Darlington Great Ocean Road

A beautiful rural village on the Great Ocean Road, Darlington, is where nature meets heritage. This lovely town is the entrance to the South West Victoria landscapes but also has a rich colonial and Aboriginal history. With its township feel and views, Darlington has something for everyone.

Darlington’s charm

The Irishness of Darlington is hard to ignore as you wander through the town and see the historic buildings and dry stone walls. This mix of charm and quiet makes it the perfect escape for those who love the peace of country living but have everything at their fingertips in a bustling town centre. Here, you can pop into Cafe & Bar or feel the local cafe culture in this family-friendly town.

Cultural Heritage

Darlington’s cultural heritage goes back to both Aboriginal and colonial history. The region is home to the Koroitch Gundidj who are the original owners of the land. Their history is shared through various events and exhibitions and ongoing work to build partnerships forever. The bluestone buildings and historic hotels are a reminder of the significance of this area to colonisation.

Natural Wonders in the Area

Nature lovers come from all over the world to see the natural wonders surrounding Darlington, and you will, too. From dormant volcanic lakes to sand-blown-out lakes to dried-up crater lakes, there’s plenty to do here.

Mount Elephant: An Extinct Volcano

One of the most striking attractions around Darlington is Mount Elephant – a dormant volcano with conical peaks and views over the surrounding countryside. A popular spot for walkers, it’s a window into the region’s geological past, sitting on top of varied terrain types with mainly volcanic soil deposits and unique features. You can’t help but be charmed by the views from the top.

Fishing in Local Rivers

Good fishing grounds can be found in the local rivers around Darlington, such as the Glenelg River and Mount Emu Creek. Experienced anglers and beginners will both find these calm waterways perfect for their needs. These rivers are the perfect place to relax and fish or enjoy a day of leisure and natural beauty with their peaceful surroundings, dense aquatic vegetation and plenty of fish.

Lake Bookaar

Lake Bookaar is a lovely lake near Darlington. Peaceful and picturesque, it’s a great spot for picnicking, birdwatching and casual boating. The area is home to many bird species, so it’s a bird lover’s paradise. The lake is calm and beautiful, perfect for a day out.

Deep Lake Recreation Reserve

Deep Lake Recreation Reserve is another beauty in the Darlington region. There’s lots to do here—a big lake surrounded by bush, swimming, kayaking and fishing. Well-maintained walking trails around the lake to get some exercise and enjoy the views.

Lake Tooliorook

This is another one to add to the list. Great for a leisurely walk or just to sit and enjoy the peace. Along with other nearby lakes like Lake Elizabeth, Lake Colac, Bolac; worth taking the time to explore them as they have some great features besides being beautiful scenery around every corner.

More Attractions

Add to that the proximity to other attractions and Darlington is a great destination for visitors. Tower Hill State Game Reserve has diverse wildlife and views on 243ha of land. Apostles Coast & Hinterland, which includes Shipwreck Coast and Twelve Apostles, has historical significance and dramatic coastal scenery.

Plus, bike tours along the Ballarat-Skipton Rail Trail or Budj Bim Tours to see natural and cultural heritage. Cheese World in Allansford has award-winning cheeses and talks about farming in this region.
Enjoy a fantastic Great Ocean Road day trip filled with breathtaking views, rich history, and cultural experiences, including bike tours and award-winning cheeses.

Accommodation

Darlington and surrounding areas has options to suit all tastes and budgets. From Darlington’s historic hotel to Browns Water Holes Caravan Park you’ll find many to choose from. Looking for something different? Try Lavers Hill or Camperdown Mill – both have unique overnight stays. Town has budget to high end so you’ll find something to suit.