Wake up to the Iconic 12 Apostles Coast and Hinterland
The 12 Apostles Coast and Hinterland makes for a perfect destination to spend a few days to create some real memories and fall in love with this beautiful part of the world. Here, we’ve distilled (you’ll get the pun later) some of the key information you’ll need to get the most out of your holiday.
Stay in Port Campbell where there is a large selection of accommodation — from luxury villas like Anchors or motels, hostels and camping. You’ll find something for any taste or budget. The township is super pretty with grassed foreshore, beach (patrolled for swimming during summer) and a jetty.
Port Campbell Recreation Reserve
Port Cottage
Port Farm
Anchors Port Campbell
What’s the best way to experience the 12 Apostles?
The main viewing deck is the perfect vantage point to watch the sun go down — all year round the sun sets over the water behind the majestic limestone stacks — making for that perfect photo. If that’s not majestic enough jump in a helicopter (every day — during day light hours) and see the stack form above.
Time it right in the early morning on a clear day when the sun starts hitting those rock stacks and we guarantee you won’t regret waking up early.
What is there to eat?
You are in for a foodie treat here — pick a designated driver and jump in the car to tick off the 12 Apostles Artisans Trail. There’s whisky, beer, wine, ice cream, cheese, fudge and chocolate, taste it all! And stock up on souvenirs for your mates back home — who would say no to some wine from Babche, Apostle Whey Cheese or Whiskey from Timboon Distillery? Not us!
In Timboon you’ll find a foodies paradise. Pick up on-the-go supplies, the Railway Shed Distillery (there’s the pun!) for casual lunch time dining, the Timboon Cheesery (home of Schulz Organic Milk) just out of town and of course, you can’t miss Timboon Ice Creamery. If you want to add some activity to this day you can hire a bike from Ride With Us in Timboon and head off on the Rail Trail. You can even add a picnic basket to the bike hire!
In Port Campbell there’s a great range of different dining experiences; try the Port Campbell Hotel (Parma night is a must!), Sow and Piglets Microbrewery for Pizza, or Waves Restaurant for Lunch and Dinner.
REAL Pizza Pasta Salads
Waves Cafe, Bar and Restaurant
Where can I get on the beach?
The Bay of Martyrs trail at Peterborough takes you onto the beach and also is a great sunset vantage point if you want to watch it set over the water.
Or head down the the foreshore in Port Campbell for a patrolled beach (during summer months)
Love nature — where can I see more?
The Port Campbell Discovery Walk is a great place to start — head for the pedestrian suspension bridge (past the surf club) and then follow the trail up and around the cliffs opposite the township. There are beautiful views and chances to spot native wildlife (stay on the path though!).
Locals will all tell you that “Bay of Islands is better than the 12 Apostles” . . . because it’s true. Past Peterborough, the Bay of Islands walks meander around the large bay. These are just like the 12 Apostles but much larger stacks that haven’t eroded as much — so they look like islands. The colours at sunset are magical and there are so many different viewpoints to see it differently.
The Grotto is a kind of open-air cave carved into the cliff face. Take the steps down and peek through a window out to sea (also an obligatory shot for Instagram). It is not a swimming hole though, waves are very unpredictable in this area so keep to the designated paths.
If you like seeing native animals in the wild head to London Bridge at dusk and keep your eyes peeled for colonies of Little Penguins that take shelter on the beach here each night. Take a torch and settle in to be delighted with a totally uncommercial encounter with these little cuties. Stop on your way back from seeing the sunset at the Bay of Islands and the timing will be perfecto!
London Bridge
Great Ocean Walk
Port Campbell Jetty
12 Apostles Helicopters
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.