Loch Ard Gorge (Port Campbell National Park)

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Loch Ard Gorge (Port Campbell National Park)

Stunning natural beauty, a sandy shore enclosed by sheer limestone cliffs. Named after the most famous shipwreck along the coast, the small sandy beach was where the two shipwreck survivors were found in 1878. View the coast from the lookout or take one of the three walks and explore.

How to get there

Loch Ard Gorge (Port Campbell National Park)

Loch Ard Gorge (Port Campbell National Park)

Need to know

Loch Ard Gorge (Port Campbell National Park)

Safety in nature

You can benefit both mind and body when you get outdoors to explore and experience Victoria's natural places. Before you go, take a look at our safety tips and check our changed conditions and closures information for a great visit.

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. Parks Victoria provides a range of a equipment, including all-terrain and beach wheelchairs, facilities, accommodation and accessibility information and programs to help you plan and enjoy your visit to Victoria's parks.

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.

Warnings & Restrictions

Dogs

Dogs are not allowed

Restrictions

  • No fishing
  • No camping
  • No firearms allowed
  • No dogs allowed
  • No motorised vehicles, including electric bikes or scooters allowed on management vehicle only paths, tracks or roads
  • No generators
  • No horses
  • No fires permitted

Warnings

  • Water hazards
    • Rough Surf
    • Strong currents
    • Submerged obstacles
    • Deep water
  • Terrain hazards
    • Unstable cliffs
    • Slippery rocks
  • Other warnings
    • Unpatrolled area
  • Animals and pests
    • Snakes

Be Prepared

Stay safe and get the most out of your park visit by preparing for natural hazards and other outdoor risks in Victoria’s parks. You are responsible for your own safety and the safety of those in your care. Find out more.

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 Beach Access Stairs Closure

The beach access has been closed following an independent geotechnical inspection after a rock fall over the steps themselves. Parks Victoria is working with The Great Ocean Road and Parks Authority as well as Traditional Owners to implement identified works required to make the site safe for all users.  

Discovery Walk partial closure

A section of Discovery Walk is closed due to geotechnical changes until further geotechnical monitoring occurs. A temporary re-routing option will be available as soon as possible to allow for access to the trail.

The Arch Closure - Port Campbell National Park

The Arch visitor site including lookout, walking trails and carpark remains closed following geotechnical changes and cliff instability. The site has been assessed by a Geotechnical Engineer and Parks Victoria are assessing options for the site. 

Temporary Closure of Toilets – Twelve Apostles Visitor Facility

Due to a power failure that has affected our water pumps, the toilet facilities at the Twelve Apostles Visitor Centre are currently closed.
Nearest amenities are 12km West in Port Campbell.

We are currently working to restore services as soon as possible and apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

Gibson Steps Beach Access Closed

Gibson Steps are temporarily closed for your safety after a cliff collapse directly above the steps.
The lookout at Gibson Steps remains open for your convenience. 

Gibson Steps Possible Traffic Delays

Pavement rehabilitation will be taking place along the Great Ocean Road adjacent to the Gibson Steps visitor site. During works, traffic management including traffic controllers, will be onsite at Gibson Steps. Please observe road signage. 

Gibson Steps car park access temporarily changed for Great Ocean Road roadworks.

Major Roads Projects Victoria are undertaking planned pavement rehabilitation works on the Great Ocean Road, Princetown from Tuesday 3 June - Friday 13 June 2025.

During this time traffic management will be in place on the Great Ocean Road and at Gibson Steps car park to allow visitor access to the site.

Visitors are asked to please follow all traffic management changes and directions when accessing the Gibson Steps site, and to expect minimal delays in their journey.

Alternative access to Gibson Steps is available via the one kilometre walking track from the Twelve Apostles car park.

There will be no works occurring on the King's Birthday long weekend (7-9 June), with full access to Gibson Steps during this time.

This work is weather dependent and the schedule may change, please check Parks Victoria's change of conditions for updated information.

Twelve Apostles Changed Traffic Conditions

Changed traffic conditions along Booringa Road. Visitors are asked to obey traffic signage. 

Twelve Apostles Changed Traffic Conditions

Changed traffic conditions along Booringa Road from 30 May. Motorists are asked to follow traffic signage in the area. 

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