Login
Facebook
YouTube
WhatsApp
Twitter
The cultural landscape of the Aboriginal people includes Port Campbell National Park. The coastline of Port Campbell National Park is known as the Shipwreck Coast because of the world-famous formations that the untamed Southern Ocean has sculpted. London Bridge, The Grotto, Loch Ard Gorge, and the must-see Twelve Apostles may all be seen when traveling the Great Ocean Road. There are also species that have made a home for themselves on this hostile beach in Port Campbell National Park. They return home at dusk from their grazing sites at sea. You can spot Little Penguins if you look down at London Bridge or the Twelve Apostles.
Location
Photo: Dietmar Rabich / Wikimedia Commons
Beside Great Otway National Park, Port Campbell National Park is situated in southern Australia along the Victoria coast. 6.8 square miles (17.5 sq km) make up the national park’s limits. This picturesque route leads to Port Campbell National Park. The park is well-known for its gorges, granite stacks, arches, and blowholes. The park’s most famous feature is the Twelve Apostles, a group of sea stacks that rise out of the ocean along the shore. Other photographic landmarks are the London Arch and Loch Ard Gorge.
How To Reach
Photo: Diliff / Wikimedia Commons
By Car: The distance between Port Campbell National Park and Melbourne is 226.6 kilometers, and driving there via the M1 route will take 2 hours and 47 minutes.
By Bus: The Port Campbell Bus Stop is 350.0 meters from the location; take a bus there. It’s a five-minute walk from the bus terminal along Great Ocean Road/B100. One of the most renowned picturesque drives in the world, the Twelve Apostles, which rise 45 meters above the Southern Ocean, are without a doubt its high point.
By Train: 8.0 km from the National Park to Loch Ard Gorge/Great Ocean Rd (Port Campbell) station. The walk from the train station to the destination takes about eight minutes.
Places To Visit In And Around Port Campbell National Park
To add a happy experience and make memories with their loved ones, tourists can also visit the locations listed below while in Australia’s Port Campbell National Park.
1. Twelve Apostles
Photo: Dietmar Rabich / Wikimedia Commons
On any itinerary, these seven limestone stacks that rise sharply from the ocean are a must-see. To witness the significant waves breaking against the well-known sea stacks, visit the windswept lookouts. Here we can clearly see the alterations brought about by the rushing seas along the coast. Nine rock stacks existed at the beginning of the twenty-first century, but one collapsed in 2005, and another in 2009.
Distance: 275 kilometers (west of Melbourne)
Best Time To Visit: Summers
2. Loch Ard Gorge
Photo: Edwin Lee / Wikimedia Commons
Loch Ard Gorge got its name from one of the most well-known shipwrecks and its heroic survival story. Only two of the 54 passengers on board the Loch Ard ship in 1878 survived the ship’s collision with Mutton Bird Island. Before taking refuge on the beach that is now known as Loch Ard Gorge, the survivors, Tom Pearce and Eva Carmichael, were in the water for hours.
Address: Great Ocean Road Port Campbell, VIC 3269, Australia
Entry Fee: Free
3. London Bridge
Photo: Joe / Wikimedia Commons
London Bridge was once a naturally occurring bridge and tunnel, but on January 15, 1990, it collapsed, cutting off its connection to the mainland. Visit the overlook at any time of day to see the breathtaking views of the Twelve Apostles, or after sunset to see Little Penguins making their way back to the safe beach below. You can see the horizon, the pools, and the protruding rock formations from the lower viewing platform, which offers an excellent perspective of the Grotto.
Address: Great Ocean Rd, Peterborough VIC 3270, Australia
Best Time To Visit: Early morning or evening
4. Gibson Steps & Beach
Photo: DXR / Wikimedia Commons
Take the Gibson Steps down to the shore for an alternative viewpoint of the Twelve Apostles. Hugh Gibson, a 19th-century landowner, hand-carved these 86 stairs into the cliffs; more recently, concrete steps and a safety railing were installed. As you gaze up at the imposing cliffs, encircled by roaring waves and the foamy ocean, you’ll likely feel very humbled while you’re on the beach. Despite the ascent back up, the effort is well worth it!
Address: National Park, Great Ocean Rd, Port Campbell VIC 3269, Australia
Entry Fee: Free
5. The Grotto
Photo: David Stanley / Wikimedia Commons
It is difficult to find the right words to describe the Grotto, one of the most photographed locations in Port Campbell National Park. The limestone cliffs have collapsed, creating a sink hole that is a serene and captivating blend of a blowhole and a cave. The best view is from the lower viewing platform, where you can see the horizon, the pools, and the rock formations all at once. Steep stairs lead down to the cave formation.
Distance: 9 kilometers west of Port Campbell
Best Time To Visit: Early morning
Where To Stay
Photo: Johntorcasio / Wikimedia Commons
Look for lodging for one or more nights if you intend to visit Port Campbell National Park, which is around three hours west of Melbourne. A variety of alternatives are offered by the many towns in and around Port Campbell National Park as well as the over 100 campgrounds located within a 100 km radius of the park. The primary town in the national park, Port Campbell, has a variety of lodging choices, such as upscale vacation rentals, boutique hotels, campgrounds, and hostels for backpackers.
Where To Eat
Photo: Ash Craig / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
The Grassroots Deli Cafe, which is situated on Lord Street in the center of Port Campbell, has a wide variety of breakfast, lunch, and dinner options. Grassroots Deli is the place to go whether you want a hearty lunch with a burger or pizza, or you prefer more classic cafe breakfasts like bacon and egg sandwiches. In the center of Port Campbell sits the family-run Port Campbell Hotel, a modern Australian pub. The Port Campbell Hotel caters to all tastes with its newly remodeled beer garden and only the best meals. 12 Rocks Cafe and Beach Bar offers the usual fare and excellent coffee, but what really makes it stand out are the light, fresh seafood dishes.
Best Time To Visit
Photo: Chris Brown / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The best time to visit Campbell National Park is during spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May). These seasons offer mild temperatures, vibrant wildflowers, and stunning fall foliage. Wildlife is more active, and the park is less crowded, providing an ideal setting for camping and exploring its natural beauty.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Kegzy75 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Here are other factors to consider while visiting Port Campbell National Park:
- Carry waterproof clothing and dress appropriately in layers.
- You will need to walk a lot, so wear comfortable shoes.
- If you are hungry while visiting, you can head to the Visitor Center Kiosk to have coffee and tea, as well as some snacks and candy.
- Remember to pack your camera because Port Campbell National Park is a photographer’s dream come true.
- Swimming at Sherbrook Beach is not advised since it is unsafe.
- To ensure your safety and enjoyment of your stay, you must abide by water safety guidelines.
A well-liked destination for travelers along the Great Ocean Road is the seaside town of Port Campbell. There are local craft stores to purchase a memento of your trip, Two Mile Bay Beach for waves deemed surfable, and artisan baked goodies to sample. The National Park offers a wide variety of native fauna, rich history, and breathtaking natural rock formations to keep tourists entertained. Among the many activities available at Port Campbell National Park, this region is excellent for beachcombing, snorkeling, and bird watching. Book your trip with TripXL to explore the best of Campbell National Park.
Cover Photo: Dietmar Rabich / Wikimedia Commons
