Wye River is a picturesque coastal village nestled between the Great Otway National Park and the Southern Ocean, approximately 1 hour from Peterborough House. Known for its beautiful beach, relaxed atmosphere and stunning ocean views, Wye River is a popular stop along the Great Ocean Road. Visitors can enjoy swimming, surfing, fishing, bushwalking and spotting native wildlife, including koalas often seen in the surrounding eucalyptus trees, making it an ideal destination for a scenic day trip.
The Otway Fly Treetop Adventures is one of the Great Ocean Road region's premier nature attractions, located approximately 1 hour from Peterborough House. Wander through the spectacular treetop walk suspended high above the rainforest, or experience an exhilarating zipline tour through the towering mountain ash forest. Surrounded by ancient ferns, giant eucalypts and abundant native wildlife, the Otway Fly offers a unique perspective of the beautiful Great Otway National Park and makes for an unforgettable day trip.
Bells Beach is Australia's most iconic surfing destination, located approximately 2 hours from Peterborough House. Famous for its powerful right-hand point break and dramatic coastal cliffs, Bells Beach has attracted surfers from around the world for decades.
Each year, the beach hosts the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach, one of the most prestigious events on the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour. Traditionally held over the Easter period, the competition is the longest-running event in professional surfing, with the world's best surfers competing for the honour of "ringing the Bell"—a cherished tradition reserved for the event champions.
Whether you're watching elite surfers tackle world-class waves, exploring the scenic clifftop walking tracks or simply taking in the spectacular ocean views, Bells Beach is an unforgettable destination and an essential stop on any Great Ocean Road adventure.
Cape Otway Lightstation, located approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes from Peterborough House, is Australia's oldest surviving mainland lighthouse. First illuminated in 1848, it was built to guide ships safely through the treacherous waters of Bass Strait after a series of devastating shipwrecks along Victoria's southwest coast.
Today, visitors can climb the historic lighthouse for spectacular panoramic views of the Southern Ocean, explore heritage buildings, discover the stories of the lighthouse keepers and learn about the region's rich maritime history. The surrounding area is also well known for its resident koalas, abundant birdlife and seasonal whale watching, making the Cape Otway Lightstation a fascinating destination that combines history, nature and breathtaking coastal scenery.
The Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch, located approximately 2 hours from Peterborough House, is one of the most photographed landmarks along the Great Ocean Road. The arch commemorates the returned servicemen who built the road between 1919 and 1932 as a memorial to those who lost their lives in the First World War. A stop at the Memorial Arch offers visitors the perfect opportunity to learn about the road's remarkable history and capture a memorable photo at the gateway to one of Australia's most iconic coastal drives.
Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve, located approximately 40 minutes from Peterborough House, is nestled within the crater of an extinct volcano that last erupted around 30,000 years ago. Managed in partnership with the local Gunditjmara people, the reserve is one of the best places in Victoria to see native wildlife, including koalas, emus, kangaroos, echidnas and abundant birdlife in their natural habitat. Scenic walking trails, volcanic landscapes and rich Aboriginal cultural heritage make Tower Hill an unforgettable destination for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.
Click this link for an interactive Google Map with all the suggested sites and stopovers that you should see on the Great Ocean Road