Cadel Evans says it would be possible for a Grand Tour cycling stage to start in Australia, though the distance is a major hurdle. Tour Down Under race director Stuart O'Grady has been trying to attract Tadej Pogačar to Adelaide for several years. Pogačar's manager recently visited and spoke well of the race. If Pogačar returned, he would likely also race at the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race in Geelong. Evans also praised Pogačar's record of success.
Former Tour de France champion Cadel Evans says it would be possible for a Grand Tour stage to start in Australia, though he would not want to tell the riders. He said the idea has been discussed before, and that some Grand Tours are considering stages in America. Evans also said Tadej Pogacar may return to race in Australia, with Tour Down Under race director Stuart O'Grady having sought to bring him to Adelaide for several years. Evans praised Pogacar as the greatest of all time in his sport.
Williamstown in South Australia has been named the most budget-friendly day trip in a national affordability index. A day out for two people costs about $66.04, excluding accommodation. The study by car insurance provider ROLLiN' assessed 73 regional destinations on fuel, food, entry fees and attraction costs. McLaren Vale ranked first for overall value, while Geelong, Wollongong, Katoomba and Kalamunda rounded out the top five. Williamstown is about 20 minutes' drive from Hentley Farm in Seppeltsfield, a restaurant in the state's Michelin Guide.
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Regional property prices held steady in September while the capital city median fell 0.3%, according to realestate.com.au. The combined regional median is about 5% higher than a year ago, while the capitals are down 1.6%. Agents say affordability is drawing buyers to regional towns. Properties featured include a bootmaker's shop in Victoria's Gippsland, a rustic cottage in Grafton and a timber home in Orford, Tasmania, all listed under $700,000.
Colac astrophotographer and Colac Herald graphic designer Brent Martin has won the 2026 Sony Alpha Astrophotography award. His winning image, titled Magic Rock at Midnight, was recognised nationally. Martin has spent time photographing the night sky across the Great Ocean Road region, and the award reflects that dedicated work. The story was published on October 13, 2026, in the Colac Herald.
Melbourne man Ben Turner, who survived a tram collision on Kings Way in South Melbourne in 2005, will run the full Melbourne Marathon on October 11. He is raising money for Ambulance Victoria and The Alfred Foundation, with a target of $10,000 for each. When paramedics reached him, his heart had stopped and he was not breathing, yet they saved him. He later spent four weeks in hospital, including 23 days in intensive care. Turner says he wants to recognise the emergency workers who helped him, and he stays in touch with the paramedics involved.
A motorcyclist has died following a crash near South Purrumbete in Victoria's western district. The incident occurred on a local road, with emergency services attending the scene. Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the collision. The identity of the deceased rider is yet to be officially confirmed. This tragic event has prompted calls for increased road safety measures in the region.
A luxury home in Melbourne’s north-west with a pool, teppanyaki grill and lift is on the market for $3.95m-$4.3m. The four-bedroom house at 30 Grammar St, Strathmore, was extended and renovated in 2022. It is a short walk to Napier Park, the Napier St shops, the Moonee Ponds Creek Trail and Lebanon Reserve. The property features a stone-topped island bench, Miele appliances, a walk-in pantry, and a rumpus room with a fireplace. Expressions of interest close at 12pm on Wednesday October 21.
A Victorian-era-inspired homestead in Portarlington, built with reclaimed bricks from Scotch College and flooring from the Port Adelaide Woolshed, is on the market for $3.5 million. The 4.05-hectare property features manicured gardens, a vegetable garden, orchard, and chook run. The four-bedroom house includes timber benchtops, wraparound verandas, and reclaimed blackbutt timber flooring. The listing agent describes it as a rare combination of a country estate just a 20-minute walk from Portarlington Pier.
The new $126 million Keerray Woorroong Visitor Centre at the Twelve Apostles will open to the public next week. The centre includes a 230-seat cafe, gallery, visitor information spaces, and a rooftop lookout. Visitors must book parking in advance, with fees to be introduced from April, but the cost and local fee exemption details remain undecided. The centre is a flagship project of the Geelong City Deal, funded by federal and Victorian governments.
A new $126 million visitor centre has opened at the Twelve Apostles in Victoria, funded jointly by the federal and state governments. The Keerray Woorroong Visitor Centre features a 230-seat cafe, gallery space, and a rooftop lookout, with native gardens and parking for 950 vehicles. It will support regional businesses and the state's visitor economy, with bookings required from 16 October and free until April 2027. The centre is operated by the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority.
The newly constructed Keerray Woorroong Visitor Centre at the Twelve Apostles, valued at $126 million, will welcome visitors from next week. This state-of-the-art facility includes a 230-seat café, a kiosk, gallery space, visitor information areas, and a rooftop observation deck. The centre aims to enhance the experience of one of the Great Ocean Road's most iconic natural landmarks. Visitors are encouraged to book their visits in advance. The Colac Herald provided an early glimpse of the centre's amenities and design.
Chinese tourists visiting Australia during their national day holiday have reported a high number of fellow travellers, with some spots feeling like they could speak Mandarin to everyone. Australia was a top destination for Chinese travellers, with flight bookings up 19 per cent compared to last year. A Melbourne travel agent noted a surge in bookings, particularly for tours to the Great Ocean Road and Canberra. However, the number of Chinese tourists in Australia has yet to return to pre-COVID levels.
A $126 million visitor centre at the Twelve Apostles in Victoria will open on 16 October, requiring visitors to book ahead. The Keerray Woorroong Visitor Centre, funded by federal and Victorian governments, includes a cafe, gallery, and rooftop lookout. The precinct features native gardens, walking paths, and parking for over 950 vehicles. The centre incorporates cultural elements of the Keerray Woorroong people, with displays and artwork throughout. The project aims to support sustainable tourism and manage visitor pressure on the coastline.
Tourists will need to book ahead and pay an entry fee to visit the Twelve Apostles from October 16. The Victorian government has unveiled a $126 million visitor centre and new booking system to manage overcrowding. Local residents and traditional owners will be exempt from the fee, which will fund visitor infrastructure and environmental projects. Acting Minister Catherine King said the redevelopment would support sustainable tourism and boost local jobs.
