Magnificent attraction of the area, the old Volcano "Red Rock" in Alvie, is not to long a drive (approx 15 minutes) from the highway, great lookouts where you'll be able to see as far as your eyes allow you too in every direction. You'll also drive past a lovely cafe called "Cafe Rooke" located in Cororooke, so call in & grab something to eat or even just to have a great coffee.
My husband and I went there as part of our Easter road trip only because we happened to stop at a Pub 'The Farmers Arms Hotel' in Beeac, for a well deserved coffee. While there a patron (thank you stranger)suggested going to Red Rock for the magnificent views, as there are extinct volcano's . So after our coffee (BTW one of the best coffee's ever) we did the excited road trip there. There were 360 degree views when we stood at the top of the staircase, absolutely breath taking, we stayed and had our lunch there as well. Nature impresses me but paying nothing to see it was a bonus. P.S If you were disabled you could still see the view without getting out of your vehicle.
As a local café owner, and past tourer I understand the importance of stopping and smelling the roses (or coffee if your me!) So if you are heading to or from the Twelve Apostles, make sure you make a slight detour (approx. 6-8km) from the Priness Hwy left at the old un used Shell service station and head through to grab a coffee or burger or sanga in COROROOKE, AT CAFE ROOKE, before heading up to the magnificent view's of our VERY OWN RED ROCK VOLCANO PRECINCT. CALL AHEAD FOR A PICNIC LUNCH TO BE MADE UP IF REQUIRED!! ENJOY
One of my all time favorite places. The little added extras, such as the memorials and steps, have added further interest. The views are wonderful and forever changing.
Driving up the road, you will come to a fork. The right fork takes you to the parking lot of one of the 2 lookouts while the left fork takes you to the other lookout with the Soldier's Monument. From the two lookouts you can see a gorgeous view of the craters and lake Corangamite. Windy at the top but very surreal.
went to the red rock, it is very high, but had a beautiful view, over colac and suround.it is so dry down there.
Amazing pictures!! I think that one excellent option is to come back from Warrnambool to Melbourne by A1 - after GOR - and stop over Cororroke and Coragulac to see the Red Rock.
I really liked seeing the craters from the lookout, the swell of the land was quite lovely. You can see most of Lake Corangamite as well, it would probably have a stunning sunset view. However, it was windy and cold at the top, so we didn't stay long.
As I walk with a quad stick, it was great to be able to drive to both lookouts and see the craters and lake both from the road and/or walking a very short distance.
The Red Rock area has several geocache hides that are excellent to look for with your kids. The views are spectacular at sunset, remember to bring a camera for that great panoramic shot. We forgot ours. We'll just have to return next time we stay in Colac overnight. Even though Red Rock is about 20 minutes drive outside of town, it was worth the drive for the views, hides, and educational signs at the spot.