Thats Australia

Seals by Sea Tours at Cape Bridgewater, 20 kilometres west of Portland, is a world class tour. It is an exciting boat charter which takes up to 11 passengers to the largest mainland seal colony in Australia.

See up to 1000 Australian and New Zealand fur seals. It takes just 3 minutes from our jetty to be alongside the rock platforms and into the watery cave where you will experience a unique interaction within the seals’ natural habitat.

During the 45 minute cruise you will watch the seals playing all around you, showing off to the sound of clicking cameras and getting up to antics that will delight both the young and the young at heart! Some will even approach the boat to have their whiskers tickled! Suitable for all ages.

Operates daily, weather and sea conditions permitting. BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL Departure times vary according to season and demand.

Winner of the Best Tourist Attraction 2001. As seen on Getaway, The Best of Getaway, Postcards, Totally Wild, The Leylands and Coxys big break.

Geelong is Victoria’s second largest city and offers a diverse range of food, wine, cultural and recreation attractions and colonial history. A waterfront city, it is also the major gateway to the Bellarine Peninsula and Great Ocean Road.

Geelong takes full advantage of its unique north-facing bay with fabulous waterfront eateries, landscaped gardens and walking paths set against the backdrop of Corio Bay. Stroll past the sculptured bollards dotted along the foreshore that chronicle characters from the city’s past and present, including dapper young ladies in neck-to-knee bathing costumes, 1930s lifesavers, traditional Aussie families, a Geelong footballer, jaunty sailors, fishermen and a town band.

Close by is Eastern Beach, which features an art deco-style pool, promenade complex and the restored pavilion that houses a pleasant restaurant, café and kiosk.

Pakington Street, the wide tree-lined avenue linking the suburbs of Geelong West and Newtown and home to the annual Pako Festa, is only a few minutes from the city. There are many different restaurants and eateries to try as well as delicatessens, wine merchants, a park to relax in and a street ambience to experience.

Explore the city’s 100 National Trust listed buildings and delve into the history of wool at the National Wool Museum, housed in an impressive three storey historic bluestone wool store dating back to 1872. Take in the Geelong Art Gallery’s outstanding collection of Australian paintings, sculpture and decorative arts.

From horse racing to multicultural festivals, Geelong is a city of major events. Each January Corio Bay is home to Australia’s oldest and largest sailing regatta – Skandia Geelong Week. And the Australian International Airshow fills the skies at Geelong’s Avalon Airport every two years in March.

Geelong is about one hour from Melbourne via the Princes Highway. Daily rail and coach services are available from Melbourne.

Torquay is Victoria’s surfing capital, attracting beach lovers from far and wide to its fabulous beaches and the Great Ocean Road beyond. Torquay has protected family beaches, and wilder, more invigorating surf beaches like Jan Juc. Bells Beach, where the big swells are definitely for experienced surfers, is the next stop along the coast. This world famous beach is the venue for the Rip Curl Pro, one of the most sought after surfing titles on the World Championship Tour, which is held every Easter. There are plenty of opportunities for novices to learn to surf all year round, or you can just sit and watch the waves roll in. Just a short drive away, Point Addis provides breathtaking views out to sea and back to the gently arching bay. The dense bush and towering yellow cliffs contrast with the ocean’s wide blue expanse through to Anglesea and beyond.

Torquay is a popular destination at any time of year. There are great walks, shops, eateries and excellent accommodation. Check out the colourful Cowrie Community Market on the third Sunday of every month.

A hike around the Surf Coast is spectacular in any weather. The Surf Coast Walk is a well established trail stretching more than 35 kilometres from Jan Juc, near Torquay, to Moggs Creek and past Anglesea. Explore thick verdant forest and colourful heathland. You are bound to see many rare and endangered native birds and other wildlife, such as and kangaroos and wallabies. The more adventurous sightseer can take to the air in a chartered vintage Tiger Moth for spectacular Great Ocean Road views.

Some of the biggest names in surf wear and accessories have their headquarters in Torquay, with huge retail outlets at Surf City Plaza selling everything connected with the sport. The Surfworld Museum captures the spirit of surfing in a vibrant range of exhibits that will absorb the interest of anyone who has ever jumped into a wetsuit and onto a board.

Torquay is located 95 kilometres south west of Melbourne. Travel by car via the Surf Coast Highway. Daily rail services are available from Melbourne to Geelong. Local bus services are available from Geelong.