Travel Australia

The purpose of this series of Guides is to introduce you the reader or new traveler as to what is available in the different parts of Australia and New Zealand and what types of Activities you might like to know about and where they are available.

The Guide is not intended to be the authority on traveling and visitor information for the whole of Australia. We recommend that you use the Tourist Information Centres around Australia for more specific aspects of the local regions.

 Guide 4 – Victoria – Melbourne to Portland

Melbourne

Melbourne, the capital of Victoria, is the second largest city in Australia. Its multicultural atmosphere is set amongst Victorian-era buildings and gorgeous parkland. It has a population of just over 3 million people, and is a picturesque place with so much to offer the visitor and resident alike.

It's hard to believe that such a fantastic location was abandoned by the first settlers who had arrived in 1803 and then departed to Tasmania after staying for less than one year. Being such a diverse place, Melbourne offers everything for the tourist from tennis and bike riding to fishing and windsurfing.

The city is divided into two parts by the Yarra River, creating predominantly working class areas in the North and West regions, and more affluent areas in the South and the East. The CBD used to be known as the 'Golden Mile', as it is 1 mile long and 1/2 mile wide.

Southgate gives access across the Yarra River to the south of the city, Victoria Street marking the north. To the east you'll find Fitzroy Gardens and Federation Square, and to the west Spencer Street and the docklands.

The heart of the city is marked by Bourke Street Mall which is situated between Swanston Street and Elizabeth Street, running north to south. Bourke Street and Collins Street are the main roads running west to east.

Melbourne was originally settled by graziers, John Batman being the first. He claimed land just north of Port Phillip Bay, whilst other graziers also decided to occupy areas near the Yarra River, but without the necessary permission to colonise.

Geelong

Geelong has a large car industry, as well as being the home of 'Cats' the Victorian AFL football team. It is situated on the pretty Corio Bay and there is a lovely foreshore drive along the Esplanade. A great beach is Eastern beach which has a promenade and bathing pavilions. There are also some unique bollards at Cunningham Pier.

There are a whole host of museums in Geelong and plenty of things to do. You can visit the Geelong Art Gallery, the Geelong National Wool Museum, and the beautiful Botanic Gardens. There are also a number of National Trust buildings around Geelong which have remarkable architecture. Well worth visiting are Barwon Grange and The Heights. You can also find out about the Aboriginal history of the area at the interesting Narana Creations. There are also several wineries in this area which are well known for their Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir, so any wine connoisseurs should make a visit.

The Great Ocean Road

The Great Ocean Road starts inland just east of Allansford along the Princess Highway, taking you to Geelong from where you join the M1 to Melbourne. From Allansford the track leads towards the coast past the beautiful landscape of the national parks, pretty coves and beaches along the coastline, as well as spectacular rock formations such as the Twelve Apostles and some great surfing spots.

Heading east along the Great Ocean Road the first place you will come across is the Port Campbell National Park. There are some fabulous rock formations within the park. The first formation you will see is London Arch, a natural arch formed through erosion. London Arch was previously called London Bridge, due to the close resemblance of it's double arches to the actual bridge. The name changed to London Arch in 1990 after the first arch collapsed, leaving two tourists stranded. The tourists were rescued by helicopter and fortunately nobody was injured.

Heading past Port Campbell you will pass Mutton Bird Island as well as The Blowhole, which is great to see. You will also come across Loch Ard Gorge where the Loch Ard clipper crashed in 1878, killing all but two people aboard. One of the most spectacular sights is the Twelve Apostles. The formation is really beautiful and is certainly worth seeing at sunrise or sunset. You can also head down to the Gibson Steps or the Gibson Beach.

You can stop at Blanket Bay which offers bush camping and walking trails, Elliott River picnic area, Maits Rest Rainforest boardwalk offer rainforest treks, Otway Lighthouse and Bimbi Park which is a horse ranch alongside some pretty beaches, as well as Shelly Beach.

Once you hit the coast again, you will shortly reach Apollo Bay, which is a pretty fishing town, with some popular beaches. Heading further east is another popular coastal resort of Lorne. East from Lorne you will pass through the Angahook-Lorne State Park before hitting the small town of Aireys Inlet. There are several places to stay at Aireys Inlet and some good beaches. Further east again are two slightly larger towns, of Anglesea and Torquay. Anglesea offers some great beaches as well as good surf. Hang-gliding is also popular as is playing golf and kangaroo spotting at the Anglesea Golf Club.

Warrnambool

The industrial seaside resort of Warrnambool was another sealing and whaling town. You can find out about the history of the area in the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum. Another interesting place to visit is the Warrnambool Art Gallery.

Along the coast is a fabulous walk along the Mahogany Walking Trail, which takes you the 22km to Port Fairy. There are also some great beaches for both swimming and surfing. The best places for good surf include Levy's Bay, Logans Beach and Second Bay. If you fancy a swim go to Lady Bay.

Port Fairy

Port Fairy is a fishing town, which like Portland started as a sealing and whaling town. You can find out about the history of the town at the Port Fairy History Centre. There are also a couple of interesting walks which you can take around the town, including the History Walk and the Shipwreck Walk and other interesting things to do.

Adjoined to the mainland at the south of Port Fairy is Griffiths Island, which homes a colony of Mutton birds. You can get to the island on a couple of cruises from Fishermans Wharf on Port Fairy Bay. Port Fairy is also known for its great music festival, the Port Fairy Folk Festival. It is held in March every year, and is always very popular.

Port Fairy offers plenty of accommodation in the area, including b&b's and numerous guesthouses. There are also a few camping grounds and a backpackers. There are also some pleasant daytime and evening cafes and restaurants.

Portland

Portland is the oldest town in Victoria, and started as a sealing and whaling town. Now it is a major producer of aluminium, and you can tour around the aluminium smelter.

Other attractions include the Maritime Discovery Museum, History House and the Burswood Homestead, which was the home to the first settlers to Portland (the Henty family).