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Port Campbell National Park
The wild Southern Ocean has carved the Port Campbell National Park coastline into formations that are famous the world over - and earned it the nickname of the Shipwreck Coast. Drive the Great Ocean Road and see London Bridge, The Grotto, Loch Ard Gorge and the unmissable Twelve Apostles.
The best way to see Port Campbell National Park is to take the Great Ocean Road. This is one of the world's most celebrated scenic drives – and its undoubted highlight is the Twelve Apostles, which tower 45 metres above the Southern Ocean.
On a coastline renowned for its spectacular coastal formations it’s easy to overlook London Bridge and The Grotto, which are both as awesome in their own way as the more famous Twelve Apostles.
Port Campbell National Park is also home to animals that carve out a niche on this inhospitable coastline. At dusk, they come home from their feeding grounds out at sea. Look down at the Twelve Apostles or London Bridge and you can see Little Penguins. Or check out the natural wonder of thousands of Short-tailed Shearwaters returning to roost on Muttonbird Island (near Loch Ard Gorge) at sunset. Whales are also a common sight along the coast and Port Campbell township is a good lookout to spot them from.
As beaches and coasts are natural environments, you may encounter hazards. Follow our water safety advice to make sure your day out at Port Campbell National Park is a safe and enjoyable one.
Top places
Tours in the area
Bushwalking, four-wheel driving, horse riding, kayaking, rock climbing and mountain biking are just some of the many activities you can experience in Victoria's parks.
If you want to try something new or meet some like-minded people on your next visit to a park, contact a licensed tour operator.
Parks Victoria licenses tour operators who are experts in these activities and more. They will help you get the most out of your visit.
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Port Campbell National Park
Every evening between September and April, thousands of Short-tailed Shearwaters - a seabird - return to Mutton Bird Island to roost in burrows and feed their young. This is an astonishing natural event that every wildlife lover should witness.
From Loch Ard Gorge carpark, walk to the end of the Living on the Edge trail to Sherbrook Beach. It's not safe to swim here, but it's a beautiful and secluded place to linger for a while.
When you're there
When to go
Take a dip in Port Campbell Bay. The beach is patrolled during summer and it is the only safe place to swim along this stretch of coast.
Need to know
Port Campbell National Park
Accessibility
Visiting a park can be more of a challenge for people with disabilities, however in Victoria there are a wide range of facilities to help people of all abilities enjoy our wonderful parks around the state.
To make it easier for people with limited mobility to see the all abilities access and experiences on offer at Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge walks, Parks Victoria has released this video - produced and narrated by accessibility advocate Ryan Smith, who uses a wheelchair.
Assistance dogs are welcome in Parks Victoria parks and reserves. Entry requirements apply for parks and reserves that are usually dog prohibited, such as national parks.
Tread lightly as the coast is fragile and your safety matters. Stick to marked trails to avoid injury, and to protect the delicate coastal vegetation and wildlife that call the park home.
Change of Conditions
Nature being nature, sometimes conditions can change at short notice. It’s a good idea to check this page ahead of your visit for any updates.
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Gibson Steps (Port Campbell National Park)
Gibsons Steps beach access reopened
The Gibsons Steps beach access has been reopened after the the completion of a rock hazard works project. A geotechnical report commissioned by Parks Victoria confirms that the access can be reopened to allow safe beach access for park visitors.
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Newfield Bay Walk (Port Campbell National Park)
Blue Green Algae Alert for Curdies Inlet - Peterborough
The Department of Environment Land Water and Planning (DELWP) are investigating a blue-green algae bloom at Curdies River Estuary at Peterborough.Blue-green algae can be harmful to humans and animals, so we urge people and pets to avoid direct contact with affected water until notice. This includes swimming, fishing and boating activities.Do not eat any whole fish, shellfish or crustaceans from either water bodies. Fish caught from affected water should have its gills and guts removed prior to cooking.Anyone who comes into contact with affected water should immediately wash in fresh water and seek medical advice if they experience any illness.Signage is being installed at both locations to advise visitors of the algal bloom. We will continue monitoring both water bodies until the bloom disperses and advise when they are safe for use again.
How we keep it special
