Camperdown, Victoria: What are the best things to do and attractions?

The best things to do in Camperdown, Victoria, include trout-fishing in Lake Purrumbete and climbing Mt Leura.

Camperdown, Victoria, is in that not-quite region of the state that tourists tend to ignore. It’s not quite on the Great Ocean Road, and not quite in the Grampians.

It’s in the Corangamite Shire, for anyone insistent on knowing the local government area.

Camperdown, Victoria on a Great Ocean Road day trip

It is, however, on the Princes Highway. This means the tour buses heading from Warrnambool to Melbourne or Geelong will pass through on the way back from Great Ocean Road day trips.

Camperdown, Victoria, is a handsome heritage town, surrounded by dairy farms. There are several attractive heritage buildings on the 2km elm-lined main street, Manifold Street, although the red brick clock tower tends to grab the attention.

Heritage buildings in Camperdown, Victoria. Photo courtesy of Visit Victoria.

Things to do in Camperdown, Victoria: Mt Leura and Mt Sugarloaf

Things to do in Camperdown, Victoria, include climbing the 313m-tall Mt Leura. This volcanic cone is just to the south-east of the town centre, alongside Mt Sugarloaf. A reserve protects both of these scoria cones, with a series of relatively easy walks available around the summits and crater.

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.

The views from the tops of Mt Leura and Mt Sugarloaf take in the surrounding volcanic plain, on which you’ll spot several lakes.

These lakes are a major part of Camperdown’s appeal. Lake Purrumbete is notoriously good for trout fishing, while Lake Bullen Merri offers swimming from the black sand beaches. Near Lake Bullen Merri, you’ll find the small Camperdown Botanic Gardens.

What to do in Camperdown, Victoria: Camperdown Timboon Rail Trail

For cyclists, the list of things to do in Camperdown, Victoria, will include the Camperdown Timboon Rail Trail.

This 40km cycling route follows the former train line from the Camperdown V/Line station to the Timboon Railway Shed Distillery in food-focused Timboon.

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.

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