Bay of Islands Coastal Park

Travel Guide

Bay of Islands Coastal Park which includes rocky coastline
Bay of Islands Coastal Park showing rocky coastline
Bay of Islands Coastal Park featuring a bay or harbour and rugged coastline
Bay of Islands Coastal Park featuring rocky coastline and a bay or harbour
Bay of Islands Coastal Park

Look out over the craggy limestone cliffs to captivating geological formations from this protected coastal parkland fronting the Great Ocean Road.

The Bay of Islands Coastal Park is a rugged foreshore reserve that stretches between Peterborough to the outer reaches of Warrnambool in western Victoria. Check out the 20-mile (32-kilometer) long coastline’s spectacular geological features and explore the pristine heathland foreshore. Towering limestone rock stacks stand steadfast in the churning Southern Ocean waters. Hike down the cliff-side pathways to secret coves and beaches.

Make your way to the scenic coastal reserve via a network of country roads that turn off the Great Ocean Road. Pick from a selection of staggeringly beautiful lookout points accessible by car or follow hiking trails and take photos of magnificent vistas along the way.

The park’s namesake Bay of Islands can be seen from two viewing areas. Stroll along the easy gravel pathways that lead to the timber observation decks and enjoy sweeping views of the limestone rock spires and the sheer cliffs. Reach the viewing area that overlooks the Bay of Martyrs via a sealed walking path. In springtime, look back over the coastal heathland to see a scattering of pretty wildflowers.

Near Nirranda is the Flaxmans Hill Visitor Site, a popular lookout used by paragliding and hang gliding tour operators as a launch site. Check out Childers Cove, which has a secluded beach that is accessible via a steep staircase. Make your way down the cliff-side stairs and relax on the beach shores, protected by rugged headlands. Note that the staircase may be closed due to unstable dunes and erosion.

The Bay of Islands Coastal Park can be reached via roads branching off from the Great Ocean Road. The viewing areas above the Bay of Islands and the Bay of Martyrs are both easily reachable via wheelchair-accessible pathways. There is free parking available at the trailheads of both viewing areas. The coastal park is free to visit at any time. Its eastern border town, Peterborough, is a 3-hour drive from Melbourne or a 40-minute drive from Warrnambool.

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4.5 out of 5
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The price is €107 per night from 22 Oct to 23 Oct
€107
22 Oct - 23 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Warrnambool. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and hot springs on site. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,008 reviews)
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Deep Blue Hotel & Hot Springs
Southern Ocean Motor Inn

Southern Ocean Motor Inn

3 out of 5
2 Lord Street, Port Campbell, VIC
The price is €88 per night from 9 Nov to 10 Nov
€88
9 Nov - 10 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star beach motel in Port Campbell. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
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Loch Ard Motor Inn

3.5 out of 5
18 Lord Street, Port Campbell, VIC
The price is €105 per night from 15 Oct to 16 Oct
€105
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includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Port Campbell. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9/10 Wonderful! (945 reviews)
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Loch Ard Motor Inn
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Loch Ard Motor Inn

Loch Ard Motor Inn

3.5 out of 5
18 Lord Street, Port Campbell, VIC
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Port Campbell. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9/10 Wonderful! (945 reviews)
"An ideal place to stay with family. Tidy, comfy and convenient!"

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4.5 out of 5
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Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Warrnambool. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
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Daysy Hill Country Cottages

Daysy Hill Country Cottages

3.5 out of 5
2585 Cobden Port Campbell Road, Port Campbell, VIC
Stay at this 3.5-star cottage in Port Campbell. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions The Twelve Apostles and Port Campbell Foreshores ...
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Ocean Road Adventure
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Reviewed on 16 Sept 2025

Daysy Hill Country Cottages
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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