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Sightseeing - Melbourne & Environs

Melbourne's Bays and Peninsulas has over 260 kilometres of unspoilt coastline. The region, comprising the Bellarine and Mornington peninsulas and the Port Phillip and Westernport bays, is renowned for its national parks, abundant wildlife and roadside vistas providing sweeping coastal views. While in Australia, why not take time to experience some of the most exciting scenery and activities in the world. Just a few suggestions -

Point Nepean National Park

Point Nepean is located1 km west of Portsea, a short 10 minute drive from Blairgowrie. Point Nepean National Park has a significant military history, dating back to the 1880's. Because of its geographical positioning, overlooking the entrance to Port Phillip Bay, Point Nepean, was used as a fort and observation point by the Australian Military. In 1988 Point Nepean was opened as part of the Mornington Peninsula National Park after being restricted to the general public for over 100 years. Visitors to the Point Nepean National Park can enjoy many walks around the Park. If you don't wish to walk, transport is available in the form of a bus which runs every hour to take you to the point.

Phillip Island Nature Park

Just 90 minutes from Blairgowrie, Phillip Island Nature Park offers a unique Australian wildlife experience and is home to the famous Penguin Parade at Summerland Beach. From the viewing stands and boardwalk, visitors can watch little penguins emerge each night from the surf and waddle to their burrows on the foreshore.

Healesville Sanctuary

Healesville Sanctuary is 90 minutes from Blairgowrie in the picturesque Yarra Valley. You'll find yourself closer than you ever thought possible to Australia's unique wildlife. The sanctuary features more than 200 species of native birds, mammals and reptiles in walk-through habitats and enclosures. As you make your way along the accessible system of pathways linking the habitats and exhibits, look out for roaming animals like kangaroos, emus and wallabies. You can also see the platypus exhibit, which provides an intimate encounter with this nocturnal creature, and participate in meet-the-keeper sessions featuring hunting demonstrations by birds of prey and daily dingo walks.

Puffing Billy Steam Railway

Puffing Billy is Australia's oldest surviving and famously preserved steam railway. The 25-kilometre journey takes visitors through thick forests and lush fern-filled gullies from Belgrave, only one hour east of Melbourne, to Emerald Lake Park and Gembrook - an enjoyable introduction to the Yarra Valley. Just 1 hour's drive from Blairgowrie.

The Great Ocean Road

The Great Ocean Road is one of the most spectacular scenic ocean drives in the world. Why not schedule into your itinerary a couple of extra days. You'll be astounded by the natural beauty and panoramic views. It meanders along the coast of the Southern Ocean between golden beaches with rugged rock outcrops, and the Otway Ranges, and passes through the Angahook-Lorne State Park and Otway State Forest, abundant rain-forest areas.

The dramatic and imposing limestone cliffs that are the backdrop to the Apostles tower up to 70 metres, while the tallest of the rock stacks is around 45 metres high. The 12 Apostles had their beginnings up to 20 million years ago with the forces of nature attacking the soft limestone of the Port Campbell cliffs.

Access Dinghy Factory

Access Dinghy Factory The folk at Access Dinghy will give you a warm welcome when making a visit to the factory at Dandenong. The 10,000 m2 manufacturing facility provides "state of the art" production for five Access Dinghies per week, with the capability to increase production to ten per week as demand increases. Everyone is welcome. The factory is a short 1/2 hour drive from Blairgowrie.