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
The price is P5,022 per night from Jul 27 to Jul 28
P5,022
P5,525 total
Jul 27 - Jul 28
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)
"We loved our stay so much that we will be coming back and staying longer next time. The early morning walks were our favourite part of the trip."

Reviewed on Jun 25, 2025

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Innova Motel Warrnambool
Innova Motel Warrnambool
3 out of 5
620 Raglan Parade, Warrnambool, VIC
The price is P3,640 per night from Jul 6 to Jul 7
P3,640
P4,005 total
Jul 6 - Jul 7
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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (89 reviews)
"Clean, quiet, comfortable. Would stay again."

Reviewed on Jun 29, 2025

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Discovery Parks - Warrnambool
Discovery Parks - Warrnambool
3.5 out of 5
25 Pertobe Rd, Warrnambool, VIC
The price is P5,228 per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
P5,228
P5,228 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
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 ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,009 reviews)
"It was good thank you."

Reviewed on Jun 30, 2025

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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.
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! (472 reviews)
"Pleasant. Easy to find. Good parking."

Reviewed on Jun 8, 2025

NRMA Port Campbell Holiday Park
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! (920 reviews)
"Very nice room and town centre recently renewed.."

Reviewed on Jun 19, 2025

Loch Ard Motor Inn
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! (767 reviews)
"Great location, close to multiple dining options, walkable to key locations like The Lighthouse Theatre"

Reviewed on Jun 12, 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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