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 Kevin Hoffman Walk.

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 Balyang Sanctuary or Little Creatures Brewery during your time in the area.

Belmont
Balyang Sanctuary in Geelong is a great place for families to visit. The area was converted to a haven for various waterbirds including ducks, pelicans and cormorants. It is very close to the Barwon River Trail and has many tables for picnics. 

Birdwatchers can find many interesting animals here if they explore it in depth. #localgem

Newtown

Unique features of Newtown include the restaurants and shopping. Make a stop by Balyang Sanctuary or The Heights Heritage House and Garden while you're exploring the area.

Newtown
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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 Islamic Society of Geelong and Geelong Golf Course.

Geelong West
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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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Corio

You'll enjoy the restaurants and seaside views in Corio. You might want to make time for a stop at Corio Native Grasslands Reserve or Limeburners Lagoon Flora and Fauna Reserve.

Corio
Admiralty Inn
Admiralty Inn
3 out of 5
66 Mckillop Street, Geelong, VIC
The price is ¥12,929 per night from Jul 13 to Jul 14
¥12,929
¥14,222 total
Jul 13 - Jul 14
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star motel in Geelong. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
"Price was very cheap which worried me but the quality was very high. Clean rooms, good wifi, good bed and home cooked eggs and bacon breakfast was perfect. Thank you. We will stay here again."

Reviewed on Jun 22, 2025

Admiralty Inn
Rydges Geelong
Rydges Geelong
4 out of 5
Cnr Gheringhap & Myers St, Geelong, VIC
The price is ¥14,998 per night from Jul 13 to Jul 14
¥14,998
¥16,498 total
Jul 13 - Jul 14
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)
"Reasonable price - close to everything we needed"

Reviewed on Jul 6, 2025

Rydges Geelong
Holiday Inn & Suites Geelong by IHG
Holiday Inn & Suites Geelong by IHG
4 out of 5
40 Ryrie Street, Geelong, VIC
The price is ¥13,125 per night from Jul 16 to Jul 17
¥13,125
¥14,438 total
Jul 16 - Jul 17
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Geelong. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (277 reviews)
"Awesome stay! Thank you."

Reviewed on Jul 10, 2025

Holiday Inn & Suites Geelong by IHG
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.
Oaks Vue Suites Geelong
Oaks Vue Suites Geelong
4.5 out of 5
6 Bellerine St, Geelong, VIC
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Geelong. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,437 reviews)
"Overall good"

Reviewed on Jul 8, 2025

Oaks Vue Suites Geelong
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! (2,012 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
NRMA Port Campbell Holiday Park
NRMA Port Campbell Holiday Park
3.5 out of 5
30 Morris Street, Port Campbell, VIC
Stay at this 3.5-star beach campground in Port Campbell. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions The Twelve Apostles and Port Campbell ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (472 reviews)
"Pleasant. Easy to find. Good parking."

Reviewed on Jun 8, 2025

NRMA Port Campbell Holiday Park
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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