What are the top national parks along the Great Ocean Road?

Port Campbell National Park, Great Otway National Park and Budj Bim National Park are the top ones. Each has its own unique landscapes, from rugged coastlines to ancient rainforests.

Can I camp in the parks and reserves?

Yes, many parks, including Princetown Recreation Reserve and Great Otway National Park, have camping facilities. Private camping parks are also near attractions.

Are these parks family-friendly?

Yes! Parks like Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve and Kennett River Nature Reserve have easy walking tracks, wildlife experiences and lovely picnic spots so they’re perfect for families.

What wildlife will I see in these parks?

You’ll see kangaroos, koalas, echidnas and many bird species. Seals and dolphins can be seen along the coast.

Yes, it is in Budj Bim National Park and Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve.

Lady Julia Percy Island

Off the wild Southern Ocean coast of the Great Ocean Road, Lady Julia Percy Island is a real treasure. Also known as Deen Maar, the island has cultural significance for the Eastern Maar & Gunditjmara people whose traditional lands cover this region. A mix of history, natural beauty and wildlife, it’s a must see for those visiting Port Fairy and Port Campbell or anyone looking for an off the beaten track adventure.

A Natural Wonder

Lady Julia Percy Island is Australia’s only offshore volcano, so it’s a one-of-a-kind destination. The rugged coastline has towering rocky cliffs, dramatic rock formations and panoramic views of the Southern Ocean. The volcanic origins have created a dynamic landscape of sharp ridges, craggy outcrops and rolling plateaus. This is in contrast to the lush green countryside of Port Campbell National Park and Cape Otway, which are famous for their ancient forests and coastal walks.

The island is best seen from the water, where you can gaze at its ruggedness and spot some of its marine life.

Uncovering its Rich Past

Lady Julia Percy Island has as much history as it has natural beauty. For thousands of years it has been a sacred site for the Eastern Maar & Gunditjmara people who have considered it a special place connected to their ancestors. The name Deen Maar meaning “Mother of Sea” is part of their cultural heritage. The island was an important part of their traditional practices including fishing and storytelling and is a symbol of their ongoing connection to the land and sea.
In the 19th century European settlers arrived and were attracted to the island’s seal population. It became a sealing hub and the natural resources were heavily exploited. Today thanks to conservation and ongoing partnerships between Indigenous groups and environmental organisations Lady Julia Percy Island is part of a broader program to protect the natural and cultural heritage of the region.

A Visitor’s Guide

The island itself is not open to the public but you can see it on a boat tour from Port Fairy. These tours will take you past the cliffs and give you 360 degree views of the island and its wildlife. If you’re driving the coastal road you can also see the island from various points along the Great Ocean Road, especially near Cape Otway and Kennett River.

Best Time to Visit

Best time to visit Lady Julia Percy Island is during the warmer months November to April. This is when the seas are calm and ideal for seal watching, Great Ocean Road tours, and scenic tours. But the island is beautiful all year round, the rugged coastline and natural wonders are spectacular any time. Winter is cooler but great for exploring the surrounding ancient forests and rainforests in areas like Beech Forest and Lavers Hill.

A Haven for Wildlife

Wildlife abounds on and around Lady Julia Percy Island, it’s a nature lover’s paradise. The island has the largest colony of Australian fur seals in the southern hemisphere, often seen on the rocks or playing in the surf. Birdwatchers will love the variety of seabirds including short-tailed shearwaters. The surrounding waters are home to dolphins and whales during migration season, so it’s a wildlife wonderland.

Unique Flora of Percy Island

Despite the island’s rugged volcanic landscape it has a surprising amount of flora. Coastal shrubs, ferns and salt tolerant grasses cover the island and provide habitat for the island’s birdlife. For a more in depth look at the area’s flora head to Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve and Otway Fly Treetop Adventures where you can walk through redwood forests and ancient rainforest trails with massive rock stacks and natural rock formations.

Seal Watching at Its Best

Lady Julia Percy Island is one of the best places to see seals in Australia. Thousands of Australian fur seals basking on the rocks or playing in the Southern Ocean is a sight to behold. Seal-watching tours will get you up close and personal with the action; seals often swim up to the boats, curious and fearless.

If you love marine life, the surrounding area has more to offer. The nearby coastal town of Port Fairy has beachfront campsites and coastal drives where you can spot more wildlife or have a romantic getaway.

Surrounding Areas

Lady Julia Percy Island is surrounded by a treasure trove of natural and cultural attractions. Port Fairy with its historic cottages and arts scene is a charming seaside town. Visitors can enjoy the views of the coast, browse the shops or eat fresh seafood at one of the many restaurants.

Further, along the Great Ocean Road, Port Campbell has access to some of Australia’s most famous landmarks, the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge and the Bay of Islands. These are rock stacks, limestone cliffs, and coastlines, and they are endless to explore and photograph. Inland, the redwood forests and waterfalls of the Otways offer a peaceful escape into nature, with Hopetoun Falls, Erskine Falls, and Lake Elizabeth open all year.