A short drive west of Port Fairy is the Crags, a wild and scenic section of the coastline with calcified tree roots, jagged outcrops and panoramic views along the coast.
Around 10km west of Port Fairy off the Princes Hwy on Crags Rd is the stunning area known as the Crags Coastal Reserve. This clifftop reserve provides panoramic views along the coast and over weathered limestone outcrops and ledges.The rocky cliffs protect small bays and are rich in wildlife including a Silver Gull breeding site on the eastern most island.
From the Crags you have a great view of Deen Mar or dhinmar (Lady Julia Percy) Island.The local Aboriginal tribe, the Gunditjmara believe that the spirit of the dead would be conveyed to the island and from there up to the clouds. For thousands of years the Crags was as a gathering, ceremonial and feasting place for Aboriginal people. Its cultural significance is listed on the National Estate of Australia.
The island rises abruptly from the seabed, it’s flat top only hints of its geological interest as Australia’s only undersea volcano. Formed around seven million years ago, subsequent erosion of the island has exposed many interesting and unique features.
Australia’s largest population of fur seals inhabits the island. Only living on volcanic rock the gentle creatures share their home with several bird species’s including the Little Penguin, Diving Petrel, White Fronted Chats, Fairy Prion and Australian Pipit. Several rare plant species survive in the caves around the island.
Tours are available to the island ( subject to season and availability). Contact Southern Coast Charters or Salty Dog Charters to find out more.
Sign up to get the latest deals, tours & events along the Great Ocean Road
Great Ocean Road Regional Tourism acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the Great Ocean Road region the Wadawurrung, Eastern Maar & Gunditjmara. We pay our respects to their Elders, past, present and emerging. We recognise and respect their unique cultural heritage and the connection to their traditional lands. We commit to building genuine and lasting partnerships that recognise, embrace and support the spirit of reconciliation, working towards self-determination, equity of outcomes and an equal voice for Australia’s first people.
