Maritime history

Discover the dramatic past of the Great Ocean Road region's treacherous section of coast that has claimed more than 180 ships in its colourful maritime heritage. Take in spectacular views from historic lighthouses dotted along Victoria's south west coastline.

Follow the Shipwreck Discovery Trail and visit the many shipwreck sites along the coast. Learn about the tales of dozens of wrecks and their resting places such as Loch Ard Gorge, where you can discover the history of the Loch Ard, wrecked in 1878 and Wreck Beach. Dive underwater to see where many shipwrecks lay including over 60 nineteenth century shipwrecks in Port Phillip Bay, the wreck of the SS Casino of the shore at Apollo Bay, the shipwreck Fiji at Moonlight Head and in Warrnambool see the shipwreck Labella, about 250 metres off the end of the breakwater.

Visit a number of historic lighthouses along the Great Ocean Road. Climb to the top of the Cape Otway Lighthouse that guided ships bound for Port Phillip through the narrow entrance to Bass Strait and admire the breathtaking vista. Take a tour of many lighthouses open to the public including Lady Bay Warrnambool at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, Split Point Lighthouse at Aireys Inlet, Point Lonsdale Lighthouse on the Bellarine Peninsula and Cape Nelson Lightstation near Portland.