hero media

A whale of a view: The Great Ocean Road’s newest lookout revealed

Emily Murphy Emily Murphy
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

Aerial shot of The Blowhole Lookout – Poombeeyt Koontapool on the Great Ocean Road
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.

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

AI Prompt

Designed to blend in, not stand out

Aerial shot of The Blowhole Lookout – Poombeeyt Koontapool on the Great Ocean Road
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

Aerial shot of The Blowhole Lookout – Poombeeyt Koontapool on the Great Ocean Road
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
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.
View profile and articles
Port Fairy Riverside Walk on the Great Ocean Road
Port Fairy

Australia’s best festival town is hiding at the end of the Great Ocean Road

Port Fairy is the festival town that has no off-season.

Read more
Greek cuisine at IPSOS Restaurant & Bar, Lorne
Lorne

The best Lorne restaurants to try on your next Great Ocean Road adventure

You’ll be spoilt for choice with Lorne’s collection of top-notch restaurants, including long-time favourites and fresh reopenings.

Read more
The truth about the new Twelve Apostles tourist tax
Great Ocean Road

The truth about the new Twelve Apostles tourist tax

It may seem like just another holiday expense, but the new visitor fee at the Twelve Apostles plays an important role in protecting an Aussie icon.

Read more
Lorne Foreshore Caravan Park from above
Lorne

The best Lorne accommodation to add to your travel list

Where the bush meets the sea, take your pick of Lorne’s diverse accommodation.

Read more
hero media

Incredible day spas and hot springs to visit in Victoria

    Katie Carlin Katie Carlin
    Continue
    From geothermal pools and luxury spa sanctuaries, Victoria’s mineral-rich waters and restorative landscapes offer total renewal.

    I pass waving coastal spear-grass and coast saltbush as I follow the curving path through 15 hectares of thoughtfully curated gardens at the Mornington Peninsula’s Alba Thermal Springs & Spa. I hang my robe at the entrance and slip into the first sunken geothermal pool I find – feeling the tension from the 90-minute drive from Melbourne melt away as I watch steam dance across the surface in the late afternoon light. There are 31 pools, a mix of geothermal, cold plunge and botanical, that range in temperature and design, spread over six regions.

    a woman relaxing at Alba Thermal Springs & Spa on the Mornington Peninsula
    Alba Thermal Springs & Spa on the Mornington Peninsula. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    I gravitate toward The Hemisphere, with its dry sauna, steam room, cold plunge and dreamy open-air pool called The Hide. But it’s Alba’s brand-new Sanctuary that really elevates the experience. The five luxurious stand-alone villas and two additional studio rooms opened in June 2025 and feature an indoor fireplace, oversized bathtub with views across the bay, a deck and extensive all-inclusive (minus the cocktails) mini-bar.

    After dining at Alba’s Thyme restaurant, I return to my villa, content to fall asleep early listening to the fire crackle, feeling thoroughly restored. While Alba is one of the newest in the region, it’s certainly not the only place to enjoy a soothing soak. Here are others to book for a wellness weekend.

    Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa

    A woman bathes in the new Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa private bathing room with marble tiled walls
    The marble private bathing room is one of five new designs. (Image: Supplied)

    Nestled in the Daylesford region, Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa has been welcoming guests to its historic bathhouse for 130 years. With a $1.7 million renovation now complete (part of the 21st season of Channel 9’s The Block), find five new private bathing rooms, an apothecary experience where guests blend a custom body scrub and all-new spa treatment menu.

    There are three bathing areas: Bathhouse for communal bathing for all ages, adults-only Sanctuary and a private bathing space for a personalised experience – try the skin-softening Mineral Milk Bath.

    Lake House Daylesford

    the pool at Lake House Daylesford
    The main pool at Lake House Daylesford. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    Inciting deep exhales, the spa at Alla Wolf-Tasker’s iconic Lake House has long been a beacon of wellness in the region. Tucked into the cottage gardens that wind down to the lake’s edge, the spa is beautifully and deliberately cloistered away from guests and diners visiting the celebrated on-site restaurant.

    From Ayurvedic facials and hydrotherapy that makes use of Daylesford’s mineral waters, to cocooning thermal rituals and massage, treatments here promote tranquillity. While a day spa experience is delightful on its own, staying on the property adds a luxe layer to your corporeal renewal, especially if you’re in your own private spa villa.

    Metung Hot Springs

    the Metung Hot Springs' glamping tents by the river
    Glamping tents at Metung Hot Springs. (Image: Emily Godfrey)

    Imagine immersing yourself in a barrel overflowing with geothermal water, all while taking in views of Gippsland Lakes. It’s one of several unique bathing experiences available at Metung Hot Springs.

    There’s also a floating sauna and a Reflexology Walk constructed with carefully placed stones designed to stimulate the acupressure points in your feet as you walk. The 12-hectare site opened in 2022 with three bathing areas – Bathing Ridge, Lagoon Precinct and Hilltop Escarpment – and premium glamping tents that feature king-size beds and private bathing barrels.

    Four more blissful day spas to visit

    Lon Retreat & Spa is an award-winning, adults-only retreat on the Bellarine Peninsula.

    Deep Blue Hotel & Hot Springs features sensory caves and cleansing waterfalls in Warrnambool.

    Peninsula Hot Springs renews with 70 bathing and wellness experiences.

    The Benev is an indulgent spa and luxury accommodation in Beechworth.

    the Peninsula Hot Springs
    Bathe in beautiful surroundings at Peninsula Hot Springs. (Image: Tourism Australia/Harry Pope/Two Palms)