Port Campbell and Princetown
Port Campbell is most famously known for its location adjacent to Port Campbell National Park with its spectacular limestone formations - The Twelve Apostles. Port Campbell is perfectly located to use as a base for exploring the attractions of the area. Driving along the Great Ocean Road between Princetown and Port Campbell, visitors come from all over the world to see the world famous Twelve Apostles, the limestone monoliths jutting out from the treacherous swirling seas below. This is the heart of the aptly named Shipwreck Coast, where visitors can learn about many of the tragic shipwrecks of the area.
Just past Princetown, some of the many stops along the Twelve Apostles National Park begin, and they are all worth visiting. Gibson’s Steps is one of the few spots to get down to the beach below the Twelve Apostles, and named after the pastoralist who owned Glenample Homestead where the two survivors of the Loch Ard shipwreck found respite. The Twelve Apostles viewing platform can be accessed from a wide pathway under the main road, access the carpark form the inland side of the road. Loch Ard Gorge is a beautiful natural gorge shaped by years of beating from the oceans' elements. Stop at the Loch Ard Gorge carpark and take a walk to Thunder Cave, The Blowhole and Muttonbird Island Lookout. Past Port Campbell is The Grotto and the London Arch, previously called London Bridge, until the first section collapsed in 1990, leaving two tourists stranded, but uninjured. They were later rescued by helicopter. Past Peterborough is the beautiful Bay of Martyr’s and Bay of Islands.
One of the most famous and perhaps most interesting is the story of the Loch Ard, which came to grief on Muttonbird Island, near the later named Loch Ard Gorge, just past the Twelve Apostles. Against great odds two survivors, Eva Carmichael and Tom Pearce managed to struggle to shore and found shelter in a cave in Loch Ard Gorge. Tom then went for help, arriving at Glenample Homestead where the two spent time recuperating from their ordeal. Read more about the Loch Ard Shipwreck.
The stunning Great Ocean Walk meanders from Apollo Bay to Glenample, within view of the 12 Apostles, giving visitors a range of short walks or week long adventures. A range of great accommodation options are available along this walk including brand new "glamping" at Pebble Point in Princetown. This is a fabulous relaxing end to the Wreck Beach Walk section of the Great Ocean Walk which starts from Moonlight Head and passes the shipwrecks of "Marie Gabrielle" and "Fiji". Check out Carolyn's YouTube video of the cliff top walk from Pebble Point - click Here to view.
Port Campbell Bay comes right into the heart of the village and is ideal spot for a picnic on the grassy area overlooking the beach, or a swim at the Port Campbell Beach, which is patrolled in summer. Great surfing and fishing spots are nearby. What was once a quiet fishing village, the increasing popularity of the nearby Twelve Apostles, has seen Port Campbell evole, producing many places to eat and stay and a growing selection of interesting shops to explore.