The Blowhole Lookout – Poombeeyt Koontapool – has officially opened, bringing a breathtaking new way to experience Victoria’s Shipwreck Coast.
There’s a new reason to pull over along the Great Ocean Road – and it’s worth every minute. The brand-new Blowhole Lookout , known by its Keerray Woorroong name Poombeeyt Koontapool (Breath of the Whale), has opened at Loch Ard Gorge inside Port Campbell National Park, offering a dramatic new perspective on one of Victoria’s most spectacular stretches of coastline.
A whale-sized wow moment
Curving seamlessly into the cliffs, the $8 million viewing platform draws inspiration from the mighty southern right whale, whose exhaled ‘breath’ inspired its name. Designed by Denton Corker Marshall in collaboration with the Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation, the sculptural deck mimics the textures and shapes of whale skin and barnacles while framing the churning sea below.
This striking addition is more than a photo stop – it’s a cultural and sensory experience that connects visitors to Country through story, language and design. The lookout sits low and grounded in the landscape, letting the roar of waves and the sting of sea spray take centre stage.
A new view of the Shipwreck Coast
Poombeeyt Koontapool has opened at Loch Ard Gorge. (Image: Parks Victoria)
Replacing an older, eroded lookout, Poombeeyt Koontapool is the final piece of the Shipwreck Coast Master Plan Stage 1, a multi-million-dollar project aimed at making this wild coastline safer and more accessible for visitors.
“This lookout at the Blowhole allows visitors to get up close with nature and will improve the experience for the millions of people who visit each year," said Minister for Major Events, Sport and Tourism Steve Dimopoulos.
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Designed to blend in, not stand out
It’s an unmissable stop on a Great Ocean Road drive. (Image: Parks Victoria)
Instead of dominating the cliffs, the structure hugs them. Its sinuous form and textured finish echo the rhythms of the sea, while the circular viewing area references ancient meeting places. The materials were chosen to weather naturally with the coastal environment, ensuring the lookout feels like it’s always been part of the gorge.
For travellers, it’s an unmissable stop on a road trip of the Great Ocean Road; one that rewards you with both jaw-dropping views and a deeper sense of place. For locals and Traditional Owners, it’s a respectful nod to the stories and spirit of Koontapool, the whale whose breath gives the gorge its life.
Need-to-know
The $8 million viewing platform draws inspiration from the mighty southern right whale. (Image: Parks Victoria)
Where: Loch Ard Gorge, Port Campbell National Park
Access: New walking paths lead safely to the lookout
Cost: Free entry
When to go: Early morning or sunset for the best light (and smallest crowds)
The Great Ocean Road might be famous for its 12 Apostles, but this new whale-inspired platform proves there’s still plenty to blow you away.
Emily Murphy is Australian Traveller's Email & Social Editor, and in her time at the company she has been instrumental in shaping its social media and email presence, and crafting compelling narratives that inspire others to explore Australia's vast landscapes. Her previous role was a journalist at Prime Creative Media and before that she was freelancing in publishing, content creation and digital marketing. When she's not creating scroll-stopping travel content, Em is a devoted 'bun mum' and enjoys spending her spare time by the sea, reading, binge-watching a good TV show and exploring Sydney's vibrant dining scene. Next on her Aussie travel wish list? Tasmania and The Kimberley.
There’s no better place to unwind than the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges – a leafy and idyllic region shrouded in mist, fern-filled gullies and a peaceful atmosphere.
Wrapped in the crisp mountain air, ancient ferns and ethereally verdant landscapes of the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges , you’d be forgiven for thinking you’re in another world (or at least another part of the planet).
But this gorgeous pocket is under an hour from Melbourne, a mix of top-notch food and wine, boutique stays and forested scenery that make for an easy weekend away or even a midweek escape. In fact, visiting during the week can offer a deeply relaxing experience, with fewer crowds and more space to linger.
If you’re keen to unwind, here’s how to spend your time in this idyllic neck of the woods.
Where to eat
Treat your taste buds to Yarra Valley Dairy. (Image: Visit Victoria)
From farm gates to cosy eateries, the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges house a plethora of places to feast. Start your day with a leisurely brunch and coffee at Ripe . This local hangout combines warm hospitality and hearty cafe fare against a backdrop of the hills’ iconic tree-fern canopies. It’s also nestled in the heart of Sassafras, the quaint village that best captures the Dandenong Ranges’ old-world charm.
Next, take yourself on a gastronomic adventure. Visit Yarra Valley Dairy , a regional favourite doing handmade cheeses, or Cherry Hill Orchards , where in summer you can pick your own cherries and enjoy them in the farm’s picturesque grounds. Treat yourself to a tasting at one of the Yarra Valley’s renowned wineries to finish – Rochford , Re’em and De Bortoli are standout picks for a sample of the region’s signature drops.
By night, book a table at either Citrine in the mountain town of Olinda or restaurant 1309 at Balgownie Estate in the Yarra Valley. Both do elevated seasonal fare paired with excellent drinks.
And if you’re simply in the mood for a tipple, you’re spoiled for choice. The Alpine Hotel in riverside Warburton is a historic and character-filled spot pouring pints and locally made drinks, while Four Pillars is a must for gin lovers. The distillery’s award-winning spirits are famed nationwide, but here you can try them right from the source.
Things to do outdoors
Wander the Dandenong Ranges National Park.
A motley patchwork of misty rainforest, rugged bushscapes and beautifully tended gardens, the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges are some of Melbourne’s most scenic pockets. No visit to the region would be complete without a wander through its lush surrounds, either by bike or on foot.
The Ngurrak Barring trail stretches 39 kilometres through the Dandenong Ranges, connecting the towns and fern-filled forests that make the hills so unique. Along the way, be immersed in thought-provoking art installations and cultural stories, sharing a different perspective of this ancient landscape.
While in the area, wander through Cloudehill Garden & Nursery and the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Gardens , situated in Olinda. The cooler climate, rich volcanic soil and consistent rainfall offer both gardens ideal conditions for vivid and vibrant flora.
Over in the Yarra Valley, the 40-kilometre Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail is a flat and family-friendly path perfect for leisurely bike rides and longer walks. It takes you through vine-lined scenery and towns like Seville and Wandin. Biking enthusiasts should head to the Warburton Mountain Bike Destination, a network of 160 kilometres of trails that traverse through untamed terrain.
For a more laidback outing, Alowyn Gardens encompasses seven acres of themed gardens perfect for a meandering stroll. The nearly 100-metre-long wisteria archway that connects different garden zones is a highlight – especially in October, when the lilac blossoms are in spectacular bloom.
The arts and culture scene
Take in the displays at TarraWarra Museum of Art. (Image: Visit Victoria)
Yarra Valley and the Dandenong Ranges are havens for arts and culture thanks to their inspiring landscapes and thriving creative community. Naturally, a slower escape should include a visit to some of the region’s best studios and galleries.
The TarraWarra Museum of Art in Healesville showcases modern and contemporary Australian art, with both a permanent collection and a rotating display of thoughtful exhibitions. The building and grounds are well worth exploring: a striking architectural landmark amid landscaped lawns and open-air sculptures overlooking the Yarra Valley.
Delve into the area’s rich history at the Yarra Ranges Regional Museum , a treasure trove of more than 13,000 unique pieces. See everything from Indigenous artefacts to archival photographs and historical objects that tell the region’s story.
On your way back to the city, stop by the leafy enclave of Eltham to discover Montsalvat . This five-acre artistic playground is Australia’s oldest continuous art community, combining galleries, Gothic-style buildings and expansive heritage gardens.
Stay at a local retreat
Re’em is an ideal pick for an indulgent stay.
No matter your style, and no matter your budget, you’ll find a suitable spot in the region to rest your head. If the weather is warm and the sky is clear, set up a tent at BIG4 Yarra Valley Park Lane Holiday Park or Pine Hill Cabin & Caravan Park. The former has secluded camping spots surrounded by tranquil bushland and local wildlife, along with glamping pods and cabins. The latter has powered and unpowered sites suitable for all kinds of campers, and is pet-friendly if you’re travelling with your four-legged friend.
Or, book yourself into the RACV Healesville Country Club & Resort – a sprawling retreat complete with stylish rooms and luxe amenities that invite you to unwind. Relax at the day spa, tee off at the 18-hole golf course, or recharge with a round of tennis or a few laps in the pool.
And if you’re after something truly indulgent, Re’em is an ideal pick. A boutique collection of just 16, the luxuriously appointed rooms feature plush linens, high-end amenities and oversized baths with panoramic views across the estate. A gourmet breakfast showcasing gorgeous local produce is also included.
