Follow meandering roads north from the coast to explore sublime volcanic landscapes and charming inland towns
Enjoy the contrast of conical peaks and deep crater lakes that punctuate the even carpet of rolling farmland
Camperdown Botanic Gardens
The Camperdown Gardens land was put aside in 1869 with work being carried out by Daniel Bunce from 1870, in 1888 inprovements were made under the guidance of William Guilfoyle.
Camperdown Timboon Rail Trail
The completed 34km Camperdown to Timboon trail is a wonderful family adventure, dotted with statuesque trestle bridges and spellbinding scenery.
Lake Bookaar
Lake Bookaar offers good bird watching opportunity over spring and summer presided over by the bulk of nearby Mt Elephant. Look for hoary headed grebe and freckled duck.
Lake Bullen Merri
Lake Bullen Merri South Beach - find your own space on this crystal clear volcanic lake on the southern outskirts of Camperdown
Gnotuk Lookout
Lake Bullen Merri - A fantastic lookout and interpretive sign describing the dynamics of the lakes and the reasons for their differing salinity.
Lake Tooliorook
Picturesque sand bottomed Lake Tooliorook is located 5km from Lismore. The lake offers good fishing and boating amenity and superb views across to Mt Elephant near Derrinallum
Mount Leura & Sugarloaf
The car park and lookout offer commanding views of Lake Corangamite and views across Lake Colongulac towards Mount Elephant.
Mount Elephant
Walks to the summit every Sunday from 1-4pm, other times by arrangement
(dogs on leads welcome).
Mount Noorat Walk
Alan Marshall Discovery Trail. One of Australia’s best preserved dry craters offering commanding views of surrounding peaks on the volcanic plain.
Ballarat Skipton Rail Trail
Enjoy this wonderful 53km trail in parts or plan a wonderful weekend meandering through historic goldfields sites, traversing a majestic trestle bridge and taking in the wonderful rolling hills and pockets of forest between Ballarat and Skipton.
Lake Purrumbete
Renowned for the size and consistency of its trout fishing, Lake Purrumbete near Camperdown is famous for its Rainbow, Brown and Brook Trout along with Chinook Salmon. This is where to go if you're looking for that BIG CATCH photo to show your friends!
Red Rock Lookout
Views over Victoria’s largest permanent inland lake and west to the scattered volcanic peaks of the western regions lakes and volcanic craters.
Terang & Noorat Bike Trail
This is a great trail with views north towards Mount Noorat and south towards the rise of Terang and its distinctive crown of deciduous trees.
Terang Dry Lake Walk
An interesting trail that chronicles the science and history of the dry lake bed situated on the pretty lowland of the town’s southern edge.
Tower Hill
Nestled in the crater of a dormant volcano this reserve between Warrnambool and Port Fairy is a haven for wildlife, a fascinating ecological site and a showcase for local indigenous culture.
Spectacular regional villages and towns and warm country hospitality
Camperdown
Located in the heart of the 3rd largest volcanic plain on the planet. Brimming with history and located on the Princes Highway. A great stop or place to base yourself to explore the region.
Cobden
Cobden is surrounded by undulating pastures and the distinctive features of the Volcanic Lakes and Plains, this friendly community offers much for the visitor and is an ideal place to base yourself for a Great Ocean Road and Volcanic Lakes and Plains Adventure.
Mortlake
Famed for it's Olivine, Mortlake is a large regional town and at the intersection of major highways. A popular stop for visitors, it's charming bluestone buildings and shop fronts invite you to discover more.
Terang
Terang is a beautiful country town located on the Princes Highway. In any season you will appreciate the beautiful tree-lined main street and undulating landscape. You will find much to see and do including the Terang Dry Lake Walk and 18 hole Golf Course.
Noorat
Nestled at the base of one of Australia's best preserved dry Craters (Mt Noorat) lies the charming village of Noorat. Explore the setting of iconic Australian novel "I can jump puddles," take a step back slow down and give in to warm country hospitality.
Lismore
Located on the Hamilton highway, Lismore is a favourite stopover for many and the historic buildings in the township are well worth some further exploration.
Derrinallum
A village of character with Mount Elephant as its backdrop. Mount Elephant is visible for 60km in every direction and looms large on the volcanic landscape.
Darlington
Dry stone walls, weathered windmills, a bluestone bridge and an historic hotel converted to a Bed and Breakfast. Use the tiny village of Darlington as a base for exploring volcanic lakes and plains and southern edge of the Grampians.
Skipton
Skipton offers the visitor a range of wildlife viewing experiences with bird-life on the lake and even a chance to spot a platypus from a viewing platform on Mt Emu Creek. Take a pit-stop here or take to 2 wheels on the Ballarat-Skipton Rail Trail.
Simpson
Authentic rural heartland just 25km north of the 12 Apostles. Close to 12 Apostles Gourmet Trail businesses including Apostle Whey Cheese, Simpson Snails and Newton's Ridge Estate Vineyard.
