Guide to Port Campbell National Park

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If there’s one stretch of coastline that sums up the magic of the Great Ocean Road, it’s the Port Campbell National Park. Famous worldwide for the Twelve Apostles, this rugged section of Victoria’s Shipwreck Coast is all about dramatic cliffs, wild seas, and natural rock formations that look almost too perfect to be real. 

But there’s more to it than these iconic rocks. The park is home to a string of coastal landmarks, from Loch Ard Gorge to London Arch and The Grotto, each with its own story tied to shipwrecks, erosion, and the relentless Southern Ocean. Add in walking trails like the Port Campbell Discovery Walk, as well as ample opportunities to spot wildlife (think penguins, muttonbirds, and wallabies), you’ll quickly see why this park is one of Victoria’s most-visited natural attractions. 

It’s also one of the easiest to include in a road trip, sitting right along the Great Ocean Road and not far from stops like Apollo Bay and Warrnambool. Whether you’re on a quick getaway from Melbourne or following the longer Adelaide to Melbourne coastal route, this park deserves a place on your Victoria itinerary. 

Oysters Family at the beach Salad

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Why do people go to Port Campbell National Park?

Most travellers come for the Twelve Apostles in Port Campbell. While this is one of those bucket-list moments and seeing the limestone stacks light up at sunrise or sunset is unforgettable, there is plenty beyond this tourist hotspot.  

Tucked away within the park you will also find Loch Ard Gorge, which is not only photogenic but also steeped in history from the 1878 shipwreck. London Arch (also known as London Bridge) and the Grotto (part sinkhole and part cave) both add a quieter but equally dramatic stop, showcasing the impressive southern swells. And last but certainly not least, the Gibson Steps give you a chance to head down to the beach and see the cliffs from below.  

Nature lovers also come for the wildlife. The park is home to seabirds, wallabies, and echidnas, while nearby Mutton Bird Island is famous for its colony of short-tailed shearwaters (also known as the Mutton Bird), which migrate here each spring to breed. For photographers, this stretch of coast is a dream, offering endless opportunities for both landscape and wildlife shots. 

 

How long should I spend at Port Campbell National Park?

A half-day visit will let you cover the big-ticket sights: the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, Gibson Steps, and London Arch. That’s the option most day-trippers from Melbourne go for. 

But if you want to slow it down, we recommend that you catch both a sunrise and a sunset, walk the Port Campbell Discovery Walk, and take time for wildlife spotting in between. A full day or even an overnight stay in the nearby town of Port Campbell is well worth it. Staying longer also means you can enjoy the quieter hours when the tour buses aren’t around. 

 

How long is the Port Campbell Discovery Walk?

The Port Campbell Discovery Walk is a 4.4 km return track that takes about 1 to 1.5 hours to complete. It begins near the Port Campbell township and winds along the headland, offering sweeping views over Two Mile Bay, the township, and rugged cliffs beyond. It’s a great option if you want to stretch your legs between scenic stops, and it’s far less crowded than the bigger attractions. 

 

How to get to Port Campbell National Park

  • From Port Campbell: The park’s highlights are just a 3–7-minute drive from the town centre. Head east along the Great Ocean Road (B100) and you’ll see clear signs to each site. Attractions like the Twelve Apostles, Gibson Steps, and Loch Ard Gorge are all only a few minutes apart by car. 
     

  • From Melbourne (inland route): Travel for about 230 km (3.5 hours) via the M1 (Princes Freeway) toward Geelong, then jump on the A1 (Princes Highway) through Colac before turning toward Port Campbell. 
     

  • From Melbourne (scenic route): For the more scenic option, you will travel around 275 km (5–5.5 hours) via the Great Ocean Road (B100), passing through Torquay, Lorne, and Apollo Bay. It’s longer, but the scenery makes it one of Australia’s most spectacular drives. 

Whichever way you go, Port Campbell National Park is designed for easy access, with good roads and clear signage to each main attraction. 

 

Best time to visit Port Campbell National Park

Best time of year: Late spring through early autumn (Nov–Apr) is ideal for visiting Port Campbell National Park. You’ll get warmer weather, longer daylight hours, and generally calmer seas. Summer (Dec–Feb) brings the clearest skies and vivid ocean colours, but it’s also the busiest period with school holiday crowds and tour buses. Winter (Jun–Aug) is quieter and moodier: the waves are bigger, the skies more dramatic, and you’ll have the viewing platforms to yourself, though it can be cold and windy so you will want to dress accordingly.  

Best time of day: For photographers, sunrise is unbeatable. The Twelve Apostles glow as the sun hits them from the east, and you’ll avoid most of the crowds. Sunset is equally spectacular, with golden light and silhouettes, though expect more people at the platforms. If you’re exploring throughout the day, we highly recommend that you try to fit in both: each gives the coast a completely different character. 

 

Weather at Port Campbell National Park

Being right on the coast, the weather in Port Campbell National Park is unpredictable. Summers are mild compared to inland Victoria, with highs of 20–25 °C, while winters are cooler, averaging 10–15 °C, and often windy. Sea breezes can make it feel colder than the forecast suggests, so it's a good idea to pack a jacket even in summer. Rain is possible year-round, though usually light and short-lived. The changing weather is part of the appeal: no two visits ever look quite the same. 

 

Best place to park your campervan at Port Campbell National Park

Each of the major Port Campbell National Park attractions has designated parking areas, with the largest at the Twelve Apostles Visitor Centre. These lots are built to handle tour buses, cars, and campervans, though they do fill up quickly in peak season. If you are travelling in peak times, we recommend that you arrive early in the day (especially in summer) to secure a spot. Overnight parking isn’t permitted inside the park, but the town of Port Campbell offers caravan parks and campgrounds within a short drive. 

 

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