Planning for Avery and Kaylie

Overview:

The Western District has a treasure trove of possible photo locations, all of which offer something unique and are worth a visit if time permits.

I’ve tried to lay out the possible options working east to west, so that locations close to each other on the list are close to each other on the ground. While we can jump from one side to the other, it would involve a couple of hour’s driving time, which probably isn’t the best use of your day.

All of the locations listed have more than enough variety to support a full session on their own, so while we can try to ‘tick off’ a bunch of locations, I’d strongly suggest allowing at least 30 minutes at each one you choose and an hour is probably better. These are photos of you the scenery is just there to support.

Please take a look at the locations below (and click through to the galleries) and let me know where you think you’d both feel the most comfortable. From there we can start to put together an itinerary for your day.

This is also not an exhaustive list, Warrnambool in particular has enough for it’s own post and both the Otways and the Great Ocean Road have dozens more awesome spots, so if you have any ideas I’m more than happy to check them out.

Map:

(Click here to view)

Locations:

Stevenson’s Falls

Stevensons Falls are one of the more accessible waterfalls in the Otways, being fully open to the public with a relatively flat entry walk. They have the added advantage of being surrounded by some really lovely forested areas and even have a small stand of Redwoods. A great all rounder.

Location wise, they are a good way east of everything else, almost two hours from the Twelve Apostles for example.

(Pictured –Kirstie and Brady)

The Redwoods

The Otways Redwood Plantation is a classic for a reason and is one of my favourite spots in the state.

It is however a little bit of a drive from the ‘exciting’ parts of the coast, though Apollo Bay and Castle Cove are reasonably close by for a taste of the ocean.

(Pictured – Melinda and Meredith)

Hoptoun Falls

Located close to the Redwood Plantation, Hoptoun Falls are really spectacular and worth the effort to climb down the steps to reach.

Unfortunately the falls themselves are now a little bit less accessible as Parks Victoria have fenced off the path to the plunge pool in order to encourage people to use the viewing platform (which is not particularly pretty).

For the adventurous they do remain an option…

(Pictured – Melissa and Matt)

Apollo Bay Beach

Apollo Bay is blessed with a really lovely beach, which can provide a nice contrast to the Otways. While it maybe lacks some of the impact of the coast further east it can be a great option.

(Pictured – Sarah and Victoria)

Castle Cove

Castle Cove is a small cove located due south of the Redwoods, while the beach itself is pretty the main draw is the rocky outcrops at the base of the cliffs that have a really rugged beauty to them.

A nice middle ground between the Apostles coast and sandy beaches.

(Pictured –Jordie and Kris)

The twelve Apostles

Another highlight of the Western District are the Twelve Apostles. While the visitor centre is probably worth a visit it is almost always busy with tourists and doesn’t lend itself to photographs.

We do (or at least did, I’ll have to check that access hasn’t been closed after the last folk got too close to the edge) have far superior views of the Apostles from a few locations along the surrounding coast. In particular to the west we get some really stunning sunsets over the rocks.

(Pictured – Eunice and Cedric)

Gibson’s Steps

Another alternative for viewing the Apostles is to climb down Gibsons Steps to view them from beach level.

The climb back out again is not for the faint of heart!

(Pictured – Annie and Will)

Goudies Track

On the western side of the Apostles lies Goudies Track, which provides much of the view over the rocks with far fewer other people or unsightly fences.

A short drive from Port Campbell, this is probably the most private place to see the rocks.

Be aware, if using this spot at sunset, the sun will be setting on the opposite side to the Apostles, this is both a blessing (you look better) and a curse (we lose some of those awesome back-lit options).

(Pictured –Casey and Zac)

Port Campbell

A small fishing village (though really catering to tourists now) tucked away on the surf coast, Port Campbell has a bunch of spots for photos both on the beach and around the estuary with it’s very photogenic suspension bridge.

(Pictured –Morgan and Jackson)

The Bay of Islands

A little further west The Bay of Islands has more density of rock formations than the Twelve Apostles and a really secluded feel down at water level.

Not as popular as the classic spots around the Apostles but now that Loch Ard Gorge is closed, it is definitely somewhere to consider.

(Pictured –Jess and Jackson)

Murnane Bay / Childers Cove

Pushing towards the west of the district lie Murnane Bay and Childers cove, which provide stunning views both from the beaches themselves and from the surrounding cliff-tops.

Another great all round location, if you’d like that private beach feel.

(Pictured –Summer and Alex)

Thunder Point

On the outskirts of Warrnambool, Thunder Point is a personal favourite. While probably not worth the extra travel if wanting to pick up some of the more easterly locations, there are no shortage of really beautiful spots in the vicinity if you’re keen.

Nikita and Kris chose to pair this with The Breakwater for their session, which gave a really nice balance to their afternoon.

(Pictured – Nikita and Kris)