Lavers Hill

Overview

The small town of Lavers Hill is important for dairying, agriculture and in recent years, tourism. Perched on the highest point of the Great Ocean Road at 470 metres it offers spectacular views.

History

Named after the first settlers, it was surveyed and opened for selection in 1891. Timber and farming were the main industries, with mills established from 1900.   The village, with a hotel, post office, bank and school built near the main road intersection were also established at this time.

The railway from Colac opened in 1911 carrying passengers and freight on a narrow 762 mm track, for a six hour journey, six times a week. This life line to the outside provided a commercial transport route via Beech Forest to a wide area beyond the Otways and operated until 1954.

Lavers Hill was destroyed in the 1919 bush fires and the timber industry declined through over-logging by the 1920s. Potato growing expanded with the aide of local research, rich soil and Victoria’s highest annual rainfall of over 2000 mm per year. Lavers Hill was a centre for social and commercial life for many with Saturday night dances, sports events and up to seven major cattle sales annually.

Places of interest

Melba Gully
Small commercial town centre
Rainforests

Scenic lookouts from Castle Cove

Close access to Johanna Beach

Accommodation

Lavers Hill offers a small selection of accommodation including bed & breakfast, cottages and a motel.

For more lodging options within a short driving distance please contact:

Great Ocean Road Visitor Information Centre
Address: 100 Great Ocean Rd, Apollo Bay VIC 3233
Phone: 03 5237 6529
Fax: 03 5237 6194
Website: www.visitapollobay.com

or

Colac Visitor Information Centre
Address: Cnr Murray & Queen St, Colac VIC 3250
Phone: 03 5231 3730
Fax: 03 5232 2764
Email: colacvic@colacotway.vic.gov.au

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