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 which includes rugged coastline and a bay or harbor
Bay of Islands Coastal Park featuring a bay or harbor and rugged coastline
Nirranda which includes rocky coastline
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 NT$2,535 per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
NT$2,535
NT$2,789 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! (1,003 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 2025/7/30

Deep Blue Hotel & Hot Springs
Discovery Parks - Warrnambool

Discovery Parks - Warrnambool

3.5 out of 5
25 Pertobe Rd, Warrnambool, VIC
The price is NT$2,130 per night from Aug 17 to Aug 18
NT$2,130
NT$2,130 total
Aug 17 - Aug 18
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)
Great park.
"Great caravan park, stayed in the superior cabin, nice bed, nice kitchen, rails outside on the decking was a bit rusted, would stay again."

Reviewed on 2025/8/6

Discovery Parks - Warrnambool
Innova Motel Warrnambool

Innova Motel Warrnambool

3 out of 5
620 Raglan Parade, Warrnambool, VIC
The price is NT$1,901 per night from Aug 10 to Aug 11
NT$1,901
NT$2,091 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! (107 reviews)
"Awesome Motel Very clean and tidy A+++"

Reviewed on 2025/8/2

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! (933 reviews)
"Room was spacious and clean"

Reviewed on 2025/8/3

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! (773 reviews)
"The communication was really good."

Reviewed on 2025/7/29

Quest Warrnambool
Surfside Holiday Park

Surfside Holiday Park

4 out of 5
120 Pertobe Road, Warrnambool, VIC
Stay at this 4-star beach campground in Warrnambool. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Lake Pertobe Adventure Playground and Warrnambool ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (234 reviews)
"Location is great and that huge park across road! My 5 year old loved the stay ."

Reviewed on 2025/7/27

Surfside 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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