Come as you Are | Leave a little Different
PORT CAMPBELL
Why choose Port Campbell?
Port Campbell beckons as a coastal haven surrounded by the wild wonder of Port Campbell National Park. A salty escape from the fast pace of modern living. A place for restoration, big nature, artisan flavour and unhurried discovery.
Your host community
Salt water in our veins, sandy feet and smiles that come free and easy. We love where we live and hope you will too. This community thrives because of curious wanderers like you. The walking trails you are about to explore. The cafés, shops, artisan “eateries and drinkeries,” you’ll inevitably linger in. The jobs, ideas and opportunities that keep this place buzzing. They exist because visitors show up, slow down, and fall a bit in love with this place.
You are not just visiting. You are part of our story now!
Still pitching the trip? Need a solid excuse to stay longer?
We can help! Jump onto the Visit 12 Apostles socials for fresh inspiration, local tips, sneaky shortcuts and scroll‑stopping moments that turn “maybe” into “we’re definitely going.” It’s the easiest way to win over a certain someone, fine-tune your plans and get hyped before the first kilometre of the drive.
Warning: may result in extended stays and dramatic “wow” moments.
Set the vibe for the drive
A road trip playlist unmistakably tuned to the key of Port Campbell – bridging decades, genres and international borders. Smooth tunes from us to you! Click here
PICK & MIX MENU
BIG NATURE SELECTION
Gibson Steps Beach | 13KM EAST
Feel the sand between your toes and let the salt and sun-kissed air enliven your mood and carry away your cares. Check tide and ocean swell conditions.
12 Apostles | 12KM EAST
Bigger, bolder and more beautiful than you can imagine. Stand back, breathe deep, and enjoy the play of light across our most anticipated and recognisable viewpoint. Check back in for the new 12 Apostles Visitor Experience Centre opening in 2026.
Loch Ard Gorge | 8KM EAST
A 7km network of trails to inspired vantage points and lookouts. A place for quiet reflection and inspiration. Big nature, Cultural connection and shipwreck reflections.
A clifftop trail, steeped in local stories, salt air and slowly revealed views. Cross the suspension bridge and climb steps from town. Alternate access available.
London Bridge | 7KM WEST
Once joined, now standing apart! A raw and exposed seascape, a winter waterfall and a small colony of little penguins to surprise and delight. Binoculars available for loan from Port Campbell Visitor Information Centre.
The Grotto | 8KM WEST
A place that draws the eye inward. A hollowed amphitheatre of rock and water where ocean, sky and stone meet in a moment of perfectly framed calm.
Peterborough walking trail | 11KM WEST
Connecting Peterborough to Bay of Martyrs, the trail skirts the edge of the bay, providing access to beaches and coves to carefully explore. Don’t miss Halladale Point and Worm Bay.
Bay of Martyrs | 13KM WEST
Car park, clifftop and beach level views of offshore and nearshore formations. Quiet trail linked revelations just to the east on the Peterborough walking trail.
Bay of Islands | 16KM WEST
Milk coloured limestone stacks adorned with red clay rise from the sheltered waters. Visual exclamation marks inviting exploration and unhurried moments. Our overcast day top tip!
Childers Cove | 36KM WEST
Sheltered, soulful and a little unexpected. A place to descend steps, carefully wander the shoreline and let time slow.
FULL FLAVOUR TO SAVOUR
12 Apostles Helicopters | 12KM EAST
From above, land and sea separate and align in slow motion. An unforgettable perspective and seat to view as one of nature’s finest natural galleries reveals its full scale below.
Great Ocean Road Wildlife Park | 28KM EAST
Open spaces, unhurried encounters. Wildlife, conservation and sustainability stories shared gently, inviting meaningful connection at your own pace.
Skydive 12 Apostles | 10KM WEST
Note: seasonal operating frequency
Sky, sea, release. Suspended time high above the ocean. Altitude, freefall and coastal landing with professional instructors and tandem comfort for accessible adrenaline-charged adventure.
12 Apostles Food Artisan Trail
Farm gates and cellar doors from country to coast. The trail brings growers and makers together in celebration of hand-crafted artisan flavours and slow food culture.
Poorpa Yanyeen Meerreeng Timboon – Port Campbell Trail
A 19.3km shared trail and invitation to ‘travel through Country’. A town-to-town link where cultural stories unfold beneath tyre and feet and artisan flavours fuel journeys of discovery.
Enabling more accessible flowing trail experiences. Bike hire and transport support for Poorpa Yanyeen Meerreng Trail – Timboon – Port Campbell, Great Ocean Walk and Camperdown – Timboon Rail Trail.
WILDLIFE WANDERS
Little Penguin viewing opportunities
Clifftop viewing opportunities are possible at the both the 12 Apostles and London Bridge. Look for footprints during the day and consider free binocular loan to enhance your view.
Muttonbirds – Short Tailed Shearwaters
A perfect sunset spot and ideal perch to watch the spectacular mass arrival of thousands of birds swooping and posturing in their nightly return to roost on Muttonbird Island (Sep – Apr).
DINE AND DELIGHT
Find a food option that speaks to you | Click here
SLIP INTO COMFORT
Accommodation options to suit everyone | Click here
Consider that just 18 000 years ago the coastline was 70km south of this point. The Keerray Wooroong people of Eastern Maar Nation have lived through the shaping of this scenery.
A SLOW PLAN FOR A FAST RECHARGE
2 DAY / 1 NIGHT EXPRESS RESET ITINERARY
DAY 1
MORNING | ELEVATE & ALLEVIATE
Stay close or leave early from a nearby destination to give yourself extra time to fall into the relaxed easy sway of our village by the sea.
10 am
Take to the air with 12 Apostles Helicopters. Keep it as a surprise or share the excitement early; this itinerary begins with the ultimate overview of our sculptured coastline.
10:45 am
Ease into Port Campbell with a coffee and treat. Enjoy the Keerray Wooroong cultural and settlement stories embedded in the integrated artworks and let the smell of salt and local eateries guide you to our connection to the sea. Take some time to absorb it all from a foreshore perch or beyond to the iconic Port Campbell jetty.
Lunch Selections
Freshly made deli favourites, quality coffee and house‑baked treats with a local wholefood, sustainable focus. Coastal funk and seaside charm.
Foreshore too much of a draw? Roll out the picnic rug and grab a bite on the go from Café on Lords, or fish & chips to take away from Port Campbell Takeaway or Frying Nemo Fish & Chips and Country Fried Chicken.
AFTERNOON | SALT, SAND AND SEA SCULPTURES
1:00 – 3:30 pm
Enjoy a slow afternoon exploring London Bridge, the Grotto, Bay of Martyrs and the hidden treats of the Peterborough Walking Trail.
3:30 pm
Return to Port Campbell to check in and relax at your accommodation or head into town for refreshments before your golden hour and sunset adventures.
Golden Hour to sunset
Chasing light and memorable moments.
Set off two hours before sunset to explore Loch Ard Gorge and Gibson Steps. Aim to arrive at the Twelve Apostles 20 minutes before sunset and stay 30 minutes after to see the Little Penguins.
Dinner Selections
Relaxed and refined dining, modern coastal design and an inviting space that moves seamlessly from breakfast through lunch and dinner to evening cocktails.
Bold, considered flavours that hero seasonal regional produce. Handmade pizza, pasta and salads where every ingredient is chosen with purpose.
Eclectic coastal groove and refined pub flavours. Welcoming dining areas where generous meals, relaxed hospitality and friendly banter meet.
EVENING | FOOD DELIGHTS & DARK SKY NIGHTS
Would you fancy a local ale, wine or whisky to finish off the day?
Enjoy a sundowner or local night cap with a snack back at your accommodation or find one around town.
Dark sky nights
Clear skies equal ink black, bejewelled, star filled skies with the Milky Way and Clouds of Magellan stretching across the heavens. Did you know you can borrow astro binoculars and a telescope from the Port Campbell Visitor Information Centre?
Check for Aurora activity and subscribe for alerts here.
DAY 2 | MAGIC MOMENTS
DAY 2 | MAGIC MOMENTS Keep it local
DAY 2
MORNING
KEEP IT LOCAL
Take a pre‑breakfast stroll on the Port Campbell Discovery Walk. Cross the suspension bridge, climb the stairs and settle into a cliff-top walk you won’t forget.
Access is easy from the Great Ocean Road clifftop car park or via the Timboon–Port Campbell Trail.
AMPLIFY IT
Plug into the elements and take in the scale and grandeur of the coastline. Walk barefoot on Gibson Steps Beach or add an adrenaline rush with an unforgettable jump from Skydive 12 Apostles.
BREAKFAST BY THE SEA
With a walk and morning views under your belt, take a stroll up the main street and let the smell of salt air, freshly ground coffee, and breakfast treats lead you to a holiday breakfast haven to power you up for the day ahead.
Breakfast selections
A relaxed, ocean‑front breakfast, lunch dinner spot serving generous classics and fresh morning favourites. Good coffee and coastal views.
A welcoming café with quality coffee. From quick morning bites to leisurely lunches Cafe on Lords pairs quality food with genuine local hospitality.
AFTERNOON | OPTION 1 Sea stacks, gourmet finds & volcanic vistas
Journey west to Bay of Islands and Boat Bay before doubling back through Peterborough and north to the tasty delights of Timboon and the 12 Apostles Gourmet Trail.
Forage for treats further north and discover volcanic lakes and peaks and historic streetscapes in Terang and Camperdown on the Princes Highway.
Lunch Selections
Schulz Organic Creamery & Café Small‑batch organic cheeses and dairy products straight from farm to plate. Artisan flavours crafted to perfection in the café by chef Hila Perry.
Timboon Railway Shed Distillery A relaxed tasting atmosphere full of heritage character. Snack and lunch menu utilising local ingredients, bridge access to Timboon Fine Ice Cream
Keayang Maar Vineyard Elegant drops, sweeping volcanic views. A peaceful cellar‑door experience rooted in terroir and accompanied by local grazing platters and gourmet pizza
AFTERNOON | OPTION 2 Coastal Wonders, Gourmet Treats and Wild Encounters
Explore east on the Great Ocean Road.
Make the most of morning light and the quietest time of day to revisit your golden hour coastal favourites. Meander north to sample cheese, chocolate and fudge. Enjoy a wetland stroll in Princetown then east for Clean Cravings Eatery, Great Ocean Road Wildlife Park.
Journeying further east? Check out the Otway Fly Treetop Walk, Cape Otway Lightstation and Wildlife Wonders.
Lunch Selections
Luxury handmade chocolates crafted with care. Feed alpacas and then get yourself cozy in the café with sweet and savoury treats and a wood fire heater.
Clean Cravings Eatery
Wholefood, fireside flavour-filled treats and meals with a local produce focus. Bright, art-filled café vibes, relaxed atmosphere and exceptional coffee.
Princetown General – Store, Café & Bar
Take your time, notice the little things, breathe deep and don’t rush. Leave an ephemeral artwork on the beach to bring a smile to others. You may want to stay in Port Campbell for lunch, read a book, have a picnic somewhere nice. Why not revisit or discover something new? Better still, call the boss and book another evening!