Privacy, Colac, Geelong and The Bellarine, Victoria, Australia

Privacy Notice

This online Privacy and Website Notice applies to this site, which is operated by Geelong Otway Tourism (ABN 26 990 691 173) under the domain name 'www.visitgreatoceanroad.org.au', and other Geelong Otway Tourism Internet sites. It explains how Geelong Otway Tourism collects, uses and manages the information of visitors to its Internet sites. Geelong Otway Tourism views the privacy of your personal information as an important issue, and is committed to protecting your privacy when you access and interact with the Geelong Otway Tourism site. As such, this site supports and endorses the principles of the Victorian Information Privacy Act 2000.

Visitor logs are used on this site for statistical purposes only, and no attempt will be made to identify you or your browsing activity. This information will only be used to update and improve the site.

Email addresses will only be used to respond to specific user queries, and will not be kept or used for any purpose other than stated. Email addresses will not be added to a mailing list unless consent is given, nor disclosed to any other party without your knowledge or consent.

This Privacy and Website Notice may be updated from time to time. Geelong Otway Tourism suggests that you return to the site on a regular basis and carefully read the information provided.

Cookies

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In using cookies, Geelong Otway Tourism does not record any personal information, collect names or details of commercial transactions. In addition, Geelong Otway Tourism does not use cookies as the basis for direct marketing.

You can configure your browser to notify you when you receive a cookie, providing you with the opportunity to either accept or reject it. You can also refuse all cookies by turning them off in your browser, or delete all cookies from your computer if required.

When you visit the site, Geelong Otway Tourism's Internet Service Provider (ISP) makes a record of your visits and logs the following information for statistical purposes - your server address, your top-level domain name, the date and time of your visit to the site, the pages accessed and documents downloaded, the previous site visited and the type of browser used.

This statement is to be read in conjunction with the rights claimed by the Privacy Act 1998 at www.privacy.gov.au. Personal information

Any personal information collected through this website will only be made available to Government personnel or approved contracted parties whose duties require them to use this information. Any personal information collected through this website will also be disclosed if required by law.

If you wish to access or alter any personal information we may have collected about you, you may request such access by contacting our office on 03 5223 2588 during business hours. You may also contact our office in relation to any other concerns you may have about the privacy of personal information when using this website.

Internet use risks

Geelong Otway Tourism does not warrant that the functions contained in the site will be uninterrupted or without error. In addition, Geelong Otway Tourism shall not be responsible for the propagation of computer worms, viruses or other harmful components transmitted from this site and other third-party sites.

Quoted prices

Figures and/or prices stated on the Geelong Otway Tourism site are generally prices for tourist services, such as accommodation, day tours or attraction entrance fees. All figures quoted are in Australian dollars, unless otherwise stated, and include a Goods and Services Tax (GST). Prior to making bookings, you should check the availability and price of accommodation and services with the operator, and any applicable terms and conditions.

Trademarks

The 'Geelong Otway Tourism' name and logos are trademarks of Geelong Otway Tourism. All rights are reserved for these logos. Logos must not be used in any form without the prior written consent of Geelong Otway Tourism. All other trademarks appearing on the Geelong Otway Tourism site are the property of their respective owners.

Website usage measurement

This website uses Google Analytics, a web analytics service provided by Google, Inc. ("Google"). Google Analytics uses "cookies", which are text files placed on your computer, to help the website analyze how users use the site. The information generated by the cookie about your use of the website (including your IP address) will be transmitted to and stored by Google on servers in the United States. Google will use this information for the purpose of evaluating your use of the website, compiling reports on website activity for website operators and providing other services relating to website activity and internet usage. Google may also transfer this information to third parties where required to do so by law, or where such third parties process the information on Google's behalf. Google will not associate your IP address with any other data held by Google. You may refuse the use of cookies by selecting the appropriate settings on your browser, however please note that if you do this you may not be able to use the full functionality of this website. By using this website, you consent to the processing of data about you by Google in the manner and for the purposes set out above. For further information, please visit www.google.com/privacy.

Links to other sites

Where Geelong Otway Tourism offers links to other sites, Geelong Otway Tourism is not affiliated with those sites and has no control over, and is not responsible for, their content, privacy practice or other policies. Third-party sites should contain their own privacy notes, and those third parties should be responsible for their own privacy practices. Written requests for Geelong Otway Tourism to link to a site should be forwarded to info@geelongotway.com.au.

Geelong Otway Tourism welcomes links from other sites. Please contact info@geelongotway.com.au to seek written permission to link to the site.

Editorial policy

The information provided on this site is posted at the discretion of Geelong Otway Tourism. The site publishes articles, interviews and information that Geelong Otway Tourism believes will be of interest and value. All views and opinions contained in the articles, interviews, or other information on the site are solely the opinion of the writer, and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Geelong Otway Tourism.

Geelong Otway Tourism invites submissions of original articles, interviews and information that promote tourism to and around the Geelong Otway region. For submission requirements, please contact info@geelongotway.com.au.

Highlights

Colac

Oddfellows Restaurant

Oddfellows Restaurant delivers contemporary dining, luxe country charm and exceptional hospitality in the majestic Colac IOOF Grand Hall of 1870. The team at Oddfellows Restaurant successfully explores a modern fusion of Australian cuisine. A focus on utilising the best of local produce allows a constant evolution of premium ingredients to grace the menu to allow you to enjoy the best of the region. A considered wine list compiled showcases many of the best local, regional, national and international vineyards, and is coupled with a boutique beer range. A true diamond in the rough, Oddfellows offers a dining experience unique to the area, dynamic enough to rival its big city cousins.

Colac

The Colac Botanic Café

Welcome to the iconic Botanic Café on the Lake opened since 1997. Whether it's a relaxed drink or coffee with friends on the deck, or a delicious lunch - the Botanic Café on the Lake is the perfect venue. Whatever time of the year the café creates the right atmosphere with its sunny deck in summer or the cosy setting inside in winter. Come and find out why the Colac Botanic Cafe has become famous as the place to go for quality food. Serving great red star coffee as well as refreshing wine and beers which are sure to satisfy every taste. In addition facilities for functions for 10-200 people can be provided for. They are open seven days a week from 10.00am and evenings by appointment. Offering a unique dining experience in a relaxed and friendly environment surrounded by the picturesque botanic gardens. All menus are created seasonally to take advantage of locally produced foods. The Botanic Cafe caters for vegetarians and those with food intolerances. There are numerous options to choose from and most meals are available Gluten Free on request.

Colac

Yeowarra Hill

From the beginning Yeowarra Hill have endeavoured to produce quality wines by taking advantage of the verdant ground and fertile soil that gives the area a rich agricultural history. There wines are produced from fruit grown solely in their vineyard, pruned to achieve excellent quality fruit in low yields. The hand-picked crop is made in small quantities in an attempt to reflect the elegant complexities and varietal character of the cool climate of the region. The quality fruit is further enhanced by the expertise of winemaker Lee Evans, Kurabana Estate. The dedication to excellence in the vineyard and meticulous care and attention produced immediate results with their first vintage (2006) Chardonnay being awarded a medal at the 2007 Geelong Wine Show. With the 2007 Chardonnay backing up with a medal in the following year. The James Halliday Australian Wine Companion 'highly recommended' the chardonnay saying it had great quality style and character, worthy of a place in any cellar.

Near Colac

Auswalk Walking Holidays

Come and experience the real Australia on foot with Auswalk Walking Holidays. Do not watch it pass you by from the windows of a vehicle, get out there and be a part of it! Auswalk Walking Holidays offer guided groups of like-minded people day hikes in fabulous national parks. There are two guides looking after each group, so you will have a choice of easier or harder walks each day. At night stay in comfortable accommodations and enjoy good food and wine. They also have self-guided walks through superb National Parks from one accommodation to the next. Walk with your own group of two or more people and start any day of the year. They can support you along the way with luggage transfers, marked maps and detailed walk notes. Auswalk Walking Holidays can customise a trip for you, your club, group of friends or family. Victorian destinations include the Grampians as it is the best place they know of to see native animals in the wild. There's a rich indigenous history as well as challenging hiking to magnificent rocky peaks. Another great destination is Great Alpine Walk, traverse Victoria's high country, staying overnight in secluded alpine villages. Great Ocean Walk is a long time favourite, this iconic track hugs the southern ocean in parts and ventures inland into the mighty forests of the Otway Ranges. You will see kangaroos while on the track. Great South West Walk is a perfect choice for those who enjoy walking long distances on easy terrain. Highlights include the Glenelg River Gorge and the Three Capes section. Other destinations around the country include the Flinders Ranges, Snowy Mountains and many other beautiful national parks around Australia. Please enquire with Auswalk Walking Holidays for more information.

Colac

Colac Botanic Gardens

On the Lake Colac foreshore, the Botanic Gardens were redesigned by William Guilfoyle in 1910. The slope facing the lake was terraced to provide viewing for events such as rowing regattas, while the original caretakers cottage now houses a café and gallery. This is only one of two drive-through botanic gardens in Victoria.

Colac

Colac Heritage Walk

The Colac Heritage Walk takes in the architecture and history of many buildings around town including churches and the railway station. Further information and maps are available at the local visitor information centre.

Colac

Colac Shopping

As the largest regional centre in the Otways district, Colac has a lively retail scene. Shops range the spectrum from small boutique giftwares, antiques and collectables through to major national brands and department stores. Most of the shopping areas are on the main street in town, Murray Street (Princes Highway).

Near Colac

Pombo Mart

Antique, Gift Centre and Cafe located in the iconic, historic sheds on the Princes Highway between Camperdown and Colac have been renovated to provide 1,000 square metres of Antiques, Art, Collectibles, China, Memorabilia, Old Wares, Furniture, Records and much more representing 10 individual dealers. A delightful cafe provides refreshment for visitors taking a rest from aisles and aisles of rare treasures, antiques and collectibles. Enjoy hot soup, fresh cakes, slices, light lunches and quality coffee while taking a break from browsing or considering that special purchase. Pombo-Mart really has something for everybody, from young couples shopping for a special piece for a new home, for mums, dads, kids and plenty of nostalgia and antiques to impress the young at heart. Shops within shops; Sharlene Cottage offers a large range of home wares and gifts for all occasions reasonable prices.

Near Colac

Volcanic Plains Tour

The land North of Colac has an explosive past, the area once brimming with volcanic acitivity. Early settlers in the area used the volcanic stones cleared from the fields to build the dry stone walls that are a charming feature of the region. Through Beeac and Alvie, follow the road signs to the Red Rock viewing platform to see the vast volcanic plains, dormant craters and crater lakes of the Kanawinka Wold listed Geopark. Head back to Colac to explore the botanic gardens or heritage trail.

Colac

Red Rock

The Red Rock lookout, 12 km from Colac, is one of Australia’s youngest volcanoes. Forty separate eruption points have been found, and many of the craters are now full of water. The area is the third largest volcanic plain in the world and estimated to be 8,000 years old. The volcanic complex consists of overlapping maars, scoria cones and small lava flows. From the lookout, the magnificent 30 degree views include the topography of the volcanic plain and the 25,000 hectare Lake Corangamite.

Geelong

Geelong Wine Region

Whether it is the distinctive maritime flavours of The Bellarine, the ancient richness of the Moorabool Valley Wine Region or the rugged, exposed coastline of the Surf Coast, the Geelong Wine Region is united by boutique, family owned winegrowers producing premium quality hand crafted wines. With each sub region and winery displaying their own unique characteristics, visitors are invited to explore the diversity of the Geelong Wine Region's stunning scenery, touring routes and restaurants whilst sampling some of Victoria's finest cellar door experiences. Geelong's family owned boutique operators maximise their wine's potential by hand pruning, hand picking and hand crafting their wines allowing regional characters to develop. Areas within the region have varying microclimates influencing the depth of colour, bouquet and flavour of the wines. The Bellarine has a maritime climate with bay breeezes and spectacular views, whilst the hills and valleys of the Moorabool Valley – Anakie areas have a warm, continental style climate. The renowned Surf Coast is famous for its long summer days and cooling ocean breezes. James Halliday in his Wine Atlas of Australia and New Zealand wrote: "If there is a unifying feature in all of the Geelong wines, it is their strength and depth of colour, bouquet and flavour." Not only does the Geelong wine region produce some of Australia's best wines, but the wineries are surrounded by some of Victoria's best scenery and touring opportunities. The Geelong Wine Region. Fine wines – from our hands to yours. For a map of the winery region visit: http://www.winegeelong.com.au/wine_region/map

Near Gellibrand

Otway Estate

'Otway Estate occupies a forest clearing in the northern foothills of the lovely Otway range. The winery has grown in recent years and it's been developing as an event location. Good cool climate wines are a mainstay, but there's also farmhouse cider and handmade beer. The Prickly Moses brewery offers a range of artisan brews on tap and in bottle, and the smart, Slow Food-inspired café specialises in serving fresh regional produce beside a wide veranda with forest views over the dam. An eclectic mix of musicians appears regularly, and might include jazz or even flamenco performers.' RALPH KYTE-POWELL Otway Estate produces a liquid to quench any thirst, from their fine wines and premium beers to their seasonal cordial selections. Each beverage is teamed with its own tasting platter full of scrumptious local delicacies prepared on site. A change of ownership in 1996 saw the planting of more vines expanding the varieties to include Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Semillon, Riesling, Cabernet and Sauvignon Blanc. Otway Estate offers luxury adult accommodation set amongst the bush with views over the vines. Luxurious spa baths and complete privacy, the cottages really do offer a unique getaway and enable guests to experience the peace and tranquillity of the bush. Otway Estate boasts a winery, brewery, gallery, function facility, café/lounge and expanded cellar door.The cellar door has a retail food outlet enabling the visitor to sample regional and home made produce. While the café, lounge or deck provides a place to relax and enjoy a tasting plate teamed with your favourite beverage. Any beer connoisseur knows you need good water to make good beer. Their beers are produced using pure Otway rainwater - so not only are they good beers, they are sensational beers. Their first beer was released early March 2007.

Near Forrest

Planet Mud Outdoor Adventures

Planet Mud Outdoor Adventures are proud to be Victoria's first Paintball, Globeriding and Segway® Adventure Centre offering you a range of exhilarating activities to enjoy. Whichever one you choose, Planet mud outdoor adventures provide a high quality outdoor experience with the friendliest highly trained staff and the promise of a quality and fun experience to remember. For a great Day out in the Otways, the location is set on 53 acres of beautiful bush and just 40 minutes from Lorne, 1hr from Geelong, 30 mins from Apollo Bay, 45 mins from Warrnambool and 15 mins from Colac. They have different scenario paintball games as well as their fabulously popular Tournament style field - grab some mates, bucks / hens show coming up, or a corporate event - they can arrange it all for you. The Segway Nature Trails give you an hours experience with a Segway Off-road X2. It's easy, it's fun and it's an exhilarating new experience when you ride an all-terrain Segway® X2 on our cross country Nature course. A hugely popular activity for everyone aged 10 or over. You get a sense of power and speed, yet you also feel a sense of safety and absolute control. It all feels natural, safe, and instinctive. Globeride in three metre inflatable transparent ball. Zorbing is classed as an extreme sport, but safety is our priority and focus so all you need to worry about is buckling up and enjoying the ride. Planet Mud Outdoor Adventure Vouchers make great gifts and can be purchased all year round and used towards any of the activities that we offer. Booking is essential for all activities so call now to book

Beech Forest

The Ridge Organic Food Store & Café

The Ridge Organic Food Store & Café takes a simple approach to life & food. They keep in touch with local organic farmers and when produce is at its finest their chefs create beautiful, rustic food enticing the natural flavours to sing. The breakfast, lunch and take-away menus change with the season and the produce available from local organic and biodynamic farmers. The Ridge Organic Food Store & Café make sensational chutneys, jams and gourmet goodies to help you prolong the taste of the Otways after you've reached home.

Torquay

The Surf Coast Walk

Whether you're a nature lover or a fun lover, whether you take an hour, a day or a week, the Surf Coast Walk puts a stunning and unique coastal environment within easy reach. - Offering natural beauty and easy access - A world-class walking destination for all to enjoy - On the edge of the stunning Great Ocean Road - Do a section or do it all; at your own pace - More than a walk, over half the track is suitable for bikes Relish the rich ochre of the Bells Beach cliffs, the deep blue of Bass Strait and the leafy green of eucalypt forects. Discover traditional Wathaurung country, fascinating surf culture and abundant wildlife as the walk connects you with the coastal town comforts of Torquay, Anglesea and Aireys Inlet.

Geelong

Masterclasses

Extravaganza – Eat Drink Discover on Sunday 14 July, will provide visitors with the chance to sign up and attend a one hour Masterclass in a private tasting room. The intimate classes will be suitable for everyone, from the novice to the professional and will provide interactive and interesting topics on regional produce, wine and beer. Moderated and run by media and expert panellists such as chefs, winemakers and viticulturalists this is the chance to learn, discover and meet the regions talented producers. Tickets are sold separately to the entry ticket or available at the venue.

Geelong

Kid's Patch

Of course, no event is complete without something to entertain the kids... From veggie garden games to cake decorating and bee hive education, this is a great opportunity for your kids to learn more about food, its source and how we prepare it. Watch this space for more information!

Cape Otway

Cape Otway Lightstation

Climb to the top of mainland Australia's oldest lighthouse, Cape Otway Lightstation, 90 metres above the wild Southern Ocean, and see why many tragic shipwrecks occurred on this isolated and rugged coastline. Immerse yourself in history with one of Australia's most important and recognisable lighthouses at your doorstep. Spectacular scenery, lighthouse tours, wildlife (koalas, wallabies and whales), rainforests, waterfalls and awesome sunsets will be highlights of your stay. Cape Otway is an excellent location to base yourself, being central to Great Ocean Road and Great Otway National Park activities and walks. Groups of up to 16 people can be accommodated in the heritage Head Lighthouse Keeper's cottage with four bedrooms, two bathrooms, open fires and fully self contained kitchen and laundry facilities. Two night minimum stays. The cottage is a wonderful retreat for families, walking groups or as a unique venue for get-togethers with friends. The Manager's House is a fully self-contained, newly renovated property providing all the comforts of home, comfortably accommodating up to 15 guests. A great location for a house party, or place to relax after walking in the Otways, the Manager's House is filled with natural light. Both properties have bed and breakfast options for smaller groups or couples. The Lightstation also has a delightful café on site which is open daily. Relax over a great coffee and homemade scones, soaking up the views. The café is located in the original Assistant Lighthouse Keeper's cottage, right in front of the lighthouse. Discover the coast on a 4WD Lightkeeper's Shipwreck Discovery Tour, which runs daily and with special offers for accommodation guests. Walk in the footsteps of lightkeepers and pioneers along the Great Ocean Walk with experienced and knowledgeable local guides. Opera in the Otways - Saturday November 17, 2012 - see website for details.

Near Beech Forest

Otway Fly Treetop Adventures

Otway Fly Treetop Adventures - One Location two adventures. Located in Victoria's magnificent Otways providing visitors with a unique opportunity to view the forest from a bird's eye view through its two unique eco-adventure experiences, the famous Tree Top walk and Zip Line tour. The Tree Top Walk - the longest and tallest elevated walk of its kind in the world. At 600 metres long and 30 metres above ground level. A 45 metre high lookout is ascended via a spiral stairway through the under story to emerge amongst the crowns of the giants of the forest, whilst the springboard cantilever bounces precariously high over picturesque Young's Creek. The walk is a 1.9 kilometres round walk starting from the visitor centre and takes approximately 45 minutes to one hour to complete. The walk is full of quality interpretive panels educating our visitor on the forest and surrounds on display. For the thrill seeker Zip lining is the perfect adrenaline fuelled activity where you can Zip across the treetops in this unique forest experience, gaining a bird's-eye view of Otways beautiful forests. The Zip Line tour involves traversing from one platform to another connected by tree platforms called 'cloud stations', and attached so steel cable suspended up to 30 metres above the forest floor. This exciting adventure lasts 3 hours and is unlike any other experience, we recommend pre booking the Zip Line Tour via the Otway Fly Tree Top Adventures website. The visitor centre is home to a licensed cafe which seats up to 100 people. The car-park also provides for Campervans, Caravans and Coaches. Group bookings can be made and need to be booked in advance, guided tours and catering are available for these bookings.

Geelong

More Than A Tour

More than Tour offer their local knowledge will give you the very best opportunity of seeing a range of beautiful native animals in their natural environment. Shorts walks to the scenic attractions, lookouts, beaches and rain forests will be on well-defined tracks and board walks and requires a moderate level of fitness. Their guides will accompany you on all walks and your safety is their priority. Being a boutique tour company they will confirm your pick up point, departure and return times prior to departure. More Than A Tour also offers a Door to Door Service. More Than A Tour can tailor make tours to satisfy your groups desires, including: •Great Ocean Road and Phillip Island two day tours •Great Ocean Road and Grampians two day tours •Tailor made tours also available.

Apollo Bay

Great Ocean Walk

The Great Ocean Walk, on Victoria's spectacular west coast, stretches 104km from the idyllic resort town of Apollo Bay, to within sight of the magnificent 12 Apostles. Weave through beautiful National Parks, walk deserted beaches and gaze over pristine marine sanctuaries. Step on and off the trail with convenience; enjoy comfortable accommodation and excellent local meals or pitch your tent at wildly picturesque spots along the way. You can walk at your own pace and within your own timeframe along the Great Ocean Walk. Short walks of up to 3 hours long are available and take in old shipwrecks, historic lighthouses and lookouts. Or, take a full-day walk and experience breathtaking ocean views, stunning waterfalls, lush forest, and more natural wonders. The full walk from Apollo Bay to Glenample, within sight of the 12 Apostles, is an 8 day, 7 night walk. There are hike in campsites along the way, or for a more luxurious approach stay in quality accommodation properties nearby and have licensed tour operators shuttle you and your belongings back and forth each day.

Packages & Offers

See, Do, Stay & Save

Welcome to goTravlr, your passport to great deals in Geelong, the Bellarine and the Great Ocean Road.

Chris's Beacon Point Restaurant & Villas Winter Warmer Getaway Package

Package for two from $350.00.

Stay & Save at Cumberland Lorne Resort

From $411 for a three night stay.

BIG 4 Beacon Resort Blues Train Package

A unique musical experience! Toe tapping entertainment, a cool drink and a good laugh. Rock your stay in Queenscliff with Blues Train tickets and award winning accommodation at BIG4 Beacon Resort.

Seahaven Village - Taste of The Bellarine $495

Relax at stunning Barwon Heads Friday and Saturday night in a cosy 4.5 star one bedroom spa suite.

Barwon Heads Golf Club Winter Escape

$240 per couple per night

Colac

Stay Connected

Privacy Notice

Cookies

Internet use risks

Quoted prices

Trademarks

Website usage measurement

Links to other sites

Editorial policy

Highlights

Packages & Offers

See, Do, Stay & Save

Chris's Beacon Point Restaurant & Villas Winter Warmer Getaway Package

Stay & Save at Cumberland Lorne Resort

BIG 4 Beacon Resort Blues Train Package

Seahaven Village - Taste of The Bellarine $495

Barwon Heads Golf Club Winter Escape

See, Do, Stay & Save

Chris's Beacon Point Restaurant & Villas Winter Warmer Getaway Package

Stay & Save at Cumberland Lorne Resort

BIG 4 Beacon Resort Blues Train Package

Seahaven Village - Taste of The Bellarine $495

Barwon Heads Golf Club Winter Escape