Tag / day trips

by Rebecca Sullivan

Cape Schack and The Peninsula Hot Springs

Rebecca Sullivan's avatargrace touring

We acknowledge that we walk on Boonwurrang Country and offer our respect to Elders past and present.IMG_4744.jpg

The contrast between the ancient volcanic cliffy landscape with the pristine wild beaches makes Cape Schanck a dramatically beautiful place to visit at any time of the year. Cape Schack is only a 1.5 hours drive from Melbourne. To avoid tollways, From Melbourne, take the Nepean Hwy, turn left at White St, right at Boundary Rd, Left at Springvale Rd, then right onto the Mornington Peninsular Fwy. When the Freeway ends go left at Boneo Rd, continue till you reach Cape Schanck Rd, turn right and continue to the car park. For a short but spectacular walk take the circuit from the car park kiosk that leads towards the cape. Enjoy inspiring views of Pulpit Rock and Devils Desk, and meander over the black rocky beach.

For a longer walk and some more of…

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by Rebecca Sullivan

Maits Rest

With respect to Elders past and present, we acknowledge that we walk on Gadubanud Country

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2.5 hours from Melbourne, along Victoria’s Great Ocean Road, just past Apollo Bay, there is spectacular ancient wonder to be explored at Maits Rest. An easy self-guided 800m circuit takes you through cool green temperate rainforest thick with grandfather gums. A wooden boardwalk built over the tree-fern gullies and moss-covered roots, makes the forest available for young and old.

For more adventures in this area press here

by Rebecca Sullivan

Lake Elizabeth and the Californian Redwoods

With respect to Elders past and present, we acknowledge that we walk on Gadubanud Country.

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2.5 hours from Melbourne find Awesome forest, lakes fit for the Loch ness, towering redwoods, plus a sweet township that makes a coffee to rival the best of Lygon Street. This stretch of the Great Otway National park should not go missed. Pack a picnic and head out early on the Princess Hwy (M1) towards Geelong. Stay on the Princess Hwy then after Mount Moriac turn left onto Cape Otway Rd. Stop when you get to the town of Forrest. For a great Coffee go to the Forrest Brewing Company (they serve a pretty decent brekky too). After coffee/brekky, follows the signs to Lake Elizabeth 

 

Lake Elizabeth is a great place to camp or visit for the day. It’s about a 1-1.5 hour walk around the lake and it’s worth it! it feels like a playground fit for prehistoric dinosaurs. To book a campsite or for more information on Lake Elizabeth press here

After your visit to Lake Liz head back to Forrest and take the Forrest-Apollo Bay rd. Drive for about 30 minutes then turn left at Beech-Forest-Mount Sabine Rd. When you hit the next fork stay left onto Seaview Ridge Rd. Along this track you will find the

Californian Redwoods

This is truly a picnic spot fit for little red riding hood.

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Grab your blanket and your goodies lie down and enjoy the view.

img_5013If time permits head back to Beech-Forest-Mount Sabine Rd and continue south to hit the Great Ocean Road.(it takes about 3.5 hours to get back to Melbourne this way). Enjoy the magnificent views as you wind along the road. Maybe even book ahead and find somewhere great to stay on this awesome Ocean Road. Or at least stop for a great dinner at the Wye River Hotel

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For more adventures in the Otway National Park press here

by Rebecca Sullivan

The Dandenong Ranges

With respect to Elders past and present we acknowledge that we walk on Boonwurrung Country 

IMG_3225I Hour Drive from Melbourne’s CBD Find the Dandenong Ranges. A great walk starts deep in the Ranges at Eagle Nest Picnic Ground.

National Rhododendron Gardens is also great place to take the kids for a picnic. Paved paths also make it a excellent place if you have a to pram to push around or require wheel chair access. Located near Mount Dandenong and  just east of the Olinda township.

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After your adventure in the gardens, head back into Olinda, (maybe grab a coffee or some Devonshire tea if that’s your thing) then keep going along the Mount Dandenong Tourist road to find

William Ricketts Sanctuary  – Situated among the mountain ash, this is a place that is both beautiful and tranquil. In this natural setting, beautiful sculptures can be found half hidden among the ferns. William Ricketts’vision was one of a modern Australia that embraces Aboriginal spirituality and respects the natural world. A peaceful place for the whole family to meander.Find more adventures in The Dandenong Ranges here

To find one of our Free Grace Day retreats in the Dandenongs click here

To read an adventure story set in the Dandenong Ranges click here