Many great attractions in Victoria and South Australia are within easy travelling distance of the Shipwreck Coast.
Immediately to the north of the Coast are the volcanic plains and extinct volcanoes of the Volcanic Trail; while some volcanoes are ancient, some are relatively 'young' -- only a few thousand years old -- and the landscape still clearly shows remarkable volcanic features.
Also north of the coast are the Grampians, a mountain range offering spectacular views, abundant wildlife and native plants, and a rich heritage of indigenous art.
Continue westward along the coast to Portland, Victoria's birthplace and still a major shipping port for international trade. Portland is the starting point for the Great South West Walk, a 250-kilometre track (usually attempted in easy stages) through coastal and inland national parks.
Further west into South Australia is the Limestone Coast, centred on the towns of Port McConnell and Robe. Inland is Mount Gambier, built around spectacular volcanic lakes, with fascinating caves nearby.
Eastward along the Great Ocean Road is the Surf Coast, with more spectacular coastal scenery as the road winds along steep cliff-faces. The Surf Coast also hosts the holiday havens of Apollo Bay, Lorne, Torquay and several smaller hamlets.
The Otway Ranges span both the Shipwreck and Surf Coasts, and offer a delightful contrast to the coast, with cool rainforests, waterfalls and cosy bush hideaways guaranteed to ease away the stresses of the workday world.
Continuing east, either along the coast or inland along the Princes Highway brings you to Geelong and Melbourne. Geelong, Victoria's second-largest city, features a beautiful bay, great restaurants and city-style shopping.
Melbourne, perhaps the world's most liveable city, offers a feast of arts and entertainment, superb food, amazing shopping, and a host of attractions for all ages and interests.
Further inland are the goldfields of central Victoria -- the destination of many travellers to the Shipwreck Coast in the 1850's, as they followed the gold rushes of the 19th Century.
Visitors can explore vivid recreations of the rugged and sometimes violent goldfields life, or just relax and unwind in the neighbouring spa country of Daylesford and Hepburn Springs.
