Camperdown 

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Camperdown, one of the major towns in the Shipwreck Coast hinterland, rests on the side of Mount Leura, a volcanic cone (and excellent lookout) that lies between the coastal ranges and the rolling western plains.

Volcanic activity has shaped much of the surrounding landscape, leaving a legacy of cones, lakes and craters. In fact it is one of the world's largest volcanic plains.

Camperdown is central to the volcanic trail tour and 2 adjoining water-filled craters - lakes Bullen Merri and Gnotuk - are on the town's doorstep. They provide an interesting backdrop to the beautiful botanic gardens.

As you drive into Camperdown, two features are hard to miss - the magnificent avenue of century-old elm trees and the 30m brick clock tower. The latter was a bequest from the town's pioneering Manifold family.

Camperdown is one of Australia's most prestigious dairying regions, thanks to the temperate climate that stimulates lush natural pasture growth. It is also known as a great place to fish for trout and chinook salmon.

Some of the smaller towns near Camperdown have fascinating stories to tell. Cobden, settled by Dr Daniel Curdie in 1840, continues to prosper as the new hub of the district's growing dairying industry. Nestled near the tranquil Curdies River valley, Timboon is renowned for the famous cheeses it produces. Its picturesque picnic area near the river is a cool and refreshing place to take a break.

Things to do

• Take a walk along the rail trail through remnant bush land at Timboon or pick berries from November-March
• Visit the Botanic Gardens overlooking Lake Bullen Merri and Lake Gnotuk
• Catch a trout at Lake Purrumbete
• Wander Camperdown's heritage-listed avenue of elms in the main street
• Visit the Alan Marshall precinct, author of I can Jump Puddles, at Noorat

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Great Ocean Road Hinterland Travel Guide