Lara (Victoria) Travel Guide

A comprehensive travel guide for Lara (Victoria) in Australia, including a list of places to visit, hiking and biking routes, food and drink scene, where to stay, and tips for safety and health.


Introduction to Lara (Victoria)

Lara is a small town located in the South West Coast region of Victoria, Australia. It is situated 18 km north-east of Geelong and 64 km south-west of Melbourne, making it an ideal destination for both day trips and longer stays. Lara is a beautiful town that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, historical charm, and modern facilities. The town is surrounded by picturesque landscapes, including the You Yangs mountain range, offering visitors plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventures.

List of Places to Visit in Lara (Victoria)

Lara has a lot to offer to visitors. From culturally significant museums and historical sites to natural attractions and scenic views, here is a list of some of the must-visit places in Lara:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Parks Victoria Office and You Yangs Regional Park - This park office is a great place to start exploring the You Yangs Regional Park. It offers information on the park’s history and wildlife and is an excellent base camp for campers and hikers.
  • Lara Heritage and Historical Museum - A small but informative museum exhibiting the history of Lara and the surrounding area. It features a range of artifacts, including old photographs, farming equipment, and household items from the early settlers’ days.
  • Serpentine Gallery - A contemporary art gallery featuring local and national artists’ works. The exhibitions are regularly updated, making it an exciting place to visit for art enthusiasts.

Natural Attractions of Lara (Victoria): Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • You Yangs Regional Park - A natural playground for outdoor enthusiasts, offering hiking and biking trails, rock climbing, picnic areas, and birdwatching opportunities.
  • Duck Ponds - A serene location for picnics and fishing, surrounded by native flora and fauna.
  • Lara Lake Parklands - This park is perfect for a relaxing day out with family and friends. It boasts beautiful gardens, lakes, and picnic areas.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Lara (Victoria)

Lara is an excellent base for hiking and biking excursions, thanks to the natural beauty that surrounds it. Below are some popular hiking and biking routes in and around Lara:

  • You Yangs Regional Park - The park covers over 3300 hectares, with numerous hiking and biking trails, including the well-known Stockyard Track that features stunning wildlife and scenic views.
  • Little River Rail Trail - This cycling trail stretches for 7.5 km between Lara and Corio, boasting beautiful landscapes, farmland, and historic railway infrastructure.
  • Brisbane Ranges National Park - This park is located 50 km from Lara and is renowned for its hiking trails that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding areas.

Best Things to Do in Lara (Victoria): Activities and Tours

Lara offers plenty of exciting activities and tours for visitors to enjoy. Below are some of the best things to do while in Lara:

  • Hot Air Balloon Ride - Experience the beauty of the region with a hot air balloon ride over the You Yangs mountain range.
  • Horse Riding - Enjoy horseback riding through the picturesque countryside and explore the flora and fauna of the region.
  • Wine Tasting Tour - Visit some of the region’s wineries and indulge in some of the finest wine the region has to offer.

Week-Long Itinerary for Lara (Victoria)

Here is a suggested itinerary for a week-long visit to Lara:

Day Activity
1 Explore the Lara Heritage and Historical Museum
2 Hike the You Yangs Regional Park
3 Cycle the Little River Rail Trail
4 Visit the Serpentine Gallery and the Parks Victoria Office
5 Relax at the Lara Lake Parklands
6 Explore the surrounding area and visit nearby attractions such as the Brisbane Ranges National Park
7 Hot air balloon ride over the You Yangs mountain range

Food and Drink Scene of Lara (Victoria)

Lara offers visitors a wide range of dining options, from fine dining to casual dining. Here are some of the must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Seafood - Being a coastal town, Lara offers fresh seafood dishes, such as fish and chips, squid rings, and prawn cocktails.
  • Beef Pie - A traditional Australian dish, made with succulent beef and ‘flaky’ pastry, is a must-try when in the region.

Local Beverages

  • Riesling - The region is known for its wineries, and Riesling is a popular local wine variety, renowned for its acidity and fruity aromas.

Where to Stay in Lara (Victoria): Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Lara offers a range of accommodation options, including hotels, hostels, and guesthouses. Here are some of the best places to stay in Lara:

  • Lara Lodge - A modern and comfortable motel located in the heart of the town, offering spacious rooms and high-quality amenities.
  • Parkway Motel - A value-for-money accommodation option, offering comfortable rooms, replete with all the necessary facilities for a comfortable stay.
  • Corio Bay Motel - A family-owned and run motel located just a short drive from Lara, offering warm hospitality and clean and spacious rooms.

What to Buy in Lara (Victoria): Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Lara is known for its quality local produce, including wines, cheeses, and fresh seafood. Visitors can also buy souvenirs from local stores and markets. Some popular gift ideas include:

  • Wine - Visit local wineries such as the Moorabool valley and purchase some excellent quality wines to take home.
  • Cheese - Visit local farms like The Cheesemakers, located in nearby Geelong, and pick up some artisanal cheeses to bring home.
  • Seafood - Take home some of the coastal regions’ fresh seafood, like oysters, prawns, and other fish varieties.

Local Culture and Customs of Lara (Victoria)

Lara has a diverse culture, with a mix of Australian and European influences. People in the region are friendly and welcoming, and visitors should respect local customs and traditions.

Best Time to Visit Lara (Victoria)

The best time to visit Lara is between November to March, when the weather is ideal for outdoor activities. Temperatures are warm and sunny, and the skies are usually clear.

Do’s and Don’ts of Lara (Victoria)

Do:

  • Respect the local customs and traditions.
  • Try the local cuisine and wine.
  • Explore the natural beauty of the region.

Don’t:

  • Litter or damage the natural environment.
  • Cause any nuisance or disrupt the local community.
  • Ignore safety instructions while participating in outdoor activities.

Safety and Health

Safety in Lara (Victoria)

Lara is generally a safe town to visit. However, visitors should exercise caution when participating in outdoor activities, such as hiking and cycling, and follow the safety guidelines provided by the local authorities.

Health in Lara (Victoria)

Visitors to Lara should ensure they have access to adequate medical insurance, as health care in Australia can be expensive. It is essential to take precautions against sunburn, dehydration, and insect bites when participating in outdoor activities.

Getting to Lara (Victoria): Transportation Options and Logistics

Lara is easily accessible from Melbourne and other surrounding towns and cities. Here are some of the transportation options to get to and around Lara:

Airports Near Lara (Victoria)

The nearest major airport to Lara is Melbourne Tullamarine airport, located 44 km away. Visitors can hire a taxi or rent a car to get from the airport to Lara.

Bus Stations Near Lara (Victoria)

Visitors can travel to Lara by bus from Geelong or Melbourne. The town has a bus station located at The Centreway, Lara.

Other Options

Visitors can also travel to Lara by train, with the Lara railway station located on the Geelong line. Renting a car is also an option, as Lara is located close to the major highways.

How to Get Around in Lara (Victoria)

Visitors can get around Lara by car, bicycle, or on foot. The town is small enough to explore on foot, and with plenty of cycling and walking trails, it’s a great way to enjoy the region’s natural beauty.

Where to Go Next from Lara (Victoria): Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Lara’s location makes it an ideal base for exploring the surrounding areas and nearby attractions. Here are some nearby destinations and excursions visitors can take:

  • Geelong - A vibrant city just 18 km from Lara, boasting shops, cafes, and beautiful beaches.
  • Bellarine Peninsula - A scenic coastal region with stunning beaches, wineries, and quaint villages.
  • Great Ocean Road - A world-famous scenic coastal drive, visiting iconic locations such as the Twelve Apostles and stunning coastal vistas.

Conclusion

Lara is a small yet beautiful town in the South West Coast region of Victoria, Australia, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty, historical charm, and modern facilities. With plenty of outdoor activities, cultural attractions, and delicious food and wine, it’s a great destination for both day trips and longer stays.