wanting history with a bit of adventure.

We attended Aura at Sovereign hill and it was a fantastic experience. The 3 elements of the show were great, breaking up the story telling and the way it was showcased was a great way to see and hear the story. There was a school attending the same night we did (roughly 60ish students) but the team did a great job of moving everyone around through the 3 different experiences. Really worth the visit.

Solid gold. Sovereign Hill is a family friendly romp through early gold mining in Victoria, historical town with a unique blend of hand tools and functioning Industrial Revolution technologies make this a prize in Victoria. From the shops to the Poppet head frame a variety of interesting artifacts and a knowledgeable period attired staff that are eager to explain the town. This will take 4-6 hours to get a good self-guided tour. The gardens on the hill are a pleasant diversion from the rustic backdrop, don’t miss it!!

Even as adults we had a lovely day there, even with a sprinkle of rain. Still have the same memories of the place from 20+ years ago, which speaks to their upholding of the heritage component of the place. Underground tour was great, candy shop was delicious. Red Coats March is a must attend.

Always a lovely spot, 6km running/walking/bike track around the lake, getting lights put in which will be great for safety at dusk and early mornings. Lots of bird life, great for kayaking, SUP or windsurfing and fishing. Lots of playgrounds and toilets around every side of the lake.

Really nice spot. We don't have lakes where we live and so found this to be really nice, the style of buildings in this area set a really lovely scene when looking out across the lake and bird life was abundant. We stopped to see at a few different points around the lake, the adventure playground, and some of the boat houses were great. This is also a great spot to go for a jog or just stroll along the walking tracks.

A beautiful spot for a walk, lots a great views to be had of the local bird life and historic buildings. There is a walking track right around the lake, which you can also ride a bike along to. Lots of places to stop and take in the views and capture some great moments. There are several playground around the lake with the main one on the west side near the Botanical Gardens. There are also old tram rides and paddle boat rides at certain time of the year. Small boats and fishing are also allowed on the lake. A great place to visit for the day.

A really beautiful walk around Lake Wendouree. Plenty of wildlife, viewpoints and a few points of interest around the lake. The walk itself is not far at all and the pathways are quite clear and suitable for pushchairs / wheelchairs. Dogs are allowed around the lake (on-leash) and there's a few cafes / restaurants for a coffee and snacks.

Amazing lake which is spread over a vast expanse. It has got walking/ running trail along its edge which provides good opportunity for people run, walk, cycle at their leisure. The lake itself is pretty clean and has got lots of birds and ducks etc. Some people had fishing rods with them as well, not sure if there are any fishes on offer though. Overall a good place to visit if you are in the area.

There's a wonderful walking track that circles this lake (from memory, around 7km) and as if the views across the lake aren't enough, there are some simply lovely botanic gardens, the Robert Clark Conservatory and a few other surprises. I love this track. And if you have the right day for it, the lake is gorgeous at dusk.

The place where you can get connected with the nature sounds and enjoy with your love ones. I really like this lake. The wildlife and surrounding is fantastic. And yeah, Don't Forget the Dawn and Sunset its amazing.

A beautifully maintained and peaceful spot! Ballarat Botanical Gardens is nicely arranged and was already showing signs of vibrant life as it gets ready for the spring bloom. The avenue of former Prime Ministers' statues adds a historical touch. Plenty of black swans and coots from the nearby lake add to the charm. Great for a relaxed, scenic walk. 🌿🦢🌼

We spent the whole day here and had so much fun. Such a beautiful spot. And the kids enjoyed it too. We made a competition about how many statues we could find. Large wooden playground as well and plenty of parking. Good amount of toilet blocks spread out around the area.

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Absolutely stunning! The Ballarat Botanical Gardens are a true gem. Strolling along Lake Wendouree with the gardens on one side and the water on the other is pure serenity. The Prime Ministers Avenue is a unique and fascinating walk through Australian political history—each bronze bust is beautifully crafted and adds a thoughtful touch to the experience. The highlight for me was the Conservatory. It's a vibrant burst of colour and fragrance, with seasonal floral displays that are always changing and always spectacular. Whether you're a local or just visiting Ballarat, this place is a must-see. Peaceful, educational, and beautifully maintained—5 stars without hesitation!

A very nicely set out Botanical Gardens. Well maintained. There is a lake nearby as well as a tourist tram. The Avenue of the Former Prime Ministers Statues along the main path in the gardens was interesting to see. It is a peaceful place to have a walk through or to sit and rest. Well worth a look to see.

Ballarat Botanical Gardens is a beautiful, peaceful escape by Lake Wendouree. The gardens blend history, art, and nature perfectly, featuring grand trees, colourful flowerbeds, and the famous Prime Ministers Avenue. The glasshouse and fernery are must-sees, while the lakeside paths are ideal for walks and picnics. It’s well-maintained, family-friendly, and offers seasonal beauty year-round. A true gem showcasing Ballarat’s charm and heritage relaxing, educational, and inspiring all at once.

Ballarat Begonia Festival – A Celebration of Colour and Creativity I recently visited the Tuberous Begonia Collection at the Ballarat Begonia Festival, and it was an absolutely beautiful experience. The vibrant colours, intricate floral displays, and careful presentation showcased not only the elegance of the begonias but also the dedication and artistry behind their cultivation. The atmosphere was welcoming and inspiring, bringing together nature lovers, artists, and families in a shared appreciation of beauty and community spirit. It’s an event that perfectly captures the creativity and warmth of Ballarat. Moments like this remind me that inspiration often blooms where passion and care meet, whether in gardens, workplaces, or communities.

Most stunning and enchanting place to visit! No bookings required. Walk ins and generous parking available. Easy to walk around. Best time to go during Autumn with trees shining with colorful leaves. Well maintained gardens; clean toilets with disability access ♿ Perfect place to visit if you looking for a relaxing day out. Wide range of stunning flowers continue to impress you as you walk around. All botanicals are labelled for easy reference. Beautiful statues including Australia’s prime ministers. Greenhouse is amazing with beautifully arranged plants in a variety of mixed colours. They sell plants near the information centre. Well located and not too far from the city centre. Very friendly staff. Do take a minute to thank them for the stellar job they are doing ✨

Site states it is open from 9 AM. Drove 100 km to see this, only to be told they are not open every day. Told them they need to update their computer advice, and was told they are not on the computer. Apparently this site doesn't exist. Woman was rude and unhelpful.

Very welcoming friendly service,egg gallery amazing

Beautiful eggs in a beautiful, humble town. I love Beaufort and I love this gallery

a very entertaining experience, many lols had

egg craft

Awesome views from this volcanic scoria peak across the landscape. Easy to get to and you can drive right up the top with just a few steps to get to the very peak. We also went to Mount Elephant which is another volcano that can be see off in the distance and looks like an elephant lying down. We will have a YouTube up on this mid June but this one is a big hike from the base to the top.

Just WOW! A breathtaking 360° view over Colac and the lakes. Easily accessible from the carpark, just a couple of steps up. Totally worth it!

Interesting panoramic views of the surrounding volcanic landscape and Lake Corangamite. A quick, easy walk to the summit rewards you with nice scenery.

My stay was short and it was raining when I was there but it’s a nice place, gives the wow vibe and sure to spend quality time or picnic.

Wanted to come here for quite a while, finally did. Great lookout. Highly reccomend, gives you the lay of the land of the basalt plains and lakes. Was very dry when I went there from about 3 months of drought

Beautiful lookout, worth the drive if you visit nearby/ colac area. Not worthy to visit only this by itself. Be careful about the drive to the hill as the road might feel a bit narrow and offer no side supports.

Was a nice spot to go to, was a very windy day today when we were there but you get to see all around the area. Would be a great spot to sit for a picnic with a view.

Would absolutely recommend lunch and a tasting here! Staff are so helpful and kind. Beautiful outdoor sitting area to enjoy lunch - great gluten free pizza bases, I am coeliac and felt comfortable eating here after asking about cross contamination. The original cider is also delicious!

Great location, we often head here on a sunday. The pizza chief is top notch! Highly recommended for a casual visit or a feed and a few drinks.

While the location offers a pleasant and comfortable ambiance with good products, the service has been consistently poor during our two visits. On both occasions, despite selecting and paying for a tasting flight, we experienced significant delays as customers who arrived after us were prioritised. This suggests either understaffing or a flawed system for prioritising customers, and it significantly detracts from the overall experience.

Fantastic experience and would come here again, the fella that was making the pizza today was enthusiastic and really brought up the vibe. He makes brilliant wood fired pizzas as well to make the experience much better .

Great spot with nice beers, tasty food, and friendly staff. Dog friendly too!

A great place to visit after seeing the local sights Try one of their Prickly Moses beer range or a Forbidden Fruit ciders. We absolutely loved them. There's also their Rainforest Gins or a selection of wine. Make sure you order something from their menu too, the food is delicious. I had loaded nachos which was awesome. The service was fantastic, they took the time to explain all the ranges and helped us chose, with a little taste testing too. A wonderful local and friendly, relaxing place. Thank you.

Very sad to only able to order pizza. Good dog friendly brewery cafe. Been there a couple of time before the menu was reduced and the previous menu was delicious very much miss the fried chicken and chips. Still their XPA is best ale in town.

Worth the visit, step steps but quite safe.

WOW, The view was worth the 100 steps. The view of Camperdown and the communities around were stunning and disappeared into the distance. The photos were taken while inside the clock tower and small writings of people who have visited in the past are seen on the walls. A book is located at the bottom of the tower for us to leave our mark on history.

One of the Sweetest and humble towns I've ever visited. Lovely people beautiful town. Must visit. Hidden gem

Beautiful and historic little town. We really enjoyed walking around.

It's a nice place to hangout. The clock tower is right next to the boulevard and there's enough benches around the area. Also the ambience during night time gives a retro vibe as the lamps come into play.

Fantastic view from top of tower. Volunteer present on top floor where mechanism is located to explain its history and details. Donation of $2.50 per person. Plenty of parking available around the clock tower.

It's a lovely place to spend time with family and take pictures and listen to the old style tower bell ringing every hour. A place that reminds you the old Australia. All amenities around including the old Post Shop, Banks, Court House, shops and all. Don't miss this place while you visit Camperdown.

A nice lake surrounded by hills. There is toilets, a BBQ area under shelter, tables, and a playground. A decent Boat ramp and short jetty...water has blue-green algae in it so not good for swimming. Great views of the lake from the top of the hills.

Great spot for a picnic, swim, quiet relaxing sit and watch the water. Great facilities and well maintained.

Beautiful volcanic lake. Great for fishing and watersports

Good place for a day trip with family. Nice fishing on boat & jet skiing.

You can fish, ski, swim, relax on the side or even cook up a feast and have a picnic. Great spot

Campground and facilities very well maintained. Extensive grassed area for camping. New boat ramp and dock very user friendly. Weather during our visit not so friendly, but that said, an enjoyable place.

Good facilities. Lake was closed due to Blue Green algae

Never new this place excitsted, it's magical and you wouldn't know it's there. The history of the place over the years makes you wonder. Will definitely go back again on one of the open days to see the progress

I've driven past the end of this road numerous times but never on one of the few days it's open to the public. Today I was lucky enough to be heading back to Melbourne so took advantage of the open day. I'm so glad I did. It's a stunning old building that has been lovingly restored. Seeing the photos of the place before restoration really brings across how much work has gone into this. The owner was an absolute delight in his storytelling on the guided tour. The views from the tower were fantastic and because of the timing of Easter this year I was lucky to see a lot of autumn colours in the foliage. Next on the list is to actually spend the night in the apartment. That will happen one day.

This is private property, notify the owner before you go.

My goodness, this home and surrounds are just stunning. When Kevin has finished restoring the property, it will be even better than the original. His passion shows through everywhere you look. A very clever man, with a beautiful home. The history of the property is amazing. Well done Kevin. And thank you for the tour, and to be able to stay. Cheers!

Visited on a specially organised group tour. Kevin the owner, provided a most comprehensive talk on the history and renovations of the house and gardens. It was a most enjoyable excursion.

Rescued from almost certain dereliction the magnificent Narrapumelap homestead stands as an important and unique example of a French Gothic revival mansion that is said to have the tallest tower on a single story domestic structure in Australia. It’s a gracious original tower homestead circa 1873 packed with history that the owner, Kevin McIntyre has made his 40 year restoration crusade to resurrect this derelict mansion from despair. Out of shear interest and uniqueness, it was hard not to be drawn-in to the working progress of Narrapumelap. Each time, seeing something different, but more importantly, the completion of the reinstated tower roof which was destroyed by lightning more than 100 years ago. It was Kevin’s bold schoolboy dream that sparked a life’s calling that instinctively told him, saving the old mansion would consume his life. During the years, I have admired Kevin’s incredible inventiveness with a serious eye for detail; coupled with a restoration recipe, “Modo fac” a Latin motto broadly translated to “Just do it” that has seen the homestead to successful completion. On each visit, I had the great privilege of staying in the servant’s quarters that he skilfully adapted to accommodate comfortable bed and breakfast facilities, but more importantly, sharing Kevin’s great passion, huge knowledge and his friendship. Thank you dearly, Chris Wilmar

It was a fantastic experience to stay in this unique history house. My partner and I loved the place. Thanks to the owner Kelvin. The tour that he provided was amazing and informative! Narramelap becomes one of my favourite heritage houses with great rich history. Strongly recommended for those who are interested in heritage buildings. It is never wrong to give it a try!

Beautiful gardens, could have so many uses

Nice park for a picnic lunch

Nice park

The Gibson steps is a great stop along the great ocean road. It's a small preview to the 12 apostles. Stunning views and a great beach, unfortunately when we stopped the steps were closed so you could only catch a glimpse from the look out. Non the less it's a must see.

Definitely worth checking out, beautiful scenic views and sturdy balcony for viewing. There is access to beach from this lookout but best to check if the beach access is open/closed on the day you arrive to avoid disappointment. You can still use the viewpoint balconies to have a look though. There is a small parking space and the turn for this comes up very quickly.

Couldn't go past this as had heard about Gibson steps some time ago. Pretty good. Made our way down the steps to the beach... Bloody beautiful. Spectacular. Great stroll along the beach, checking out the sandstone cliff. Seems the stairs may have been hand carved by local indigenous people hundreds of years ago, then cleaned up and used by Gibson to access the beach more recently. Whatever it is, definitely worth the trek. Not suitable for wheelchairs, and if you do have physical short comings, pick a coolish dry day and take your time.

There is not much parking available here, for only about 20 cars. We came in low season and early, and the weather was bad, so we could easily park. Even though the weather was bad, it was 100% worth it. Be careful going down as there is a chance on falling rocks. The views down there are absolutely incredible. Very windy though!

"A Must-Visit Scenic Spot at Gibson Steps" My wife and I visited Gibson Steps in December, and it was an unforgettable experience. This spot is perfect for photography, coastal walks, and admiring the stunning cliffs and ocean views, making it a must-visit on the Great Ocean Road. What to Expect: Breathtaking Views: The towering cliffs and endless ocean provide a dramatic and photogenic landscape. Beach Access via Steps: To reach the Gibson Beach, you’ll need to walk down a series of steep steps, which add to the adventure. Great for Photography: The golden sand, rocky cliffs, and powerful waves make this a fantastic place for a photo shoot. We captured some amazing moments here. Important Safety Notes: 🚫 Not for swimming or wave enjoyment – The waves are extremely strong and unpredictable, making it unsafe to enter the water. ✅ Best for scenic walks & sightseeing – Enjoy a peaceful walk along the shore, take in the fresh ocean breeze, and admire the beauty of nature. Final Thoughts: Gibson Steps is a must-visit if you’re traveling the Great Ocean Road. It offers a raw, untouched coastal beauty that is best enjoyed by walking along the beach and soaking in the views. If you love nature and photography, this place is a must-see! 🌊📸

Beautiful view. Need to have stamina to go down the beach and climb the stairs. A bit crowded at the staircase.

Such a historic place, and a very popular place, so lots of tourists, but all good, as it is great to see so many people checking out our great history. I have to say it is a good set of steps, hahaha on the way back up towards the top my old legs were complaining bitterly, but all good, the outstanding views were well worth it. The coastline is just stunning.

Every stop is rewarded with a breathtaking view, making the walk entirely worthwhile. The sea is a mesmerizing canvas of color—from deep blue to turquoise to vibrant green—all blended with white foam as powerful waves relentlessly smash against the limestone cliffs. This constant, forceful erosion means you are witnessing an ever-transforming landscape.

Port Campbell is a must stop and see if you are driving the great ocean road. We stopped to see the blow hole. It was off season and not overly crowded which was great. It was a short walk from the car to the viewing area. The viewing area has been updated and rearranged for better viewing. While it's not a traditional blow hole by my standards it would have been quite impressive to see the water blow up if the ocean was more rough. It's still an amazing site to see.

Port Campbell is a charming coastal village that perfectly complements a trip along the Great Ocean Road. After visiting the Twelve Apostles, I stopped here and immediately loved its calm, welcoming vibe. Nestled between dramatic cliffs and the Southern Ocean, this small town offers a perfect mix of natural beauty, local hospitality, and seaside relaxation. The Port Campbell Foreshore is lovely — a peaceful bay surrounded by cliffs, where you can take a gentle walk along the beach or simply sit and enjoy the ocean breeze. The jetty area is great for watching the waves roll in or catching the vibrant colors of sunset reflecting off the water. I also found a few nice cafés and bakeries nearby, serving great coffee, local seafood, and homemade treats — a perfect stop for lunch or an afternoon break. What I really appreciated about Port Campbell is its proximity to major attractions. It’s just minutes away from Loch Ard Gorge, Gibson Steps, London Arch, and the Twelve Apostles, making it an ideal base for exploring the region. The town itself feels peaceful and not overly crowded, even though it’s a major tourist area. Visitor Tips: • Stay overnight if possible — watching the stars and waking up to the sound of waves is a special experience. • Visit Loch Ard Gorge at sunrise or sunset — it’s quieter and the lighting is spectacular. • Try local eateries like the Port Campbell Hotel or Forage on the Foreshore for fresh local food. • Carry a light jacket — even in summer, coastal winds can be cool. • Parking is easy, and most attractions are within a 10–15 minute drive. Port Campbell truly feels like the heart of the Great Ocean Road — peaceful, scenic, and full of character. Whether you’re just stopping for a few hours or staying overnight, it’s the perfect place to relax, recharge, and connect with the beauty of Victoria’s coastline.

Beautiful, breathtaking and just unforgettable! So close to nature. What an experience. Cliff over looking the ocean. Few kilometres from both port campbell and twelve apostles. Generally not so crowded. Pick a brighter day to visit. You can spend hours looking at the crashing waves. Around 400 mts of walk to the razorback from the parking lot.

On our way back from an abandoned attempt because of the weather, to walk the GOW we stopped by the 12 apostles info centre and walked the trail. It was quite spectacular and worth a look the facilities look impressive but don't open until 10am. Toilets were very handy.

visited with an organised bus tour - the views are beyond words, wind sweeping, such a glorious display of nature's force... loved it - we'll be back for sure!

From the majestic Twelve Apostles to the historic Loch Ard Gorge, explore the breathtaking landscapes and rich maritime history of Port Campbell National Park.

Beautiful landmark, very glad I got to see it, took cute photos. The only reason it is not five stars is the time my partner and I went unfortunately there was a huge line up of other people taking photos so I didn't get time to appreciate the place. It was very much take your photos and leave, very rushed. Would love to go again when no-one else is there so I can fully appreciate the place and the view

What an incredible spot! The Grotto absolutely blew me away! The views were out of this world — totally breathtaking. I loved hearing the waves crash below; it created such a peaceful, relaxing vibe. Everything about this place just made me feel calm and happy. It’s one of those places you’ll remember forever. So glad I went — 100% worth the visit!

One of the most visited and probably most unique viewpoints along the Great Ocean Road. It is about a 5 to 10 minute walk from the car park, and to reach the main attraction you need to go down a flight of stairs. This part may not be suitable for elderly visitors, and luckily our elderly companion waited in the car because the walk already looked a bit far from the car park. The Grotto itself is beautiful, a natural sinkhole where you can see the ocean framed through the rock opening. The still pool inside creates a mirror effect when the light is right, which makes the spot very photogenic. It was quite crowded during our visit with many people queueing for photos. Worth a stop if you are exploring the Great Ocean Road.

Nice! We came here 2 days as the 1st it was raining hard and getting dark as it was late. The next morning with fine weather what a difference to what we saw. It was rather appalling to see how Chinese tourist climb over the rocks to take pictures which was not unexpected. Otherwise a great place to visit and its not crowded both times.

This place is the best! The view is amazing and the waves are beautiful. I recommend going when the weather is sunny but rainy weather view is still really pretty

Nice natural feature... but there were lots of tourists there when we visited, so we had to queue. 😒

Beautiful place to see on your drive. Lovely spot for the pictures.

Another spectacular point of interest along the Great Ocean Road. Arguably not as good as some of the others, but still definitely worth a visit. It's a short walk from the car for some magnificent views. Dogs are not allowed here unfortunately.

Stunning scenery! Small car park. No amenities. Great view!!

The Great Ocean Road is one of the most spectacular coastlines in Australia with great views and natural scenery, from numerous coastal lookouts along way. The Bay of Martyrs, part of the Bay of Islands Coastal Park, is one such point. The views from the Bay of Martyrs car park are breathtaking, especially at dusk and dawn.

Beautifully wild ,unfortunately a lot of camp spots do not allow overnight stays. Same old story with Victoria. Could learn a bit from other states. Not here to bag them but maybe tourism would do better with more free camping.

Beautiful place, nice walk along the beach.

Stunning lookout and not as busy! Would recommend

Another spectacular spot to stop along the great ocean road.

Some claimed the same or better than the famous of Twelve Apostles, but just as impressive in our view, the Bay of Islands is a collection of pale limestone stacks buffeted by the heavy waves of the Southern Ocean. The Bay of Islands is about 25 minutes past the Twelve Apostles, near Peterborough. Let’s known and more peaceful to enjoy the view as less tourist known. They're particularly beautiful at sunset, and there’s a short boardwalk along the coastline where you can take in the best views. With similar scenery to the Apostles yet half the crowds, this is definitely one of the more underrated places to visit along the Great Ocean Road.

Such an amazing lookout with amazing views of the rock formations along the Great Ocean Road. On a nice day you would be able to have some great views of the expanse.

Another great easy lookout to see along the great ocean road. Easy access and not a far walk from the car park.

Beautiful view ❤️

Bay of Islands offers great aerial views around sunset. Such clean, crisp air and breathtaking views.

Awesome place to spend some quiet time. Highlight of the GOR

Beautiful scenery. Worth a visit

What a delightful stop along the Great Ocean Road area. Large public indoor dining area with room to move. Fantastic food options. Great coffee and beverage choices. Clean amenities. There's even a museum set up for people to view the dairy heritage of this local area. A must along your travels.

Heading out of Warrnambool along the Great Ocean Road, one of the first stops you’ll come across is the Cheese World and Museum. This place combines a fascinating collection of history with a well-stocked café and shop, making it an easy and enjoyable stop for travelers. The museum area is full of interesting displays. There’s a wide variety of old machinery and equipment once used in cheese making and farming, plus an eclectic mix of artifacts : gramophones, calculators, photographs, household items, and even toys and collectibles. It feels like stepping back in time, and we easily spent 30–45 minutes wandering through the exhibits. The collection is surprisingly extensive and well laid out, with something that will catch just about anyone’s interest. After exploring the museum, we visited the café and showroom. The standout for us was the Super Thick Shakes, we tried coffee and cherry ripe flavours. They really live up to their name: rich, creamy, and so thick that I had to use a spoon to finish mine. I loved it! At $12 for a small and $15 for a large, they are generous serves, the large was almost too much, but I’d happily order it again. If you’re driving the Great Ocean Road, Cheese World is a fun and worthwhile stop. Take time for the museum, and don’t miss trying one of those shakes. Sunday Closed Monday 8 am–3 pm Tuesday 8 am–3 pm Wednesday 8 am–3 pm Thursday 8 am–3 pm Friday 8 am–3 pm Saturday Closed

Cheese World and Museum in Allansford. A really different sort of stop. This is the Western end of the Great Ocean Road. Or the approach to Warrmanbool if coming from the east on Prices Highway. The Cheese World is a café / restaurant with coffee and food to order, eat in or take-away. And a shop with local fare on sale. Next door is the Museum, that we found extremely interesting to walk through. Yes, recommended worth the stop and visit!

Some well maintained and displayed items from a bygone era, from household items to specific milk/cheese industry machinery. Good selections of cheeses, and a gift shop with various memorabilia. Sandwiches were amazing. 😋💕♥️

We stopped by to see the museum part of this establishment and to shop for cheese, which I think we missed. From the parking lot we ended up in the unstaffed, self serve museum full of objects and machineries from before. It was so random, strange and wonderful. Its a small museum so it doesnt take long to tour it. Highly recommend checking it out!

This is a SMALL cheese platter?!? These people are crazy! Crazy nice! Crazy helpful! Crazy knowledgeable and passionate! I’m not a huge cheese guy (it’s the missus that was stoked for the stop,) but everything about this operation blew me away and I left with a cheesy grin on my face. If you’re driving the Great Ocean Road you have to stop here - there’s something for everyone’s taste and it’s all tasty!

Definitely not what it used to be! Its been a couple of years but I was shocked to see this is basically all the cheese available...much less than years gone by. Not much locally produced giftware - just some chocolates, jams relishes and a small selection of wines, all at very high prices and everything gifty was from one major kitchen brand. Waited 20mins for 2 flavour lacking takeaway milkshakes, saved only by the fact they were ice cold.

Access from the mount Rouse Reserve, drive to top car park (stop at picnic ground if you have a trailer). There are some steps to the top where there is a viewing platform and a park bench

Not much to say about Mount Rouse in the Victorian Western District. At the foothills there is an historic blue-stone home 'Kolor' where Dame Nellie Melba used to stay and play tennis. It's a beautiful home that forms an enduring part of Victoria's history. The passage ways are said to align in a north-south and east-west direction aligned so that they point to other extinct volcanoes in the area. It includes a dancing ballroom with a suspended floor that has a small amount of bounce to it specifically designed for hosting formal balls back in the day.

Nice views of Penshurst and surrounding plains

Fantastic Views

unfortunately it was closed when I passed by. Really like the signs and rocks outside that give an informative view on volcano’s. Though it was closed, it was worth the stop!

The centre and presentation from volunteer staff was very informative and interesting to both the young and old of our group.

Was very nice drive worth going for drive 😀 be going again

Recommend coming here to learn about volcanoes. Definitely deepened my understanding and can see bluestone everywhere I look now. Was interesting to learn about why there are volcanoes in this area. Outside display also offers information if centre is closed. Volunteers were very friendly, thank-you

Normal visit .. not worth the ticket price ! Good hospitality. In maintenance now !

This region is famous for its ancient volcanoes, and you can experience the present, from the videos played in this venue, and the past, plenty of artifacts are on the display, that are millions of years old. While in this area you may wish to drive to visit Mount Rouse, which actually is inactive volcano!!

My mum recommended I visit here on my way back from Hamilton. I had some time to fill in so I agreed (and it was next to the public toilets). I loved it! The volunteer was so helpful and I found the information, displays and interaction fabulous. I've recommended it to many people since. Well done :)

Beautiful for a walk or drive.

Sadly we didn’t get to see any whales but the beach was lovely. A little tricky to find on Google maps but once we were there it’s very accessible.

Beautiful, clean, peaceful

Amazing brach

Great view of the ocean 💜 #TheresaHollingsworthPhotography

Flagstaff Maritime Village in Warrnambool is an absolute hidden gem, especially for those who are into ships and maritime history. The entry ticket lasts for 7 days, which makes it incredibly worth it if you’re staying in the area. Though it’s not a large village, it has a magical way of making you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Your visit starts with a museum showcasing the tragic shipwrecks along the coast, filled with fascinating artefacts and stories that really pull you in. I spent half a day wandering through the site, and every corner felt like a picture-perfect moment with something new to learn. Whether you’re a history buff or just looking for a scenic, educational stop, this place is a must-visit in Warrnambool.

In Warrnambool, the Flagstaff Hill Marine Village is well recommended as a visit if you are local or touring. Our Entry Tickets for Seniors were $15 each - well worth it. Highly recommend to take one of the regular Tours with a local well-informed Guide. This will take you through the inside museum. The story of the Loch-Ard ship is the most interesting! About 40 minutes inside. You are then free to walk the outside Village. This Village id beautifully set out representing the past. Shops, workshops, Bank, School, Printer, etc., free to enter and walk through each. This is very informative, and well set out, built from goods and materials from the time. Allow about 45 mins outside. Total, need about 2 hours there. Yes, well recommended.

It was very much worthwhile to visit and give you a view into the past. Great exhibition matched only by the very friendly and supportive staff. The old buildings and displays are wonderful. Take your time to travel back in time, when things were not as easy as today. We had a wonderful time, thank you.

This is a place that transports you back to the past. Give yourself the time and attention to understand their lives and their stories of their times. It was a learning and eye-opening experience and journey and marvelled how real and true the preserved artifacts are. I would like to take this opportunity to convey my thanks for the team's hardwork, commitment and dedication in preserving and taking great care of them. I have a better understanding of Australia and it's history. Highly recommend to anyone to have a insight into their history.

Delightful place to visit. Provided senior concession entry fee. Spent a good couple of hours there walking through the village. Great ocean views as well. Had an average Devonshire tea which was a little bit expensive, but not overly so.

Very well presented historical village highlighting the early Settlers (whalers, fisherman). It's position increases the visitors ability to imagine life in this era. Very good presentations about the shipwreck prone coastline and early whaling craft. You can spend a good part of the day exploring this village. Staff are friendly and very helpful. Only stayed 1 day but was offered a stamp on the ticket which permitted entry again for 3 days (this was during a school holiday period). Reasonably priced. Cafe on site.

What a beautiful place to visit, every angle looks like a vintage painting! Thanks for the lovely staffs who gave the girls activities to complete, they loved to find things from hidden places.

Stopped in Warnambool in late March recently in the drive up to Halls Gap after the Great Ocean Road drive. This is a nice park for a short break.

This guy s one of the best playgrounds! So many different activities and things to do! It’s suitable for a huge age range. Great facilities, bbqs, toilets etc. You can easily spend hours here!

We loved this playground both day and night play was fun. The slide is very fast. Love the sundial, maze and flying fox. It is a beautifully designed and great playground for all ages and a number of hills for rolling down. Well maintained covered areas, benches and tables and BBQs for a good picnic. Toilets were clean. Nice walks by the lake. I definitely recommend this area if you are visiting Warrnambool.

A very beautiful park that was discovered when we were finding a nearby toilet at Warrnambool.

This is really a fun place for everyone in Warnambool. There are loads of exciting fun activities/apparatus to keep the children busy, while the adults can indulge in a barbecue or picnic. There are bbq areas, seating areas, washroom facilities and plenty of free parking available here. The lake enhances the beauty of this park, which is also inhabited by different species of ducks and birds. It's certainly worth spending some time here.

I would give this 5 stars but they've taken away the best thing here - the ADULT FLYING FOX!!! It is blocked off, I'm really hoping that it is just being fixed and not gone forever. The playground is actually an amazing play space for younger kids. Had many fabulous memories here but the kids are older now.

Good for kids !! Restaurant just walking 5 mins from this playground

Absolutely world class tourist attraction.. location of the famous movie oddball.. great place to study the geology of sandstone… great location for a family walk over to the island many walks down to the beach to discover the many rock pools great for teaching the kids about the ocean and respect for the local wildlife…

Super peaceful to watch the waves crashing & undulating, a nice breeze and a nice walk!

Amazing sunrise spot listening to the waves for an early morning wake up walk

Not a bad place to visit. Lovely back story. I wouldn't make it a priority visit

Warrnambool’s Breakwater Rock Pier makes for a pleasant evening hike. The setting sun adds a cinematic feel to the seascape. My favourite spot is the old aquarium domes. It has a sci fi like atmosphere. Do not miss!

The Breakwater is a long stretch of wall that forms a barrier against the rugged ocean waves. I thought it looked mighty impressive and have not quite seen one like this before. The pier and anglers are protected behind the Breakwater, and the calm waters provide a contrast to the adjacent breaking waves.

This old break water pier is excellent it is over a 100 years old and once was used for trains onto ships ‘ these days you can only walk up it’ if your lucky you may see a whale or a seal.At the start of the jetty is the old aquarium you can only see the roof domes now’ there are views of the ocean in every direction, if your lucky you will get to see the waves breaking over the wall

I’m almost hesitant to leave a glowing review for this site because it is just so serene and beautiful, that I almost don’t want to see it get overcrowded with people! There were a couple of handfuls of people there when I went and it was simply perfection! Emus wandering freely around you, koalas in every other tree, cultural sites. I was honoured to have my very own tour guide, Gunditjmara Elder Uncle Paul. I am so grateful to you for sharing your time and knowledge with me. Follow @mel_from_melbourne on Instagram for more footage and recommendations.

This place is a must! The drive in is very beautiful and there are plenty of parking in different areas. Free access and different hikers to do! Koalas were on trees by the parking lot! I also had emu crossing the road! Highly recommended!

Spotted around 7 koalas and a kangaroo family. And the emus are already at the park entrance. Beautiful place where you can enjoy watching the wildlife in their natural habitat. Besides the lively animals you will find peace and serenity

A lovely place to escape too if your needing quiet time or want a nature hit. It's also a beautiful place to bring the kids as well... we got up and close with the Emus and the Koalas. Not far from Warnambool township and it feels like your deep in nature. From driving to walking you get a beautiful scenic views.

Beautiful place, with lovely relatively easy walks around the volcanos and lakes. If you are planning a picnic or BBQ then be careful of the emus, they steal food, while the koalas are distracting you! Think its a well organised double act!

Wanna spot many cute koalas, this is the place! A lot of them are setting at the trees over the parking would recommend to come around 8:30am if you want to see other animals. After 11am parking is quite busy but 2 emus will come to the picnic area cause they know its lunch time. They are a bit naughty but they dont bite, don't be afraid just don't feed them!

A beautiful and peaceful place with lots of wildlife. We saw quite a few koalas, rabbits, emus,etc. it’s a pity that I did not have the time to hike. Will love to be back.