Some of the best natural attractions near the Great Ocean Road are well known, but there are many other hidden gems which are just as worthy of a visit. We have pulled together a list of the top twelve natural wonders for nature lovers who are visiting the Great Ocean Road and staying near the 12 Apostles in Victoria. The Great Ocean Road is a stretch of road winding along the South coast of Victoria from Torquay to Allansford. The Great Ocean Road is 243kms long from start to finish however the Great Ocean Road region is even bigger again, extending further West past Warrnambool and encompassing many inland towns just off the Great Ocean Road. We recommend splitting your stay into a multi-day road trip to fully immerse yourself and explore the natural wonders throughout the region. Here are the top 12 natural attractions if you are staying at the Western end of the Great Ocean Road, near the 12 Apostles.
1. Mt Leura and Mt Sugarloaf Lookouts, Camperdown
The South Western region of Victoria is scattered with remnants of ancient volcanic activity. Drive to the summit of Mt Leura for captivating views from the top and explore the easy short walks of between 2 and 20 minutes to learn about the history and the different aspects of the geology and volcanology within the two reserves. For those more adventurous who enjoy a walk and don’t mind a challenge, make your way down into the Panarama circuit and then along the Mt Sugarloaf Summit for more views and different aspects of the reserves and the region. If you enjoy a challenge, start your walk on the Lower Shelter Trail from the car park at the bottom of Mt Leura and walk to each of the summit lookouts.
The summit lookout at Mt Leura is a 14-minute drive from Heytesbury House. Find more information about Mt Leura here.
2. Lookout at Camperdown Botanic Gardens overlooking Lake Gnotuk and Lake Bullen Merri
A small but well cared for botanical gardens perched at the top of a hill above the township of Camperdown. Drive through the caravan park entry past the Botanical Gardens and you will discover gorgeous views over Lake Bullen Merri to your left and Lake Gnotuk to your right. Lake Gnotuk is the smaller of the two lakes however basalt in the walls of the tuff ring in Lake Gnotuk is believed to be part of the same lava flow as that at Bullen Merri. The two lakes are linked by an overflow channel in the common wall. An easy 14 minute drive from Heytesbury House. While you’re there, enjoy a stroll through the Camperdown Botanical Gardens.
3. Mount Elephant, Derrinallum
Mount Elephant makes quite the statement, rising 240 metres above the surrounding plain and visible for approximately 60km. It is one of the highest volcanoes in Victoria.
Visible from the road, there are also several walking paths which allow you to explore Mount Elephant and take in the magnificent 360 degree views of the surrounding region.
A steep sided scoria cone, Mount Elephant was formed about 20,000 years ago as one of over 350 volcano eruption points in the Newer Volcanic Province of Victoria which extends across South Western Victoria from Melbourne and Seymour into South Australia at Mount Gambier. Mount Elephant is listed on the Register of the National Estate and considered of national scientific importance. A regional landmark of geological, historical, cultural and landscape value, Mount Elephant was purchased by the Lismore and Derrinallum communities in partnership with the Trust for Nature in December 2000.
A steep initial climb and a deep crater require a moderate fitness level as well as appropriate clothing and footwear such as runners/joggers or hiking boots for those who choose to walk to the crater.
The spectacular Mount Elephant is just 40 minutes from Heytesbury House. Mt Elephant is run by volunteers and is open once a month on a Sunday for visitors to explore on foot. Find out more about visiting Mount Elephant here.
4. Loch Ard Gorge
This coastal area of this section of the Great Ocean Road is known as the Shipwreck Coast. Loch Ard Gorge is named after a famous shipwreck and the story goes that the Loch Ard ship ran aground crashing into Mutton Bird Island in 1878. The only two survivors out of the 52 passengers were teenagers Tom Pearce and Eva Carmichael who managed to drag themselves to the safety of the beach inside Loch Ard Gorge. There are several walks and lookouts and plenty of spots to capture some great scenery to remember your visit. It is a scenic 40-minute drive from Heytesbury House to Loch Ard Gorge. Find out more about Loch Ard Gorge access and walks here.
5. The 12 Apostles
The iconic 12 Apostles are a global sensation and the number one attraction in the region. If you haven’t been to the 12 Apostles then we recommend ticking this one off your bucket list. A purpose built viewing platform allows you to take in the great views. To capture the best photos, make your way to the 12 Apostles for sunrise or sunset. Read more about the 12 Apostles here. A 40-minute drive from Cobden.
6. Gibson Steps
Gibson Steps is just down the road from the 12 Apostles. Make your way down to the beach at Gibson Steps, take in the magical surroundings and soak up the sound of the crashing waves as you look out over Gog and Magog, which are names given to the two limestone stacks you will see from this viewpoint. An impressive view, you will often find photographers here trying to capture the perfect golden hour shot. 40 minutes from Heytesbury House. Find out more about access and safety conditions here.
7. London Bridge
London Bridge has multiple viewing points to take in the different aspects of the views. Prior to 1990, London Bridge connected to the mainland before one of the arches collapsed, leaving it as its own little island. The lovely outlook and huge waves crashing up the sides of London Bridge make this one worth a look. 40 minutes from Heytesbury House. Find out more here.
8. The Grotto
A short climb down the steps into the sink hole and you will find yourself with a unique viewpoint and another special photo opportunity looking through a limestone arch and out to sea. Located just minutes down the road from London Bridge. Click here to find your way to the Grotto
9. Bay Of Islands Coastal Park
Bay of Islands Coastal Park includes a collection of rock stacks and sheltered bays and walks near Peterborough which are as equally beautiful as the more well-known 12 Apostles, minus the crowds. There is a car park and lookout at the Bay of Islands. A 38 minute drive from Heytesbury House. Learn more here.
10. Bay of Martyrs
The Bay of Martyrs is a part of the Bay of Islands Coastal Park and has a car park and lookout with two easy walks accessible from here. A 40-minute drive from Heytesbury House and only minutes from the Bay of Islands, many of these stops can be accomplished in the one visit. More information can be found here.
11. Hopkins Falls
These 90 metre wide and 12 metre tall falls drop over dark basalt rocks. Take in the views from the viewing platforms overlooking the falls or wander down to the platform below. Visit the falls during winter or after heavy rainfall to see them at their most dramatic state. Hopkins Falls are a 35-minute drive from Heytesbury House. Find out more here.
12. Logan’s Beach Whale Viewing Platform
Each year Southern Right Whales migrate between May and October from the cooler waters of the Antarctic. The protected Lady Bay is perfect for the gentle giants to give birth and raise their claves. Almost every year between June and September, female Southern Right whales return to the waters of Warrnambool’s Logans Beach to calve. The whales often swim within a hundred metres of the shore. They can be viewed from a specially constructed platform in the sand dunes or from the beach. When not in whale season the platform is still a great place to take in the ocean views. The Logan’s Beach Whale Nursery and viewing platform is a 45 minutes’ drive from Heytesbury House. Find out more here.
Heytesbury House Bed and Breakfast is a multi award-winning boutique place to stay near the Great Ocean Road. A property with historical significance, Heytesbury House was once a doctor’s residence and later a local bush hospital c. 1904. The property has been lovingly restored and converted into luxury accommodation for up to ten guests, whilst all care has been taken to ensure the integrity of the early 1900s era and style. Heytesbury House is located in the small Victorian town of Cobden, only 30 minutes inland from the 12 Apostles and the Great Ocean Road. A comfortable 2.5 hour drive West along the Princes Highway (M1) from Melbourne CBD or 35 minutes from Colac, Cobden is centrally positioned between the Princes Highway and the coast. Cobden is a quiet unassuming town away from the hustle and bustle of the tourist traffic but still within easy reach of all of the iconic Great Ocean Road sights.
