KOROIT

Take a stroll around the quaint old township which has been listed by the national trust as one of Australia's most complete examples of an early Irish settlement.  Stroll through the botanic gardens laid out by William Guilfoyle in 1862.  Have a beer at Mickey Bourke's Hotel, a very irish pub, with great meals too.  Visit Seaclaid (gaelic for chocolate) cafe, they have good coffee and magnificent cakes!  Have a squizz in the antiques shop in the main street, it has a large selection of good quality french antiques, selected and shipped by the owners directly from France, at very reasonable prices.  For more information visit website: www.koroit.org.au/

PORT FAIRY

Visit the quaint historical town of Port Fairy (10 mins drive).  Walk to the lighthouse or along the wharf.  Have a wander down the mainstreet, there are quite a few nice shops to browse in, such as Francis and Francis for homewares, and Lizzie's or Mangowood for women's clothes.  Have a coffee at a cafe in the main street (Rebecca's has beautiful cakes) or head to the Portland side of town to Time and Tide for a coffee beside the beach, the views are amazing the desserts are to die for (I'm sure you're sensing a theme here, definitely a sweet tooth).  There are some well regarded restaurants, considering the size of the town, Portofino on Bank, I can highly recommend, and there is also Merrijig Inn, Saltra Brasserie and Stag Restaurant.  For more information go to websites Port-Fairy.com or Visit Port Fairy

WARRNAMBOOL

Lots to see and do in Warrnambool (10 mins drive).  There is Flagstaff Hill an example of early Australian life by the sea, which has a sound and light show at nights.  You can combine this with dinner at Pippies a well regarded restaurant with beautiful sea views.  Then there is Lake Pertobe which is situated along the foreshore, it is aimed mainly at families but BBQ's are available.  Go for a walk along the beautiful boardwalk, it runs along the sea from the breakwater to the Hopkins river mouth (approx. 5 kilometres).  Warrnambool also has a large selection of shops and also the Mill Markets are worth a visit for a range of second hand items and antiques.

Have a coffee or a meal at the beautiful Proudfoots, a 19th century boathouse that sits over the Hopkins River.   For more information go to website visitwarrnambool.com.au

GOLF COURSES

Port Fairy Golf Course (15 mins drive) - Consistently rated within the 25 best public access courses in Australia.  Classic links style course situated along the southern ocean.  Website  portfairygolf.com.au/

Warrnambool Golf Course (15 mins drive) - Built close to the sea, many of the holes are played from elevated tees through hilly terrain surrounded by native brush.  Each hole is unique in character.  Generally considered to be more challenging than the Port Fairy course. Website www.wgcinc.com.au/

DAY SPAS

Port Fairy Day Spa (15 mins drive) - A beautiful spa supplying a full range of treatments with Pevonia and Botanica products, the spa has it's own geisha baths and salt water pool.  Phone 5568 1161 Website  www.portfairydayspa.com/

NATIONAL PARKS

Tower Hill National Park (5 mins drive)

Victoria's first national park (1892) located within the crater of an extinct volcano.  Take a drive through the park on sunset and see koalas, kangaroos and emus in their native habitat.  BBQ area and excellent visitor centre.  Worn Gundidj visitor centre, open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, weekends and public holidays 10am-4pm. Website www.worngundidj.org.au/

Grampians National Park (1 hour drive)

The Grampians is one of Victoria's most popular holiday destinations.  It is a national park covering 167,000 hectares, it consists of 5 stunning sandstone ridges with spectacular views, there are numerous walking tracks and lookouts.  Go for a drive and visit the picturesque town of Halls Gap, stop in Dunkeld for a lunch you won't forget at the award-winning Royal Mail Hotel.  Website www.visitgrampians.com.au/