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
The price is ₩124,617 per night from Sep 8 to Sep 9
₩124,617
₩137,079 total
Sep 8 - Sep 9
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! (1,005 reviews)
"I love staying here"

Reviewed on Aug 17, 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 ₩99,136 per night from Aug 20 to Aug 21
₩99,136
₩99,136 total
Aug 20 - Aug 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 ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,004 reviews)
"Nice and clean cabin, we really enjoyed our Stay"

Reviewed on Aug 18, 2025

Discovery Parks - Warrnambool
Loch Ard Motor Inn

Loch Ard Motor Inn

3.5 out of 5
18 Lord Street, Port Campbell, VIC
The price is ₩87,988 per night from Aug 21 to Aug 22
₩87,988
₩104,634 total
Aug 21 - Aug 22
includes taxes & fees
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! (936 reviews)
"Good location in a tiny town. Very comfortable bed."

Reviewed on Aug 13, 2025

Loch Ard Motor Inn
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! (936 reviews)
"Good location in a tiny town. Very comfortable bed."

Reviewed on Aug 13, 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! (775 reviews)
"Excellent location; close to everything we needed. We'd stay again and highly recommend to anyone."

Reviewed on Aug 18, 2025

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 Jul 27, 2025

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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