Aireys Inlet

Possibly the Great Ocean Road’s best-kept secret, Aireys Inlet is a pint-sized seaside village with a family-friendly soul that’s larger than life. Scale a lighthouse, picnic with a view, surf or dive, discover local history or chill out and take in an amazing coastal landscape. Lighthouse Loving The 34-metre Split Point Lighthouse is Aireys Inlet’s most famous landmark. Much of the award-winning Australian children’s TV series Round the Twist was filmed here. Take a 45-minute…

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Anglesea

Where beach, bush and river collide for lots of fun and natural adventure. There’s a relaxed, eco-friendly vibe to Anglesea that will have you treading lightly on beautiful beaches and idyllic riverside trails. Expect to fall in love with funky little shops and the renowned hospitality of the local pub. One quarter of Victoria’s plant species grow in the surrounding Anglesea Heath, including more than a hundred varieties of orchids, best seen during the spring wildflower show. You don’t have…

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Apollo Bay

Apollo Bay is the easy-going all-rounder destination of the Great Ocean Road region – a smorgasbord of quality experiences hosted in the most picturesque of settings nestled into the foothills of the Otways Ranges. Charming all year-round, Apollo Bay makes a perfect location to base yourself for a few days. You’ll be spoiled for accommodation options from one of the state’s best backpackers through to family-style apartments and cabins, or luxury villas. Everything seems within easy walking…

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Armstrong Creek

Armstrong Creek was gazetted in February 2012 as part of the Armstrong Creek Growth Area, from largely undeveloped land which had formerly been part of Connewarre and Mount Duneed. The Armstrong Creek urban growth area will be developed into a sustainable community that sets new benchmarks in best practice urban development. Natural and cultural features will be protected and enhanced to create a distinct urban character. Armstrong Creek will become a highly sought-after location f or living, working…

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Bellbrae

Bellbrae is a bounded rural locality in Victoria, Australia located just off the Great Ocean Road between Torquay and Anglesea. At the 2006 census, Bellbrae had a population of 1,388. Bellbrae Post Office opened on 1 July 1923 (renamed from an earlier Jan Juc office) and closed in 1982. Bellbrae has a public hall, a football oval where the Aireys Inlet Eels (a junior Australian Rules club) play their home games, Bellbrae Primary School and a winery.…

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Bells Beach

Bells Beach is a coastal locality of Victoria, Australia in Surf Coast Shire and a renowned surf beach, located 100 km south-west of Melbourne, on the Great Ocean Road near the towns of Torquay and Jan Juc. It is named after John Cavert Bell of the family that first took up a pastoral run there in the 1840s. The beach and coastal reserve are listed on the Victorian Heritage Register. Bells Beach is the home of the world's longest continuously running surfing competition – now known as the…

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Breamlea

Breamlea, Victoria, Australia, is a secluded seaside hamlet located on the south coast of the Bellarine Peninsula, 18 kilometres south of Geelong and halfway between Barwon Heads and Torquay. It is divided between the City of Greater Geelong and the Surf Coast Shire. Breamlea is nestled in the sand dunes between Thomsons Creek and the beach. The nearest township to Breamlea is Connewarre. Thomsons Creek, also known as Bream Creek, runs through a natural network of reedy canals and widens before…

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Eastern View

Eastern View is a small coastal town in the Surf Coast Shire, Victoria, Australia. Eastern View was a remote coastal area prior to the construction of the Great Ocean Road, which was opened to Eastern View, albeit in the form of a narrow gravel track, in March 1922. Only four houses were located in the area in 1924; a fifth was later extended and granted a liquor license as the Eastern View Hotel in 1927. The hotel owners later leased land on the ocean side of the Great Ocean Road and built a…

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Fairhaven

Fairhaven is a small coastal locality in the Surf Coast Shire, Victoria, Australia. The village is a popular holiday destination, with many homes being used for that purpose. It adjoins Fairhaven Beach, which at 6 km long is the longest beach on the Great Ocean Road. The village is separated from adjoining Aireys Inlet by the Painkalac Creek, and development in recent years has seen Fairhaven become increasingly joined to the Aireys Inlet township. Fairhaven Beach is a popular surfing destination,…

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Freshwater Creek

Freshwater Creek is a small town in the Surf Coast Shire, Victoria, Australia. It is named after the drainage creek that flows through the area after heavy rain. The town has only two shops: a petrol station, general store, and restaurant, and a bakery, Freshwater Creek Cakes. Freshwater Creek Cakes is well known within the region, and has been listed in the Foodies Guide to Melbourne. The town also has a public hall, tennis courts, and Freshwater Creek Steiner School. Freshwater Creek Post…

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Gherang

Gherang is a small rural township in Victoria, Australia. It is in the Surf Coast Shire local government area, and is located on the northern edge of the Great Otway National Park and the Anglesea Heath. The area is mostly farmland, although there has been some rural residential subdivision. Quarries in the area produce good quality gravel which is mostly used for roads.…

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Jan Juc

A surf beach favoured by local surfers, also home to Jan Juc Surf Life Saving Club. Has car parking, public toilets and great viewing platforms from the top of the cliffs. This is also the start of the 30km Surf Coast Walk and where local conservation groups have mounted a major revegetation program to protect the delicate coast.…

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Lorne

Lorne is the stylish, elegant lady everyone wants to lunch with. Her setting is perfect and sophisticated – a cosmopolitan coastal village with a magnificent beach against a backdrop of the majestic rainforest of the Great Otway National Park. Chic and Delish Lorne has an enchanting small town warmth mingled with a delightful touch of urban chic. Mountjoy Parade is home to galleries, crafts, specialty shops, provedores and boutiques. This resort-style town dishes up some of the…

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Modewarre

Modewarre is a locality in the Surf Coast Shire, Victoria, Australia. The town adjoins Lake Modewarre. Modewarre Primary School began as a local Anglican school in the 1850s, became a vested National School in 1859, and closed in 1971. A post office at Modewarre opened in 1859 and closed in 1967. The Modewarre Memorial Hall was erected in 1923 in memory of World War I.[5] The Modewarre Avenue of Honour on Cape Otway Road was planted in 1918, and is the last surviving Avenue of Honour in…

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Moriac

Moriac is a rural town in Victoria, Australia, located approximately 25 kilometres (16 mi) west of Geelong. It forms part of the Surf Coast Shire. The town was surveyed in the 1920s as a village that had developed around the Moriac railway station on the Port Fairy line. The station had been provided to serve the adjacent community of Mount Moriac. The railway through Moriac opened in 1876, followed by the Wensleydale branch line which junctioned with the main line just past Moriac. The branch…

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Mount Duneed

Mount Duneed is a suburb of Geelong, Victoria, Australia. It is divided between the City of Greater Geelong and Surf Coast Shire local government areas. Much of the locality north of Lower Duneed Road is part of the large Armstrong Creek Growth Area, which was opened up for urban development from 2010. With the gazetting of the suburb Armstrong Creek in February 2012, Mount Duneed's southern boundary between Surf Coast Highway and Horseshoe Bend Road follows the boundary of the Armstrong Creek…

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Paraparap

Paraparap is a rural locality in the Surf Coast Shire, Victoria, Australia. The Paraparap Parish was made available for sale in the 1850s, but was much less successful than other sales in the region, with slightly more than half of the lots being sold in the initial sales. The remaining lots were sold gradually over the subsequent decades, with some not being sold until the early twentieth century. Paraparap was first listed as an address in the 1890-91 directory. The area had a local progress…

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Torquay

Buzzes with vitality and a sun- blessed spirit that embraces the great outdoors. It’s where the Great Ocean Road officially begins, where Australia’s colourful surfing culture was born and where you’ll discover a world of fun and adventure. Surf City Torquay is the birthplace of global surf brands like Rip Curl and Quiksilver. Surfing gear, fashion and accessories: it’s all here. You can even have a surfboard custom-made. The Surf World Museum houses an amazing collection…

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Winchelsea

Hinterland towns like Winchelsea and Deans marsh whisper of the pioneering efforts of colonial settlers and pastoralists. They boast unique character-filled bed and breakfast cottages and a palpable appreciation of the natural environment. Wonderful Winch Winchelsea is a natural beauty…a lovely, historic township on the shady banks of the Barwon River, inland from the Surf Coast. The river is a renowned fishing haunt; brown trout, redfin and eels go on the bite here. Come early…

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Wye River

These not-so- famous escapes on the Great Ocean Road are quiet achievers – for those ‘in the know’ Wye River, Kennett River and Wongarra hide a perfectly laid-back and bare-foot ambience in contrast with the busier coastal hubs. Snap Happy Photographers of all levels find a bounty of click-worthy landscapes along this coastline – there are some exceptional vantage points. Kennett River’s Grey River Road is the perfect place to watch the local koalas laze. Drive up Sunnyside…

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Barwon Heads

Somehow Barwon Heads manages to retain its seaside village charm, no matter what the time of year or how many people might have landed there for the day. It’s a vibrant town, home to an artistic community, a laid-back atmosphere, and, of course, beautiful beaches. Surrounded by Water Barwon Heads is as pretty and picturesque as any coastal spot you’ll find. Located on the mouth of the Barwon River, where people of all ages love to paddle, play, fish and relax. At the top of…

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Clifton Springs

Clifton Springs, often grouped with its neighbouring town, Drysdale, overlooks Corio Bay, the You Yangs and Geelong. This combined urban area had an estimated population of 12,882 at June 2015. The area has undergone significant changes over the past decade, with new housing developments on the north side of the town.…

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Connewarre

Connewarre, Victoria, Australia, is located in south-east of Geelong, and is named after Lake Connewarre which is situated immediately to its north-east.…

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Curlewis

The suburb of Curlewis underwent significant growth in 2010 when the Curlewis Urban Growth Area began construction. This development includes Bayview on the Bellarine, Curlewis Parks, Baywater Estate, Bellaview Estate and Coriyule Estate. Centennial Boulevard is home to the Curlewis shopping centre which features Woolworths, a medical centre, pharmacy and other shops. This is located within the Neighbourhood Activity Centre with a proposed total of 7000sqm of retail space, a community centre and…

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Drysdale

Drysdale is a charming rural village central to the attractions of The Bellarine. Vistors can enjoy the the rural setting, whilst sipping on some of the regions best wines nearby. Visit some of the fanastic attractions such as the Local wineries, Drysdale Goats Cheese, the historic steam train, Mcleod’s Water Holes, Lake Lorne, the Bellarine Rail Trail and much more. The Drysdale Country Market is a must. It is held on the 3rd Sunday in the Month from October to May. It is picturesquely located…

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Indented Head

Indented Head is a small coastal township located on the Bellarine Peninsula, east of Geelong, in the Australian state of Victoria. The town lies on the coast of the Port Phillip bay between the towns of Portarlington and St Leonards. Indented Head's population fluctuates throughout the year, increasing drastically during the summer months, and is very much seasonal. Its beaches attract keen fisherman, boaters and families to the area. It is appreciated by locals and tourists for its quiet and…

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Leopold

There are many reasons to love Leopold, and even more reasons why we think it’s a great place to live! Leopold is a residential eastern suburb of Geelong and is the Gateway to the Bellarine Peninsula. The area was formerly known as Kensington. The post office opened as Kensington on 19 May 1858, and was renamed Kensington Hill in 1882, Leopold Hill in 1884 and Leopold in 1885. The Bellarine Rail Trail passes through Leopold and is a fantastic initiative to provide a meander, run or ride through…

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Moolap

Moolap is a residential and industrial suburb of Geelong, Victoria, Australia. The name Moolap is derived from an Aboriginal word for nearby Point Henry, moo-laa, thought to mean 'men gathering to go fishing'.…

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Ocean Grove

Ocean Grove has appealed to holiday-makers for a century or more, and it’s not hard to see why. The face of the town has changed dramatically over that time, but the reason people flock here hasn’t. Sun, Sand and Surf Even at the busiest of times you can find an uncrowded bit of beach at Ocean Grove. It stretches for 10 kilometres from Point Lonsdale to Barwon Heads. Bring the esky, the sunscreen, some shade, buckets, spades and cricket gear, and make a day of it. It’s a…

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Point Lonsdale

Point Lonsdale is a coastal township on the Bellarine Peninsula, near Queenscliff, Victoria, Australia. The town is divided between the Borough of Queenscliffe and the City of Greater Geelong. Point Lonsdale is also one of the headlands which, with Point Nepean, frame The Rip, the entrance to Port Phillip. The headland is dominated by the Point Lonsdale Lighthouse.…

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Portarlington

It’s not hard to see why Portarlington is so popular in summer, but it oozes charm any time of the year. It’s one of the bigger villages on the Bellarine. The panoramic views across Corio Bay to the west and Port Phillip Bay to the north are magnificent, and on a clear day you can see Melbourne’s skyline across the water and the sparkle of city lights at night. Over the long weekend in June, Portarlington is home to the National Celtic Festival. It is Australia’s largest and most diverse…

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Queenscliff

Queenscliff’s charm is unique. Historically, it’s been a 19th century holiday destination for Melbourne’s elite, a busy maritime centre and a strategic defence base. Today, visitors continue to flock there throughout the year. Hesse Street is the main strip, and there’s a variety of shops of many descriptions, including antique stores, boutiques, interior shops and unique book stores. Enjoy great dining in a selection of top restaurants and cafés and mark down the last weekend in November…

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Wallington

The township was settled in the early 1870s, the Post Office opening on 22 February 1872. Its surrounding suburbs are Leopold, Curlewis, Ocean Grove and Marcus Hill. It is well known for its popular annual strawberry festival, the Wallington Strawberry Fair, a fundraising event held by Wallington Primary School. A popular water theme park, Adventure Park is located on the outskirts of the township.…

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Armstrong Creek

Armstrong Creek was gazetted in February 2012 as part of the Armstrong Creek Growth Area, from largely undeveloped land which had formerly been part of Connewarre and Mount Duneed. The Armstrong Creek urban growth area will be developed into a sustainable community that sets new benchmarks in best practice urban development. Natural and cultural features will be protected and enhanced to create a distinct urban character. Armstrong Creek will become a highly sought-after location f or living, working…

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Belmont

Belmont is a southern suburb of Geelong. The name means “beautiful hill”. Belmont is geographically separated from the Geelong central business district by the Barwon River. The suburb is primarily residential, with some light industry along Barwon Heads Road. Recreation Belmont has a large number of reserves and a number of local sporting clubs. The extensive Belmont Common area follows the Barwon River to the east of the suburb, and has a path along both sides of the river…

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Geelong

Geelong is Victoria’s second largest city, located on Corio Bay, and within a short drive from popular beach-front communities on the Bellarine Peninsula as well as being the gateway to the famous Great Ocean Road, which begins just south of Geelong at Torquay. The city itself boasts a large commercial centre which extends down to the foreshore, offering visitors the chance to explore popular beach-front attractions such as Eastern Beach with its swimming enclosure, the Steampacket Gardens, the…

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Geelong West

Geelong West is a commercial and residential suburb of Geelong, Victoria, Australia. When Geelong was founded, the area was known as Kildare but its name was changed to Geelong West in 1875. The main street is Pakington Street.…

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Grovedale

Grovedale is a mainly residential southern suburb of Geelong. It was originally named Germantown due to several families of Lutheran German origin who arrived in 1849 and the community expanded during the 1860s. German Cottage, a house from this period located on Torquay Road, is listed on the Victorian Heritage Register. In September 1915, after the outbreak of the first world war, the South Barwon Council changed the named to Grovedale – the name of a nearby property bought by Alexander Pennell…

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Hamlyn Heights

Hamlyn Heights is a residential suburb of Geelong, Victoria, Australia. It located to the west of the city on hills that overlook Corio Bay. The suburb boundaries are Church St, Ballarat Rd, Moorabool River and two unmarked boundaries extending between Church St to Moorabool River and between Moorabool River and Ballarat Rd. Hamlyn Heights has two retail areas. A large shopping strip is located in Vines Rd. The Post Office opened here on 2 February 1959 it is known as Vines Road, Geelong. A…

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Highton

Highton is a residential suburb of Geelong, Victoria, Australia. It is bordered by Ceres and Wandana Heights to the west, the Barwon River to the north and east, the former Kardinia Creek to the south-east, and the Princes Highway and Pigdons Road to the south. Education The Highton Primary School was the first school in the area, opening in 1854. Post-war growth led to the opening of Bellaire Primary School in 1963 and Montpellier Primary School in 1969. The Geelong Grammar School…

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Lara

Just a short distance away from the heart of Geelong, Lara easily has the best view of the impressive You Yangs. The impressive granite peaks are surrounded by a mecca of lovely picnic grounds, family friendly walking tracks and loads of wildlife. If you’re seeking adventure, there are a number of mountain-bike trails and rock-climbing opportunities, all of which have been upgraded. More than 200 bird species have been identified in the You Yangs, along with kangaroos, koalas, possums and sugar…

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Mount Duneed

Mount Duneed is a suburb of Geelong, Victoria, Australia. It is divided between the City of Greater Geelong and Surf Coast Shire local government areas. Much of the locality north of Lower Duneed Road is part of the large Armstrong Creek Growth Area, which was opened up for urban development from 2010. With the gazetting of the suburb Armstrong Creek in February 2012, Mount Duneed's southern boundary between Surf Coast Highway and Horseshoe Bend Road follows the boundary of the Armstrong Creek…

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Newcomb

Newcomb is a residential suburb of Geelong, Victoria, Australia. The Post Office opened on 2 July 1962 as the suburb developed. The suburb has an Australian Rules football team competing in the Bellarine Football League. The majority of Newcomb residential areas consist of mid 20th century homes, with no capacity for new housing estates, although there is a growing trend to subdivide larger blocks to build flats, whether by demolishing existing houses or by building behind them.…

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Newtown

Newtown is an inner western suburb of Geelong, Victoria, Australia. It is a primarily residential area occupying one of the highest points of urban Geelong, has always been a desirable place of residence and it is the location of many of Geelong’s oldest and most valuable properties. Sport and Recreation Queens Park is also the home ground for the Newtown and Chilwell Cricket Club, the most successful team in the Geelong Cricket Association in terms of senior premierships won.…

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North Geelong

Geelong North is a suburb of Geelong in the Australian state of Victoria. The suburb was bypassed by traffic from Melbourne coming from the Princes Freeway by the creation of the Geelong Ring Road, which was complete in 2009. It is often referred to as North Geelong The head office of Australian department store, Target, founded in Geelong in 1925 is located on Thompson Road, next door to the former Geelong Golf Club.…

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Waurn Ponds

Waurn Ponds is a mainly residential southern suburb of Geelong, Victoria, Australia. The suburb is bounded by Rossack Drive, Princes Highway, the Geelong to Warnambool railway, Reservoir Road, Draytons Road, Pigdons Road, Deakin University and Honeys Road. It is home to the main Geelong campus of Deakin University and the regional Waurn Ponds Shopping Centre. The town was named after the Waurn chain of ponds, a watercourse that flows from Mount Moriac over 30 km into the Barwon River. Two early…

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