Driving Trail: Melbourne to Otways

Begin your journey with a visit to Werribee Park Mansion and discover the story of an Australian pastoral empire. Construction of the large basalt and sandstone mansion was completed in 1877 for the Chirnside family who had made their fortune from wool across the Western District in Victoria.

Prefabricated in Hamburg, Germany, the Heights was erected in 1854 and is the largest dwelling of its kind in Victoria. Explore this unique property which still retains many of its mid-nineteenth century charms.

The only surviving example of the many fashionable river front residences built along the Barwon River during the 1850s and 1860s for the wealthy of Geelong.

Barwon Park is an authentic bluestone mansion and stables set in a sweeping rural landscape. Marvel at the magnificent entrance hall and impressive rooms.

Geelong is a city synonymous with wool – sheep farming began here in 1835. Discover why fleece from Australia’s sheep was at the heart of our economy for nearly 200 years at the National Wool Museum.

Tarnwarncoort, or ‘Tarndie’ as it’s affectionately known, is a working sheep farm that has been owned and run by seven generations of the Dennis family since the 1840s. The original bluestone homestead dates to 1848 and is recognised by the National Trust as one of Victoria’s oldest surviving homesteads.

Steam: Train Carriage is a unique historic stay with a wonderful past that was built in 1926 at the Newport Railway Workshop in Melbourne. The accommodation has been richly decorated with the late Victorian period and the steampunk movement in mind and is suitable for couples, families and dogs!

Sailors Rest offers a wide range of menu choices across breakfast, all-day brunch, lunch and dinner options. The restaurant has a long history as a home away from home for sailors, providing them with accommodation, company and entertainment. You can view the heritage-listed electric light-bulb sign originally installed in 1926 – reportedly the oldest remaining electric sign in Victoria.

Developed in 1927, the Pavilion served as a community hub for decades. Today, it has been refreshed and offers a range of breakfast and lunch options on their all-day menu. The Pavilion upstairs space, Caledonia Shores, offers unique Asian freestyle dishes, cocktails and a bar 7 nights a week.