Parks near the Great Ocean Road

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Parks near the Great Ocean Road

Driving along the Great Ocean Road is one of Victoria’s most iconic experiences. Built by soldiers recently returned from World War 1, it is the world’s longest war memorial. When you stop the car to take in the sights, don’t miss the opportunity to explore a little further. There’s lots of great spots near the Great Ocean Road where you can get into nature.

Parks near the 12 Apostles

The world-famous 12 Apostles is one of the most iconic sights along the Great Ocean Road. Did you know that there are plenty more, lesser-known spots to explore not too far away? Head a little further along the rugged coastline to Port Campbell National Park’s Loch Ard Gorge, London Bridge or The Grotto.

Bay of Islands Coastal Park is another great spot to take in incredible views and stunning rock stacks without the crowds.

For a totally different experience, head inland to Great Otway National Park. Take a walk through the dense rainforest at Melba Gully. Visit a night to see the glow worms that call this area home.

A couple walk along the beach at Gibson Steps.

Port Campbell National Park

The wild Southern Ocean has carved the Port Campbell National Park coastline into formations that are famous the world over - and earned it the nickname of the Shipwreck Coast.

Three friends standing at the Erskine Falls lookout admiring the waterfall.

Great Otway National Park

The park features rugged coastlines, sandy beaches, rock platforms and windswept heathland. In the north, the park features tall forests, ferny gullies, magnificent waterfalls and tranquil lakes.

A couple walk along a beach at the Bay Islands

Bay of Islands Coastal Park

A land and seascape sculpted by the elements over millennia. Arches, islands and rock stacks are dotted along a wild coastline of beach coves and spectacular lookouts.

Twelve Apostles Marine National Park

The crumbling pillars that form the world-famous Twelve Apostles continue deep into the ocean below providing habitat for many different species of marine life, protected by Twelve Apostles Marine National Park.

The Arches Marine Sanctuary

Off the coast of Port Campbell is The Arches Marine Sanctuary. Protecting an amazing series of underwater canyons, arches and tunnels, it is a popular place to scuba dive.

Parks near Anglesea, Aireys Inlet and Lorne

The beachside towns of Anglesea, Aireys Inlet and Lorne are framed by the stunning natural beauty of Great Otway National Park. Enjoy a picnic at one of the many picnic areas in the park – Moggs Creek, Distillery Creek Picnic Area, Blanket Leaf Picnic Area and Sheoak Picnic Area are all great spots.

Snorkelers and divers will love exploring the underwater world of Point Addis Marine National Park, while surfers flock to Bells Beach.

The high cliff tops of Eagle Rock Marine Sanctuary are perfect for viewing seabirds or a visit to Anglesea Heath in Spring will see you surrounded by wildflowers.

Great Otway National Park

The park features rugged coastlines, sandy beaches, rock platforms and windswept heathland. In the north, the park features tall forests, ferny gullies, magnificent waterfalls and tranquil lakes.

Point Addis Marine National Park

Point Addis Marine National Park features spectacular scenery with wide sandy beaches, crumbling limestone and sandstone cliffs, rocky platforms and copious small rocky reefs.

Eagle Rock Marine Sanctuary

Eagle Rock Marine Sanctuary is a small sea-haven below the lighthouse at Aireys Inlet. Here, two prominent rock formations rise up out of the ocean, the largest of which is Eagle Rock.

Anglesea Heath

Anglesea Heath is the richest and most diverse vegetation community in Victoria. Amazingly, about a quarter of Victoria's plant species can be found here including over 80 different types of orchids.

Parks near Apollo Bay

Close to Apollo Bay you’ll find the spectacular waterfalls of Great Otway National Park. There’s also plenty of great spots to pitch your tent. Be close to the beach at Blanket Bay or Johanna Beach, secure a riverside spot at Aire River or camp on the forested hill of Parker Hill.

History buffs won’t want to miss a visit to the Cape Otway Lightstation. For birdwatching, Marengo Reefs Marine Sanctuary is a great spot.

Great Otway National Park

The park features rugged coastlines, sandy beaches, rock platforms and windswept heathland. In the north, the park features tall forests, ferny gullies, magnificent waterfalls and tranquil lakes.

Marengo Reefs Marine Sanctuary

Marengo Reefs Marine Sanctuary is Victoria’s smallest marine sanctuary. Near Apollo Bay on the Great Ocean Road, this sanctuary is an excellent site for snorkelling and scuba diving.

Parks near Warnambool and Port Fairy

Visitors to Warnambool and Port Fairy shouldn’t miss Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve. Sitting in a large volcanic crater, the park is home to some of Australia’s best loved wildlife. Join a tour and discover how Tower Hill was transformed into the park you see today.

If you’ve got your dog with you, then Belfast Coastal Park is the perfect spot for a walk. This is spot is also popular with birdwatchers and ocean anglers.

Grass covered dunes in front of a sweeping bay beach

Belfast Coastal Reserve

Popular all year round with dog walkers, birdwatchers and ocean anglers who enjoy the 20km stretch of sandy beaches, grassy dunes and thriving wetlands right on the doorstep of Warrnambool and Port Fairy.

Two men discuss the formation of the crater at Tower Hill.

Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve

Explore this massive volcanic feature by taking one of the five self-guided walks. Each has a different theme. Enjoy a picnic, spot some local wildlife and learn about the Aboriginal heritage of the area at the Worn Gundidj Visitor Centre.

Merri Marine Sanctuary

Sea life prospers in the cold, crystal-clear waters off Victoria’s west coast near Warrnambool. At the mouth of the Merri River, precious habitat for many marine species are protected in Merri Marine Sanctuary.

Parks near Portland

Visitors to Portland will find plenty of spots to get into nature. Discover the rich cultural heritage and natural wonders of Budj Bim National Park. The park is home to a tranquil crater lake, lava canals and caves in a lush bushland setting. At Discovery Bay Coastal Park you’ll find a range of coastal environments with spectacular scenic views.

Those up for a challenge will love Lower Glenelg National Park. Grab your canoe and tackle the Glenelg River Trail or grab your hike pack and take on the Great South West Walk.

Budj Bim National Park

Budj Bim is a long dormant volcano. Budj Bim is the source of the Tyrendarra lava flow which extends over 50km to the southwest. It is central to the history of the Gunditjmara people.

Discovery Bay Coastal Park

This remote coastal park protects 55km of ocean beach. Inland, the park encompasses high coastal cliffs, huge rolling sand dunes and freshwater lakes and swamps. Coastal vegetation and wildlife thrive.

Two campers relax at their campsite after a long paddle.

Lower Glenelg National Park

The Glenelg River is the central feature of the Lower Glenelg National Park. Along the last part of its winding 400 kilometre path to the sea the river has carved a spectacular gorge up to 50 metres deep through limestone. River erosion and the action of rainwater have created a remarkable cave.

Cobboboonee National Park

Cobboboonee National Park and the adjoining forest park showcase lowland forest and heathland on the doorstep of Portland and Heywood in far southwest Victoria.

Crawford River Regional Park

Crawford River Regional Park offers fine views of riverside and valley vegetation. Enjoy a pleasant bushwalk, try your luck fishing for Redfin and Rainbow Trout, camp at Hiscocks Crossing or picnic along the Boulevard.

Mount Richmond National Park

With spectacular spring wildflowers and abundant wildlife in unspoilt bushland, Mt Richmond is the perfect place to have a picnic, take a walk or simply drive to the summit and enjoy the magnificent views.