Bay of Islands Coastal Park

Travel Guide

Bay of Islands Coastal Park showing rugged coastline
Bay of Islands Coastal Park showing rocky coastline
Bay of Islands Coastal Park featuring a bay or harbor and rugged coastline
Bay of Islands Coastal Park showing rocky coastline and a bay or harbor
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.

Deep Blue Hotel & Hot Springs

Deep Blue Hotel & Hot Springs

4.5 out of 5
Worm Bay Road, Warrnambool, VIC
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P4,898 per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
P4,898
P5,388 total
Aug 31 - Sep 1
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! (1,002 reviews)
"This motel was quiet, rooms spacious staff excellent. The bed was extremely comfortable. The air con. stopped working in our room the night before we were to checkout. Staff went out of there way to help us move to another room."

Reviewed on Jul 30, 2025

Deep Blue Hotel & Hot Springs
Discovery Parks - Warrnambool

Discovery Parks - Warrnambool

3.5 out of 5
25 Pertobe Rd, Warrnambool, VIC
The price is P4,104 per night from Aug 4 to Aug 5
P4,104
P4,104 total
Aug 4 - Aug 5
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star family-friendly holiday park in Warrnambool. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a snack bar/deli. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,005 reviews)
"Good place to stay."

Reviewed on Jul 31, 2025

Discovery Parks - Warrnambool
Innova Motel Warrnambool

Innova Motel Warrnambool

3 out of 5
620 Raglan Parade, Warrnambool, VIC
The price is P3,697 per night from Aug 10 to Aug 11
P3,697
P4,066 total
Aug 10 - Aug 11
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star motel in Warrnambool. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Warrnambool Shopping Centre and Warrnambool ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (106 reviews)
"Awesome Motel Very clean and tidy A+++"

Reviewed on Aug 2, 2025

Innova Motel Warrnambool
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! (929 reviews)
"The room was spacious, clean, and comfortable. Perfect for our one night stay. Would highly recommend!"

Reviewed on Jul 24, 2025

Loch Ard Motor Inn
NRMA Port Campbell Holiday Park

NRMA Port Campbell Holiday Park

3.5 out of 5
30 Morris Street, Port Campbell, VIC
Stay at this 3.5-star beach campground in Port Campbell. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions The Twelve Apostles and Port Campbell ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (474 reviews)
"Comfortable cabin on well maintained Caravan Perk. Great stopping point to explore this beautiful area of Victoria."

Reviewed on Aug 1, 2025

NRMA Port Campbell Holiday Park
Quest Warrnambool

Quest Warrnambool

4.5 out of 5
15-19 Liebig Street, Warrnambool, VIC
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. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (773 reviews)
"The communication was really good."

Reviewed on Jul 29, 2025

Quest Warrnambool
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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