The Southern Ocean has formed an impressive assortment of rock stacks, protected bays with scenic views, and small beaches near Peterborough along the Great Ocean Road tour.
The Bay of Islands Coastal Park offers a spectacular experience similar to Port Campbell and the Twelve Apostles but without the crowds.
The Great Ocean Road has lots of beautiful stops
The Bay of Islands, along Victoria’s iconic Great Ocean Road, showcases majestic rock formations and tranquil bays.
This location provides an extraordinary adventure away from the Twelve Apostles and Port Campbell crowds. It is between Peterborough and Warrnambool, roughly 400 kilometres from Melbourne and 670 kilometres from Adelaide.
Guests are treated to pristine beaches, dunes, and striking cliffs within the Bay of Islands Coastal Park confines. This region is a habitat for the endangered Hooded Plover and the unique Rufous Bristlebirds. The park features two observation decks at the Bay of Islands, where visitors are greeted with stunning vistas of the natural landscape. Wild Dog Cove is a hidden gem for wading and exploring tidal pools near the Peterborough Golf Course. The Bay of Martyrs is another favoured destination, boasting a beautiful beach, interpretive cliff walks, and panoramic views of the Falls of Halladale wreck.
Peterborough, located conveniently nearby, acts as an ideal starting point for journeys along the Great Ocean Road, reflecting a profound maritime legacy through the names of its bays.
The Bay of Islands is deeply tied to Aboriginal culture and history. The land is held by Aboriginal communities, collaborating with local governments and national bodies to safeguard this precious area. Visitors can delve into the wealthy Indigenous Australians ‘ries and cultural practices of the Inral trails and exhibitions along the Great Ocean Road.
Visitors are cautioned to prioritise safety near water at the Bay of Islands Coastal Park, as the more secluded beaches do not have lifeguard services. Recommends avoiding swimming in these spots and urges adherence to safety guidelines.
The formation of the Bay of Islands
This part of the coastline formed over 20 million years ago at the bottom of an ocean. The sandstone was created by the deposition and compaction of fish, plants, and sand from rivers flowing into the sea. Any sandstone with 50% or more fossils is classified as limestone, which tends to erode slowly.
The ocean has gradually eroded the coastline in this area, forming a bay with large limestone formations rising above the water.
The erosion caused by the ocean formed tunnels in the weakest part of the stone, which eventually collapsed to create the unique and rugged coastline.
Tips for obtaining an optimal viewpoint of the Bay of Islands
The Bay of Islands is west of Peterborough, a few kilometres outside the Port Campbell National Park on the Shipwreck Coast.
There are two main viewpoints from which to see the Bay Of Islands, one being well-known, while the other offering a superior view.
You can reach the central car park of the Bay of Islands by following the signs or using your GPS. The area around the car park is representative of the coastline, featuring native plants and golden dust from the sandstone. To access the viewing platform, there is a 200-meter walk where you can enjoy a view from south to north.
If you continue driving about one kilometre further along the Great Ocean Road to the Boat Ramp called ‘Boat Bay’, there is a short 50-metre walk out to a viewing platform where you can get a better view of the Bay of Islands and see more of the sandstone islands in the Bay.
The photography conditions at the Bay of Islands can vary depending on the time of day. When the sun sets in the west, capturing a good photo at Boat Bay in the afternoon on a sunny day may be challenging due to the sun’s position.
Viewing areas are available at the Bay of Islands
Two viewing platforms at the Bay of Islands offer a chance to admire the scenery.
The first car park is approximately 120m away and can be accessed via a secondary path. A timber deck and stunning views of the sea will welcome you.
The second viewing area, located approximately 140m from the car park, can be reached by taking the main path. It features a timber deck that is slightly larger than the first and offers even more unobstructed views.
The Bay is made up of ancient limestone islands
The Bay Of Islands is the final opportunity to stand on a cliff above the ocean on your Great Ocean Road trip before the road goes slightly inland to reach Allansford, where it officially ends.
Larger pieces of Sandstone and Limestone are located together in a bay that has been gradually eroding for millions of years.
Bay of Islands suggestions
Wild Dog Cove
Massacre Point and Massacre Bay.
The Bay gets its name from a historical event where Europeans were rumoured to kill local Aboriginals. Wetlands surround the Bay and offer beautiful scenic views. The name comes from how Aboriginals were allegedly sent off the cliffs into the water by European settlers.
Bay of Martyrs
The Bay of Martyrs is a popular tourist destination that offers a beautiful beach and various viewing areas. Visitors can enjoy a guided walk along the cliffs and see the Falls of Halladale shipwreck from 1908. Limestone stacks can be seen in the water, and there are beliefs that they represent the lost Aboriginal souls who perished due to European settlement.
Cheese World, Warrnambool
Farmers in Allansford established a butter factory in 1888. Cheesemaking started later at the factory. The current building is the third one on the site. In 1986, Cheese World opened, allowing the factory to sell directly to consumers. You can purchase farm and everyday items and cheese from their factory and other local and statewide cheese makers at the cellar door. Additionally, you can sample the Warrnambool Heritage Cheddar Range available at the outlet.
Bay of Martyrs Trail
There is a secluded beach just 6 kilometres outside of Peterborough. It offers a view of limestone stacks, which serve as water guardians. The lookout to the Bay of Martyrs is only a 15-metre walk from the parking area and is wheelchair accessible. If you’re up for a walk, you can take the 4-kilometre Bay of Martyrs Trail, which takes about 2 hours to complete. The trail starts at the Peterborough Golf Course and continues to Halladale Point, where you can see the wreckage of the Falls of Halladale. Eventually, the trail leads you to the Bay of Martyrs. This hidden gem is particularly stunning at sunset.
The Town of Peterborough
Peterborough is located near the Bay of Islands. It was founded after the Schomberg wrecked in the area in the 19th century. The town is famous for its 9-hole golf course with stunning ocean views. The surrounding area has many shipwrecks, as seen in the names of the bays in Peterborough. It is also near the Twelve Apostles and London Arch, making it a convenient base for families exploring the Great Ocean Road.
Accommodations and camping near the Bay of Islands
The closest town to the Bay of Islands is Peterborough, just a few minutes away by car, where you can find many holiday homes available for rent.
Many options are available if you need accommodation near Port Campbell while travelling along the Great Ocean Road back to Melbourne. You can camp at Port Campbell or choose from various options, including backpackers hostels and luxury accommodations.
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