The top spots to experience across Geelong and the Surf Coast

IF YOU are planning a trip away in the coming weeks, then here are a few must-visit locations throughout Geelong and the Surf Coast to stretch those quarantine legs.

From mountain tops to ocean lookouts, this list has something for everyone, including the people who just like to pop the car door open, take a selfie and get back on the road…

You Yangs, Little River – How’s the serenity? Take in magnificent views from Melbourne, to Geelong and beyond while seeing nature at its finest. The You Yangs Regional Park offers purpose-built mountain bike trails, walks up to Flinders Peak and Big Rock which provide rewarding panoramic views,  or explore the landscape on horseback. Pack a picnic, and take in the magnificent granite peaks which rise from the park’s plains.

The Boardwalk, Torquay – The whole of the Surf Coast walk is incredible, and this section is only a small part of that. You can enjoy the whole of the Surf Coast walk, but if you only have a short time in Torquay this is my recommendation. The boardwalk curves over Spring Creek at Torquay Point. There are people fishing along it and great views of RACV. You can watch the small fishes swim about in the creek and the birds trying to eat them. Continue walking up the hill to Rocky Point look out. You will have views of Torquay on your left and the clifftops over Jan Juc on your right.

Loveridge lookout, Anglesea – Take a moment to take it all in. Loveridge Lookout, a picturesque site that was recently added to the Victorian Heritage Register, provides panoramic views of Bass Strait. Steeped in World War Two history and located on a short drive from the picturesque Great Ocean Road in a coastal reserve, this Anglesea lookout showcases the region’s beauty.

Erskine Falls, Lorne – This is a really amazing and short walk. It’s a very short few steps to the first look out that gives you the perfect first glimpse of the waterfall. The air is already fresher, the trees and bushland already greener. Keep on walking down the steps to get to the bottom of the falls. There is a great look out point and you can explore along the river as the fresh water runs along the rocks. Getting back up the steps isn’t a lot of fun, but you will feel invigorated! If it’s too much for you there are seats along the way to break it up. You will have gotten amazing insta shots at the bottom, so you don’t need to worry about a sweaty brow at the top.

Teddy’s Lookout, Lorne – If you are going to walk you may as well make it Insta worthy. This view definitely is. It’s just a short wander to the lookout that gives you great photo opportunities of the Great Ocean Road winding along the bottom of the mountains. On a good day you might see whales.

Split Point Lighthouse, Fairhaven – The lighthouse can be found on another section of the Surf Coast walk. You can drive to it though, via the Great Ocean Road. It’s a really great stopping point to stretch out the legs. If you are there on time you can join a tour and get to the top of it. Which is pretty awesome. It’s not a huge lighthouse, so the stairs aren’t so bad. They have set up really amazing viewing platforms as well – so you can check out the coastline around you.

Redwoods, Beech Forest – Head into the Otways’ heart. Immerse yourself in one of the region’s most enchanting plantations the Californian Redwoods. Situated among native eucalypts, and not far from Hopetoun Falls, this Otways’ plantation is a magical sport. Trees soar to heights of up to 60 metres, creating a stunning effect.