Port Campbell National Park

Along the world-famous Great Ocean Road, Port Campbell National Park is a real showstopper. Famous for its dramatic coastline formations, including towering limestone stacks and wave-sculpted rock formations, this park has it all. Managed by Parks Victoria, it’s a mecca for tourists and adventurers alike, with the 12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge and London Arch being the big ticket items. Whether you’re into the scenery, the history or the wildlife, Port Campbell National Park will blow you away. As a dedicated management authority, we ensure the park’s fragile and ever-changing nature is preserved for future generations.

A Historical Overview

Port Campbell National Park has a history as wild and dramatic as its coastline. This stretch of coast is part of the Shipwreck Coast, so named for the numerous ships that met their fate in its rough waters during the 19th-century shipwreck era. Of these shipwrecks, the Loch Ard in 1878 is the most famous, with its story of survival and loss becoming the symbol of the perils faced by early sailors. The park also acknowledges its Indigenous heritage, as it sits on the traditional lands of the Kirrae Whurrung Country and Eastern Maar & Gunditjmara people. Through partnerships and equity of outcomes, Parks Victoria works with Indigenous communities to protect and celebrate their culture. The park’s geological history is millions of years in the making, shaped by the relentless forces of nature. The constant pounding of the waves and wind against the soft limestone has created the park’s stunning natural rock formations, including the towering cliffs and iconic rock stacks. These are not only a visual reminder of time but also of nature’s ability to create and destroy.

Explore Port National Park

Port Campbell National Park is a natural wonder to be seen. Spanning a long stretch of rugged coastline, the park is scattered with amazing sights and geological wonders. Visit the towering 12 Apostles, the peaceful Port Campbell Bay or the dramatic cliffs of Muttonbird Island. The park has a network of scenic drives and coastal lookouts to get you up close to the action. If you want to get technical, the park’s management plan is worth reading. The Bay of Islands Coastal Park Management Plan sets out how we balance public use with environmental conservation management.

12 Apostles

No trip to Port Campbell National Park would be complete without visiting the 12 Apostles, the park’s most famous icons. These massive limestone stacks rise out of the Southern Ocean, showcasing the sheer force of nature’s erosion. Although there are only eight stacks left, millions visit each year. The best views are from the eastern viewing platforms, where you get a 360-degree view of these amazing formations. The Apostles are particularly special at sunrise and sunset when the golden light hits the cliffs and stacks, and it’s magic. If you want to get a more adventurous view, helicopter tours offer a bird’s eye view of the Apostles and the coastline. Whatever way you experience the 12 Apostles, it will leave you in awe.

Loch Ard Gorge

Just a short drive from the 12 Apostles is Loch Ard Gorge, a place of natural beauty and shipwreck history. Named after the ill-fated Loch Ard ship, which ran aground in 1878, this cave-like formation offers a more intimate experience of the park’s rugged coastline. The gorge is accessed via a short walking track that leads to a secluded beach surrounded by towering cliffs and a calm sea. You can walk several interpretive trails around the gorge and each one highlights a different aspect of its history and geology. The Saddle Lookout offers a viewing platform to the gorge and plaques along the trails tell the story of the Loch Ard’s passengers. For many it’s a sobering experience and a chance to be in awe of what nature has created.

London Arch

Formerly known as London Bridge, London Arch is a natural bridge formed by the erosion of limestone. This double span bridge was once connected to the mainland but a dramatic collapse in 1990 left it isolated in the sea. The event which stranded two tourists on the new island is a reminder of how fragile and ever changing the coastline is. Today, London Arch is one of the park’s most popular stops, with great views from the nearby coastal lookouts. Accessible by scenic drives, this amazing attraction gives you the chance to see the coast in action.

Gibson Steps

The Gibson Steps is the best way to get up close and personal with the cliffs and natural wonders of the park. The steps are carved into the cliff face and lead down to the beach level where you can walk along the base of the limestone stacks. Standing at the bottom of the cliffs you will gain a new appreciation for the scale of the park’s geology. The beach is also a great spot for photography, and the cliff line and offshore stacks make for a fantastic backdrop. Whether you are here to take in the views or to get the perfect shot, the Gibson Steps is a special memory of your time in Port Campbell National Park.

Activities in Campbell National Park

Hiking and Walking Trails

For the outdoor enthusiast the park has a range of hiking and walking trails. From the scenic Port Campbell Discovery Walk to the more challenging sections of the Apostles Coast & Hinterland there is a trail for every fitness level. These trails meander through coastal formations and offer views at every turn. Along the way you can learn about the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage of the area through signs and guided walks.

Wildlife

Port Campbell National Park is a wildlife lover’s paradise. The park is home to kangaroos, echidnas and many species of birds. The waters around Muttonbird Island are alive with marine life, and you can spot seals, dolphins and even whales during their migration season. The park’s ecosystems are managed by a dedicated parks manager to protect the flora and fauna.

Shipwreck Exploration

Explore the Shipwreck Coast and delve into the park’s rich maritime history. Guided tours and interpretive trails will take you through the region’s most famous shipwrecks, including the Loch Ard. Artifacts and stories from these wrecks will give you a sobering insight into the dangers faced by early sailors. For history buffs, this is a must-see part of the park.

Tours and Adventures in the Park

Port Campbell National Park has a range of tours and adventure experiences to add to your visit. For a bird’s eye view of the park’s landscapes helicopter tours are a must. These flights will give you a unique perspective on the natural wonders of the park including the 12 Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge. For those who prefer to stay on the ground, property tours and beer tours will give you a taste of the local culture and history. Guided walks, snorkelling and kayaking tours will allow you to get up close and personal with the park’s marine life and coastal formations. Each tour will give you a deeper understanding of the park’s natural beauty and history.

Best Visiting Times

The park is open all year but the best time to visit depends on what you like. Spring (Sep-Nov) and autumn (Mar-May) is mild weather for hiking and wildlife spotting. Summer (Dec-Feb) is beach and coastal lookout time, but it’s the busiest time of year, especially for those enjoying a great ocean road day trip Melbourne. Winter (Jun-Aug) is dramatic skies and whales, a different but just as good experience. Whenever you visit, the natural wonders and rock formations will blow you away.