In southeast Australia, you’ll find the state of Victoria. Its diverse landscape is home to national parks, mountains, wineries, beaches, and more. The state capital, Melbourne, features laneways dating back to the 19th century and a vibrant arts precinct. West of the city, the Great Ocean Road follows the coastline to Port Campbell National Park. A highlight along the coast is the Twelve Apostles, a pair of limestone stacks at the edge of the sea.
Loch Are Gorge
Located off the Great Ocean Road, Loch Are Gorge is a dramatic highlight of the area. Famous for its shipwreck, the site is a historic landmark. The ship, which sank in 1878, left two survivors, a teenage boy and a teenage girl. They spent the night in a sea cave, but eventually found help from local settlers. The dramatic gorge has stairs leading to the beach, which is tucked beneath towering bluffs.
The gorge walls surround the shoreline, and the waves break heavily along the beach. The cliffs are steep and imposing, but they also offer a shelter for the weary travelers. The back wall of the gorge is home to a cave where Tom and Eva took refuge after reaching shore.
Visitors can also explore the surrounding landscape, which includes miles of bushland and jagged clifftops. The area has a number of walking paths, and a day trekking tour is the perfect way to complete a trip to Loch Ard Gorge.
The history of Loch Ard Gorge is fascinating and interesting. During the colonial era, the cliffs were carved by the waves crashing on the shore and offshore stacks. While most landmarks along the Great Ocean Road collapsed due to weather conditions and water damage, this area survived. In fact, two of the rock pillars are named after survivors of a shipwreck.
The Twelve Apostles
The Twelve Apostles are an iconic sight that is often visited by tourists along the Great Ocean Road. They are a popular tourist attraction that can get crowded as the day goes on, especially at sunset. A helicopter tour is a great way to get a great view of the Twelve Apostles. You can book this tour year-round at the Twelve Apostles Visitor Centre.
The Twelve Apostles are a series of limestone sea columns that were formed over millions of years. Originally, there were nine stacks, but one of them collapsed during a storm in 2005. Visitors can spend hours observing the columns. It is a great place to explore natural beauty and learn about the history of the area.
The Twelve Apostles are an international destination and a major tourist attraction in Victoria. They are located on the far west coast of the city, inside Port Campbell National Park. It is 275km west of Melbourne and about four hours from the city. It is one of the longer day trips from Melbourne, but it is also one of the prettiest drives you’ll ever take.
The Twelve Apostles are a group of limestone stacks that rise from the Southern Ocean. These rock formations were formed millions of years ago by erosion of the mainland coast’s limestone cliffs. The softer limestone was eroded away, creating the rock stacks you see today. The limestone stacks are over 45 meters high, and are a fantastic place to take a day or two.
Cook Street Village
Cook Street Village is an area that is packed with restaurants, cafes, pubs, boutique grocery stores, and more. If you are planning a visit to Victoria, you can’t miss this shopping district. It has something for every taste, from gourmet foods to locally-made crafts.
If you are looking for an authentic Victorian town experience, you must go to Cook Street Village. This area has a charming small town atmosphere and pedestrian-friendly streets. It captures both the history and the present-day life of Victoria. Visitors can lounge on cozy cafe patios, visit traditional pubs, or shop for gifts in boutique family-owned stores. You will also be able to enjoy a beer at one of the local wineries.
The market square has over 30 unique stores and boutiques. There is also a line-up of regular performances and events. It is one of Victoria’s hidden gems. A charming atmosphere and inventive restaurants create an inviting atmosphere. The open-air space is behind restored historical buildings.
The Cook Street Village is home to several local artists. One of them is Lyle Schultz, whose painting Prey 1 is prominently featured in the kitchen. Another local artist, Nicole Bosdet, has painted the stairs adjacent to her office nook. The barn still retains the original hay hook. The Bosdets are often found walking Molly through the village.
Fort Rodd Hill
Fort Rodd Hill is a 19th century coastal artillery fort in the town of Colwood, British Columbia. It is adjacent to the Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Site, the first lighthouse on the west coast of Canada. The fort is an impressive site for history buffs.
Fort Rodd Hill is a National Historic Site that represents the Victoria-Esquimalt Coastal Defense System, which once consisted of up to 20 fortifications. The site is largely intact and represents one of the best preserved examples of its kind in the world. It offers audio tours, a site orientation, and an exhibit.
If you’re looking for a short hike, you can choose one of the numerous short trails in the area. Many of them are just a half-day’s worth of walking, but they provide breathtaking views of Victoria’s surroundings. Another great option is the Coastal Trail, which offers great views of the sea. You can also take the Mount Work hiking trail for a vigorous workout and a view of the surrounding area.
Fort Rodd Hill is an important site that was built in the late 1800s. It was originally designed to protect the Esquimalt Naval Base and the port of Victoria. The fort still has some of its original buildings, including secret bunkers, guardhouses, and barracks.
The Grampians
If you love the outdoors and want to explore Australia’s most stunning scenery, the Grampians National Park is for you. This nature reserve is home to sandstone mountains, wildflowers, and an abundance of wildlife including echidnas and wallabies. There’s also an Aboriginal cultural centre where you can learn about the area’s history. You can also hike through trails and visit the MacKenzie Falls and Balconies Lookout for a panoramic view of the Victoria Range.
The Grampians is also home to numerous Aboriginal rock art sites. Five of them are open to the public. The ancient Aboriginals used these sites to tell stories and pass down local laws. The region has numerous stunning vistas, including the picturesque Mount Wudjub-Guyan, and it is worth spending time here.
When you visit the Grampians, be sure to pack your camera and take a hike around the park. There are plenty of places for picnicking and you can play golf in the area. The area is also full of great cafes and art galleries. The national park is massive and can be explored for days. A visit here is the perfect place to take the family, whether for a day or for a few.
One of the most popular activities in the area is a walk up the cliffs. The Pinnacle Walk is one of the most famous hikes in the area, and the view from it is incredible. You can also hike to the Reed Lookout for an even better view of the Victoria Valley.
