Port Campbell National Park
The Great Ocean Road is impressive in more ways than one. Coastal vistas, natural beauty, wildlife and famous landmarks are all part of this 243km route. But the best part of the journey is in Port Campbell National Park.
Explore Port Campbell
The wild southern ocean has carved the coastline of Port Campbell National Park into iconic formations, earning it the nickname Shipwreck Coast. Drive the Great Ocean Road and discover London Bridge, the Grotto, Loch Ard Gorge and the Twelve Apostles.
Port Campbell National Park is best visited along the Great Ocean Road. This scenic drive is one of the most well-known in the world. The Apostles, which rise 45 metres above the Southern Ocean, are its main highlight beyond questions.
On a coastline known for its spectacular coastal formations, it’s easy to spot the impressive London Bridge, Grotto, and the more famous Twelve Apostles.
Port Campbell National Park is also home to the animals on this barren coastline. At dusk, they return from their offshore foraging grounds. Look at the Twelve Apostles or London Bridge and see baby penguins. Or admire the natural wonder of thousands of short-tailed petrels returning to nest at sunset on Mutton Island (near the Loch Ard Gorge). Whales are also common along the coast, and Port Campbell is a great place to watch them.
As the beaches and coastline are natural environments, you may encounter dangers. Follow our water safety tips to make your Port Campbell National Park day safe and enjoyable.
When to go?
Summer
Short-tailed petrels can be seen nesting just off the coast on Mutton Island. You can see them returning from their daily fishing trip at sunset from October to April.
Swim in Port Campbell Bay. In summer, the beach is supervised and is the only safe swimming area on this stretch of coastline.
Autumn
Watch the little penguins that have made Port Campbell National Park their home. They return from fishing at sunset, seen from the London Bridge and Twelve Apostles’ lookouts.
Spring
Spring is the time when wildflowers bloom in the unique communities of heathland. Look out for colourful orchids such as the rare Metallic Sun Orchid, acacias and coastal heather.
Winter
Brave the elements in winter and discover the Twelve Apostles without the crowds. And what better way to see the famous cliffs than against crashing waves?
From June to October, watch for whales migrating to warmer waters. You might be lucky to see Southern Right Whales from the pier as they pass Port Campbell.
Main attractions
The Twelve Apostles
Discover the incredible natural beauty of the world-famous Twelve Apostles. These seven limestone cliffs, rising steeply from the turbulent Southern Ocean, highlight the Great Ocean Road. They are best seen at sunset when the yellow rock turns red and orange in all its hues.
Stop at the Twelve Apostles Visitor Centre and follow the short path to the windswept lookouts for a dramatic view of the waves crashing over the famous cliffs.
This sightseeing is one of the most popular in Australia and is visited all year round. You’ll be lucky to see them alone, but if you arrive early, there will be many of them.
If you arrive at the right time, you can admire the rocks at their best, at sunset. In summer, the sun sets further to sea, and in winter, it sets closer to the shore. If there aren’t any clouds, you are lucky to have a perfect, memorable photo. Take pictures and admire the results while having lunch at nearby Port Campbell. At dusk, you can see little penguins landing on the beach below. Tiny tracks in the sand show where they return to their dens, safe from foxes, cats and dogs.
Loch Ard Gorge
Just a short drive along the Great Ocean Road from the famous Twelve Apostles, you’ll find a mighty cliff and a stunning beach with beautiful pale yellow limestone cliffs. The nearby Mutton Bird Island hosts daily wildlife shows, and Loch Ard Gorge was the site of the most famous shipwreck on the Wreck Coast.
The Loch Ard Gorge is the site of the most famous shipwreck on the Shipwreck Coast. The ship Ard ran aground on the island of Mutton Baird in 1878. The only two survivors, Tom Pearce and Eva Carmichael, managed to pull themselves to the beach in the Loch Ard Gorge.
For a while, these two tragic teenagers were the talk of the English-speaking world, who hoped they would get married (but they didn’t). Walk along this sandy beach, abruptly surrounded by tall sandstone cliffs. Explore several short walks in the area, including the cemetery where Tom and Eve’s less fortunate companions are buried.
The island of Mutton Eve, located a stone’s throw from the Loch Ard Gorge, was once known as “The Sow”, and Eve’s apostles were called “The Sow and the Piglets”. The island is home to a noisy colony of shearwaters in spring and summer. At dusk, from October to April, thousands of these birds return to their burrows to feed their hungry chicks. Discover this incredible natural phenomenon before heading to Port Campbell overnight for dinner.
London Bridge
A short drive down the Great Ocean Road from Twelve Apostles, just outside Port Campbell, you’ll find these three unique and impressive rock formations. From the London Bridge Lookout, watch little penguins come ashore at dusk and incredible views of the coast framed by the enchanting Grotto and Arch, which balances precariously on a wave-swept platform rock.
The Great Ocean Road is renowned for its breathtaking views, especially on the stretch just past Port Campbell and Twelve Apostles. Stop at all three on your way to Warrnambool.
London Bridge, initially a natural arch and tunnel, collapsed on 15 January 1990 and became an isolated arch no longer connected to the mainland. Two tourists stuck on the remaining island had to be rescued by helicopter. Climb the observation deck to admire the view or spot adorable little penguins coming ashore on the sheltered beach below at dusk. Watch for southern right whales and humpback whales migrating north in winter.
Join us on a once-in-a-lifetime Great Ocean Road tour and marvel at the natural wonders that await you.
FAQ
When is the best time to visit Port Campbell National Park?
The park is open year-round, but your experience changes with the seasons. Summer offers safe swimming at Port Campbell Bay and seabird activity at Mutton Island. Spring brings wildflowers and rare orchids, autumn has penguin sightings, and winter offers fewer crowds with dramatic waves and the chance to spot migrating whales.
Can I swim at Port Campbell National Park?
Swimming is only considered safe at Port Campbell Bay, which is patrolled during summer. The rest of the coastline has strong currents, unpredictable waves, and submerged rocks, so always follow posted safety advice and avoid unpatrolled beaches.
What wildlife can I see in the park?
Depending on the season, you might see little penguins at dusk, short-tailed petrels nesting on Mutton Island, migratory whales from June to October, and colonies of shearwaters in spring and summer. The park’s lookouts are great for spotting seabirds and marine life.
What are the main attractions in Port Campbell National Park?
The most famous sites are the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, London Bridge, and the Grotto. Each offers unique coastal scenery shaped by the Southern Ocean, plus opportunities to learn about shipwreck history and watch for wildlife.
How can I explore Port Campbell National Park safely?
Stick to designated walking tracks and viewing platforms, as the cliffs are unstable. Be prepared for sudden weather changes, wear sturdy footwear, and check tide and swell conditions before going near the water. Always supervise children near the cliffs and shoreline.
