Bay of Islands Coastal Park

Travel Guide

Bay of Islands Coastal Park featuring rocky coastline
Bay of Islands Coastal Park featuring rugged coastline
Bay of Islands Coastal Park which includes a bay or harbor and rocky coastline
Bay of Islands Coastal Park featuring rugged 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 RM356 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
RM356
RM391 total
31 Aug - 1 Sept
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)
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Reviewed on 30 Jul 2025

Deep Blue Hotel & Hot Springs
Innova Motel Warrnambool

Innova Motel Warrnambool

3 out of 5
620 Raglan Parade, Warrnambool, VIC
The price is RM268 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
RM268
RM295 total
3 Aug - 4 Aug
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! (104 reviews)
"It was a nice room, we were even upgraded to a king sized bed after booking just a queen. However, the streaming apps on the tv are just for show, Netflix, Amazon and other streaming platforms won’t log in. I asked them about this and they said that the apps are there but aren’t usable. Also most ..."

Reviewed on 26 Jul 2025

Innova Motel Warrnambool
Discovery Parks - Warrnambool

Discovery Parks - Warrnambool

3.5 out of 5
25 Pertobe Rd, Warrnambool, VIC
The price is RM276 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
RM276
RM276 total
3 Aug - 4 Aug
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! (1,003 reviews)
"The wifi was terrible, couldn't get a signal on my laptop."

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2025

Discovery Parks - 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 24 Jul 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! (772 reviews)
"The communication was really good."

Reviewed on 29 Jul 2025

Quest Warrnambool
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! (473 reviews)
"Pleasant. Easy to find. Good parking."

Reviewed on 8 Jun 2025

NRMA Port Campbell Holiday Park
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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