The Arch Day Visitor Area (Port Campbell National Park)

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The Arch Day Visitor Area (Port Campbell National Park)

Shaped by ferocious Southern Ocean swells, The Arch sits precariously atop a rock platform. Step out onto one of two viewing platforms to enjoy panoramas of the Twelve Apostles. Learn about the unique limestone formation; and how the waves continually shape and erode them.

How to get there

The Arch Day Visitor Area (Port Campbell National Park)

Need to know

The Arch Day Visitor Area (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 fires permitted
No horses
No dogs allowed
No camping
No generators
No firearms allowed
No drones without a permit

Warnings

Water hazards
Rough Surf
Terrain hazards
Unstable cliffs
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.

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.

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.

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.

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 Closure

Gibson Steps Beach Access is temporarily closed for public safety following a rock fall event. Carpark and cliff top lookout remains open.

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.