Volcanic Victoria

DID YOU KNOW that the southern-most state of mainland Australia is home to many volcanoes. More than 400 in fact, making it the third-largest volcanic plain in the world!

But it's OK. It has been more than 7000 years since the last eruption and, in fact, you have the volcanoes to thank for the state’s diverse scenery and also in part for its fertile soil.

Here are some of the best places in the state to see these dormant volcanoes in their current form:

â€¨The centre of the state’s volcanic plain, Daylesford and the Macedon Ranges, is home to some stunning volcanic formations. Most famously, Hanging Rock, a 10-minute drive from Woodend, is the best example of a mamelon (the last stump of an eruption) in the world.

It has been a popular choice for picnickers since the early days of European settlement and was made famous by Peter Weir’s 1975 film Picnic at Hanging Rock – another draw-card for visitors. Hanging Rock is home to many local animals including 40 species of birds, koalas, kangaroos, sugar gliders, echidna and wallabies as well as nearly 100 indigenous plants. At the nearby Hanging Rock Winery, the fruits of what was once volcanic soil can be tasted. Racegoers can plan their trip for January to make the most of the Hanging Rock Races on New Years Day and Australia Day (26 January).

Tower Hill Reserve is home to perhaps the state’s most famed volcanic crater. Located just west of Warrnambool on the Great Ocean Road, the large, nested maar volcano erupted about 25,000 years ago. Today it is a wetland reserve and home to emus, koalas, kangaroos, echidnas and wedge-tailed eagles. Personalised bush and nature walking tours conducted by experienced guides provide an opportunity to discover native wildlife and learn about traditional Aboriginal culture.

The southern region of the Grampians is rich in volcano history and the Volcanoes Discovery Centre â€¨ is an ideal destination for those keen to learn about it. Located in Penshurst at the foot of the dormant Mt Rouse volcano, the centre details how the area’s volcanoes formed and shaped the surrounding landscape. The 120 metre high Mt Rouse is within walking distance from there and at its peak, panoramic views can be enjoyed in all directions. At sunset, you might see wallabies and kangaroos bounding across the far side of the crater.

To discover others.....

Have you visited any of these places? What did you think of them?

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