Barongarook
Driving South from Colac the road begins to rise as you pass through Elliminyt. As you rise over the hill
and begin the first few bends you have a breath taking view of the mountains standing between you and the coast.
You are in Barongarook as soon as you leave Elliminyt but you do not pass through the centre of the town unless
you turn off of the main Gellibrand Road onto Barongarook Road. The local primary school and a tennis club are
the extent of the township.
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Historically a timber and farming region it has changed over the past 25 years. Cleared and semi cleared
land has been divided into smaller lots for rural living. Being close to Colac the main regional centre for
services, amenities and employment has seen Barongarook expand rapidly. Most lots are between 5 and 50 acres
with large areas of forest remaining intact. Throughout the Otways strips of land are reserved for the native
animals to travel between rivers and the forests of the region without crossing private land.
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From Barongarook you can travel easily to the coast and the Great Ocean Road. Visit the coastal towns of
Apollo Bay and Lorne before returning in a full loop. Returning to a relaxing location in the bush is often
much needed relief after the hustle and bustle of visiting the coast during summer holidays. If your idea of
a holiday doesn't include dealing with the masses the seclusion of the Otway Ranges is the place to get the
peace you want. Regardless of where you stay no other region in Australia can offer the diversity of South
West Victoria attractions in such a small area.
Otways Country
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Otway Estate Vineyard Cottages -
Otway Gypsy Wagons
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The Old Beechy Rail Trail
Following one of the state's former narrow gauge railways through an area of scenic forest, rich farmland
and rolling hills with the coast not too far away. Birnam to Barongarook (5km) - starting at the picnic
grounds at Birnam on Cashins Rd the trail runs through bushland to the Barongarook station site.
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