The Great Ocean Road’s National Parks
- Author Emily Collins
- Published February 24, 2011
- Word count 560
From dramatic limestone pillars rising high from the ocean floor, to lush copses of tropical rainforest teeming with indigenous flora and fauna, one thing that the Great Ocean Road excels in is natural beauty. The best way to discover the diverse range of nature and UNESCO approved attractions, the areas national parks throw up some highlights from koala watching in a lighthouse, to viewing Victoria’s most famous monument by air. The famous Great Ocean Road starts just over an hour outside of Victoria’s capital, Melbourne, so even those staying in the cosmopolitan city will find these national parks within easy reach.
You Yangs Regional Park
Towering majestically out of the Werribee lava plains, travellers staying in Melbourne will be able to see all the way to these granite peaks on a clear day. The unusual name "You Yangs" is actually an Aboriginal phrase that translates to "large mountain rising out of a plain". Although the largest mountain in the park, Flinder’s Peak, is only 352m tall, holidaymakers who make the trek to the top can view the Brisbane ranges and Mount Macedon when the sun is out. Other attractions that may be of interest to tourists visiting the park are the Aboriginal rock wells on Big Rock, which were designed to hold water during the stifling summer season.
Great Otways National Park
This infamous national park is perhaps the best place on the Great Ocean Road Australia to spot some of the area’s indigenous wildlife, be that whales, koalas or even platypuses. As well as striking waterfalls and dense fern gullies, the park boasts several mountain-biking runs, horse-riding excursions and hiking trails which are bound to appeal to the more adventurous traveller. The Great Otways are also known for their flora and fauna, and the lighthouse not only provides a unique way of spotting koalas in the wild, but during November holidaymakers can often spot whales frolicking in the ocean below from the window of the light-room. Another of the most popular animal experiences inside of the Great Otways National Park is kayaking tours with platypuses. Many holidaymakers join knowledgeable tour guides at dawn or dusk to kayak around the scenic Lake Victoria, where they are joined by scores of playful platypuses. The Great Otways National Park is one of the few national parks en-route that issue camping permits, and of all the campsites situated in the park The Johanna Beach site is the one which really allows holidaymakers to go back to basics and experience life in the Australian bush.
Port Campbell National Park
Arguably the most famous monument of the Great Ocean Road are the Twelve Apostles, which are based in this national park. These rock stacks were formed almost 20 million years ago and take their shape from erosion caused by the sea. Holidaymakers who wish to find out more about some of the interesting formations can take a guided tour from Loch Ard, which explains coastal ecology and geology in the region and which also gives background information on some of the reserve’s famous ship-wrecks. Visitors who want to take a closer look at these shipwrecks can arrange scuba diving and snorkelling excursions from the visitor centre, whilst those who want to take a closer look at the towering Twelve Apostles should consider a helicopter trip around the formations, for unrivalled views.
Emily Collins is a travel writer with an extensive knowledge of the Great Ocean Road. For more information on the Great Ocean Road Australia please visit the Visit Melbourne website.
Article source: https://articlebiz.comRate article
Article comments
There are no posted comments.
Related articles
- Acura MDX and Honda Pilot: Which one will you choose?
- How to Save Money Every Day With Promo Codes
- Fresh Paint for a Fast Sale: Here's Why You Should Paint Before Listing
- The Invisible Impact of Missing Teeth: Why Replacing Them Matters
- Detecting Dental Beauty: 5 Core Traits of a Beautiful Smile
- Timeless Toothcare: Dental Hygiene Tips for Seniors
- Saving Old Smiles: How In-House Dental Discount Plans Help Seniors
- Too Much of a Good Thing? Signs You’re Brushing Your Teeth Too Hard
- Why a Root Canal Might Be the Best News for Your Tooth
- What is DuckDuckGo?
- The Role of Lighting Stores in Brampton: Shaping Spaces for the Future
- The Role of Commercial Cleaning Services in Auckland: A Comprehensive Guide
- Exploring the World of Chauffeur Service: Benefits, Challenges, and Best Practices
- Nerds and Geeks: They still live on!
- IQ Tests: History, Uses, and Choosing a Reliable Resource
- 8 Great Ways To Teach Kids About Oral Hygiene
- App Development as a Catalyst for Business Growth
- Costs of arranging a Mortgage in Spain
- TikTok and Instagram: Ways you will grow and learn.
- Mustang GT: Ford Motor Company is a Rising Force!
- 10 Ways to Transform Production Scheduling in Business Central
- Elevating Your Home with Bold Decor and Vintage Carved Doors
- The Ultimate Skin Care Guide for Every Weather
- Do I Need Insurance When I Rent a Boat?
- Casino Bonuses: How to Maximize Your Rewards and Enhance Your Gameplay
- Was Joseph Stalin a good or bad leader of the Soviet Union?
- Top 5 Slots with the Highest RTP: A Winning Guarantee or a Myth?
- The Thrill of the Hunt Discovering the World of Location-Based Entertainment
- How Much Is the Hermès Cleaning Fee?
- Does Hermès Offer Free Repairs?