The Cape Otway Light Station

Cape Otway Lightstation, perched on the rugged cliffs of Cape Otway, is Australia’s oldest surviving lighthouse, guiding ships since 1848. It offers stunning views of where the Bass Strait meets the Southern Ocean and holds a rich maritime history. Visitors can explore the lighthouse, learn about shipwrecks, and discover the role it played in Australia’s early sea navigation. With panoramic coastal vistas and the chance to spot whales during migration season, it’s a must-visit landmark in the Otways.

Cost: Entrance Fee – Visit their Site for details, but we do sometimes have discounted tickets at the Bimbi Park Reception.

From Bimbi Park – Short drive or about a 2 km walk – see map for details or go to reseption.

The Cape Otway Cemetery

A quiet, historic site near the  Cape Otway Lighthouse, dating back to the 1800s. It’s the resting place of early settlers, lighthouse keepers, and shipwreck victims. The weathered headstones offer a glimpse into the area’s rich maritime history.

Cost: Free

From Bimbi Park – Drive to the Lightstion and walk to the left on the Great Ocean Walk track to the Cemetry.

Tower Hill

Including the 12 Apostles and nearby Tower Hill is a wildlife sanctuary set within a dormant volcano near the Great Ocean Road, home to emus, kangaroos, koalas, and a variety of bird species. Visitors can explore its unique landscape of wetlands, craters, and bushland, with walking trails ranging from easy boardwalks to scenic hikes. Once exploited by settlers, the park has been restored through the efforts of volunteers, making it a fascinating blend of nature and history. As part of an Aboriginal cultural landscape, Tower Hill also honors the deep connection Traditional Owners have with the land.

Cost: Free

From Bimbi Park – It’s quite a drive but you can get in the 12 apostles and a few others on the way there and back

Red Rock

Red Rock Lookout, about 12 km from Colac, is one of Australia’s youngest volcanoes and offers stunning views from a platform or a short stair climb. The area is part of the world’s third-largest volcanic plain, with craters now filled with water, scoria cones, and small lava flows. From the lookout, enjoy 360-degree views, including Lake Corangamite, which is three times saltier than seawater and home to migratory birds.

Facilities such as toilets, a playground, and BBQ areas are 500 meters before the lookout. A 2-minute drive along Coragulac Hill Road offers more scenic vistas.

Cost: Free

From Bimbi Park – It’s worth a visit but a long drive, go by Beech Forest  (turn left just before Beech Forest) as the other way has too many dirt roads. Go fo a big food shop in Colac and make a day of it.

Colac Botanical Garderns

The Colac Botanic Gardens, spanning 16 hectares on the southern banks of Lake Colac, feature a 1.1 km carriageway for cars, walkers, and cyclists, shaded by mature oak trees. Walking paths wind through garden beds, open lawns, and offer beautiful views of the lake. At the eastern end, a playground and BBQ area make it a great family spot, while the Botanic Café in the former curator’s cottage (c.1924) is popular.

Established in 1865, they are home to many rare plant species, with several listed on the National Trust’s Significant Trees Register.

Cost: Free

From Bimbi Park – about a 1h 20min drive. If you need to do a big shop for the mob you could make a day of it. Colac has Coles, Woolworths, Aldi,  2 Fruit shops, many butches and all the shops you’d expect in a large town. Go via Beech Forest Way (turn left before Beech Forest)  – Apollo Bay too long and the other too many dirt roads.