When you mention the Shipwreck Coast not everyone will know what you are talking about but mention the Great Ocean Road and just about anyone will be aware of the stunning rock formations in the south of Victoria, Australia, that protrude from the aggressive Southern Ocean that has worked away for millions of years to create this must-see natural attraction.
Actually, a part of the Port Campbell National Park coastline visit the Great Ocean Road and see London Bridge, The Grotto, Loch Ard Gorge and the unmissable Twelve Apostles.
Undoubtedly one of the most photographed (and Instagramed) images is the Twelve Apostles, which tower 45 metres above the Southern Ocean. And on a coastline renowned for its spectacular coastal formations it’s easy to overlook London Bridge and The Grotto, which are both as awesome in their own way as the more famous Twelve Apostles.
Journey to the famous site and feel the wild force of the sea against the coast. Port Campbell National Park is also home to animals that carve out a niche on this inhospitable coastline. At dusk, they come home from their feeding grounds out at sea.
Look down at the Twelve Apostles or London Bridge and you can see Little Penguins. Or check out the natural wonder of thousands of Short-tailed Shearwaters returning to roost on Muttonbird Island (near Loch Ard Gorge) at sunset.
Whales are also a common sight along the coast and Port Campbell township is a good lookout to spot them from. The national park is also ideal for exploring on foot along numerous short walks that end with spectacular lookouts.
Water lovers can try their hand at fishing and canoeing on the Gellibrand River. There’s also excellent reef and wreck diving off what is known as Shipwreck Coast.
Port Campbell is one of the best places to stay on the Great Ocean Road, while the natural beauty and experiences are the drawcard, there is so much to stop and delight in, in Port Campbell, so book your Port Campbell holiday accommodation on Search and Stay, for a week of rest, respite and amazing rocks!
Port Campbell is an attractive, almost sleepy, windswept little fishing village which is set on a natural gorge at the mouth of Campbells Creek. The population of about 200 regulars is regularly inflated with visitors because of its proximity to some of the finest coastal scenery in the state.
Visit Search and Stay and find places to stay in Port Campbell and you will be half an hour away from London Bridge (what is left of it!), Loch Ard Gorge and the Twelve Apostles. This small town has grown, almost unwillingly, because of the district's attractions and has many holiday rentals to choose from on Search and Stay.
When you stay in your Port Campbell holiday accommodation found on Search and Stay you are in the perfect spot for all the top Great Ocean Road attractions.
If you are a foodie and wine fan or an adventure and adrenalin junky there are things to do in Port Campbell for you too.
Spectacular Natural Things to Do in Port Campbell, Great Ocean Road, Victoria
The Great Ocean Walk
The Great Ocean Walk extends for a distance of around 100 kilometres between Apollo Bay and the 12 Apostles. See spectacular rugged coastline with sandy beaches and tall cliffs, the Cape Otway lighthouse, forests, rivers, waterfalls, wetlands and native wildlife. Visitors can enjoy short day walks or for those who take things seriously you can hike overnight.
Famous for the Twelve Apostles and historic shipwrecks, the park contains significant areas of vegetation and fauna native to south-western Victoria. Coastal environments include woodlands, dunes, wetlands, coastal cliffs, limestone stacks and arches.
Twelve Apostles Marine National Park
Victoria's second largest Marine National Park covers 7,500 hectares along approximately 17 kilometres of coastline featuring dramatic underwater arches, canyons, fissures, gutters and deep sloping reefs
12 Apostles Helicopters
Experience the spectacular scenery of the shipwreck coast from the comfort of our executive helicopters fitted with a skycam video system. Select one of several flights covering the 12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, London Bridge, the Bay Of Islands and Cape Otway, departing from the 12 Apostles near Port Campbell
Apollo Bay Aviation
Explore some of the greatest landmarks on Victoria's Great Ocean Road, including the 12 Apostles, with a choice of a scenic plane and helicopter flights departing from Apollo Bay.
Otway Eco Tours
Operating fully guided tours through the Great Otway National Park and along the Great Ocean Walk. Discover Australia's most elusive animal on a guided platypus canoe tour departing from the Otway's town of Forrest. Take a mountain bike trail tour or simply hire a bike.
Walk 91
Providing walkers with services for the popular "Great Ocean Walk" between Apollo Bay and the 12 Apostles, including transport to different sections of the walk, accommodation packages, delivery of food and supplies to your camping spot, camping equipment hire, and educational guided walks through the rainforest, bush and along beaches ranging from one hour to a full day
Great Ocean Road Skydiving
Skydiving, with its extended heart-stopping freefall, while hugely aspirational, is not for the faint-hearted. However, now there’s a way for everyone to experience this invigorating and life-affirming thrill. You, too, can fly through the sky with Skydive 12 Apostles' tandem Great Ocean Road Skydiving adventure. Scary? Yes, a little. Worth it? Definitely.
Where to eat, drink and dine in Port Campbell, Great Ocean Road, Victoria
12 Rocks
12 Rocks is a family bistro restaurant specialising in seafood grab a spot and the Bar or get there early to find a perfect seat overlooking the beach.
19 Lord Street, Port Campbell, Victoria
Forage on the Foreshore
Forage on the Foreshore is a licensed cafe that is an awesome location for an all-day breakfast or lunch. The hardworking staff promise that they use locally sourced produce to create some of the best food in Port Campbell and an ideal place to eat on the Great Ocean Road.
32 Cairns Street, Port Campbell, Victoria
Grass Roots Deli Cafe
Grass Root Deli Cafe is the perfect place to stop off for breakfast or lunch and grab food to take back to your in your Port Campbell holiday rental booked on Search and Stay. The Licensed cafe will tempt you to sit and stay or the fresh and tasty options, you can't go past one of their wood-fired pizzas
28 Lord Street, Port Campbell, Victoria
Port Campbell Hotel
The local pub is always the heart of any small Australian town and the Port Campbell Hotel is no different after a day of nature walks, sightseeing or even just chilling in your Port Campbell holiday accommodation that you'll find on Search and Stay, a beautifully fresh and hearty meal is waiting for you at the Port Campbell Hotel seafood bistro. You can enjoy all the promises of any local pub, chill at the bar, chill in the beer garden or drop your 20 cents (or is it $1 now?) and challenge the locals or another visitor on one of the pool tables.
40 Lord Street, Port Campbell, Victoria
REAL Pizza Pasta Salads
Well Real Pizza, Pasta and Salads definitely delivers what it promises. The local Italian restaurant gives you exactly what you want when you design your own menu of pizza, pasta, salads. It's time for some carb loading before another big day of fresh air, walks and sightseeing.
25 Lord Street, Port Campbell, Victoria
Choose from hundreds of holiday rentals in Port Campbell and holiday accommodation along the Great Ocean Road at Search and Stay.
Images Credit: VisitVictoria.com