great southern touring route consumer brochure
DESCRIPTION
Flyer outlining map of touring route, encompassing Great Ocean Road, Grampians and Goldfields region of Victoria, Australia.TRANSCRIPT
V I C T O R I A • A U S T R A L I A
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Great Southern Touring RouteGREAT OCEAN ROAD GRAMPIANS BALLARAT GOLDFIELDS
CONSUMER BROCHURE
> Great Ocean Walk
The best of Australia’s natural attractions, coastal scenery, history and herThis magical journey throughsome of the most exciting,enchanting and exquisitelydifferent landscapes in Australiais found in the south-west ofVictoria, the nation’s smallestmainland state.
Marvellous Melbourne, the cosmopolitan
capital with its dramatic towers, art
galleries, restaurants and charming river, is
a natural starting and finishing point.
The romance of the Great Ocean Road,
with its rugged coastline, lush forests and
overpowering sense of freedom, is an
unforgettable experience. The road also
links the major regional cities of Geelong
and Warrnambool, both vibrant destinations
in their own right.
The soaring mountains of The Grampians
National Park have been the spiritual
heartland of the Aboriginal people for tens
of thousands of years. Their ancient rock
art is all part of the enriching experience of
a visit to the Grampians.
Ballarat and its Goldfields are a heady mix
of the romance and majesty of the 1850s
gold rush and a whole range of modern
treasures.
Native Australian wildlife abounds across
the region, including kangaroos, koalas,
platypus, native birds and Australian
wildflowers.
Top 10 Must do experiences
> Great Ocean Road 1. Majestic scenery: Drive the
exhilarating Great Ocean Road, taking in
highlights like the famous Bells Beach,
the seaside towns of Lorne and Apollo
Bay and the dramatic coastline of the
Shipwreck Coast, including the Twelve
Apostles, Port Campbell and Port Fairy.
The regions rich maritime history is re-
created at Flagstaff Hill in Warrnambool.
2. Surf culture: Torquay is the surfing
capital of Australia with its beaches, surf
museum and an all surfing shopping
centre. Also home to Bells Beach.
3. The Twelve Apostles: The icon of
the Great Ocean Road coast, the
majestic limestone stacks rising up out
of the ocean. They can be viewed from
a helicopter or from a boardwalk for
easy walking and great views.
4. Wildlife: Southern Right Whales
come to Warrnambool’s Logans Beach
each year between June and September
to give birth to the calves. Other wildlife
along the road includes koalas at
Kennett River, Cape Otway and Tower
Hill and the friendly mob of kangaroos
on the golf course at Anglesea.
> Grampians 5. MacKenzie Falls: The roar of falling
water, the magic of the rising mists are
just part of the charm of these falls, one
of four in the MacKenzie River Gorge.
6. Soaring peaks: The centrepiece of
Victoria’s Western District, the
Grampians are three mountain ranges
that rise majestically from the plains
with their lakes and valleys. Rock-
climbing, bushwalking and wildlife
spotting are just some of the adventure
activities available. The Grampians
region is also home to some of
Australia’s finest vineyards.
7. Rock art: The Grampians contain
some of the best examples of Aboriginal
rock art in Australia. Visit Brambuk - The
National Park and Heritage Centre to
learn the story of these ancient works.
> Ballarat Goldfields 8. Gold!: The Ballarat Goldfields capture
much of the spirit of colonial Victoria.
When gold was discovered in the region
in the mid 19th Century, it changed the
state forever. The riches quickly turned
Ballarat from a city of tents into a place
of ornate buildings including the
magnificent Fine Art Gallery.
9. Ballarat Wildlife Park: Enjoy close
contact with Australian native animals.
Feed the free-roaming kangaroos.
10. Sovereign Hill: Re-creates the
days of the goldfields, scene of one of
just two civil up-risings in the history of
Australia. Blood on the Southern Cross,
an explosive light and sound show, tells
the story of that battle.
> Surfing, Torquay > Helicopter flight, Twelve Apostles
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heritage - all in a flexible, compact, touring package.
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> Koala > Aboriginal Art > Daylesford
VICTORIAAUSTRALIA
Geelong & Great Ocean RoadBREATHTAKING LANDSCAPES & FASCINATING ATTRACTIONS
A museum telling the story of surfing in
Australia and an all-surfing shopping precinct
welcomes visitors year round.
The Great Ocean Road is many things:
Conde Nast travel magazine says it is one
of the top 20 journeys of a lifetime.
Frommer’s, the American travel bible, puts
it in the top 10 road trips on the planet.
The road is also the world’s biggest war
memorial, built by soldiers returned from
fighting in Europe and the Middle East in
the First World War in honour of their fallen
comrades. One of many ‘must dos’ along
the road is a stop over at Eastern View for
a photograph under the Great Ocean Road
Arch, or alongside the newly sculptured,
life-sized, bronzed monument ‘The Diggers’.
Clinging to the coastline, the road is at its
most spectacular between Lorne and
Apollo Bay.
There’s the chance to see koalas,
kangaroos and other Australian wildlife
at Kennett River.
Waterfalls also abound. Some, like Erskine
Falls, are a short walk from the road, others
like the famous Triplet Falls, take a little
longer to reach but well worth the effort.
Beyond Apollo Bay, the road goes inland
temporarily, running through the Great
Otway National Park. A short detour to the
Cape Otway Lightstation is another ‘must
do’’. Views of the rugged coastline from
the lightstation are magnificent.
There’s also the chance to take a few steps
on the Great Ocean Walk, the seven-day
trek from Apollo Bay to the Twelve Apostles.
The Otway Fly Treetop Walk is a great way
to see native fauna, including specimens of
the Mountain Ash, the tallest flowering
trees in Australia, at their finest.
Geelong, an easy hour’s drivealong the Princes Freeway fromMelbourne, is the eastern gatewayto the dramatic coastline of theGreat Ocean Road.
It is also Victoria’s second largest city. One
of the ‘must dos’ for any visitor to Geelong
is to take a boat ride on, or a flight over,
sparkling Corio Bay. The venue for major
sailing regattas, the bay is also a fine working
port. The Geelong Waterfront has excellent
restaurants and cafés with tables looking
out over the water and the impressive
display of colourful bollards telling the
history of the city. There are also museums
and a magnificent Botanic Gardens featuring
both local and international flora.
Another ‘must do’ is a trip to the pretty
seaside villages of the Bellarine Peninsula.
It is home to some of the region’s best
wineries and beaches.
No visit to the Great Ocean Road is complete
without a stop over in Torquay. Torquay is
Australia’s surfing capital as well as being the
official start of the road, The Rip Curl Pro,
the world’s longest running professional
surfing tournament, is held at Bells Beach
each Easter.
HIGHLIGHTS> Geelong Waterfront
> ‘The Diggers’ Statue at Eastern View
> Great Ocean Road
> Great Otway National Park
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Great Ocean Road - Twelve Apostles & BeyondONE OF THE WORLD’S GREAT COASTAL DRIVES
The Twelve Apostles, the gigantic limestone
rock stacks that rise majestically from the
Southern Ocean are a ‘must do’.
Boardwalks, viewing platforms and an
interpretive centre make it easy to see and
understand this truly awe-inspiring scenery.
For the best view a helicopter ride over the
coastline to see all the magnificent
limestone stacks is highly recommended.
The scores of ships that have been wrecked
in the treacherous coastal waters have given
this section of the Great Ocean Road the
well-earned name of the Shipwreck Coast.
More of nature’s beauty is revealed in the
Bay of Islands Coastal Park on the drive to
Warrnambool.
This picturesque city overlooks the deep
blue of the Southern Ocean and has a long,
maritime history. These remarkable times
are recaptured at the city’s major attraction,
Flagstaff Hill, a state heritage listed
precinct and the maritime interpretive
attraction of the Great Ocean Road.
Flagstaff Hill also features a spectacular
sound and laser light show ‘Shipwrecked’
recreating the tragic story of the Loch Ard
disaster more than 125 years ago.
The city is also famous for the female
Southern Right Whales that visit between
June - September each to give birth to
their calves.
Remnants of ancient volcanic activity can
be seen at nearby Tower Hill. The
expansive reserve brims with birdlife,
kangaroos, koalas and emus.
Just 20 minutes further along the road is
the intimate historic harbour village of Port
Fairy. One of Victoria’s earliest ports, Port
Fairy has dozens of beautiful buildings to
remind visitors of its colourful past.
The Great Ocean Road is one ofthe world’s great coastal drives.Hugging the seaside on thesouth-west coast of Victoria,it passes through some of themost dramatic scenery inAustralia, including the worldfamous Twelve Apostles.
The Great Ocean Road connects Cape
Otway to Port Fairy, with the city of
Warrnambool in between.
The Great Ocean Road briefly leaves the
coast as it heads through Lavers Hill.
One of the most impressive and beautiful
rainforest walks is easily accessed at nearby
Melba Gully, just off the Great Ocean Road.
At night the glow worms can be seen
sparkling in the deep forest. Guided tours
are available.
As the road returns to the coast at
Princetown, the majesty of the Port
Campbell National Park quickly begins to
unfold. A procession of huge natural features
loom large. Blowholes roar with spouting
water and the sea boils around the towering
rock stacks and cliff bases.
HIGHLIGHTS> Twelve Apostles
> Flagstaff Hill
> Tower Hill
> Port Fairy
Grampians National Park & SurroundsSPACE TO BREATHE
Other natural features in the region include
the Kanawinka Geopark. Highlights include
Mt Rouse, Mt Eccles and Nigretta Falls.
Visitors have little trouble finding great food
and wine to go with the brilliant scenery of
the Grampians. Vines were first planted in
the region in the 19th Century. Today they
produce sparkling wines, crisp whites and
classic reds. A ‘must do’ is a wander
through the kilometres of underground
cellars at Seppelts - Great Western. Wines
can be purchased at the cellar door.
The Grampians National Park has many
excellent walks, some easy, some demanding
like climbs to the top of Mt Sturgeon, the
Pinnacle, Mt Abrupt and Mt William – the
highest peak in the National Park.
Many of the walks are designed to take in
the views and also the Aboriginal rock art
sites found in the area. There are a number
of strategically placed lookout platforms on
the Mt Victory Road, the main road leading
to the most accessible viewing areas of
the National Park.
A walk at twilight, or even at night offers
the chance to see some of the nocturnal
native animals including owls, possums
and koalas.
More than 200 bird species live in the
Grampians and kangaroos abound
throughout.
There are a number of towns and villages
within the Grampians region offering
travellers excellent accommodation and
fine dining opportunities including Dunkeld,
Hamilton, Ararat, Stawell and Halls Gap which
is located in the heart of the National Park.
There are more than 400 millionyears of history in the Grampians,the verdant mountains risingfrom the vast landscapesof the Western District plains.They are the setting for thelargest collection of Aboriginalrock art in Australia.
The Aboriginal history of the region dates
back more than 10,000 years. Brambuk,
the National Park and Cultural Centre in the
Grampians National Park, is a ‘must do’ for
visitors keen to learn about local Aboriginal
culture and pick up the best information
and interpretation of the national park.
The Grampians offer many adventure
activities including rock-climbing, bushwalking,
or just enjoying the view from the many
lookouts perched on craggy mountain tops.
There are a number of waterfalls, the best-
known MacKenzie Falls, one of four in the
MacKenzie River Gorge. Spring, when it is
framed by wildflowers, is the best time to
visit Beehive Falls, an easy walk from
Roses Gap.
HIGHLIGHTS> Waterfalls and wildlife
> Wineries
> Aboriginal and pastoral heritage
> Grampians mountain ranges
Ballarat GoldfieldsCITIES AND TOWNS OF GOLD
experience for visitors, allowing them
to pan for gold or ride on a stagecoach.
There’s also a working bakery, blacksmith,
lolly shop and theatre with live shows.
Another ‘must do’ of the Eureka story is the
Eureka Centre that stands on the site of the
uprising and has a number of interactive and
static displays, including a complete list of
those involved in the rebellion.
Ballarat has many other attractions. These
include botanic gardens featuring fabulous
displays of begonias, Lake Wendouree,
wildlife parks and a 23-kilometre long
Avenue of Honour.
The regions around Ballarat contain many
fascinating villages and towns, some with
their own stories of the gold rush to tell,
others famous as Spa Retreats.
Daylesford and Hepburn Springs combine
under the title of Australia’s Spa Capital -
places to really stay in the lap of luxury.
The mineral waters rising up from beneath
the ground have been attracting visitors for
more than 150 years.
Visitors can bottle their own at a number
of places in the region. Accommodation,
restaurants and spa centres in both towns
are of the highest standard.
Wine is regarded as the new gold in the
Ballarat region. Some of Australia’s best
wineries can be found within a short drive
of the city. Most wineries have cellar door
sales, some also have restaurants.
Fresh produce which can be purchased
at the farm gate is another reason to strike
out into the countryside around Ballarat.
Ballarat is the gateway to theGoldfields region. The city’sclassic colonial architecturestretched out along broad,tree-lined streets reflects theriches taken from the groundafter gold was discovered inthe 19th Century.
The city is also regarded as the birthplace
of Australian democracy. Ballarat was the
setting for one of just two civil uprisings
in Australia’s modern history, the Eureka
Rebellion. This battle between troopers and
miners has left a stirring legacy in Ballarat.
Among a major collection of Australian art,
The Ballarat Fine Art Gallery also houses
the original Eureka flag under which the
miners fought and 22 of them died. Four
troopers were also killed in the brief battle.
Blood on the Southern Cross, a dramatic
and fiery sound and light show, retells the
story of the bloody uprising each night at
Sovereign Hill, one of the finest tourist
attractions in Australia.
Constantly upgraded as a finely detailed
recreation of a gold mining town,
Sovereign Hill provides an interactive
HIGHLIGHTS> Historic buildings & beautiful
streetscapes
> History of Australia’s political& social culture
> Food & Wine
> Spa Capital
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GS
DM
870
7_N
ov08
Touring> 6 days/5 nights Melbourne – Great Ocean Road – Grampians – Ballarat
Day 3Great Ocean Road to Grampians
> Depart: Warrnambool/Port Fairy
> Overnight: Halls Gap/Dunkeld
> Distance: Approx 160 kilometres.
> Route summary: Drive through the
fertile Western District farmland to
Dunkeld, southern gateway to the magic
and mystery of the Grampians National
Park. Discover the Aboriginal history of
the region at Brambuk – The National
Park and Cultural Centre in Halls Gap.
Take a short bushwalk to meet Australian
native animals.
> Highlights: Brambuk – the National Park
and Cultural Centre, MacKenzie Falls,
bushwalking, wildlife, Aboriginal rock art.
Day 4Grampians to Ballarat
> Depart: Halls Gap/Dunkeld
> Overnight: Ballarat
> Distance: 135 kilometres
> Route summary: Visit Ararat, the only
town in Australia founded by Chinese
settlers. Drive through some of
Australia’s finest wine-making country,
stopping to buy at cellar doors along the
way. Learn all about Ballarat and it’s
stories of the gold rush days.
> Highlights: Gum San Chinese Heritage
Centre, Ballarat Fine Art Gallery, The
Eureka Centre, Sovereign Hill and Blood
on the Southern Cross.
Day 5Ballarat to Spa Country
> Depart: Ballarat
> Overnight: Daylesford/Hepburn Springs
> Distance: Approx 50 kilometres
> Route summary: A real chance to
indulge in Australia’s famous spa country.
Drink the mineral waters bubbling up
from the earth, enjoy a massage and
other lavish beauty treatments then stay
in luxury replete with fine wining and
dining.
> Highlights: Salus Spa at Lake House,
Ballarat Fine Art Gallery, The Eureka
Centre, Sovereign Hill and Blood on the
Southern Cross.
Day 6Spa Country to Melbourne
> Depart: Daylesford/Hepburn Springs
> Overnight: Melbourne
> Distance: Approx 170 kilometres
> Route summary: Spend time taking in
the pleasures of both Daylesford and
Hepburn Springs before making the
journey back to Melbourne, then spend
the night enjoying the myriad delights of
marvellous Melbourne.
> Highlights: Salus Spa at Lake House,
minerals springs, restaurants, fresh
regional produce.
Day 1Melbourne to Great Ocean Road
> Depart: Melbourne
> Overnight: Torquay
> Distance: 98 kilometres
> Route summary: Leave Melbourne,
heading west over the West Gate Bridge
and the Yarra River towards the open
plains of Werribee. Have coffee or lunch
in Geelong on Corio Bay before heading
along the Surf Coast Highway, or via the
beautiful Bellarine Peninsula, to Torquay,
official start of the Great Ocean Road and
Australia’s surfing capital.
> Highlights: Werribee Zoo, Werribee
Park, Geelong Waterfront, Geelong
Botanic Gardens, National Wool
Museum, Narana Creations,
Pettavel Winery & Restaurant.
Day 2Great Ocean Road
> Depart: Torquay
> Overnight: Warrnambool/Port Fairy
> Distance: Approx 240 kilometres.
> Route summary: Drive the Great Ocean
Road past sandy beaches, rugged cliffs,
the mighty Twelve Apostles (best seen
from a helicopter), the Bay of Islands (try
seeing them at sunset) and on to
Warrnambool or the pretty fishing village
of Port Fairy.
> Highlights: Cape Otway Lightstation,
Otway Fly, Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard
Gorge, Port Campbell, Bay of Islands,
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village and
Shipwrecked sound and laser show,
Logans Beach, Tower Hill, Moyne River.
> For more information and itineraries: www.greatsoutherntouring.com.au/holiday or contact your travel agent