Swimming Spots around the 12 Apostles Coast
From tranquil lake swims to exhilarating ocean adventures, the 12 Apostles Coastline invites water lovers of all kinds. Whether you prefer calm, sheltered waters or the thrill of diving into the open sea, this stunning region offers the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in nature and make a splash.
Port Campbell’s sheltered bay is patrolled on weekends and public holidays from mid-November to Easter Monday. Swimming is not recommended at open ocean beaches due to strong currents and waves.
The 12 Apostles Plunge is a local ocean swimming event held every January, where locals gather to swim in the cool waters of Port Campbell Bay. Throughout summer and autumn, residents informally meet on Sunday mornings for a swim in the bay’s calm waters.
For more tranquil swimming, the Gellibrand River and Curdies River offer sandy options near their river mouths. Swimmers should check first for depth and current, as the tannin-rich water from nearby forests can reduce visibility, even though the water quality remains good.
Inland, Lake Bullen Merri, surrounded by volcanic sands, provides an ideal place to swim when the sea is too rough. Visitors are advised to be mindful of any warnings regarding blue-green algae that may occasionally affect the lake’s water quality.
If you’re seeking a traditional public pool, Timboon, Cobden, Camperdown, Terang, Lismore, and Skipton offer outdoor pools open from November to April.
Exploring Lakes, Rivers, and Estuaries
For those seeking calmer waters, the volcanic lakes and estuaries along the 12 Apostles Coastline provide sheltered environments perfect for exploration.
Gellibrand River: A great starting point at Old Coach Road West, near the Princetown bridge, this river is navigable for about 12 km upstream and 1.5 km downstream. There are no exit points upstream with vehicle access, so return trips are necessary for those venturing further inland. The upstream waters offer picturesque, less-visited areas to explore.
Curdies River: This river provides a convenient entry point at the boat ramp and jetty north of the Great Ocean Road (Irvine St). A northern access point is located at Curdie Vale, about 8 km upstream. The best access is from the western bank, where the boat ramp car park is located, although there’s also an informal jetty beneath the Boggy Creek Hotel. The river is navigable for approximately 4 km upstream.
Volcanic Lakes: Exploring Lake Bullen Merri and Lake Purrumbete near Camperdown is a highly recommended water activity. These lakes provide serene surroundings and fantastic opportunities for water-based recreation.
Visitors can find jetties and boat ramps at South Beach (4 km south of Camperdown), Lake Purrumbete, Lake Elingamite, Deep Lake, and Lake Tooliorook. For those without their own equipment, Lakes and Craters Holiday Park in Camperdown offers rental options.
Ocean Adventures Along the 12 Apostles Coastline
Knowledge of local swell, sea, wind, prevailing conditions and sound judgment is necessary for safe experiences in this area. Paddlers attempting these waters need to be experienced and able to read ocean dynamics in a setting of multiple headlands, overhangs offshore stacks and reef platforms.
Paddlers will need to have a confident roll (if using a sea kayak) and sound self-rescue management skills. All groups should be carrying EPIRB or PLB (personal locator beacon), flares, compass, marine charts and tow gear. Sea fogs are common in summer (often without warning) convection fogs are more common in autumn and winter.
If the conditions are right, paddlers will be treated to some of the most sublime seascapes imaginable including sea-sculptured cliffs, pinnacles, gorges and bridges. Being on the water gazing up at the towering features provides a unique aspect not accessible to most.
Viable put-in points are accessible at Port Campbell Bay and from the Boat Bay boat ramp in Bay of Islands Coastal Park. For less experienced kayakers or canoers, volcanic lakes and estuaries offer generally calmer and more predictable waters.
Access Information
- Before heading out, always inform someone on shore of your plans and avoid going alone.
- For those less experienced, the volcanic lakes and estuaries provide safer and more predictable waters for a more relaxed experience.

For personalised advice and expert recommendations, stop by one of our Visitor Information Centres. Our local Great Ocean Road experts can help you tailor your trip and provide insights on top attractions, camping spots, and travel tips to make your stay unforgettable.
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