What To See and Do

Tourist Information

Tourist information is available from the Geelong Otway Tourist Information Centre in Geelong (ph: 03 5222 2900, or free-call 1800 620 888).

Beaches
Safe swimming can be enjoyed from the long sandy river foreshore (access via Flinders Parade or off Ewing Blyth Drive) at the river mouth. Thirteenth Beach (because it is behind the13th hole of the golf course) is a popular ocean beach (access off the Barwon Heads-Torquay Rd which extends from Ewing Blyth Drive).

Barwon Heads Golf Club
The golf course (access via Golf Links Rd) which is considered one of Victoria's most scenic as it is set situated amidst rolling, coastal hills and sand dunes with outstanding oceanic views.

Parks and Walks
A walking-cycling track follows Ewing Blyth Drive. Another passes through Village Park (where there are picnic facilities and a playground), connecting Geelong Rd and Wandin Crescent. Another park with picnic-barbecue-playground facilities can be found behind the river beach adjacent Flinders Parade.

The Bluff
'The Bluff' (also known as Barwon Head) extends out from the south-eastern corner of town beyond the river mouth and out into Bass Strait. It is made of limestone which overlays lava deposits but his formation also extends further out to sea forming submarine reefs which caused a number ofshipwrecks in the 19th century. Bluff Rd (which runs off Ewing Blyth Drive) leads to a carpark, an ocean lookout and walking tracks. A monument honours those killed in the wreck of the Earl of Charlemont in 1853.

The Jirrahlinga Koala and Wildlife Sanctuary
The Jirrahlinga Koala and Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a range of native animals. To get there head north on Sheepwash Rd from the roundabout where the Geelong-Barwon Heads Rd, Golf Links Rd and Sheepwash Rd meet. Turn left onto Taits Rd and you will soon see the sanctuary to the right.. It is open daily from 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.

Breamlea
Breamlea is about 10 km west on the coast, between Barwon Heads and Torquay. Beneath the high sand dunes is Bancoora, a well-known surfing beach. Access is via the Barwon Heads-Torquay Rd which runs off Ewing Blyth Drive.

Reedy Swamp and Lake Connewarre
Just to the north-west of Barwon Heads are Lake Connewarre and Reedy Swamp which are important migratory bird habitats and hence are havens for waterbirds such as bitterns, swamp hens, ibis, spoonbills, egrets, cormorants and herons. There are mangrove swamps in Lake Connewarre State Game Reserve on the southern shore. Access is via a series of roads which run off the Barwon Heads-Geelong Rd..