London Bridge

Two women chat at a coastal lookout in front of a sandstone rock stack resembling a bridge.

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London Bridge

Port Campbell National Park

A short drive along the Great Ocean Road from the Twelve Apostles just beyond Port Campbell, discover these three unique and spectacular rock formations. See Little Penguins come ashore at dusk from London Bridge Lookout, coastal vistas framed by the charming Grotto and the Arch precariously balanced on a rock platform smashed by waves.

The Great Ocean Road is famed for its stunning scenery - and no more so than on the stretch just past Port Campbell and the Twelve Apostles. Stop at these three highlights on your way to Warrnambool.

Originally a natural archway and tunnel, London Bridge collapsed on 15 January 1990 and became an isolated arch no longer connected to the mainland. Two tourists stranded on top of the remaining island had to be rescued by helicopter. Come to the lookout for the views or at dusk to spot the adorable Little Penguins coming ashore on the protected beach below. In winter keep an eye out for passing Southern Right Whales and Humpback Whales on their migration north.

Things to do in the area

The Arch
Shaped by ferocious Southern Ocean swells, the Arch sits precariously atop a rock platform. Step out on to one of two viewing platforms and enjoy panoramas out to the Twelve Apostles.

The Arch is a good example of the limestone formations in transition along the coast. Starting in the form of a tunnel, seeping rain and constant pounding wave action combine to dissolve and hollow it out until ultimately it stands free as an arch. Ultimately this arch and other rock stacks will collapse to form rock stacks. The nearby Twelve Apostles themselves have been shaped in this way.

The Grotto
This weathered hollow limestone formation is one of the most evocative and intimate of the coastal formations of the Great Ocean Road. Part-blowhole, part-archway, part-cave, its serene rock pools and smooth boulders frame the sea views and offer a sometimes peaceful place to soak in the wonders of sea-spray and nature. Enjoy stunning coastal panoramas from the upper platform before descending to The Grotto.

A couple walk along the beach at Gibson Steps.

Gibson Steps

A gentle 1.1km track takes you to Gibson Steps Lookout and, when open, 89 steps lead down the cliff‐face to a wild ocean beach. If the tide is low you can view the rockstacks ‘Gog and Magog’ up close.
Two young wearing dresses stroll across the beach at Loch Ard Gorge.

Loch Ard Gorge

A few minutes' down the Great Ocean Road from the world-famous Twelve Apostles, discover another mighty rock stack and a stunning sandy beach enclosed by sheer yellow coloured limestone cliffs.
A man and woman play in shallow waters in front of the Twelve Apostles.

Twelve Apostles

The world-famous Twelve Apostles are the undisputed highlight of the equally famous Great Ocean Road. View these limestone sea stacks at sunset for a quieter and even more spectacular experience. And be sure to walk the short trail to Gibson Steps for a view from the beach.
A couple take a selfie in front of the Grotto in Port Campbell National Park.

The Grotto

The Grotto is a cave and sinkhole located about halfway up the cliff, from sea level. The paved pathway leads to a decked staircase that descends into a viewing area. Enjoy the view of the rock pools carved out in the jagged edged limestone. Stay inside barriers

How to get there

London Bridge

When you're there

For the best view, look into the Grotto from the lower viewing platform, where you can see the horizon, the pools, and the jutting rock formations in one go. Sunset is a great time to go to the Grotto, London Bridge or the Arch for a memorable photograph.

The weather and ocean conditions change constantly here and at times going down to explore The Grotto at eye-level can be dangerous, particularly if it’s windy and the tide is high.

When to go

The three towns of Princetown, Port Campbell and Peterborough all have estuary swimming areas safe from the open sea. Summer is a busy time all along the Great Ocean Road. Sea kayaking at Princetown and Peterborough areas .

Need to know

London Bridge

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.

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.

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.

  • Loch Ard Gorge (Port Campbell National Park)

    Reduced access to Loch Ard Gorge visitor areas

    Loch Ard Gorge beach access closed
     
    Beach access is closed due to dangerous cliff movement near the Upper Lookout, which could cause a collapse. Geotechnical specialists have assessed the site and we will continue to work through the permits required to protect the significant cultural and environmental values of Loch Ard before we start work to restore access to the beach. 
     
    This work is complex and will take time. Parks Victoria will provide updates and indicative timelines once we have further information.
     
    Closed walking tracks and reduced carparking - The Blowhole, Thunder Cave, Sherbrook River
     
    Construction of a new lookout at The Blowhole will commence in January 2024, creating a stunning new visitor attraction for the Loch Ard Gorge precinct. The project is expected to take 12 months, subject to on-ground and construction industry conditions.

    To ensure public safety during construction, access to some tracks and areas around The Blowhole will be closed, including no access to Thunder Cave and Sherbrook River. There will also be a reduction in the number of carparking spaces available for the public at the Loch Ard Gorge precinct, and no parking near Sherbrook River. Turning circles will also be restricted due to the construction works. Caravans and other long vehicles will be required to park in the Loch Ard Gorge car park.  
     

  • Twelve Apostles (Port Campbell National Park)

    Saddle Lookout - access change

    From mid-September 2021 there will be no access to the Saddle and Castle Rock viewing areas while a new lookout is being built. 

    Visitors can continue to enjoy the other lookouts, boardwalks and visitor areas at the Twelve Apostles and the other spectacular visitor sites in the Port Campbell National Park.

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