Cape Bridgewater is on the Great Ocean Road in Victoria, Australia and has it all. This little coastal town has views, cliffs and natural wonders for nature lovers, adventure seekers and tranquillity chasers. From blowholes and freshwater springs to wildlife and walking trails, Cape Bridgewater is one of the best stops on this road. Whether you want to see the geology or the marine life, Cape Bridgewater has something for every kind of traveller.
Natural Wonders of Cape
Cape Bridgewater is renowned for its natural wonders and views. The coastline is rocky and rugged, with stacks and limestone formations carved out over millions of years by the wind and water. Cape Otway and the ancient rainforests are right next door. The Southern Ocean, with its blue water, is the perfect backdrop to take in the coastal scenery and wildlife. Cape Bridgewater has volcanic islands, craggy cliffs and great spots for photography and nature watching. If you want to get amongst the natural beauty of the area, Bridgewater Bay Beach and Discovery Bay are great spots for a picnic with ocean views.
Join a Melbourne Great Ocean Road tour to explore breathtaking scenery, from striking limestone formations to beautiful beaches. Perfect for nature lovers and photographers!
Getting to Cape
Getting to Cape Bridgewater is part of the fun. Twenty minutes west of Portland, Victoria, it’s accessed via Bridgewater Road, which winds its way through hills and has great views of the coast. If you’re coming from Melbourne, it’s a 4-hour drive with loads of scenery and quaint fishing villages like Port Fairy and Apollo Bay along the way. If you’re using public transport, buses from Portland are the way to go. The journey itself is the experience as you drive through coastal towns, national parks and historic sites that showcase the region’s natural and cultural history.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Cape Bridgewater depends on what you want to do. Summer (December to February) is beach time, Bridgewater Bay Beach and water activities like swimming and seal tours. Summer is when the vegetation and coastal tracks are lush and green and perfect for walking tracks and exploring the many ecosystems. Winter (June to August) is whale watching time as the southern right whales migrate along the coast. This time of year also means fewer people, so you can have a more peaceful time taking in the views and vistas. Autumn and spring are mild and perfect for getting amongst the natural wonders and picnic spots without the summer crowds.
Famous Landmarks
Blowholes
The Cape Bridgewater Blowholes are a must-see, a real show-stopper. Located on the west side of the cape, the blowholes are most active during high tide and stormy weather when the waves crash against the cliffs and force water through the holes and up into the air. This natural wonder is a reminder of the power of the Southern Ocean and best viewed from the viewing platform which is safe and has great views. The surrounding coastal scenery, with its cliffs and rock stacks, is perfect for photographers and nature enthusiasts.
Seal Tours
Cape Bridgewater has one of the best seal tour experiences on the Australian mainland, thanks to its large fur seal colony. These tours give you the chance to see hundreds of seals on the rocks or in the water around the cape. Guided boat tours take you up close to the action and offer great views of the seals in their natural habitat and the surrounding coastline. It is not only educational but also a fun water-based adventure that showcases the wildlife and coastal scenery of the cape. Your guide will tell you about the seals’ behaviour, the ecosystem and the conservation efforts in place to protect these amazing creatures.
Whale Watching
Whale watching at Cape Bridgewater is a must-do, especially during winter when the southern right whales migrate along the coast. From June to September, you can see them breaching and spouting off the cape. Several lookouts along the cliffs offer great views of the whales against the coastline and the Southern Ocean. For a closer look, boat tours will get you up close and personal with these gentle giants and other marine life like dolphins and seals—a seasonal treat for nature lovers and photographers.
Swan Lake
Swan Lake near Cape Bridgewater is a peaceful haven that is calm and full of birdlife. This freshwater lake is a waterbird haven for swans, ducks, and pelicans. It is a boardwalk and viewing platform where you can see wildlife without disturbing the environment. The calm waters and surrounding wetlands is a great place for a quiet walk or picnic, a nice change from the rugged coastal views of the cape. Swan Lake is a secret gem for those who want to see a different side of Cape Bridgewater.
Freshwater Springs
Cape Bridgewater’s freshwater springs are a bit of a secret but an interesting part of the area, a window into the region’s geology and history. These springs near the coast have been used by Indigenous Australians for thousands of years and are still a popular spot today. Accessible via walking tracks, the springs are a cool refuge from the salt air and have great views of the surrounding landscape. The nearby Cape Bridgewater Coastal Camp is a great base to explore these springs and other natural attractions in the area. Whether you are interested in geology or history or just a peaceful spot in nature, springs are worth a visit.
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