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Western Self-drive tour from Camperdown
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Model Barn
Travelling west, just after the Noorat turn-off you will see Model Barn on the left.. This Mecca for model enthusiasts is open every weekday from 11 am and on weekends by phoning 55921592 or 0407052227.
Terang Sand & Fire Glass studioAfter leaving Terang this stunning glass gallery is on your right. Its a great place for wonderfully unique gifts.
Glass plate by Michelle Shearer
Panmure Pottery Panmure bird feeder with King Parrots
As you drive west through Panmure you will see Panmure Pottery on a left-hand corner. Its unique Australia Possum, Frog and other Bird feeders, Garden lights and other goods are a real treat and make wonderful gifts and momentos.
Hopkins Falls
Watch for the sign to Hopkins Falls on your right. The car park is on the left after the bridge over the river. From there it is a short walk to the viewing areas. It's also worth looking down over the river from the Eastern side of the bridge.
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Antiques & CollectablesAs you drive into Warrnambool look for the Mill Markets which is set in extensive gardens of the defunct Fletcher Jones clothing factory. The factory now houses multiple antiques and collectables dealers and a car museum is about to open.
Warrnambool Wales
In winter southern Right Whales take refuge at Warrnambool's Lady Bay Beach while they give birth and care for their young. Follow the signs from Flecher Jones Gardens to watch the whales from extensive observational boardwalks.
Edwardian BoatshedDepending on the time you could have a snack or lunch at the boatshed on Hopkins river as you return from the whales.
Flagstaff Hill Maritime village & Light-show
You could easily spend. a full day here. The maritime village recreates an early whaling settlement and shipwreck is a laser show that lets you experience the story of the Lahard shipwreck.
Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve
Map of Tower Hill wildlife Reserve
About 10 minutes west of Warrnambool you will see a sign on the right for Tower Hill. It is easy to miss and is a one-way gravel road that leads straight down into the volcanic crater. If you have time, take one or more of the five walks. Depending an the time of day you will see koalas, Eastern Greg kangaroos and Emus. En route to the picnic area there are other walks.
If you eat at the picnic area around lunch-time the emus will want some too. If they become troublesome you need to stand tall, raise your arms right up and make a beak with your hands. Jutting your arms and beak towards the birds will keep them at bay. |
Port Fairy
Port Fairy has a variety of gourmet restaurants or you can get excellent take-away fish and chips riverside.
TimeandTide Gallery Cafe offers spectacular southern ocean beach vews and Edwardian High Teas but you need to book. It is is located at 21 Thistle Place, Part Fairy.. Port Fairy is a historic whaling town, originally called Belfast. It has links with the Cooks, Brown's and Baulches, who you will have come across through Edwardia's House Tour.
Sheerwater colonyBetween late September and mid-April early morning and evening sees the arrival and departure of the Sheerwater bird colony to burrows on the southern side of Port Fairy's Griffiths Island and Pea Soup on the town's South Beach..
On April 16 the parent birds migrate almost to the Aleutian Islands near Alaska and chicks born in January follow several months later.. Deen Maar
About 18 kilometres west of Port Fairy you will find a turn to the left down a gravel road to Deen Maar sacred site. The flat topped Island known as Lady Julia Percy Island is where Iocal aboriginals believe the Creator, Bunjil, rests The island is actually the remnant of an offshore volcano.
If you are at Port Fairy on a very calm day there is a fantastic boat tour to Dean Maar, which has extensive seal, sea elephant and gannet colonies. Its a four hour tour so is best done on a separate trip and you need to pre-book before leaving Edwardia. Koroit & Micky
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