Loch Ard Gorge
It is impossible to walk these trails and not be moved by the powers of nature that have shaped and the shipwreck history that defines the area. Offshore stacks, blowholes and the indescribable beauty of formations like the Razorback and Island arch make this precinct the one with the lot. There is a map of the 7km of linked trails within the precinct viewable from the main car park and available from the nearby Visitor Information Centre in Port Campbell.
The Loch Ard Gorge is named after the infamous shipwreck of the Loch Ard, which occurred in 1878 just offshore of Mutton Bird Island. Of the 54 passengers and crew aboard, only two teenagers, Eva Carmichael and Tom Pearce, survived, making their way to safety through the gorge’s waters. The tragic loss of life from the Loch Ard is just one of many shipwrecks that litter the coastline, each telling a story of adventure and misfortune. Eva and Tom’s survival became a symbol of hope amidst tragedy.
Poombeeyt Koontapool
Completed in 2025, Poombeeyt Koontapool is a new lookout taking in the full view of the blow hole at Loch Ard Gorge in Port Campbell National Park.
The lookout structure is inspired by the shape of a Southern Right Whale, and Poombeeyt Koontapool means ‘breath of the whale’ in First Nations Keerray Woorroong language. The water spouting from the blowhole is named for the whale spout.
The Loch Ard Gorge Precinct includes several trails and lookouts taking in different views of the landscape, cliffs and Southern Ocean and to explore the full precinct you should allow at least an hour.
This site is free for public access and wheelchair accessible. There is limited parking near the blowhole, and the main car park is around a 10 minute easy walk from Poombeeyt Kootapool.
Parking
Caravans and other long vehicles are required to park in the Loch Ard Gorge car park. Follow the signs left once you have turned off the Great Ocean Road.
There are an additional 2 car parks on the western side of the Loch Ard Gorge precinct. Follow the signs to the right towards the Blowhole and Cemetery for the Poombeeyt Koontapool and the Mutton Bird Island Carparks.
Walks of Loch Ard Gorge
Trails range from 200m – 3km | Allow 2 – 3 hours to explore the trails.
From the Loch Ard Gorge Carpark:
Geology Walk
Level crushed rock and bitumen surface 900m return this trail includes lookouts at The Razorback and Island Arch.
Loch Ard Wreck Lookout
Undulating bitumen access from the main car park to the headland lookout is 600m return.
Wreck of the Loch Ard
1.4km slight inclines on bitumen and crushed rock, narrow in places near the cemetery. Trail connects through to the south of the cemetery and on towards Muttonbird Island lookout.
From the Poombeeyt Koontapool Carpark:
Living on the Edge
3.2 km with inclines on bitumen and crushed rock. Visitors are not advised to cross the mouth of the Sherbrooke River. River mouth depth and width is variable and currents from river flow and wave and tide input are variable.
Thunder Cave
1.1km return sealed path that forms part of the 3.2km living on the edge trail.
Poombeeyt Koontapool
500m return with slight decent and incline on crushed rock.
Broken Head
1.8km return with slight decent and incline on crushed rock and bitumen.
Sherbrook River
2km return with slight decent and incline on crushed rock.
From the Mutton Bird Island Carpark:
Mutton Bird Island Lookout
150m level on crushed rock to the upper deck of the viewing platform from the Mutton Bird Island car park. There are steps down to the lower viewing platform.
Walkers should make note which of the 3 separate Loch Ard Gorge car parks they parked at.
Access Information
- The Loch Ard precinct is linked by 3 car parks and four main trails.
- The designated accessible parking space at Loch Ard Gorge allows for good access to the Geology and Loch Ard lookout trails.
- Car parks at Mutton Bird Island and Poombeeyt Koontapool are not suitable for caravans and large vehicles and have no designated accessible parking spaces.
- There are no toilets on the site.
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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