Port Campbell may be small — a handful of streets, a beach and a jetty — but what surrounds it is some of the most dramatic coastline in the world.
The Southern Ocean crashes against limestone cliffs that have been sculpted over millions of years. The iconic Twelve Apostles are 10 minutes up the road. Loch Ard Gorge is just beyond that.
The coastline here — even on an overcast, blustery day — is breathtaking. But Port Campbell itself is also worth slowing down for. It’s calm, walkable and perfectly placed for exploring the big-ticket sights without feeling rushed.
Once you arrive, you can park the car and walk almost everywhere — and after long stretches on the road, that alone makes it a win with kids.
We visited the area around Port Campbell with our teenagers. Here’s what to do, where to eat and where to stay.
Getting There
Port Campbell is about 3.5 hours from Melbourne along the Great Ocean Road, or around 3 hours via the Princes Highway through Colac and Camperdown. It sits near the western end of the Great Ocean Road, making it the natural end point of a road trip or a great base for exploring this stretch of coast.
14 Best Things to Do in Port Campbell and the Twelve Apostles
1. The Twelve Apostles
The Twelve Apostles are the reason most people make the drive. These extraordinary limestone stacks rise from the Southern Ocean just outside Port Campbell National Park — and even if you’ve seen a thousand photos of them, seeing them in person is something else.
There were originally nine stacks (never twelve — the name was a marketing decision!). The stacks are slowly eroding and collapsing; one fell dramatically in 2005. What remains is still spectacular.
Get there early. This is one of the most visited tourist sites in Australia and it gets very busy. Early morning gives you the best light, fewer crowds and a much better chance of a peaceful experience. Late afternoon can also be beautiful.
The Twelve Apostles Visitor Centre has a café and facilities. A tunnel under the Great Ocean Road takes you from the car park to the clifftop viewing platform — free to visit, no booking required.
Twelve Apostles, Great Ocean Road, Port Campbell National Park. Free entry. Open 24 hours.
2. Loch Ard Gorge
Just 3 minutes drive west of the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge is named after the iron clipper Loch Ard that shipwrecked here on 1 June 1878.
The gorge features sheer yellow limestone cliffs enclosing a sandy beach with a narrow inlet to the Southern Ocean. There are walking trails, interpretive signs tracing the shipwreck survivors’ path, a small museum and a cemetery housing many who perished.
Important note: the beach steps at Loch Ard Gorge have been closed since May 2023 following a rock fall, due to significant cliff instability. As of April 2026 the beach remains inaccessible with no confirmed reopening date. The gorge lookouts, walking trails and the new Poombeeyt Koontapool blowhole platform all remain open. Check the Parks Victoria website for the latest before your visit.
3. Poombeeyt Koontapool — New Blowhole Lookout
The major new addition to the Loch Ard precinct is the Poombeeyt Koontapool lookout — opened in September 2025 following an $8 million investment by the Victorian Government.
Poombeeyt Koontapool means “Breath of the Whale” in the Keerray Woorroong language of the Eastern Maar people, reflecting the deep cultural significance of this location. The sculptured platform curves organically into the cliff landscape with barnacle-themed seating, upgraded paths and safer access. It’s designed to amplify the senses — the sound of waves surging through the blowhole, the movement of ocean spray, the raw power of the Southern Ocean below.
It’s one of the most thoughtfully designed lookouts we’ve seen anywhere on the Great Ocean Road. The Aboriginal cultural context and the meaningful design make it much more than just a viewing platform. It’s worth reading the interpretive signage as you go to learn more.
Loch Ard Gorge, Great Ocean Road, Port Campbell National Park. Free entry.
4. Gibson Steps
About 1km east of Loch Ard Gorge, Gibson Steps are 86 steps cut into the limestone cliffs that take you down to a wild, windswept beach with the Twelve Apostles visible from sea level. The steps were originally cut by hand by 19th century landowner Hugh Gibson — the current concrete version replaced them — and the descent is easy.
The beach itself is not safe for swimming but it’s a wonderful place to stand and feel the full power of the Southern Ocean. Allow 30–45 minutes.
5. The Grotto and London Bridge (London Arch)
A few minutes drive west of Port Campbell, The Grotto is a hollowed-out cave formation reached via steep stairs, where waves surge in from the ocean below. Dramatic at any tide, spectacular when the swell is up. Allow 20 minutes.
London Bridge — now officially known as London Arch since the outer span collapsed in 1990, stranding two tourists on the arch — is about 7.5km west of Port Campbell. The collapse happened without warning and the tourists had to be rescued by helicopter. Kids find this story enormously satisfying. The arch that remains is still impressive and worth a stop.
6. Other Rock Formations Worth Stopping For
The stretch of coastline between Port Campbell and Peterborough has a series of lookouts and formations worth stopping for if you have time. We haven’t personally visited all of these but they’re all free and signposted from the Great Ocean Road:
- The Razorback — a long thin rock platform jutting out from the cliffs, visible from a short walk at Loch Ard Gorge
- Island Arch — an intact bridge-like formation offshore
- Thunder Cave — a sea cave viewable from the clifftop walk
- Bay of Islands and Bay of Martyrs (near Peterborough, about 12km west) — spectacular and much less visited than the Twelve Apostles.
7. Port Campbell Discovery Walk
After working your way along all the rock formations and beaches, the last thing you might think you want to do is go for another walk.
But the Port Campbell Discovery Walk is exactly what tired kids need to keep moving — the experience engages in a different way and rewards you with stunning views.
Before you set off, stop into the Port Campbell Visitor Information Centre on Morriss Street to pick up free loan equipment — binoculars, anemometers and worksheets that will help you to keep the kids interested beyond the scenery.
The walk starts via the newly constructed Port Campbell Suspension Bridge, which spans Campbell’s Creek near the beach, and follows the clifftops east through coastal heath, with panoramic views back to Port Campbell harbour, Sentinel Rock and — on a clear day — all the way to the Twelve Apostles.
The walk is 4.4km one way and takes approximately 1.5 hours. It’s not a loop — you can either walk back the same way or arrange to be collected at Two Mile Bay carpark at the other end.
Note: check Parks Victoria for current conditions before you go, as the walk has had periods of temporary closure for geotechnical monitoring.
Port Campbell Discovery Walk, access via Port Campbell Suspension Bridge (near Port Campbell Beach) or Port Campbell Lookout. Free.
8. Port Campbell Beach
Port Campbell’s own beach sits right in town and is protected by cliffs on either side, making it significantly calmer than most Great Ocean Road beaches. It’s perfect for paddling and splashing with younger kids. (Always check conditions — the Southern Ocean is powerful and unpredictable even in sheltered bays.)
There are toilets nearby, grassy picnic areas and a good playground right by the beach with climbing equipment, swings and space to run around.
For parents, it’s the reset button after hours of clifftop walking — sit nearby with a coffee and let the kids decompress. The harbour creates a sheltered cove and the Port Campbell Jetty is worth a walk out over the ocean for views back to the cliffs, and it’s a popular spot for fishing.
9. Port Campbell to Timboon Trail
A 19.3km trail connects Port Campbell all the way to Timboon, through countryside and bush. You can walk it or cycle it. Timboon won the Victorian Top Tourism Town Award in 2024 and is worth a half day if you’re staying in Port Campbell overnight.
Bike and e-bike hire is available from Ride With Us in both Port Campbell and Timboon, with options for all ages and abilities. A great way to stretch the legs and see a different side of the region away from the coast.
For families who want to do the trail one way rather than return, Ride With Us also offers shuttle transfers — worth checking their website for current options.
Port Campbell to Timboon Trail, starting from Port Campbell Lookout. Free.
10. Timboon and The 12 Apostles Food Artisan Trail
Timboon is a foodie hub with a cluster of artisan producers all within easy reach of each other.
We haven’t personally done the trail but here’s what the 12 Apostles Food Artisan Trail covers:
- Apostle Whey Cheese — award-winning farmhouse cheese, paddock to plate, with farm tours available
- Timboon Railway Shed Distillery — single malt whisky and other spirits in a heritage railway shed, with a café and local produce
- Timboon Fine Ice Creamery — the home base for Timboon Fine Ice Cream, with free samples of 24+ luxury flavours.
- Berry World — pick-your-own strawberries, available approximately November to April
- Gorge Chocolates — hot chocolate, handmade chocolates and friendly alpacas
- Dairylicious Farm Fudge — handmade fudge in a large range of flavours
You can also combine the food trail with the Timboon to Camperdown Rail Trail — a 34km cycling trail through farmland, wooded grassland and tall timber forest with a historic trestle bridge along the way. Bikes and e-bikes available from Ride With Us.
11. Storytowns Podcast Tours
A self-guided audio tour of Port Campbell that you download to your phone and listen to as you walk around town. It covers the history, the shipwreck coast stories and the local characters.
Best for older kids and teenagers who engage with storytelling — a good way to add depth to a town walk that might otherwise feel like just a quick stop.
Storytowns, self-guided, download before you go.
Where to Eat in Port Campbell
12. Waves Cafe, Bar and Restaurant
The pick for a proper family sit-down meal in Port Campbell. Waves is a relaxed, beachy restaurant on Lord Street open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
The menu covers everything from burgers and fish to vegetarian pasta and fresh seafood — the scones are a local favourite and a great post-walk treat. We ate here and it delivered across the board — something for everyone at a table of mixed tastes.
Waves Cafe, Bar and Restaurant, 29 Lord Street, Port Campbell VIC 3269. +61 3 5598 6111. Open daily (closed Tuesdays) 8am–8pm.
13. Port Campbell Ice Creamery
Timboon Fine Ice Cream is one of Victoria’s most awarded artisan ice cream makers — farm-fresh, made in small batches since 1999, with over 24 flavours including some unusual ones (Aperol, anyone?). Their Port Campbell outlet is right in town.
Port Campbell Ice Creamery, Lord Street, Port Campbell VIC 3269.
14. Other Eating Options in Port Campbell
Other options on the main strip worth knowing about:
- Sow and Piglets Brew Pub — locally brewed craft beers and a relaxed atmosphere.
- 12 Rocks Beach Bar — craft beers, strong coffee and homemade cakes, with locally made Timboon Fine Ice Cream
- Grassroots Deli Cafe — café fare and deli goods, good for a quick breakfast or lunch
- Port Campbell Hotel — classic pub meals on the main strip
Where to Stay in Port Campbell
Port Campbell is a great base for an overnight stay — it puts you perfectly placed for an early morning visit to the Twelve Apostles before the crowds arrive.
NRMA Port Campbell Holiday Park
Tucked beside the beach and Port Campbell Creek, the NRMA holiday park has cabins, villas, powered campsites and caravan sites. Facilities include a camp kitchen, games room, BBQ areas and free kids’ activities during school holidays. It’s a 10-minute drive from the Twelve Apostles, steps from the beach and within walking distance of the town.
Check availability at NRMA Port Campbell Holiday Park here
Port Campbell Recreation Reserve
A large, relaxed campground in the heart of town with powered and unpowered sites for caravans, campervans and tents. Dog-friendly year-round with a communal fire pit and camp kitchen. A good option for families who want to keep costs down without losing location.
Apostles Camping Park and Cabins, Princetown
About 10 minutes east of Port Campbell in Princetown, Apostles Camping Park is another solid family-friendly option within easy reach of the Twelve Apostles. Cabins, powered sites and camping, set in a peaceful bush location.
Check availability at Apostles Camping Park here
Practical Tips for Visiting Port Campbell and the Twelve Apostles with Kids
Watch the sunset from the Port Campbell Jetty. It’s one of the best free experiences in town — the jetty extends out over the ocean with views along the cliffs and the light at sunset is spectacular. Pack an extra layer, it gets cold fast once the sun drops.
Get to the Twelve Apostles early. It’s one of the most visited sites in Australia. Early morning means better light, better photos and a fraction of the crowd. Aim to be there by 8am if you can — or close to sunset for golden light without the midday rush.
Wear layers. This stretch of coast is exposed to the Southern Ocean and the wind can be fierce even on a sunny day. Sunset is beautiful but it gets cold fast — pack proper wind layers for everyone, including kids.
Don’t try to see everything in one day. The Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, Gibson Steps, Discovery Walk and dinner in town is already a full day. Pick your highlights and give each one the time it deserves. If the kids are tired, skip a stop — the scenery isn’t going anywhere.
Snacks are essential. Distances between stops add up and there are limited food options between sights. Pack snacks in the car.
Check conditions before you go. Loch Ard Gorge beach access is currently closed. The Discovery Walk has had closures. Parks Victoria’s website has current status for all sites — check it the morning of your visit.
Stop at the Port Campbell Visitor Information Centre first. On Morriss Street, right in town. Pick up the loan binoculars and anemometers, get the staff’s advice on timing for each site and find out about current conditions.
Consider staying overnight. An early morning at the Twelve Apostles before the day-trippers arrive is a completely different experience. If you can base yourself in Port Campbell for a night, it makes the whole visit more relaxed — you’re not watching the clock to beat traffic home.
FAQs: Port Campbell and the Twelve Apostles with Kids
How far is Port Campbell from Melbourne?
About 3.5 hours along the Great Ocean Road, or around 3 hours via the Princes Highway through Colac and Camperdown.
How far is the Twelve Apostles from Port Campbell?
About 10 minutes by car — 14km east along the Great Ocean Road.
Is Loch Ard Gorge beach open?
As of April 2026, the beach steps have been closed since May 2023 due to cliff instability following a rock fall. There is no confirmed reopening date. The lookouts, walking trails and the new Poombeeyt Koontapool blowhole platform all remain open and are well worth visiting. Check the Parks Victoria website for the latest update before your visit.
What is the best time to visit the Twelve Apostles?
Early morning for the best light and fewest crowds. Sunrise is spectacular. Sunset is also popular but can get very busy. Avoid the middle of the day in peak summer.
What is Poombeeyt Koontapool?
Poombeeyt Koontapool is the name of the new $8 million blowhole lookout at Loch Ard Gorge, opened in September 2025. The name means “Breath of the Whale” in the Keerray Woorroong language of the Eastern Maar people. It features a sculptured platform curved into the cliffs, barnacle-themed seating and upgraded paths.
Is it safe to swim at Port Campbell beach?
Port Campbell’s harbour beach is one of the safer swimming spots on this stretch of coast — the harbour wall creates a sheltered cove. The open beaches along this coast are not safe for swimming due to the powerful Southern Ocean swell and rips.
How long does the Port Campbell Discovery Walk take?
The walk is 4.4km one way and takes approximately 1.5 hours. It’s not a loop. You can walk back the same way or be collected at Two Mile Bay carpark at the other end.
Is there good food in Port Campbell?
Yes — Waves Cafe, Bar and Restaurant is the standout for families, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. There are also several other cafés and takeaway options in the small town centre.
This article was produced in partnership with Great Ocean Road Regional Tourism. All opinions are our own.
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