Explore Australia

Foreshore Reserve: popular for picnics and fishing from the jetty. Studio @ Flinders: small but unique art gallery with emphasis on ceramics, also exhibits handcrafted jewellery, glass, textiles, wood and paintings; Cook St. Historic buildings: 'Bimbi', built in the 1870s, is the earliest remaining dwelling in Flinders; King St. 'Wilga' is another fine Victorian-era home; King St. Flinders Golf Links: great views across Bass Strait; West Head, Wood St.

Red Hill This is fine wine country, where vineyards are interspersed with noted art galleries, farm gates, cafes and restaurants. The Red Hill Market is legendary and held on the first Sat of each month from Sept to May. It specialises in local crafts, clothing and fresh produce. The town also features a number of galleries and The Cherry Farm, where you can 'pick your own' cherries and berries in a pleasant setting (in season); Arkwells La. The Mornington Peninsula Winter Wine Fest is held annually on the Queen's Birthday weekend (June) and the Cool Climate Wine Show is in Mar.Mornington Peninsula National Park The park covers 2686 ha and features a diverse range of vegetation, from the basalt cliff-faces of Cape Schanck to banksia woodlands, coastal dune scrubs and swampland. One of the park's many attractions is the Cape Schanck Lighthouse, built in 1859, which provides accommodation in one of the lighthouse keepers' houses. Historic Pt Nepean retains its original fortifications and has information displays and soundscapes. Also available here is a 'hop-on, hop-off' tractor train with commentary, and bicycle hire. There are ocean beaches for swimming and surfing, while the Bushranger Bay Nature Walk, starting at Cape Schanck, and the Farnsworth Track at Portsea are just 2 of the many walks on offer. Contact Parks Victoria on 13 1963; access to Cape Schanck from Rosebud–Flinders Rd; 15 km W.French Island National Park French Island once served as a prison where inmates kept themselves entertained with their own 9-hole golf course. This unique reserve features a range of environments from mangrove saltmarsh to open woodlands. During spring more than 100 varieties of orchids come into bloom. The park is home to the most significant population of koalas in Victoria. Long-nosed potoroos and majestic sea-eagles can also be spotted. There is a variety of walking tracks on the island and bicycles can be hired from the general store. There are also guesthouses, and camping and picnic facilities. Contact Parks Victoria on 13 1963; access is via a 30 min ferry trip from Stony Pt, 30 km NE of Flinders.Ashcombe Maze and Lavender Gardens: a large hedge maze surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens; closed Aug; Red Hill Rd, Shoreham; 6 km N. Ace Hi Horseriding and Wildlife Park: beach and bush trail-rides and a native-animal sanctuary; Cape Schanck; 11 km W. Main Ridge: Sunny Ridge Strawberry Farm – pick your own berries in season; Mornington–Flinders Rd. Also The Pig and Whistle, English-style pub, Purves Rd; 11 km NW. Pt Leo: great surf beach; 12 km NE via Shoreham. Balnarring: hosts a market specialising in handmade crafts; 3rd Sat each month Nov–May; 17 km NE. Nearby is Coolart Homestead, an impressive Victorian mansion with historical displays, gardens, wetlands and a bird-observation area.

Cowes to Cat Bay 12 km

Cowes to Cat Bay, along Phillip Island, is a popular area for anglers chasing whiting, squid, snapper and gummy shark. Cowes jetty, a favourite with holidaymakers, is a productive platform that often produces elephant... Find out more

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Snapper Spots 21 km

Many snapper anglers prefer to concentrate along the edges of the main shipping channels. The deep water running along the western shore of Phillip Island from the Nobbies to Cowes (Buoys 1–13) is a proven snapper... Find out more

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Middle Spit 24 km

One of the most popular destinations for boating anglers is the Middle Spit, located along the western shore of French Island. Regarded as a whiting hotspot, it’s just a matter of knowing where to go and the tide... Find out more

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Elephant Triangle 26 km

Fishing for elephant fish in Western Port has become an institution. Anglers hang out for the first signs that the fish are starting to migrate into the bay. In general terms, the Elephant Triangle (GPS: S38.26.826,... Find out more

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Mosquito Channel 29 km

Corinella is about 115 km south- east of Melbourne on the eastern side of Western Port. There is a jetty, slipway and a 24-hour all-tide boat ramp. Anglers who launch their boats here regard these waters as something... Find out more

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Portsea to Point Nepean 36 km

The annual salmon migration into the bay is part of a chain of fish migrations including snapper and baitfish species such as sandy sprats and pilchards, as well as krill. For the salmon, it isn’t so much the need... Find out more

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Queenscliff 38 km

Queenscliff harbour has a solid reputation for mullet, silver trevally and salmon. In some years, large runs of couta can be enjoyed in the harbour, and garfish are a common late-autumn visitor. On the debit side, the... Find out more

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Lonsdale Bight 40 km

With lots of weed, waters affected by current and a high level of exposure when a southerly comes in, Lonsdale Bight is one the most productive all-round fishing areas in Port Phillip. The bight goes from Shortland Bluff... Find out more

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Swan Bay 41 km

Swan Bay is a small offshoot of Port Phillip Bay. The southern extremity is marked by the Queenscliff marina, the northern extremity by Edwards Point. A large portion of the bay is designated a marine park and off-limits... Find out more

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St Leonards 43 km

One of the most vivid memories for me was the sight of Tilley lanterns glowing along the front of the old ramshackle pier at St Leonards during spring. During the 1970s, from October through November, this sight was... Find out more

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Kayaking on Phillip Island 19 km

For a great way to start the day, join a kayaking breakfast tour at Phillip Island Holiday Hire, which starts with a 45-minute paddle from Cowes and includes a civilised breakfast at a cafe. There is also a Devonshire... Find out more

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Wildlife-watching - Phillip Island 20 km

Phillip Island is best known for the little penguins that come ashore every night (bookings essential). But spend time exploring the area and you will find Seal Rocks, with Australia’s largest colony of fur-seals,... Find out more

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Swim with dolphins, Sorrento 28 km

In the warmer six months of the year, the eco-accredited Moonraker Charters will help you get in the water, swimming alongside Australian fur-seals and bottlenose dolphins. Of course, swimming is not compulsory on the... Find out more

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Marine Discovery Centre, Queenscliff 39 km

Primarily set up to educate school children about the marine environment, this government-run facility also has an interesting holiday program and an interactive aquarium and touch tanks. Holiday activities include... Find out more

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Cycling around Melbourne 71 km

Melbourne has an active cycling community that has helped develop and establish some great routes and a network of cycle paths. One of the best sources of information is Bicycle Victoria. One option is to hop on the Main... Find out more

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Indigenous tours - Melbourne 73 km

To grasp what Melbourne was like before the skyscrapers arrived you can take a two-hour Koori Heritage Trust walking tour. You will gain an insight into Indigenous history and the natural and cultural landscape of the... Find out more

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Mountain-biking around Melbourne 73 km

With 20 kilometres of tracks developed by the Mountain Bike Association of Australia, Lysterfield Lake Park has something for all standard of mountain-biker, including family-friendly loops and exciting single-track... Find out more

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Melbourne Zoo 77 km

Melbourne has a choice of two excellent zoos: Melbourne Zoo, with more than 320 species on display; and the 225-hectare open range zoo at Werribee, about 30 minutes drive from the city centre (access from the Princes... Find out more

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Dandenong Ranges National Park 78 km

About an hour’s drive out of Melbourne, some 35 kilometres east of the city, this park has forests of towering mountain ash and lush, damp fern gullies. Around 300 kilometres of walking tracks crisscross the park,... Find out more

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Brisbane Ranges National Park 98 km

With a vibrant koala population, this relatively small national park only 80 kilometres west of Melbourne has picnic areas, walking tracks through rocky gorges and a basic camping area.... Find out more

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RACV Cape Schanck Resort 11 km

Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula has boomed as a golfing destination during the past 15 years, with some of the finest course designers lining up for a crack at creating a masterpiece on this premium piece of... Find out more

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The National Golf Club (Old course) 11 km

Australia’s largest golf club, The National boasts three 18-hole courses – the Old, Ocean and Moonah layouts – all spread across exceptional ocean-side terrain on the Mornington Peninsula, at Cape... Find out more

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The National Golf Club (Moonah Course) 12 km

While Peter Thomson’s design team got to work on the Ocean course, The National hired Greg Norman and his chief architect Bob Harrison to create what would become known as the Moonah course. Both layouts opened... Find out more

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The National Golf Club (Ocean Course) 13 km

Nearly a decade after the celebrated opening of Robert Trent Jones Jnr’s Old course, the club’s board discovered that the adjoining property was to be put up for sale. It could be seen from the highest... Find out more

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St Andrews Beach 16 km

When it comes to quality golf courses and how to design them, American Tom Doak is a learned man. His second and most recent Australian creation – St Andrews Beach, on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula... Find out more

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Moonah Links (Legends Course) 16 km

The Legends course might have been the second course built at Australian golf’s new home, but it was so well received by golfers that today it is regarded as the better of the two. The course officially opened... Find out more

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Moonah Links (Open course) 17 km

When Australian golf’s governing body decided in 1998 to shift its operations to a custom-built facility on some Mornington Peninsula farmland, many golfers reckoned it an ambitious move. But the Australian Golf... Find out more

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The Dunes Golf Links 19 km

If you are looking for true links golf in the tradition of the great courses of Scotland and Ireland, you can satisfy your desires here. The Dunes has become one of the most popular courses on the golf-rich Mornington... Find out more

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Portsea Golf Club 32 km

Portsea Golf Club has long been regarded one of the best-kept secrets on the Mornington Peninsula. Although it is a private club, the public is welcome at most times to experience this visually striking layout across... Find out more

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Peninsula Country Golf Club (South Course) 40 km

A round at either of Peninsula’s two courses is always an enjoyable mental and physical challenge. Upon finishing his remodelling of the North course, Mike Clayton turned his attention to the South,... Find out more

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Foxeys Hangout

Foxeys Hangout’s cellar door, housed in a smart wood and glass building overlooking the vineyard, also incorporates an excellent little eatery that offers a series of small dishes. These work equally well as a... Find out more

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Merricks General Wine Store

Dating back to the 1920s, and with a fairly recent refurbishment under its belt, the Merricks General Store is certainly one of the more atmospheric pit stops on the Mornington Peninsula. Operating as a cellar door for... Find out more

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Montalto

Using the surrounding natural beauty as inspiration, this rammed-earth vineyard restaurant appears to have thought of everything. More than 1500 olive trees and 11 hectares of vineyards provide spectacular views through... Find out more

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Ten Minutes by Tractor

There is a lot to like at this smart winery restaurant, starting with the wonderful view over rolling hills and lush vines from the expansive windows of the main dining room. The award-winning wine list – a... Find out more

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Red Hill Brewery 9 km

Becoming hop farmers wasn’t part of their business plan when David and Karen Golding first applied to develop a microbrewery and cafe from their Mornington Peninsula property. Ultimately, though, they were advised... Find out more

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Matilda Bay Garage Brewery 51 km

Previously operating as the Stockade Brewery, this South Dandenong-based microbrewery was acquired by the Foster’s-owned Matilda Bay Brewing in 2004 and re-badged as their ‘garage’ brewery. Then head... Find out more

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2 Brothers Brewery 59 km

A microbrewery is not exactly what you might expect to find tucked away among panel-beaters and sheet-metal fabricators in the industrial estates of Moorabbin, 20 minutes south-east of Melbourne. While the location may... Find out more

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Mountain Goat Brewery 73 km

Kicking off in 1997, home-brewer Dave Bonighton and music industry booking agent Cam Hines proved that two good mates can start a successful microbrewery with no money, but with unlimited enthusiasm, dogged perseverance... Find out more

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Foster's Group (Abbotsford Brewery) 74 km

Re-branded as the Foster’s Group in the 21st century, Carlton & United Breweries was formed in 1907 through an amalgamation of the city’s six largest beer-makers: McCrackens City Brewery, Victoria... Find out more

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3 Ravens Brewing Company 80 km

This microbrewery began operating from the basement of the successful Thornbury-based engineering company Zetkin and has proved to be an interesting diversion or sideline for the principal business. Some of the company... Find out more

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Hargreaves Hill Brewing Company 96 km

Craft brewers come from all sorts of different backgrounds but classical pianist Simon Walkenhorst and his opera singer wife Beth Williams are among the more exotic. Together, they started Hargreaves Hill Brewing Company... Find out more

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Grand Ridge Brewery 100 km

One of the country’s longest-running craft breweries began life as the Strzelecki Brewery in 1988, but operated for only a brief period before being re-branded as Grand Ridge under new ownership. Over the ensuing... Find out more

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Otway Estate Brewery 127 km

Located 12 kilometres from Colac, Otway Estate Winery was established in 1983, specialising in cool-climate wines; a microbrewery was added in 2007. Head brewer Luke Scott oversees the production of up to 15 different... Find out more

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Holgate Brewhouse 131 km

Paul and Natasha Holgate have travelled a decidedly different path to most other craft-brewery operators over the past decade or so. They started brewing ales from a shed adjacent to their family home in Woodend in the... Find out more

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Shoreham Foreshore Reserve caravan and camping area 6 km

You can camp all year long at this restful foreshore reserve. Take long walks along the nearby cliffs, cool off in the waters of Western Port, or spend the afternoon sampling fine vintages at a local winery.... Find out more

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Point Leo Foreshore caravan and camping area 8 km

There are plenty of activities for campers on the Point Leo foreshore. Top of the list is a refreshing dip just off the beach or a surf at one of the 7 local breaks. Canoeing, fishing and waterfront strolls will also... Find out more

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Balnarring South Beach A Reserve 13 km

One of 3 beach reserves at Balnarring, South Beach A is accessed via Mason Smith Rd. It’s opposite a protected beach that’s ideal for young children, and there’s also a toddler’s playground to... Find out more

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Balnarring Koala B Reserve 13 km

Located opposite the Balnarring general store, the Koala B Reserve is one of 3 beachside parks here. It comprises a nicely laid-out campground that’s only a hop, skip and a jump from the beach – for the... Find out more

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Balnarring East Beach C Reserve 13 km

This is the easternmost of the 3 beach reserves at Balnarring – you can get to it from Feathers Rd. It’s just over some dunes from yet another idyllic beach in this area, where swimmers and members of the... Find out more

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Rosebud Foreshore Reserve caravan and camping area 17 km

There are literally hundreds of campsites scattered throughout the Rosebud Foreshore Reserve, which stretches for 7 km between Anthony’s Nose in McCrae to Chinamans Creek in Rosebud West. Wander along the bayfront... Find out more

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Capel Sound Foreshore Reserve camping areas 18 km

There’s plenty on offer for water lovers at Capel Sound, including fishing, swimming, canoeing and boating, the latter aided by a boat launch. Both of the reserve’s camping areas have plenty of powered sites... Find out more

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Rye Foreshore caravan and camping area 20 km

There are 300 sites at Rye Foreshore Reserve, which are split between 2 areas: Rye East and Rye West. Needless to say, there’s lots of activity in the area during peak holiday periods, when you may want to consider... Find out more

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Fairhaven camping area (walk-in camping) 28 km

The Fairhaven campsites are in a beautiful natural setting on the western shore of French Island, 5 km north of Tankerton off Coast Rd. It’s a great spot to kick back for a few days. While you have your feet up,... Find out more

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Sorrento Foreshore caravan and camping area 28 km

There are plenty of campsites to choose from here alongside the bay. If you’re lucky you’ll catch sight of the bottle-nosed dolphins that sometimes frequent the area. You can also catch a ferry from Sorrento... Find out more

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BIG4 Frankston Holiday Park 35 km

This is a good quality park in the far outer south-eastern suburbs of Melbourne. It is a great base for those exploring the Mornington Peninsula or those connecting with the Sorrento to Queenscliff ferry. Bookings are... Find out more

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BIG4 Beacon Resort 41 km

This award-winning establishment has all the trimmings you would expect of a park of this quality, including an indoor heated swimming pool and tennis courts. It is just a short walk to the beach. Bookings are required... Find out more

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Riverview Family Caravan Park 50 km

This is a large holiday park with a long frontage to the Barwon River. It is popular with families during summer. Bookings are required at Christmas, Easter and long weekends, with a minimum-length stay period during... Find out more

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Barwon Heads Caravan Park 51 km

This is a large park fronting the wide picturesque estuary of the Barwon River close to the river mouth. It is a popular summer beachside park and just a short walk from the town centre. Waterfront sites are available at... Find out more

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BIG4 Dandenong Tourist Park 51 km

Just 6 km south of Dandenong, this is a good quality park, ideal for those wanting to stay on the eastern side of Melbourne. It is very close to the Jayco factory. Bookings are required in peak times and a minimum-stay... Find out more

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Bellarine Bayside Holiday Parks - Portarlington 52 km

This beachfront park with a large number of powered sites is a very popular summerholiday park on a safe, bayside beach, with loads of appeal for families. The park has extensive facilities and is just 1.25 km from the... Find out more

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Torquay Holiday Park 63 km

The park is located on the highway about 400 metres from the centre of town. It is a very good quality park and facilities include tennis courts, putting greens and private bathrooms with spas. Bookings are required in... Find out more

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Geelong Surfcoast Highway Holiday Park 65 km

This park between Geelong and Torquay has been rejuvenated as a tourist park and importantly for those who travel with pets is one of the very few parks in the region that takes pets. It is easily accessible from the... Find out more

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Barwon River Tourist Park 68 km

On the south side of the Barwon River about 2 km from the centre of Geelong, this place has good facilities and is easily accessible. There are nicely shaded sites and it is just a short walk to the shopping centre. A... Find out more

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Riverglen Holiday Park 69 km

This is a large, owner-operated park with good facilities and is located just 2 km from the centre of Geelong. Bookings are required at Christmas, Easter and long weekends, with a minimum-stay period at Easter and long... Find out more

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Flinders B&B

Charming accommodation is offered in this self-contained period-style fisherman’s cottage that nestles in a lovely garden on the western outskirts of the village of Flinders. Take in the rural views from the double... Find out more

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Cape Schanck Light Station

Accommodation here is in four old lighthouse buildings, including the original keeper’s cottage. Nestled in a fully enclosed compound, the 1939 red cottage sleeps eight, the 1887 museum cottage at the rear sleeps... Find out more

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Lindenderry

This five-star luxury country house sits on prime hilltop real estate amid 12 hectares of gardens and estate-owned vineyards. It serves both the leisure and corporate market with its 40 beautifully furnished, spacious... Find out more

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Shoreham Beach House

Located near the quiet coastal village of Shoreham, this Australian beach house overlooks a farm valley and vineyards towards Westernport Bay. With a barbecue on an outside sundeck, private courtyard, stone open... Find out more

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Alto Hotel on Bourke 73 km

Although it is not doing anything radical, this plush hotel on Bourke Street is one of the most ecologically aware in Melbourne, and should be commended for its power-saving measures, garbage sorting, supply of... Find out more

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Apollo Bay Youth Hostel 122 km

This relatively new hostel was built with an eco-friendly design, including thermal storage banks and other passive solar heating and cooling. It also has solar hot water, rainwater tanks, a worm farm, drought-tolerant... Find out more

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Cape Otway Centre for Conservation Ecology 136 km

There are not many better-thought-out ecotourism ventures than this superb multi-award-winning facility on Cape Otway. It has its own 66-hectare wildlife refuge and doubles as a shelter for injured and orphaned wildlife,... Find out more

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MillDuck, Harcourt North 185 km

This strawbale house won a Most Energy Efficient Home award (North West Region) when it was built. More than 1000 trees have been planted on the property since it was purchased, and it is now an alpaca stud. The B&B,... Find out more

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Torquay Park Area 62 km

Middle of town via Gilbert Street Small town park on the Esplanade. GPS: S38 19.51 E144 19.38 ... Find out more

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Gumbuya Rest Area 72 km

77 km E of Melbourne (L) or 40 km W of Yarragon (R) Small secluded area well off the highway. Good shade and facilities. GPS: S38 04.274 E145 39.807... Find out more

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Anglesea Park Area 73 km

West side of town Large area adjacent to the road on the west side of town. Good facilities. GPS: S38 24.33 E144 11.19 ... Find out more

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Urquharts Beach Park Area 78 km

6 km SW of Anglesea (L) or 23 km NE Lorne (R) Small area located 500 metres off the highway on the foreshore. NOTE: Access road unsealed. GPS: S38 26.10 E144 07.49 ... Find out more

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Bunyip Rest Area 81 km

29 km W of Yarragon (L) westbound only Large area just off the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S38 05.446 E145 48.423... Find out more

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Lorne Park Area 91 km

East side of town Small town park on the foreshore off the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S38 31.51 E143 58.48 ... Find out more

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Leigh River Rest Area 93 km

27 km W of Geelong (R) or 122 km E of Mortlake (L) Large grassed area just off the highway. Good shade. GPS: S38 05.945 E144 03.855  ... Find out more

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Trafalgar Park Area 104 km

Middle of town Parking adjacent to the highway. Good facilities. GPS S38 12.481 E146 09.272... Find out more

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Winchelsea Park Area 108 km

On the riverbank Large grassed area just off the highway. Very good shade and facilities. GPS: S38 14.19 E143 49.18 ... Find out more

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Meredith Park Area 108 km

West side of town Large area located in a side street (turn off at the roadhouse) at Pioneer Park. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S37 50.818 E144 04.397  ... Find out more

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Apollo Bay Park Area 122 km

Adjacent the information centre Small town park on the foreshore. Good facilities. GPS: S38 45.19 E143 40.10  ... Find out more

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Clarendon Rest Area 124 km

26 km S of Ballarat (R) or 60 km N of Geelong (L) Large secluded area just off the highway behind some shady trees. GPS: S37 42.501 E143 58.964... Find out more

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Colac Park Area 125 km

Middle of town Small parking area just off the highway. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S38 20.16 E143 35.41 ... Find out more

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Traralgon Park Area 132 km

32 km E of Trafalgar (L) or 7 km W of Traralgon (R) Large area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S38 12.670 E146 29.230 ... Find out more

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Aire River East Camp Area 139 km

T/O 24 km W of Apollo Bay (L) or 71 km E of Port Campbell (R) Large area among trees 5.5 kilometres south of the highway via Hordern Vale Road in Otway National Park. Limited shade. GPS: S38 47.59 E143 28.56 ... Find out more

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Aire River West Camp Area 139 km

T/O 24 km W of Apollo Bay (L) or 71 km E of Port Campbell (R) Open area located over the bridge 1 kilometre past Aire River East campground in Otway National Park. GPS: S38 48.06 E143 28.39 ... Find out more

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Yea East Rest Area 145 km

1 km E of Yea (R) or 30 km W of Alexandra (L) Large area just off the highway. Good shade. GPS: S37 12.758 E145 26.283... Find out more

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Johanna Beach Camp Area 146 km

T/O 38 km W of Apollo Bay (L) or 57 km E of Port Campbell (R) Large open grassed area near the beach 5 kilometres south of the highway via Red Johanna Road in Otway National Park. GPS: S38 45.43 E143 22.45  ... Find out more

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Slatey Creek Camp Area 149 km

T/O at Creswick Small secluded campground located 6 kilometres south- east of Creswick via Bungaree Road, Slatey Creek Road, and Petticoat Road. NOTE: Access road part unsealed GPS: S37 27.744 E143 54.246... Find out more

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King Parrot Creek Rest Area 149 km

21 km SE of Seymour (L) or 17 km NW of Yea (R) Large area well off the highway. Good shade. GPS: S37 08.741 E145 16.08... Find out more

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Smythesdale Park Area 149 km

East side of town Secluded town park situated among numerous trees well off the highway via Gardens Street. Good facilities and shade. NOTE: Camping available for a fee. GPS: S37 38.372 E143 41.141... Find out more

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Woady Yaloak Creek Rest Area 150 km

26 km E of Skipton (L) or 6 km W of Smythesdale (R) Large secluded area surrounded by scrub just off the highway. Good shade. GPS: S37 40.692 E143 38.337 ... Find out more

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