Australia is rich in heritage, with many national parks in Victoria, Melbourne, Canberra, Sydney, Hobart, and Darwin.

Here, we will talk about the Port Campbell National Park. It is a world-famous national park located on the Great Ocean Road in the southwestern district of Victoria.

Various park highlights are the London Bridge, rugged coastline, more famous Twelve Apostles, London Arch, limestone stacks, Loch Ard Gorge, and shipwreck coast.

You can see wave-sculpted rock formations, sheer cliffs, sea coast, crashing waves, coastal views, beaches, rock stacks, and curries inlet. You can create an extraordinary collection of great photos during the trip.

1. History of the Park

Port Campbell National Park was established on May 5, 1964. In the beginning, it was spread over only 700 hectares. After that, the coastline near the Great Ocean Road was considered under it.

In 1981, the area of the park became 1750 hectares. The nearest town to this park is Port Campbell. The east side of this national park has Peterborough, Point Ronald, and Princetown. 

In 2002, the Professional Fisherman’s Association tried to block the Marine National Park at the site of the Twelve Apostles. Later, the Victorian Government talked to the association and made them understand that this step would harm marine life.

2. Special Features

Port Campbell National Park has many scenic and natural views. It overlooks offshore islets. Sometimes, there are cliff tops and salt-laden air due to the Southern Ocean’s harsh weather.

This is a world-famous national park with several unique features.

• There are many heathlands and fragile grasslands.
• Different species of plants and animals make it more awful. The managing authority protects all plant species very well.
• The location of this national park is lovely. Islands, sea, ocean, beach, trails, walking areas, coastline, etc surround it.
• You quickly get modern equipment and facilities like hotel rooms because many towns are nearby.

3. Famous Tourist Attractions 

Port Campbell National Park is a fantastic place with natural beauty. You can explore many famous natural landmarks there and enjoy short walks, hiking, biking, camping, photography, and watching wave-sculpted rock formations.

Many facilities are provided to the visitors, like car parking, drinking water, and many more. 

3.1. Port Campbell Discovery Walk

Port Campbell Discovery Walk is a designated path famous for outdoor recreational activities. The course of this walk runs adjacent to the coast of the sea. It gives you the incredible experience of colourful flora and scenic views of local landmarks.

It is also famous for its hiking trails. The walk covers the incredible views of Sentinel Rock, Twelve Apostles, and Loch Ard.

3.2. Twelve Apostles

Twelve Apostles is Victoria’s natural and local landmark, located in Port Campbell National Park. It is a group of seven piles of limestone.

The linking bridge between these stacks collapsed, and now there is an ongoing connection between these stacks. The coastline renowned takes place after the collapse.

Witness the fantastic view of the Indian Ocean and enjoy the stacks and rocks from the beaches.

3.3. London Bridge

London Bridge is also a famous rock formation site in Victoria, Australia. After the island archway collapsed, this bridge became known as London Arch. This was the bridge that connected the mainland, and it collapsed.

You can view many beautiful coastal scenes and natural beauty from this bridge.

3.4. The Grotto

The Grotto is the coastline of the Port Campbell National Park. The place offers a unique view of the sea. There are many naturally formed skin holes so that the sea looks unique.

It is a perfect location for clicking photos and making an extraordinary collection of your photographs. There are car park facilities near this place so the visitors will not face many problems.

3.5. Gibsons Steps

If you enter from the national park’s east side, the first thing you will notice is Gibson Steps. It is an 86-step staircase to the beach in Gibson, and from the top, it gives a rare view of the beaches, sea, and cliffside.

Gibson Beach is so famous because of its golden sand. It is near the Twelve Apostles and the Great Ocean Road, so you can move to these places after visiting it. The best time to visit Gibson Steps is during the low tide period.

3.6. Port Campbell Bay

Port Campbell Bay is the central town hub for visiting this national park. You can access this bay by the Great Ocean Road. 

This bay originated from two cliffs shielding. It is located in Lord Street, the region’s leading commercial area. The street-lined shops are converted into green space and then to beaches. 

It is a tranquil bay, and very gentle waves of the ocean come here, so the visitors can easily enjoy swimming, fishing, and surfing. 

3.7. Loch Ard Gorge

Loch Ard Gorge is located near the Twelve Apostles. It is a frequent stop while walking on the Great Ocean Road. You can also enjoy the scenic ocean views from this place.

It tells you a lot about the history of this place. There is a museum which helps you to discover many reasons behind the different historical stories of many areas of Australia like Melbourne, Victoria and so on. 

4. Trails to Explore in Port Campbell National Park

There are many trails for you to visit. These trails give you exposure to the natural environment.

4.1. Newfield Bay Walking Trail

Newfield Bay is a beautiful place. Have a walk to this place, and you will find yourself very close to nature. You can complete this trail either by walking or biking. You have to register yourself before visiting this trail. There are no registration fees charged.

Enjoy the beautiful views of other trails like Papermill Trail and the eastern Promenade trail. You can also enjoy birdwatching on this trail. Pets are not allowed on this trail.

4.2. Loch Ard Gorge Shipwreck Coast Walking Trail

Loch Ard Gorge is a very vast area. The Shipwreck coast is the route for more than 600 ships. It is an easy walk. You can enjoy incredible views of the southern ocean and coastline. There is a tragic tale of the iron-hulled clipper.

This place has a unique story of two sole survivors, Eva and Tom. It has many facilities for visitors like Loch Ard Gorge car park. There are some rules and regulations on this trail, so keep them in mind. Take a map with you when you walk on this trail.

4.3. Great Ocean Road Walk

This is a walking trail where you will enjoy the shores of the Gellibrand River, weathered limestone cliffs, and various fun activities near the river.

Your journey will come to an end by looking at the sunset. During this walk, you can see the perfect view of the Twelve Apostles and Gibson Steps. At the end of this walk, you will enjoy the heartwarming picture of the sunset.

4.4. Fishing Track

The fishing track is a fantastic place in Port Campbell National Park. The marine life of this national park is incredible. You can enjoy fishing with new equipment and techniques. This track provides various facilities to visitors.

There are some rules and restrictions which you have to follow. You have to book your entry before visiting this place. All fireworks activities are strictly prohibited in this place. You are not allowed to do any camping near the fishing track. You are not allowed to use drones without permission.

5. Wildlife in Port Campbell National Park

The park is very rich in wildlife. Many species of animals, birds, and plants are found there. Many wildlife photographers visit there to click photos of animals and birds.

Some animal species that you can see are Black Wallabies, Short Beaked Echidnas, Koalas, Glow worms, Southern Brown Bandicoot, Australian Fur Seals, Marsupials, Eastern Grey Kangaroos, and so on.

Some bird species include Cape Barren Goose, Musk Duck, Maned Duck, Black Swan, Pacific Black Duck, Australian Shelduck, Hardhead, Chestnut Teal, and Gray Teal.

You can also spot cushion bush, drooping she-oak, messmate stringybark, coast beard heath, common reed, prickly Moses, white cores, Port Campbell guinea flower, and clematis.

Final Note

There are many places in Port Campbell National Park where you can enjoy and perform various physical activities and have adventures. This national park conserves the flora and fauna of the country. 

it is a world-famous national park. The main attractions of this national park are the sea coastline, beach, ocean, port Campbell Bay, London bridge, twelve apostles, wave-sculpted rock formations, and so on.

Last Updated on March 5, 2024 by namitasoren