Great Ocean Road Trip - Volcanic Vistas & Blue Lake

Because our schedule was really tight, we regretted that we didn’t have time to go through Warrnambool and Port Fairy. That’s why I suggest you should keep at least two days on the Great Ocean Road.
On our way back to Adelaide, we visited Volcanic vistas at Portland and Blue Lake at Mt. Gambier.
Volcanic Vistas - Portland
Volcanic eruptions began at Mt Eccles more than 20,000 years ago. Over time, the three craters created have filled with water to become Lake Surprise. There's a wealth of other volcanic features to discover, including scoria cones, lava canals, a lava cave and a nature bridge. The national park is a short drive north-east of the city.


Blue Lake – Mt. Gambier
The Blue Lake, the source of water supply for the city and surrounds is just one of the lakes within the three craters of the extinct volcano.
Blue Lake is the only lake in the world that changes from sombre grey to brilliant turquoise blue each summer. Each year in November, it mysteriously starts its colour change to the unbelievable turquoise blue. From March each year it gradually makes the change back to its more sombre winter blue which is still a magnificent sight. There are many theories as to why Blue Lake changes colour each year, but none yet proven. The most common theory is that the top layers of the lake warm in summer, creating a chemical reaction with the cold bottom layers, turning the lake to its brilliant blue. Blue Lake will be at its best when you come to Mount Gambier in March - truly a remarkable site to see.
Mount Gambier is one of the youngest volcanoes in Australia. Formed through volcanic activity that occurred during two different eruptive phases, the Mount Gambier Crater Lakes complex contains 3 craters and several blowholes. The network of roads, lookouts, walking and mountain bike trails provide easy access to view all of the attractions in this area.