Southwest Victoria

Travel Guide

Twelve Apostles featuring a sunset, a beach and a gorge or canyon
Bay of Islands Coastal Park showing rugged coastline
Griffiths Island Lighthouse which includes a bay or harbor
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village showing a lighthouse, signage and a bay or harbor
Southwest Victoria featuring surf and a sandy beach

Go on a culinary journey through this region’s fertile plains or experience an adventure in the surf and the sun on the breathtaking coastline.

Southwest Victoria is a rich farming region underlined by a coastline of sweeping sandy beaches. With its fertile soils and lush volcanic plains, the region has a reputation for its magnificent local produce and beautiful woodlands. The region is home to pristine lakes and some of southeastern Australia’s most popular coastal destinations. Explore Southwest Victoria’s pristine national parks, learn about its rich Aboriginal cultural heritage, check out its picturesque towns and take a trip on the unbeatable Great Ocean RoadOpens in a new window.

The Great Ocean Road follows the breathtaking coastline of Victoria’s southwestern region from Torquay in the east to Portland near the South Australian border. Check out laid-back beach towns fringed by eucalyptus forests, such as LorneOpens in a new window, Aireys Inlet and Apollo BayOpens in a new window.

Discover the natural beauty of the southern tip of Cape Otway and the Great Otway National Park, which features a network of trails that lead through tranquil native forests to waterfalls. Don’t miss stopping by Port CampbellOpens in a new window to see the awe-inspiring Twelve ApostlesOpens in a new window, which are a collection of limestone rock stacks standing offshore from plunging cliffs.

Toward the western end of the Great Ocean Road, you’ll find the busy waterfront hub of Warrnambool and the historic wharves of Port Fairy. Visit the far-west town of Portland to see Victoria’s first permanent European settlement and preserved heritage architecture. North of here lies the former volcano of Mount Eccles, known to its traditional custodians, the Gunditjmara, as Budj Bim. Explore lava-flow lakes, such as Lake Condah, which is an important Aboriginal cultural heritage site.

The Glenelg River meanders through the breathtaking Lower Glenelg National Park near the border of South Australia, and is an ideal destination for canoeing and kayaking. See galleries of caves and cliffs as you paddle through the river’s deep gorge.

Southwest Victoria is best explored by car however, some areas can be reached by regional trains and buses. Join a charter tour of the Great Ocean Road or go at your own pace to stop by the numerous beach towns and farming communities along the way.

Where to stay in Southwest Victoria

Serendip Sanctuary is a great place to see Emus and Kangaroos in a 'wild' setting. They let many native animals roam free and you can just walk past them. They have a number of bird hides and enclosures where you can also see native animals.

It's free to visit and is close to Lara train station.

Lara

You'll enjoy the museums and parks in Lara. You might want to make time for a stop at You Yangs Regional Park or Serendip Sanctuary.

Lara
Belmont Common is one of my favourite birdwatching areas in Geelong. There is a bird hide at Jerringot Wildlife Research. You get a lot of waterbirds in the area and also the occasional bird of prey. It's well known for crakes, rails and lathams snipe. #localgem

Belmont

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

Belmont
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Waurn Ponds

Visitors to Waurn Ponds enjoy its shopping, and if you want to do some exploring, Saint Regis Winery is worth a stop.

Waurn Ponds
Walking distance from the South Geelong train station, the Little Creatures Brewery is a fun place to spend the day. It's like the Willy Wonka factory for beer lovers! White Rabbit is also on the premises. #SMDdoesOZ #Geelong #Australia

South Geelong

If you're spending some time in South Geelong, GMHBA Stadium and Kardinia Park are top sights worth seeing.

South Geelong
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Leopold

When in Leopold, you can plan a visit to Adventure Park Geelong and Curlewis Golf Club, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Leopold
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Geelong West

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Geelong West and surrounding area, you can visit Geelong Golf Course and The Carousel.

Geelong West
Rydges Geelong
Rydges Geelong
4 out of 5
Cnr Gheringhap & Myers St, Geelong, VIC
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥14,066 per night from Jun 29 to Jun 30
¥14,066
¥15,472 total
Jun 29 - Jun 30
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Geelong. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,004 reviews)
"Great service Great staff"

Reviewed on Jun 17, 2025

Rydges Geelong
Deep Blue Hotel & Hot Springs
Deep Blue Hotel & Hot Springs
4.5 out of 5
Worm Bay Road, Warrnambool, VIC
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥12,135 per night from Jun 29 to Jun 30
¥12,135
¥13,498 total
Jun 29 - Jun 30
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Warrnambool. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and hot springs on site. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
"Staff were very welcoming even though they were extremely busy. We ate dinner in the cafe on the 1st night annd at the restaurant the 2nd night. Meals were absolutely beautiful. Would definitely recommend this hotel and restaurant"

Reviewed on Jun 16, 2025

Deep Blue Hotel & Hot Springs
Mantra Lorne
Mantra Lorne
4.5 out of 5
Mountjoy Parade, Lorne, VIC
The price is ¥14,745 per night from Jun 22 to Jun 23
¥14,745
¥15,941 total
Jun 22 - Jun 23
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Lorne. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
"Room location was good"

Reviewed on Jun 8, 2025

Mantra Lorne
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Cumberland Lorne Resort
Cumberland Lorne Resort
4.5 out of 5
150 Mountjoy Parade, Lorne, VIC
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Lorne. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 coffee shops/cafes. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,009 reviews)
"Nice but feeling a little dated in areas (especially bathroom and kitchen), and the pool, spa was closed for renovation (of which we were only advised a week prior)."

Reviewed on Jun 15, 2025

Cumberland Lorne Resort
Loch Ard Motor Inn
Loch Ard Motor Inn
3.5 out of 5
18 Lord Street, Port Campbell, VIC
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Port Campbell. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9/10 Wonderful! (917 reviews)
"Beautiful place and very friendly staff special vaccume lady, thank you so much."

Reviewed on Jun 4, 2025

Loch Ard Motor Inn
Quest Geelong Central
Quest Geelong Central
4 out of 5
71-77 Gheringhap St, Geelong, VIC
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Geelong. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (199 reviews)
"Nice Place to stay. New and Clean"

Reviewed on Jun 16, 2025

Quest Geelong Central
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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