Features
Sea change
It's time to get out and about: set your sights to the south and find freedom with a coastal Victorian escape.
Port Fairy, Great Ocean Road
Take a windswept wander along expansive beaches, through pristine rainforest canopy and follow paths atop rugged sea cliffs. Keep an eye out for Southern Right whales and dolphins making their way along the coast. Swim, surf, fish or stroll on the pier, and follow historic village trails.
Beachside accommodation is part of the fun. Wake to misty winter mornings or the pale golden light in your cosy accommodation by the sea. Set the fireplace going, late in the afternoon, and put your feet up, or draw a warm bath and take a soak, with amazing ocean views.
Cook up a meal with local produce and open the day's wine finds – or pop out to the local eatery. Some of the smallest villages host big names in hospitality. Expect local ingredients, fresh seafood and warm welcomes. Stay close and go further on your coastal winter escape.
Beachside accommodation is part of the fun. Wake to misty winter mornings or the pale golden light in your cosy accommodation by the sea. Set the fireplace going, late in the afternoon, and put your feet up, or draw a warm bath and take a soak, with amazing ocean views.
Cook up a meal with local produce and open the day's wine finds – or pop out to the local eatery. Some of the smallest villages host big names in hospitality. Expect local ingredients, fresh seafood and warm welcomes. Stay close and go further on your coastal winter escape.
Port Fairy
Meander the Shipwreck Coast to historic 19th-century fishing village Port Fairy, where wild nature is at its best.
In winter look out for Southern Right whales breaching right off the coast and at nearby Logans Beach in Warrnambool. Spot seals, birds, koalas, emus and plenty more wildlife on a visit to Tower Hill Reserve, a tour to Lady Julia Percy Island or on an exhilarating beach walk all the way to Warrnambool's Thunder Point. Make it a relaxed afternoon following an art trail or historic walking tour around the village. At night, draw up for a cosy meal – sample the season menu at Merrijig Kitchen – and bed down in boutique accommodation for an easy breezy escape.Top tips
- 283 kilometres (3.5 hours) out of Melbourne (inland route)
- Bring your binoculars for whale-watching
Drift House
Bed & breakfasts
Opened in December 2013, Drift House is one of the latest additions to the Australian boutique hotel landscape. Located right in the heart of the beautiful...
Merrijig Kitchen
Restaurants
Book for a memorable experience with outstanding local wines and a daily-changing menu of seasonal produce that's locally sourced and French inspired.
Mahogany Walking Track
Walking & hiking
Walk from Warrnambool to Port Fairy past the last known resting place of the elusive Mahogany Ship and spot echidnas, bird life and whales on the way.
Port Fairy Glamping
Caravan & holiday parks
Glamping is camping in luxury and Port Fairy Glamping is committed to providing you with a truly special experience, adding style and luxury your holiday...
Tides Port Fairy
Apartments
Architecturally designed to take advantage of the ocean views, Tides Port Fairy caters for couples or families and provides the perfect location for a...
Oscars Waterfront Boutique Hotel
Bed & breakfasts
Oscars Waterfront Boutique Hotel features seven individually decorated, luxuriously appointed, king-size bedrooms all with generous ensuite, television...
Time and Tide Tearoom
Cafes
A few minutes drive out of the historic seaside town of Port Fairy you will find Time and Tide Tearoom perched in a cracking spot overlooking the Southern...
Basalt Wines
Wineries
Basalt Vineyard is located along the Great Ocean Road, only minutes from Port Fairy and Warrnambool. Basalt is the only local cellar door open daily, offering...
Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve
National parks & reserves
Meet koalas, emus, kangaroos and many species of waterbirds roaming freely in Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve, which sits inside an extinct volcano.
Port Fairy Art Map
Art galleries
The Port Fairy Art Map is a collection of galleries and studios open to the public in an easy walking distance in Port Fairy. Spend some time strolling...
Boat Tour to Lady Julia Percy Island
Tours
Southern Coast Charters operates tours out of Port Fairy from the WHARF to Lady Julia Percy Island, when there are sufficient numbers of people interested...
San Remo
Make a quick getaway from Melbourne to the seaside village of San Remo, gateway to Phillip Island.
Take time out on the island's pristine beaches: head south for Southern Ocean surf and north for gentle Port Phillip bay waters. Walk along the pretty sands and dig sand castles with the kids. Look out for a pelican or two. Explore dramatic blowholes and rock formations, and take your board for a surf – the waves are outstanding here. There's angling to be done, cycling trails to free-wheel and tasty seafood to be savoured. At night the famed parade of adorable waddling penguins is guaranteed to steal your heart.Top tips
- 125 kilometres (1.5 hours) out of Melbourne
- Bring your surfboard to catch some waves
San Remo to Cowes Cycling Track
Cycling
Starting at the bridge onto Phillip Island and ending at Cowes jetty, this flat ride is great for families and passes many island attractions.
Silverwater Resort
Resorts
The stunning Silverwater Resort is the region's newest family-friendly, four and a half star lifestyle resort - unlike anything else seen in Victoria...
George Bass Coastal Walk
Walking & hiking
Walk in historic footsteps along the cliffs from San Remo towards Kilcunda, taking detours to deserted beaches accessible only by foot or boat.
Cape Woolamai
Beaches & coastlines
Catch a wave against the backdrop of ancient pink granite at Cape Woolamai, one of Victoria's most popular surfing beaches and bird-spotting mecca.
San Remo Fisherman's Co-op
Restaurants
Established in 1948, San Remo Fisherman's Co-op sources the freshest seafood from their own boats, with sustainably harvested species including lobster,...
The Cape Kitchen
Restaurants
Cape Kitchen dishes up carefully prepared regional produce, famous Victorian wines and unique dining experiences alongside breathtaking ocean views.
The Nobbies
Beaches & coastlines
Take in a myriad of stunning sights and curious creatures at The Nobbies, a magnificent headland on the south-western tip of Phillip Island.
Pannys Phillip Island Chocolate Factory
Local produce
Develop a delicious addiction, with chocolates to taste, try and buy, at this wondrous factory, cafe and art gallery celebrating all things chocolate.
Bush to Bay Trail
Walking & hiking
Trek along the mangroves from the Koala Conservation Centre to Rhyll and spot rare migratory wading birds and other wildlife.
Sorrento
Follow the curving Mornington Peninsula to Sorrento, where creature comforts fit snugly with waterside adventures.
Dine along the waterfront, sleep in historic hotels, tee off on the golf course and browse designer boutiques. The pier is your launching pad for afternoon fishing or a whale-watching tour out on the water. Hop on the ferry over to historic Queenscliff to explore the Bellarine Peninsula. This picturesque stretch of coast between Sorrento and neighbouring Portsea has inspired numerous artists – discover which sights have been captured on canvas on a stunning bay beach walk, then relax with a soak at the renowned hot springs a short distance from the village.Top tips
- 108 kilometres (1.5 hours) out of Melbourne
- Bring your fishing rod for pier-side angling
Hotel Sorrento
Hotels
Standing proudly on the Sorrento clifftops overlooking the sparkling waters of Port Philip Bay, Hotel Sorrento combines modern luxury with old-world charm...
Beach House Rentals
Booking services
Beach House Rentals are owner managed to ensure that the holiday rental properties are not only well managed but looked after in the best possible way...
Mornington Peninsula National Park
National parks & reserves
This narrow strip of coast and bushland offers a wonderful blend of natural scenery and fascinating historic features.The park is popular for swimming,...
Sorrento-Portsea Artists Trail
Art, theatre & culture
Take a scenic walk along the coast taking in Sorrento Pier, Point King and St Pauls' Beach and discover the real-life scenes that made it to canvas.
Offer
Searoad Ferries Sorrento
Ferry
Searoad Ferries, Australia's favourite car and passenger ferry service, crosses the southern tip of Melbourne's Port Phillip Bay and connects the Great...
Shelley Beach
Beaches & coastlines
Shelley Beach, between Sorrento and Portsea, is a much loved sandy beach with private jetties, colourful boat sheds and bathing boxes nestled among the...
Stringers Store
Cafes
Established in 1896, a classic part of the Sorrento’s heritage, Stringers Store is the go-to grocery store for visitors and locals alike. The beautiful...
The Vanilla Slice Cafe Sorrento
Cafes
Nestled in main street Sorrento with a limestone façade and old-fashioned charm, the Vanilla Slice Café looks like it’s straight out of the Edwardian era...
Diamond Bay
Beaches & coastlines
Diamond Bay is an ocean beach surrounded by impressive sandstone cliffs. The site is a popular location for surf fishing as it has extensive rock platforms...
Peninsula Hot Springs
Spa & wellbeing
Pamper yourself at Victoria's first natural thermal mineral springs and day spa, located just over an hour from Melbourne on the Mornington Peninsula.
Inverloch
Shake off the working week with a visit to wee Inverloch, Gippsland's perfect hub for a nature escape.
Step out for a dose of salty Southern Ocean air on beaches and boardwalks, through marshlands and atop coastal cliffs, or pedal along magnificent rail trails. You're bound to spot plenty of birds and wildlife while you're out exploring. Water lovers can swim, surf or wakeboard, and pretty Anderson Inlet provides sheltered family fun beside turquoise waters. It's easy to add a side trip to world-famous Wilsons Promontory 75 minutes away, or simply stay put and savour the magnificent Bass Strait views from luxe coastal accommodation.Top tips
- 149 kilometres (2 hours) out of Melbourne
- Bring your wetsuit for a dip or surf
Anderson Inlet
Beaches & coastlines
Visit Anderson Inlet, a protected bay where the Tarwin River enters Bass Strait. Swim with the kids, cast a line or take a short walk to surf beaches.
Bass Coast Rail Trail
Cycling
Take a leisurely ride along this picturesque path, the only coastal rail trail in Victoria that travels through farmland to the Bass Strait coast.
BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Inverloch
Caravan & holiday parks
BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Inverloch is superbly situated on Anderson Inlet, close to the nearby attractions of Phillip Island and Wilson’s Promontory and an...
Dirty Three Wines
Wineries
Dirty Three Wines are named after the three ‘dirts’ (vineyards) that their vines are grown in, and accordingly, the three distinct flavours of Pinot Noir...
RACV Inverloch Resort
Resorts
A leisurely two hour drive from Melbourne, RACV Inverloch Resort is set on a 32 hectare site opposite the beach and boasts magnificent sweeping views of...
Lorne
Nestled along the dramatic Great Ocean Road, Lorne combines the best of seaside relaxing, rainforest explorations and gourmet grazing.
Head down to the white-sand beach for a quick dip or stroll along the pier to meet the locals. Hike easy or more challenging trails through the Otway National Park, exploring lush fern undergrowth and ancient forest canopy, waterfalls and coastal lookout points. The bustling village has a bunch of enticing options for wining and dining next to the sea: enjoy Med-style tapas with a view at MoVida. Just down the road, Wye River is worth a coffee stop or a holiday house stay with a dreamy ocean outlook.Top tips
- 142 kilometres (2 hours) out of Melbourne
- Bring hiking boots for a rainforest jaunt
Lorne Beach Accom
Apartments
The beautiful relaxed energy of Lorne Beach Accom apartments will have you breathing easy, and letting go. Feel at home with your friends and family. Enjoy...
L'Vista Lorne
Holiday houses
L’Vista Lorne is the ideal holiday house for a group or large family, comfortably accommodating up to eight guests. Set on an elevated site with views...
MoVida Lorne
Restaurants
Set up in the Lorne Hotel, this iteration of MoVida is a celebration of the sea and surrounding landscape, complete with sweeping ocean views.
Seadream Lorne
Apartments
Relax at Seadream Lorne and enjoy the breathtaking and stunning panoramic views from Louttit Bay to the Airey's Lighthouse.Enjoy your own private 120 square...
Lorne Hotel
Restaurants
Situated in the main street of Lorne directly opposite the beach, the Lorne Hotel offers the perfect relaxed dining experience in the Ocean View Bistro,...
Sea Ranch
Holiday houses
Setting a new benchmark for luxury and architecture in Wye River. Sea Ranch is a uniquely designed four bedroom home offering breathtaking views of the...
Wye General Store
Cafes
Sitting proudly on the Great Ocean Road with mountain and ocean views, this beach cafe and general store offers an all day brunch menu and impressive selection...
Great Otway National Park
National parks & reserves
The Great Otway National Park stretches from Torquay through to Princetown and up through the Otways hinterland towards Colac. The park features rugged...
Erskine River Track
Walking & hiking
Confident walkers will love the challenge of this river track, with its hike by natural amphitheatres and rapids, and frequent river crossings.
Road trips
Gippsland Coastal Discovery Touring Route
Road trips & itineraries
Experience the wilderness of Australia's southern coastline from Gippsland and Phillip Island.
Bays & Surf Coast Touring Route
Road trips & itineraries
Visit Phillip Island, Mornington Peninsula, Geelong, the Bellarine and Surf Coast.
Penguins to Prom
Road trips & itineraries
Journey between two of Victoria's most loved tourist attractions - the Penguin Parade on Phillip Island and Wilsons Promontory National Park.
Gippsland Wilderness Escape
Road trips & itineraries
Escape to Gippsland's spectacular wilderness on this five-day road trip taking in Croajingolong National Park, the Gippsland Lakes and Wilsons Promontory.
Around the Bay Touring Route
Road trips & itineraries
Take in everything from historic villages and beautiful beaches to stunning coastal scenery and local wildlife on a drive around Port Phillip Bay.
You may also like...
Nature and wildlife
Things to do
Get outside and discover abundant nature and wildlife in Victoria's desert landscapes, rugged coastlines, lush alpine outlooks and inland waterways.
Local produce
Food & wine
Taste the best of Victoria's regions at farm gate stalls, markets and food festivals celebrating fresh, seasonal and local produce.
Outdoor activities
Things to do
Get the adrenaline pumping by going white-water rafting, stroll through forests, play golf, or set up camp for a longer stay in Victoria's outdoors.
Best regional restaurants
Food & wine
Some of Victoria's best dining is out of town. Hit the road and treat yourself to the top spots on Victoria's exceptional regional culinary landscape.