Cape Bridgewater, Victoria: Things to do and accommodation

Attractions at Cape Bridgewater, Victoria, include the seal colony viewing platform, the petrified forest and the Tarragal Caves. There are plenty of accommodation options along Bridgewater Bay, too.

Cape Bridgewater, Victoria, is popular beauty spot on the state’s western coastline. Approximately 20 minutes’ drive from the historic town of Portland, Cape Bridgewater is a former volcanic island, known for its seal population.

Cape Bridgewater seal colony viewing platform

The seal colony viewing platform is right at the cape’s southern end. There are more than 1,000 Australian and New Zealand fur seals in the colony – thought to be the largest in Australia.

The seal colony viewing platform is a 2.9km walk along the clifftops from the Bridgewater Bay Café. Nearby on the Cape is Stony Hill, which at 130 metres tall is the highest cliff in Victoria.

Also on the cape, you can visit the Petrified Forest, a series of tube-like rock formations at the end of Blowholes Road. It is next to the blowholes, which kick into gear during high seas, explosively spouting ocean water into the air.

Further north are photogenic rockpools known as the Green Pools.

7 fantastic Great Ocean Road experiences
1. Crowd-beating reverse direction tour. 2. Surfing lessons in Anglesea. 3. Split Point Lighthouse climb. 4. Shockwave Zip-Coaster. 5. Guided wildlife walk. 6. Budj Bim National Park tour. 7. Great Ocean Road by motorbike.

Cape Bridgewater accommodation

Most of Cape Bridgewater’s accommodation is just back from the beach. Top picks include the Cape Bridgewater Seaview Lodge, which comes with wood fires and ocean views, and the Cape Bridgewater Coastal Camp.

On the western shore of Cape Bridgewater is Discovery Bay, famed for its white sands. There’s another, much moodier beach here, and behind it are the Bridgewater Lakes.

Pick the right Great Ocean Road tour from Melbourne

For wildlife and nature focus: One day tour with koalas and guided forest walk.
To beat the crowds: Reverse direction Great Ocean Road day tour.
For adventure: Two day camping and surfing trip.
For backpackers: One day highlights tour aimed at younger travellers.
For exclusivity and flexibility: Private tour where you can pick the sights you want to see.
For an extended trip: Three day Melbourne to Adelaide tour.

These are a popular spot for fishing.

Just behind the lakes, you’ll find the Tarragal Caves. This network of small limestone caves overlooks the ocean, but it’s a steep uphill walk to reach them.