Port Campbell in Victoria, Australia, is a charming coastal town that provides a convenient base for exploring famous sights along the Great Ocean Road.
Directions to Port Campbell, VIC
Travellers visiting Port Campbell, VIC, can choose from various transportation options, including public transport and driving, from common starting points.
But it is better to trust us to organise your trip and go on the Great Ocean Road Tour to enjoy the best experiences that Great Ocean Road has to offer.
Activities available in Port Campbell
Port Campbell is a great destination year-round, surrounded by iconic attractions of the Great Ocean Road.
Port Campbell is a convenient location for exploring the Shipwreck Coast, with nearby attractions such as the Twelve Apostles, Gibson Steps, and London Bridge.
Port Campbell offers a variety of activities for visitors, such as sightseeing, hiking, swimming, and trying out the local cuisine.
Visitors can swim at Port Campbell Beach
When visiting Port Campbell, starting at the beach is a popular choice, as it is a common starting point for exploring many towns along the Great Ocean Road.
Port Campbell provides a sheltered inlet, making its beach one of the safest spots for swimming along the Great Ocean Road between Apollo Bay and Warrnambool.
Port Campbell Beach is a family-friendly destination for relaxing on the sandy shoreline.
Seasonal patrols are implemented to ensure the safety of swimmers during the summer months.
Visitors can enjoy beautiful beach views by walking along the Port Campbell jetty at sunset and observing the waves crashing against the cliffs.
Port Campbell Lookout has great views
Some stairs lead to a scenic lookout at the main beach in Port Campbell.
Visitors can climb the steep steps to enjoy an incredible view of Port Campbell Beach and the town.
Driving to the lookout is also an option for those who prefer not to take the stairs, with a small car park and accessible views.
The Port Campbell Discovery Walk is a great hike
The Discovery Walk starts at the Port Campbell Lookout and covers a 4-kilometre round trip.
The trail offers the opportunity to hike along cliff tops and through coastal heathland for approximately an hour and a half, with the chance to observe wildlife.
The walk offers clear views of Sentinal Rock and the rugged coastline of the southern ocean.
Please be aware that the Port Campbell Discovery Walk is not accessible for prams and wheelchairs, and dogs are prohibited from entering.
Walk along Port Campbell Pier
Port Campbell Pier measures only 50 meters in length, resembling more of a jetty than a traditional pier.
The structure primarily comprises concrete with boardwalk sections, offering scenic views of the beach and cliffs.
The pier, initially built in the 1870s, has undergone multiple reconstructions due to damage from severe storms.
Port Campbell has gained a reputation as the centre of the Shipwreck Coast, with over 80 shipwrecks occurring along this 130-kilometre stretch of coastline due to the rough weather.
Stop by Sow & Piglets for beer and pizza
Visitors can experience the local atmosphere at the Sow and Piglets Brewery, where they can choose to sit indoors on comfortable couches or outdoors at sunny tables.
The decor features a mix of worldwide artifacts from the owner’s travels and vintage 80s relics, creating a welcoming atmosphere for a relaxing afternoon.
Enjoy local craft beers and freshly cooked pizza for a relaxing evening by the sea. The brewery is conveniently located just a minute’s walk from the beach.
Visit Timboon Distillery for a whisky-making tour
A stop at the restored railway shed is recommended, as it now houses the Timboon Distillery and the most extensive collection of authentic Australian craft spirits in the country.
The Timboon Railway Shed Distillery sells a variety of alcoholic beverages, including gin, vodka, liqueurs, and single-malt Timboon whisky.
You can either call in advance to reserve lunch or stop by for a whisky-tasting experience and tour.
Visiting a distillery is an informative experience that can deepen your understanding and appreciation for the distilling process.
Whisky tastings cost $15.00 and include four 7.5 ml pours. This fee will be waived if you purchase a bottle, making it a great souvenir or gift option.
Check out Timboon Cheesery for food options
Located just a 15-minute drive from Port Campbell, you will find the well-known Shultz Organic Creamery & Cafe, previously known as Timboon Cheesery.
The Timboon cheesery is on a thousand-acre dairy farm outside Timboon, Victoria.
Visit the seasonal cafe to sample pastry chef Hila Perry’s creations, featuring Schulz Organic Dairy products and locally sourced produce.
Upcoming farm tours will be available soon.
Dingoes at Great Ocean Road Wildlife Park
The Great Ocean Road Wildlife Park and Dingo Awareness Centre in Port Campbell are great options for a family day out with children.
The wildlife park, located 15 minutes from the Twelve Apostles, is run by a family with a strong focus on eco-friendly practices.
The park provides a spacious and natural environment for housing all the animals.
The park allows visitors to interact closely with Australia’s iconic wildlife, such as participating in a guided dingo encounter.
Earthbound Cafe offers homemade and healthy food in a cozy atmosphere, perfect for relaxing with coffee or organic tea.
Stop by GORGE Chocolaterie for hot chocolate and alpacas
GORGE Chocolates was established in 2004 on 100 acres of countryside.
The business changed ownership in 2019, rebranding to ‘GORGE Chocolates at The Chocolate Alapaca’.
Alpacas are featured at this chocolate shop, adding a unique touch to the experience.
On the way to the shop, alpacas and llamas can be seen near a vineyard.
Upon arrival, enjoy hot chocolate and a rocky road.
Various items, including homemade jams, sauces, sweets, candles, cakes, clothes, carpets, and gifts made from alpaca wool, are available.
GORGE Chocolates is a member of the 12 Apostles Gourmet Trail.
Visitors can pick their strawberries at Berry World
Berry World PYO Strawberries allows you to pick your fruit in a natural setting.
Children can learn about where their fruit comes from and interact with the ponies and sheep at the farm.
Berry Thai is a popular lunch spot known for its Thai red curry, pad Thai, and red duck curry.
Afterwards, visit the shop to purchase homemade jams, sauces, and scones.
See the Twelve Apostles and Gibson’s Steps
The turbulent Southern Ocean formed the Twelve Apostles in Victoria over 20 million years ago.
The arches and stacks of rocks were formed through gradual erosion, reaching heights of up to 50 meters, separate from the cliffs.
This Victoria landmark was initially called the ‘Sow and Piglets’ but was later renamed The Apostles in 1922.
Experiencing a sunset at the 12 Apostles on the Great Ocean Road is a magical experience.
At the clifftop, continue to access Gibson Steps, a staircase of 86 steps leading down to Gibson Beach.
Visitors can experience stunning views of the Gog and Magog sea stacks from the lookout point or the beach.
Explore the Port Campbell National Park
Port Campbell National Park hosts several well-known attractions in the Port Campbell area.
Visitors to the area should take the time to explore the many natural wonders of the park.
The Port Campbell Recreation Reserve spans 1,750 hectares and features notable natural landmarks, including London Bridge, The Grotto, and Loch Ard Gorge.
Visitors can enjoy a leisurely hike on the Port Campbell Discovery Walk to Two Mile Bay.
Travellers can drive past the famous cliffs of the Great Ocean Road, passing through coastal heath and enjoying panoramic views back to Port Campbell.
The London Bridge on Great Ocean Road is a well-known tourist destination that can be crowded during peak hours.
The formation was created over an extended period due to natural erosion caused by wind and sea.
Formerly known as the London Arch, this natural formation once had a connecting walkway to the mainland, giving it a closer resemblance to its famous namesake.
In 1990, the “bridge” rock formation collapsed, leaving it detached from the mainland and two tourists stranded on what remained of the stack. They were later rescued by helicopter.
London Bridge in Port Campbell is a beautiful spot to visit during sunset, offering a less crowded alternative to the Twelve Apostles.
Nearby, you can also see The Arch on Great Ocean Road, a less remarkable arch that is still worth a visit.
Visit Loch Ard Gorge
Loch Ard Gorge is another scenic stop to add to your Port Campbell, Great Ocean Road trip. Visitors can climb down to the beach and enjoy views of the rocky islands of the Shipwreck Coast, quickly understanding how it got its name.
Australia has experienced numerous tragic shipwrecks throughout its history, with the Loch Ard being considered one of the most devastating.
The Loch Ard was a clipper ship that transported passengers from Liverpool to Melbourne.
Of the 54 individuals aboard, only two survived when the ship hit Mutton Island, sinking rapidly within a 15-minute timeframe.
Tom and Eva, the two survivors, gained recognition in the local community, with Tom being awarded both money and medals for his courageous actions in rescuing Eva from the waters.
While Tom and Eva eventually return to their home countries of England and Ireland, the Tom and Eva Lookout at Loch Ard Gorge reminds them of the tragic events.
Capture a beautiful picture at the Grotto
This site, located 9 kilometres west of Port Campbell, is a worthwhile visit if you are in the area.
The Grotto features unique arches worth exploring, even for those who have seen many already.
The Grotto in Port Campbell combines a blowhole, archway, and cave and tends to be less crowded than other attractions.
The formation consists of boulders and rock pools carved out of limestone cliffs.
Observe the Grotto from the lower platform to capture the horizon, pools, and rock formations in a photograph for the best view.
A stairway from the viewing platform above can reach the Grotto on the Great Ocean Road.
Visiting at sunset allows you to see the sun disappearing through the archway of the rock formation.
Enjoy delicious treats at Timboon Ice Creamery
Timboon Fine Ice Cream offers a selection of up to 24 premium flavours to try.
Timboon ice cream is well-regarded for its freshness, local production, and delicious taste.
The all-natural ice cream is made with milk from a nearby farm.
The cream is sourced locally and combined with regional ingredients to produce a variety of flavours.
Visitors to Port Campbell may want to try all the attractions and enjoy the views if time allows.
Enjoy tasty desserts at Dairyliscious Farm Fudge
One recommended stop on the Great Ocean Road food trail is Dairylicious Farm Fudge.
Try a tasting board to experience a variety of flavours in homemade fudge.
Do you prefer chocolate fudge, salted caramel, or chocolate mint?
Dairylicious Farm Fudge is a part of the 12 Apostles Food Artisans and Gourmet Trail, using a labour-intensive fudge-making process with no preservatives and high-quality Australian ingredients.
In addition to their delicious fudge, this cafe in Port Campbell also offers excellent coffee and delicious milkshakes.
See fairy penguins near the 12 Apostles at sunset
Port Campbell National Park is home to various wildlife adapted to the challenging coastal environment.
Wildlife can often be seen returning from their feeding grounds at sea during dusk.
Visitors can observe hundreds of Little Penguins at the Twelve Apostles or London Bridge at sunset, overlooking the beach.
The fishermen gather on the beach to socialize and rest before their next day of fishing.
Another interesting sight is the return of thousands of Short-Tailed Shearwaters to roost on Muttonbird Island near Loch Ard Gorge.
Whales can often be seen along this coastline.
Helicopter ride over 12 Apostles on Great Ocean Road
An aerial perspective is a popular way to view the Port Campbell section of the Great Ocean Road.
Helicopter flights along the Great Ocean Road offer Cape Otway, London Bridge, and the Bay of Islands views.
The 12 Apostles can be viewed from a luxury helicopter flight, offering a unique perspective of the coastline and Great Ocean Road.
One can experience the highlights of Victoria’s Shipwreck Coast fantastically.
Consider taking a helicopter tour or private flight with knowledgeable pilots familiar with Victoria’s Shipwreck Coast who can share historical stories with you.
The 12 Apostles Helicopter Tours operate daily during the summer from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Stop by Apostle Whey Cheese for a unique experience
Apostle Whey Cheese in Port Campbell is recommended for cheese enthusiasts.
You can try a variety of award-winning hand-made cheeses, including Camembert, Brie, and Chilli Havarti, on their famous $1.00 cheese platter.
The operation utilizes a paddock-to-plate approach, with cheeses from milk produced by a specially-bred Aussie Red/Jerseys herd.
Fresh toasties and coffee are available all day for those still hungry.
Visitors can observe the milking of cows around 4 p.m.
Observing the waterfalls at Hopkins Falls
Hopkins Falls is located in Victoria dairy country, approximately a 45-minute from Port Campbell.
Visiting these falls is recommended for those spending multiple days in the Port Campbell Great Ocean Road area.
These cascades are 90 meters wide, making them some of the widest in the state, if not the country.
The scenery is stunning in winter or after heavy rain; you may spot baby eels migrating upstream in the summer. Be observant!
The upper viewing platform is located a short distance from the car park and provides superb views of the falls.
Visitors can access the base of the falls by taking a set of stairs for a closer view and different perspectives.
Signs offer information about the history of the area and the bridge that played a lifesaving role.
Facilities at the park include gas barbeques, picnic tables, and toilets.
Consider whale watching at Warrnambool
Visitors to Port Campbell may consider exploring Logans Beach in Warrnambool during winter.
From June to September, Southern Right Whales migrate to this area known as a whale nursery to give birth in the warmer waters.
They typically stay in the vicinity with their offspring for several months and can be observed playing in the water from the shore.
A whale-watching platform has been constructed specifically for easier whale spotting.
During your time in Warrnambool, visit Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village and Museum.
The outdoor village reconstruction offers insight into the daily life of Australia’s early settlers.
