Area Hotlist — Glenelg - Southern Grampians VIC

Lake Hamilton

Lake Hamilton is a 38-hectare manmade lake created in 1977 by damming the Grange Burn. It features a 4.2-km walking/bike track, sandy beaches, BBQ and picnic facilities, a boat ramp, and fishing spots. The lake is a hub for water-skiing, paddling, bird watching, and family outings.

Mount Gambier

Mount Gambier, located in South Australia, is a city of 27,000 residents built around a dormant volcano. It features beautiful crater lakes and sinkholes, stunning geological formations, and a rich cultural heritage. It is a popular regional service hub known for its natural beauty and outdoor activities.

Portland Bay

Portland Bay, located in Victoria, is a sheltered bay along the Great Ocean Road. The city of Portland, one of Australia's earliest settlements, is nestled along its coast. The bay offers a marina, sandy beaches, and great spots for fishing and sightseeing, along with historical significance.

Glenelg River

The Glenelg River is a major river in southwest Victoria, originating in the Grampians and flowing westward into South Australia before meeting the Southern Ocean at Nelson. It is known for its scenic beauty, deep gorges, and wildlife, making it a prime spot for canoeing, fishing, and hiking in the surrounding national parks.

Grampians National Park

Grampians National Park is a stunning 167,000-hectare reserve known for its dramatic sandstone mountains, waterfalls, and wildflower displays. It is a haven for outdoor activities like hiking, rock climbing, and wildlife spotting. The park also holds cultural significance with over 80 Aboriginal rock art sites.

Mount Rouse

Mount Rouse, located near Penshurst, is an extinct volcanic cone that rises 100 meters above the surrounding plains. The summit offers panoramic views of the Western District, and the area is home to local wildlife and native vegetation, with a loop trail to the top for visitors to enjoy.

Wannon River

The Wannon River is a major tributary of the Glenelg River, known for its scenic beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities. The Wannon Falls, located near the river, are a popular tourist spot, and the river supports various species of fish and wildlife.

Mount Clay

Mount Clay is a low volcanic hill near Heywood, known for its scenic walking trails and elevated views of the surrounding region. The area is rich in flora and fauna and provides opportunities for hiking and wildlife watching, especially during the spring wildflower season.

Nuns Beach

Nuns Beach, located immediately north of Portland’s Lee Breakwater, is a modified town beach backed by a car park and boardwalk. Families use it as a starting point for coastal walks; swimmers and divers enjoy exploring the breakwater and rock pools, and its sheltered waters offer safe swimming on calm days.

Bridgewater Bay

Bridgewater Bay sits below cliffs at Cape Bridgewater, about 20 km west of Portland. The 4-km-long sandy beach forms a natural amphitheatre and hosts the Portland Surf Life Saving Club. Picnic facilities and walking tracks are available, and the windswept bay is known for wildlife and the fossilised coastline of the former volcanic island.

Mount Richmond National Park

Mount Richmond National Park is located near Portland, protecting an extinct volcano covered by inland-blown sand. The park is home to unspoiled bushland, wildflowers, and abundant wildlife, offering visitors walking tracks and picnic areas to explore the rich natural environment.

Mount Napier Road

Mount Napier Road is a sealed road linking Hamilton to areas near Warrabkook, skirting the Mount Napier volcanic complex. Mount Napier, one of Australia's youngest volcanoes, last erupted around 30,000 years ago, featuring a prominent scoria cone, lava flows, cave systems, and a summit track offering sweeping views of the surrounding area.

Holiday Lifestyle Henty Bay

Holiday Lifestyle Henty Bay offers a 10-acre park with powered and unpowered campsites, villas, and cabins. Facilities include a boat ramp, camp kitchen, BBQ area, games room, playground, and a jumping pillow. Visitors can enjoy fishing, the on-site café, and use the park as a base for coastal exploration.

Pedrina Park

Pedrina Park is Hamilton’s largest sporting hub, with football, cricket, soccer, netball, tennis, and hockey facilities. It also has clubrooms and meeting spaces, hosting regional sporting events and community gatherings throughout the year. The park plays a central role in the town’s recreational and community activities.

Fairthorne Forest

Fairthorne Forestry and Rural Aggregation is a 4,812-hectare estate consisting of commercial plantations and agricultural land in the Green Triangle region of Victoria. It is managed for timber production and agriculture, offering a glimpse into rural forest management practices in the area.

National Park

National parks across Victoria protect over 4 million hectares of diverse ecosystems. Lower Glenelg National Park is part of this system, with limestone cliffs, scenic walking trails, and the iconic Great South West Walk. These parks offer opportunities for camping, fishing, canoeing, and hiking.

Skate Park