 |
 |
 |
|
 |
 |
||
WILD AT HEART
Take
a fabulous, world famous coastal setting, add the lure of character-filled
fishing villages, a rich maritime history and the sophistication of the
colourful city of Geelong and you have the recipe for a series of excellent
locations for all sorts of functions.
The Great Ocean Road along Victoria’s dramatic South-West Coast will
always be one of the world’s best driving experiences and those fortunate
enough to stay awhile along the way are also able to discover something
of the history of the wild “Shipwreck Coast”, as well as sampling
the kind of hospitality the area has to offer.
From Melbourne the journey begins with the city environs of Geelong and
the Bellarine Peninsula which has lovely beaches, surfing, diving and
fishing. Great golf is a feature here and in other areas including Torquay,
Warrnambool, Barwon Heads and Port Fairy. Geelong is Victoria’s second
largest city and a place to indulge in freshly caught seafood at a waterside
restaurant beside the bay while, across the Peninsula, Queenscliff is
a seaside town of preserved 19th century buildings, “grand”
hotels, fishermen’s cottages and a distinctive black lighthouse.
>> Conference
& meeting venues South-West Coast, Vic
From Geelong it takes about an hour to drive to Lorne in the lee of the
Angahook Lorne State Forest, where the waterfalls, rivers and canyons
vie for attention as an alternative to water-based activities and the
cafe culture. Between Lorne and Apollo Bay is little Kennett River, home
of a koala sanctuary and a great place to swim and surf.
Apollo
Bay is a lovely seaside experience with fresh fish available from the
fishermen’s co-op, its own local seal colony and a tempting selection
of cafes and restaurants. This is a base for experiencing the rainforest
of the Otway State Forest and National Park and is also a starting point
of the Great Ocean Walk.
One of the most photographed parts of the road is at Port Campbell where
wild seas and winds have etched the rock stacks into the famous shapes
known as the Twelve Apostles. Wherever your chosen venue, you can be assured
of a wide range of activities and discoveries in these dynamic environs.
