> CAMPERDOWN A short drive from Warrnambool, Camperdown with its avenue of elm trees has a long pastoral history. Even more ancient are the lakes and craters, the legacy of massive volcanic activity in the region. Mt Leura, an extinct volcano behind the town, is a great place from which to get the full panorama of the Lakes and Craters region. Another feature of Camperdown is the 30-metre, century old clock tower in the main street, built as a memorial to the son of the early pioneering family, the Manifolds.

> COBDEN A quaint, prosperous, farming town surrounded by rich dairy country, Cobden was first settled by Dr Daniel Curdie in 1840.

> KOROIT A little bit of Ireland in the middle of Australia. On the northern slopes of Tower Hill much of Koroit’s past is preserved, including settlers’ cottages and commercial buildings.

> PETERBOROUGH The gateway to the Bay of Islands Coastal Park, Peterborough is located on the huge Curdies Inlet, where the quiet Curdies River reaches the sea. A lookout on the point provides sweeping views of three shipwreck sites.

> PORT CAMPBELL Located in the heart of Port Campbell National Park an excellent spot to stay for a few nights or a whole week or two. The park includes the Twelve Apostles, London Bridge, Loch Ard Gorge and numerous breathtaking limestone formations. Port Campbell has a safe swimming beach and is a base for surfing, fishing and diving on shipwrecks.

> PORT FAIRY A picture-postcard town on the Moyne River. Originally a busy port and fishing village, it has a rich array of old colonial architecture with modern accommodation and restaurants, many overlooking the river. The town is famous for its music festival and one of the best public golf courses in Australia.

> PRINCETOWN A small coastal town between the boundaries of the Great Otway and Port Campbell National Parks.

> TERANG On the Princes Highway between Geelong and Warrnambool, this town has many historic buildings and National Trust-classified trees.

> TIMBOON Nestled near the tranquil Curdies River, Timboon is renowned for its famous cheeses.

> WARRNAMBOOL The western gateway to the Great Ocean Road, Warrnambool has the widest possible range of attractions, including beautiful beaches, parks and gardens, shopping, cafés and restaurants. The city is home to Victoria’s “Southern Right Whale Nursery” with whales returning yearly from June to September to give birth to their calves. Parents and children love the vast adventure playground at Lake Pertobe.