Camperdown

The pleasant environment of Camperdown - gateway to the pick of the crop on the Western Victoria tourist trail - is complemented by the scenic, crater lakes and the volcanic outcrops in the surrounding countryside.

The lookout atop nearby Mt Leura gives the visitor a perspective of the unusual landscape stretching north across the plains to the Grampians. The closest lakes to the town, Bullen Merri and Purrumbete, which has been stocked with Quinnat salmon, are both top fishing spots.

A little further to the east lies Corangamite, Victoria's largest salt water lake.

A short drive to the south takes you to Timboon, where you can sample the local dairy products at the Timboon Farmhouse Cheese and stroll the Old Railway Line walk.

From Timboon it is only an 18km drive to the seaside village of Port Campbell and the spectacular Great Ocean Road.

Anyone faintly interested in ancient forms of transport should make a point of visiting the Camperdown Buggy Museum whose extraordinary collection includes superbly restored carriages such as a French caleche, British landau and a Victorian phaeton. The collection was put together by a man who adorned the Victorian trotting scene for more than 50 years, Harold Lamb.