Holiday houses in Wye River

All 250 National Heritage-listed kilometres of Victoria’s Great Ocean Road are spectacular, but perhaps the most scenic section of this epic coastline is between the towns of Lorne and Apollo Bay. Here in the heart of nature’s drama lies Wye River, a tiny village named after the river that flows through it. This is where the rainforest meets the sea — where national parkland tumbles towards sandy coves and then the wild waters of Bass Strait and the Southern Ocean.

This is the gateway to Great Otway National Park, webbed with hiking trails leading to thundering waterfalls and rugged escarpments. But you can also appreciate Wye’s wilderness on the easy 20-minute Paddy’s Path walk from town toward Separation Creek, the track following the former trail of a timber tramway from the early 20th century. This part of southwest Victoria is known for its abundance of kangaroos and koalas, but the track also offers ample opportunities for spotting dolphins and migrating whales.

Wye River is an all-season destination, but it reaches its tourist peak over the summer months, when visitors come to enjoy the region’s beaches — many of which are patrolled by surf lifesavers when the weather warms. December also hosts the Falls Festival, one of the country’s most legendary live music events.

Fewer crowds at other times of the year make driving the Great Ocean Road much more pleasant, with migrating whales (May through November) and waterfalls to admire in full force. Hiking and biking are also popular cool-weather attractions along the coast.

Admire the 12 Apostles

Formed 20 million years ago and jutting 45 metres (150 feet) up from the sea, the 12 Apostles — a group of naturally eroded limestone stacks — are the stuff postcards are made of. Due to wind and weather, only eight remain today, which you can view from clifftop lookouts, along coastal walks, or from the bird’s-eye vantage of a helicopter. The latter route has you choppering over the Bay of Islands coastal reserve, the Grotto sinkhole, the London Arch (a natural limestone “bridge” surrounded by sea), or the full Shipwreck Coast.

Hike Great Otway National Park

One of Victoria’s most diverse national parks, Great Otway unites windswept coastlines and beaches with ancient forest, wondrous waterfalls, and cool ferny gullies. Wherever you wander, there’s an abundance of wildlife, including glow worms as dusk falls, not to mention black cockatoos, king parrots, and colourful rosellas. You’ll meet many of them along the Great Ocean Walk between the 12 Apostles and the town of Apollo Bay, a route that takes eight days in its entirety but can also be explored in more manageable sections.

Enjoy beach days

While avid surfers head out to Wye River’s point to tackle reliably good breaks, there are plenty of marine attractions closer to shore. At low tide, the beach reveals a swathe of rock pools and dramatic rock formations, created millions of years ago by volcanic activity. Spot starfish and anemones as you wander toward Separation Creek — you’ll also likely stumble upon a hidden cove to enjoy all to yourself.