Pennyroyal Valley, Great Ocean Road Journey, Victoria, Australia

The Otways Hinterland Region

Possibly the most spectacular area of the Otways Coast is between Lorne and Apollo Bay continuing on to Wye River, Kennett River and Wongarra.

This enchanting region includes stunning coastal scenery, including Cape Otway and the popular coastal resort town of Apollo Bay, lush rainforest and waterfalls of the Otways Ranges and the major inland town of Colac and its fertile volcanic lakes.

You can explore fascinating historic townships one day and hike the beautiful Otway Ranges the next. Pick your fill of seasonal berries in the morning, sip on local wines at the many cellar doors all afternoon and then dine on fresh and delicious local produce, home-baked breads and biodynamic ice cream.

Highlights

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

Deans Marsh

Old Lorne Road Olives

The Restaurant at The Old Lorne Grove Olives farm is one of a favourite for a leisurely lunch. It is perfectly situated in the foothills of the Otway ranges, just 20 minutes from Lorne. Come and enjoy the beautiful scenery and a unique, relaxed atmosphere. The Old Lorne Grove Olives cafe and art gallery is nestled amongst the groves with 1300 olive trees. The serene location provides a beautiful afternoon of wine, great food and breathtaking views of the rolling hills of Deans Marsh and surrounds. Indulge in a taste of the Mediterranean with an Italian inspired menu. Break some Ciabatta and soak up the Victorian flavourful olive oils dunked in dukka or simply enjoy a glass of wine and the view. Then work it off with a game of pétanque or a stroll around the grove. The art gallery has been inspired by the many and varied talents of the local Otways artists. From paintings and pottery to glassware and garden additions, there is something for everyone.

Pennyroyal Valley

Gentle Annie Berry Gardens

Doug and Leanne Campbell look forward to welcoming you and your family to Gentle Annie, their berry farm nestled in the picturesque Pennyroyal Valley near Deans Marsh. Spend time wandering the farm picking a variety of berries and orchard fruit, or simply drop in for a coffee and piece of cake, Devonshire tea, lunch or afternoon tea in the licensed cafe. In the produce shop you will find a variety of Gentle Annie's jams, chutney's, sorbets and a selection of local produce.

Pennyroyal Valley

Gosling Creek

Nestled in the stunning Otway Ranges of South Victoria, come celebrate what Gosling Creek Wines have to offer. Gosling Creek flows from the Great Otway National Park through fern gullies and picturesque rolling countryside to the Barwon River. The vineyard is located on the northern slopes, where the maritime influences of Bass Strait make an ideal location for cooler-climate grapes. The Gosling Creek wines range from pinot noir, which was the first set of 2000 vines planted, 10 years ago. Following that there are 2500 Shiraz and 2000 Riesling vines. The cellar door is open on weekends from September to June and everyday in January. Gosling Creek serves light lunches over the warmer months.

Lorne

Erskine Falls and Straw Falls

Car park options - Erskine Falls car park (300m return walk to falls 1st lookout, 700 m to 2nd lookout) Walking track information (Erskine River Track) - Start: Erskine Falls car park - Finish: Lorne - Distance: 7.5 km one way - Duration: 3 hours - Difficulty: Strenuous Details Erskine Falls is a short drive out of Lorne on appropriately named Erskine Falls Road. It is one of the most popular falls in the Otways and easily accessible. A five-minute walk from the car park brings you to a lookout of the falls, cascading 30 metres into a beautiful tree fern gullyYou also can take steps down to the Erskine River to view the falls from below. . Straw Falls are a 15m cascade on the Erskine River and are a further 400m downstreams of Erskine Falls. Experienced walkers can follow the river from Erksine Falls to Lorne. The 7.5km one-way walk takes about three hours and passes Straw Falls and Splitter Falls. It should not be attempted when water levels are high.

Lorne

St Anne's Vineyard

St Anne's Vineyards is a family owned wine company that was established some 30 years ago in the Pentland Hills at Myrniong, Southern Victoria. Since its humble beginnings, the company has expanded and seen substantial vineyard development at Perricoota, Moama Southern NSW. St Anne's Myrniong Vineyard was established by Allan & Shirley McLean in 1972. The extremely cool climate and high annual rainfall combine to form premium viticultural conditions. The vineyard at Myrniong is low yielding producing premium cool quality fruit. Located 200km North of Myrniong, 250km Melbourne, St Anne's Perricoota Vineyards were established in 1994 by Allan and Shirley McLean. The ideal growing conditions combined with modern viticulture techniques are combined to produce premium quality fruit and in turn, premium quality wine. The 21st century has seen St Anne's management passed down to second-generation family members seeking broader horizons and new challenges. We invite you to sample our product.

Birregurra

Birregurra Estate Olives

Birregurra Estate Olives began in 1999, when the perfect paddock was found on Birregurra's rich soils in Victoria's western district. Once the land was secured, planting began and the dream became real. Four and a half thousand olive trees have since been planted. Most of them are Kalamata and they have been producing a continually increasing crop of delicious olives ever since. The olives are pickled on the property in a purpose built kitchen. Traditional recipes are used to process all the varieties of olives including, Kalamata, Italian-style black and green, 'mini Kalamata,' and Ligurian. Delicious tapenades are also available. Birregurra Estate Olives also produce first cold pressed, Extra-Virgin Olive Oil, which has the clean, grassy aroma and flavour only this kind of oil can have. Once you have had it, you'll never go back.

Lorne

Cuda Bar

Cuda Bar provides great food and great entertainment. Situated in the middle of Mountjoy Parade in picturesque Lorne, Cuda Bar offers great views of Louttit Bay from both the extensive balcony and indoors. Whether drinking or dining, Cuda Bar promotes a casual atmosphere accompanied by live music and DJ's and coupled with a diverse food, wine and cocktail menu it leaves you spoilt for choice. Drink or dine, inside or out, enjoy an afternoon or evening at Cuda Bar!

Lorne

Darriwill Farm Lorne

Darriwill Farm specialises in unique and exclusive gourmet food, giftware and boutique wines. The world's finest produce and wines are sourced direct from the farm gate, making Darriwill Farm a favourite destination for lovers of the best things life in the country offers. The retail stores are regular meeting place for people to catch up, enjoy a coffee and take in the latest range of freshly sourced goodies. Upon visiting their stores you will not only receive friendly service, but ideas, handy tips and solutions from passionate and knowledgeable people.

Near Winchelsea

Dinny Goonan Wines

Dinny Goonan Wines is one of a handful of families pioneering grape and wine production in the Otway hinterland. Their wines have won numerous awards since the first commercial release in 2001. The vineyard and cellar door are conveniently situated on the inland road to Lorne, between Winchelsea and Deans Marsh. This location provides a great springboard to explore the Otways and surrounding attractions, and they are happy to share some local knowledge of other places to see and visit. Visitors are welcome to taste their wines and relax in the peaceful vineyard setting. You can find out more about the wines by talking to Dinny the winemaker, or stroll around the vineyard and winery. Vineyard platters are available on weekends between November and April and every day during January, so it is a great chance to take some time out to enjoy the wines, surrounded by the vines that produced them. The platters have a regional focus providing the opportunity to match local wines with regional produce. The only distractions will come from the Crimson Rosellas and Blue Winged Grass Parrots that have made the vineyard their home. They also offer a great coffee and a selection of local foodstuffs and oils. And then of course, there are their award winning wines. As a family run enterprise, everything is very much "hands on". The vines are hand pruned; they pick the grapes by hand and use traditional vinification and elevage techniques within the modern winery. They specialize in the production of cool climate Shiraz and Riesling. They also produce limited quantities of Cabernets (a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Malbec), a Semillon/Sauvignon and a Sparkling wine (a blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay) which are available exclusively to their cellar door customers.

Forrest

Forrest Brewing Company

Forrest Brewing Company equal parts micro brewery, eating place and mountain biking hang-out located in the Otways Hinterland township of Forrest. Brother and sister duo Matt and Sharon Bradshaw resurrected and rebuilt the former general store in Forrest, opening its doors in late 2010. The Forrest Brewing Company embodies all of the things to love about life, great beer, informal eating, good people, mountain biking and some occasional fishing all surrounded by an active community and beautiful environment. The Forrest Brewing Company, provides a place to stop, take a break, rest and relax in unique natural surrounds. The prefect start or end to your day's Mountain Biking or journey through the Great Ocean Road region. The restaurant serves fresh, informal, locally sourced food including breakfasts, lunch and dinners, washed down with our micro-brewed beer or locally roasted coffee. Forrest Brewing Company is an Independently owned, family run business, supporting a small regional township. It is a relatively young micro brewery on the Victorian beer scene with four standard beers available on tap for tasting and take-away, limited release beers available each season. Their beer is produced in small 600 litre batches, the working brewery can be seen via a viewing window, all beers are brewed on site, nothing is contracted. Offering a true boutique product not widely available outside of Forrest, Beers are brewed using water from the Otway's rainforest. Forrest Brewing Company welcomes group and function bookings including car clubs, bike clubs and walking groups through out the year. The brewery is often really busy of a weekend, so it's a good idea to book!

Lorne

Marks Restaurant

Marks Restaurant, featured in the 2011 Good Food Guide and celebrating over 20 years on the Surf coast. Marks has become an icon destination on the Ocean Road. Simple flavours, competent cooking, local produce whilst not turning our back on what the rest of the world has to offer. That's us.

Forrest

Forrest Mountain Biking

There are 8 separate mountain bike trails in the Forrest Mountain Bike precinct. There is more than 50km of purpose built track in the area ranging from rated from easy trails to extreme and strenuous tracks. The Otway Odyssey, Forrest 6 hr ride and Rainforest Ride events during the year are adding to Forrest’s reputation among the growing Australian mountain bike community.

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

Lorne

Erskine River Trading Co. & River Tea House

On your way through the bustling seaside town of Lorne you will come across a small boutique cafe and gift shop known as the Erskine River Trading Co. & River Tea House. Enjoy wholesome breakfasts and lunches, cakes, coffee and the best scones on the Great Ocean Road. All the while you can look for that perfect gift or even something to put in your own home. The atmosphere evoked at the River Tea House comes from the simple beauty that flows from the ancient ritual of tea with more than 100 varieties of tea to choose from. There is also a variety of gourmet produce for sale.

Forrest

Otway Harvest Trail

The unique combination of aspect, soils, climate and farming practices of the Otway hinterland produce distinctive and exceptional flavours in our produce that cannot be found anywhere else. The Otway Harvest Trail is a celebration of the seasons that bestow their rich bounty on a luscious part of Victoria. Spring is a time of plenty and promise. As the winter gives way to warm sunny days, see the bright patchwork of yellow canola fields appear, the farmers out mowing their grass and baling their hay and the spring lambs frolicking on a frosty morning. The first berries appear. Green shoots can be seen in the vineyards as the vines burst their buds and flowers and spring vegetables appear at farm gate stalls. New release wines can be found at cellar doors. Summer is all about being outdoors. All the berry farms have opened and their sweet juicy berries are ripe for the picking. The lush emerald green of the vineyards become more distinctive as the land around slowly turns a golden brown. People clamour for outdoor tables and chairs at cafés and restaurants to soak in the warm days, mild evenings and glorious pastel sunsets. Local wines and beers go so well with the seafood, vegetables and fruits in plentiful supply. Wine lovers are welcomed at cellar doors and their curiosity is rewarded with the discovery of new wines. Autumn is a time of harvest. The days become still and warm, and the crisp cool nights are perfect for sleeping. With the winter rains not far away, the wineries are busy harvesting their fruit and the vignerons hands become garnet red as they nurture the new wines through their ferment. It is also time to harvest the olives from their groves before the first frosts of winter arrive. Smell the fruity aroma of the extra virgin olive oil as it flows from the presses. The last of the berries are picked. Winter is a time for taking stock of the seasons passed and making ready for the farming year ahead. The farmers plough their fields and sow their winter crops. Vineyards, olive groves and orchards are pruned and readied for a new season. Fences are mended. The days shorten and become colder. Cattle turn their backs to the wind. Dams pent over the summer begin to refill. Root vegetables appear at the farm gate stands. It’s a time for reflection and for savouring the joys of recently harvested produce. Lengthy conversations occur over bottles of wine in front of toasty log fires. Eventually the tell tale signs of another Spring begin to appear.

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.

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.

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.

Queenscliff

Queenscliff Bike Hire

Queenscliff Bike Hire is located at Queenscliff Harbour in Victoria, Australia, approximately an hour and 30 minutes drive from Melbourne. Bike hire is available for adults and kids. As well as optional trailer bikes and buggies for younger kids and toddlers. The bikes are brand new and are regularly maintained by their on site mechanic. Queenscliff bike hire can supply bikes for individuals or large groups and will deliver to the entire Bellarine area including Queenscliff, Point Lonsdale, Ocean Grove and Barwon Heads. Discounts apply for long term hire, schools and groups of more than 10 people. You can hire a bike for half a day, full day or even a week. There are plenty of fantastic places to ride. If you are in town for a short time, take a ride along the beach path which winds its way along Point Londsdale foreshore to the Point Lonsdale Lighthouse. This is an easy eight kilometre round trip. If you have a bit more time then you may like to ride the Queenscliff to Drysdale rail trail, 16 kilometres one way. Please visit our website of call to arrange a booking.

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.

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.

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

Wyndham Resort Torquay Couples Spa Indulge Package

$379 per night (Double or Twin share)

Geelong Riverview Tourist Park Summer Special

15% discount per night

Pennyroyal Valley

Stay Connected

The Otways Hinterland Region

Highlights

Geelong Wine Region

Old Lorne Road Olives

Gentle Annie Berry Gardens

Gosling Creek

Erskine Falls and Straw Falls

St Anne's Vineyard

Birregurra Estate Olives

Cuda Bar

Darriwill Farm Lorne

Dinny Goonan Wines

Forrest Brewing Company

Marks Restaurant

Forrest Mountain Biking

Planet Mud Outdoor Adventures

Erskine River Trading Co. & River Tea House

Otway Harvest Trail

The Surf Coast Walk

Otway Fly Treetop Adventures

The Ridge Organic Food Store & Café

Queenscliff Bike Hire

Masterclasses

Kid's Patch

Cape Otway Lightstation

More Than A Tour

Great Ocean Walk

Where Can I Stay?

What Can I Do?

Where Can I Eat & Drink?

What's On?

Packages & Offers

See, Do, Stay & Save

BIG 4 Beacon Resort Blues Train Package

Seahaven Village - Taste of The Bellarine $495

Barwon Heads Golf Club Winter Escape

Wyndham Resort Torquay Couples Spa Indulge Package

Geelong Riverview Tourist Park Summer Special