ANCHOR YOURSELF IN NATURE
Tanya’s tips for a great stay…
Are you looking for somewhere peaceful and tranquil to stay whilst you explore the raw and rugged 12 Apostles region?
Somewhere you’re guaranteed to disconnect from busy life and spend quality time deep in nature…perhaps with someone special?
Anchors is 4½ star self-contained accommodation with 180-degree views of lush green valleys and the Southern Ocean; just two kilometres from Port Campbell.
It’s the kind of place where you really need to stay a few days to get the most out of everything on offer, so I’ve come up with an itinerary that I’m sure you, as our guest, will love!
Day 1: Take time to unwind
You’ve had a big drive, but before you hit the spa (with panoramic views) and fall into the luxurious king-sized bed, make sure you enjoy some of the treats we’ll leave you including:
- A bottle of Basalt wine and Gorge chocolates.
- Optional local produce hampers with Apostle Whey Cheese, GORGE Chocolates, Dairylicious Fudge, Schultz Organic Yoghurt, Fresha Juice, Timboon Honey, local seasonal berries, fresh bread and bacon and eggs.
If it’s cold, we’ll have the gas log fire going for you. Or, you can sit on the deck and watch the Wedge Tail Eagles fly high whilst you watch a spectacular sunset.
DAY 2: Immerse yourself in big nature
Start your day watching the sunrise at the 12 Apostles. We’re only 12 minutes from the famous landmark, making it very convenient.
I’d suggest you watch it from the beach at Gibson Steps. When the sun retreats to reveal the limestone cliffs, it’s really something magical!
Then, fuel the body with a delicious meal from Grassroots deli-cafe breakfast or lunch.
Other must-sees today:
- Loch Ard Gorge
- Mutton Bird Island (see the Short-tailed Shearwaters nest in the summer following sunset)
- The Arch
- London Bridge (where the Fairy Penguins come up the beach at night)
- The Grotto
- Bay of Islands Coastal Park
If you’re a keen walker, spend the day trekking a section of the Great Ocean Walk. If you walk from Princetown to the 12 Apostles (7km), you can arrange a shuttle back with Ride With Us to Port Campbell.
Have a pre-dinner beer at the Sow and Piglets Brewery before dinner at the Port Campbell Hotel.
DAY 3: Taste your way through the day
What a way to spend the day: tasting local produce from the farm gate and seeing how the coast, hinterland and farmlands change at every turn.
Starting and finishing in Port Campbell, the 12 Apostles Food Artisans Trail can be comfortably achieved in one day.
Because we’re in fertile farmland occupied by passionate producers, you’ll enjoy delicacies of gourmet cheese, chocolate, fudge, whiskey, ice-cream, beer, olives and berries.
Tip: Ride With Us or Trike about tours can arrange a day tour for those looking for a chauffeur and the ultimate adventure.
If you like to wine and dine, try Waves. REAL for Pizza, Pasta and salads; dine in or takeaway.
DAY 4: An adventure to remember!
Today’s the day to choose your own big adventure; something you’ve perhaps never done before!
Here are my top three picks:
- Get a birds’ eye view of the rugged coastline with 12 Apostles Helicopters, 12 Apostles Biplane Flights or for the real adventurist go skydiving with 12 Apostles Skydive.
- Challenge yourself on the zipline or take a rainforest canopy walk at at Otway Fly Treetop Adventures.
- Visit the Cape Otway Lightstation (where you might meet a koala!).
Tip: If you love wildlife, call into the Great Ocean Road Wildlife Park, where you can feed the kangaroos and wallabies or experience a dingo encounter.
For dinner, enjoy a hearty meal with an ocean view at the cosy 12 Rocks – guaranteed a hearty meal with glorious ocean view.
DAY 5: Discover Port Campbell
Start the day with a breakfast at Forage on the Foreshore, which is well-known for using seasonal, local ingredients (mostly foraged by the chef).
My favorite breakfast is the French Brioche; served with caramelised bananas, walnuts, bacon, maple and local quark from Schultz Dairy. The café is on the beach, so slowly enjoy each mouthful and enjoy the view.
After a top-up coffee, wander through the village shops including Port Campbell Trading Company (the quintessential surf shop) and Spence (for unique gifts and souvenirs).
Before heading home to the city, gather some final memories with a walk out to the pier (for a fantastic view of the limestone cliffs) or along the Discovery Track to Two Mile Bay (4.4km return).
