City Kids Holiday Program - Great Ocean Road

These school holidays come and experience life on the stunning South West Victorian coastline. Enjoy the crisp autumn air in Warrnambool where the coast meets the country for an exciting 6 day camp. You will have the opportunity to stay at Deakin University in accommodation that is set on the banks of the picturesque Hopkins River, close to local surf beaches and only a short 5 minute drive from the heart of Warrnambool. Our camp grounds will offer a range of excellent activity areas including sports ovals and courts, a golf course and fishing on the banks of the historic Hopkins River.
Students will have the opportunity to learn about the Middle Island Maremma Project which has been made famous by the movie Oddball. The project began in 2006 when the penguin colony at Middle Island was critically low following an increase in fox attacks on the island. A local chicken farmer Alan “Swampy” Marsh suggested trialling the use of Maremma sheep dogs on Middle Island as he was using them to protect his local chicken farm with great success! You will have the chance to learn more about the project and there might even be the opportunity to meet Eudy and Tula the two Maremmas currently protecting the penguins on Middle Island! We will visit Flagstaff Hill and meet the latest recruit to the project, a yet to be named Maremma puppy…this puppy is in need of a name and Warrnambool is looking for someone to name him! Will you be the person who can name the newest “Oddball”? What would a trip to Warrnambool be without watching the movie that put us on the map? We will have a movie night with plenty of popcorn and laughs as we watch Oddball in the lecture theatre at Deakin University. Who knows, we might even have our very own “Oddball” tour of all the local spots in the movie.
Explore Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village to learn more about the long and interesting history of the Shipwreck Coast. Did you know that the stunning coastline around Warrnambool is home to over 180 shipwrecks! No wonder they call it the shipwreck coast! Flagstaff Hill provides a glimpse into the maritime lifestyle and trades back in the 1870s. Flagstaff Hill has won Victorian Tourism Awards for the past 5 out of 6 years. To finish our experience at Flagstaff Hill we will see Shipwrecked! a spectacular sound and laser show that will take you on a journey through a raging ocean along our spectacular coastline based on a true story.
Reconnect with nature on a visit to Tower Hill one of Victoria’s most fascinating geological formations which is just west of Warrnambool. Tower Hill has an important place in local Aboriginal history – we will have the opportunity to explore the visitor information centre that is managed by the Worn Gundidj Enterprises. Explore the massive volcanic crater on one of the five walking tracks, spot some local wildlife – you will be amazed at how close we will get to emus, kangaroos, koalas and stunning variety of birdlife! Local aboriginal guides will teach you about the volcano, indigenous lifestyles, wildlife and flora. Visitors will see native animals, learn about bush tucker and gain understanding of the rich local Aboriginal heritage.
Visit Lake Pertobe Adventure Playground a year-round family attraction. It's a 20 hectare adventure playground and a paradise for kids. There are giant slides, flying foxes, a maze and boat rides. We will enjoy the lovely walking tracks around the lakes, and the park features delightful picnic areas and sheltered BBQ facilities. The Lake Pertobe precinct is also home to lawn tennis courts, mini golf, an athletics track and there's a nearby skateboard park.
Visit Moyjil (Point Ritchie) where the Hopkins River meets the Southern Ocean. This location has attracted locals for years to enjoy fishing, swimming and walking along the beach. We will learn more about the location that is steeped in Aboriginal history. Recent research suggests that people may have visited this area for perhaps 80000 years. The resource-rich area helped sustain indigenous Australians with its abundance of marine life and plan and animal food among the dunes and coastal bush.
Ever wanted to learn how to surf? Now is your opportunity. Lady Bay is where many a Warrnambool-born child has learnt to surf thanks to it being a safe and long surf break. We will be taught by our local surfing school who will provide you with wetsuits (our water is a bit chilly) and foam surfboards which are perfect for beginners.
Warrnambool is beautiful but so are many of the towns nearby! We will visit the historic town of Port Fairy winner of the world’s most liveable town with a population under 20,000 people. Port Fairy is a charming fishing village at the end of the Great Ocean Road which boast beautiful cottages, stone churches and the stunning East Beach. We will try our luck at fishing on the beautiful Moyne River and if we aren’t lucky enough to score a catch, there are plenty of great fish and chips shops selling locally caught fish.
We are hoping to see a real life working farm and experience the life cycle of the dairy industry which is the primary farming in South West Victoria. As you leave Warrnambool you will be quickly embraced by lush green paddocks with cows often seen wandering towards the dairy for milking at dawn and dusk. Cheese World in Allansford a 10 minute drive from Warrnambool is home to a dairy history museum, world famous milkshakes made with locally produced milk and cheese tasting. We will watch a short movie showing how cheese is made in the Warrnambool Cheese and Butter factory just across the road!
Make sure you have your cameras charged as there will be plenty of photo opportunities as we make our way along the stunning coast to visit the world famous Twelve Apostles, London Bridge and Gibson’s Steps. Our weather can be unpredictable in Autumn so be sure to bring sunscreen, a hat and some warm clothes as we can have 4 seasons in 1 day along the coast.
About Camp Coordinator Matthew Alexander
Matthew Alexander was born in Purnim 15 minutes north of Warrnambool. Matt grew up on his family’s beef farm prior to moving into Warrnambool as a teenager. Matt is passionate about South West Victorian and will bring a diverse range of experience to his role as camp coordinator. Matt was a professional basketballer for over 10 years representing Australia and playing for a number of NBL sides during his career. After retiring from basketball, Matt studied physical education at the University of Ballarat (now Federation Uni). After completing his degree Matt taught at an exclusive private school in Brisbane where he was the Director of Basketball. Matt has extensive experience camping and leading school groups in outdoor and physical education programs. More recently Matt has worked with ward of the state children and in the disability sector. Matt was recognised for his work with ward of the state children winning an Innovative Therapeutic award. Matt currently owns his own basketball business and is coaching over 200 local children.