> TWELVE APOSTLES World-famous icons of the Great Ocean Road. These giant rock stacks are within Port Campbell National Park as is Loch Ard Gorge and Gibson Steps. The gorge was the site of a tragic shipwreck in 1878 in which 52 people lost their lives. Only two people survived, the teenagers Tom Pearce, a ship’s apprentice, and Eva Carmichael. It is possible to walk down into Loch Ard Gorge and see the cave where young Tom and Eva sheltered. Thunder Cave and the Blowhole are other wonderful natural attractions. Make sure you keep to the viewing platforms, footways and the steps. And be prepared to get wet if you visit the blowhole!

> BAY OF ISLANDS COASTAL PARK Coves, secluded beaches, bays with rock stacks and islands are a feature of this national park. Sunrise and sunsets add a blaze of colour to the rocks, so it’s a good idea to stay the night in one of the nearby towns in order to be at the bay at either dawn or sunset.

> FLAGSTAFF HILL Brilliantly re-creates life in a 19th century port town. Wander up and down the cobbled streets, past the undertaker’s, the shipwright’s and the other shops. The nightly sound and laser show, ‘Shipwrecked’, retells the tragic events surrounding the wreck of the Loch Ard. The spray from the giant aqua screen and the rocking of the seating makes the visitor really feel like they are on the deck of the sinking ship. - a truly unforgettable experience. The audience should also watch out for the guest appearance of the precious porcelain peacock that somehow survived the sinking.

> TOWER HILL RESERVE Formed more than 30,000 years ago in a violent volcanic explosion, the Tower Hill State Game Reserve is now a wildlife haven with koalas, emus, kangaroos and many waterbird species all roaming free. Visitors can not only learn about “bush tucker”, the food of the Aboriginal people, but they can taste it on a guided tour, and even learn Aboriginal words. For a great view of the volcanic crater and all the way to the ocean, take the walk to the lookout.

> PORT FAIRY A charming coastal holiday and fishing village beside the Moyne River. Walk along the river banks and around the town to check out the marvellous array of historic buildings. A visit to the lighthouse is worthwhile, and to Griffiths Island to watch the mutton-birds fly in for the night. Shopping and gourmet eating are also part of this seaside town which is internationally famous for its annual folk festival.

> WHALES From June until September, Southern Right Whales come to Logans Beach, just out of the Warrnambool CBD, to give birth to their calves. It is a truly wonderful sight to see mothers and calves playing just off the beach. A viewing platform with ample parking has been put in place to make it easier for visitors to enjoy the experience.

> ADVENTURE PARK Lake Pertobe Adventure Park in Warrnambool is a great place to let children run off a lot of energy. There’s a flying fox and lots of other playground facilities, including special equipment for children with disabilities. Bird watching in specially made hides is also a feature of a visit to Lake Pertobe.

> GIBSONS STEPS In the Port Campbell National Park and a great way to get down to the beach. Keep an eye out for the abundant birdlife and the possibility of seeing little penguins, even dolphins and both Southern Right and Blue Whales.

> SHIPWRECKS In the days of sailing, many ships carrying people from Europe seeking a new life in Australia foundered here, hence the name The Shipwreck Coast. Many lives were also lost. In addition to the Loch Ard, other doomed vessels included The Schomberg and The Falls of Halladale. There are relics from some of these shipwrecks at the visitor information centre in Port Campbell.