Port Campbell

Port Campbell Vic 3269 (Pop 250)
Pic: by Didier B

Port Campbell is a quiet fishing village and centre of the spectacular Port Campbell NP. Located on a magnificent stretch of the Great Ocean Road, Port Campbell is 226 km s-w of Melbourne. Originally occupied by the Kirrae-Wurong Aborigines who left behind shell middens and stone tools, sealers, whalers and pastoralists followed and between 1840s and 1920s, there were no less than 80 shipwrecks on this challenging and isolated stretch of coastline. Today tourism, fishing and crayfishing sustain the local economy. Markets each Sun (summer).

Tourist Attractions & Info:
Beach and Jetty swimming and fishing. Loch Ard Shipwreck Museum, Lord St displays interesting relics, memorabilia and artifacts of a number of shipwrecks including the Loch Ard (1878). Open (9.30am-5.30pm) daily. Historical Museum, Lord St open school holidays.

Nearby:
Port Campbell NP 1 750 ha park extending from Peterborough to Princetown which features amazing rock stacks, arches, blowholes, gorges and sheer cliffs. Main attractions include The Arch (5 km west), London Bridge (6 km west), Loch Ard Gorge (7 km s-e), the renowned Twelve Apostles (beginning 12 km s-e) and The Gibson Steps. There is a huge variety of fauna and flora which can be observed from the numerous scenic walking trails. Diving is also popular particularly around the various shipwrecks but ocean swimming is not recommended.  The park does not allow camping. Princetown (18 km east) pretty town which sits at the Gellibrand River’s mouth with good fishing, picnicking and camping facilities. Mutton Bird Island lies just off the coast and is home to short-tailed shearwaters between Sept-Apr. Timboon (19 km north) small dairying town with cheese tastings and sales. 

Accommodation: 
Port Campbell has half a dozen motels, one hotel, a B&B, holiday apartments/cottages and a caravan park. Visitor Information Centre: 26 Morris St. Tel (03) 5598 6053 or 1300 137 255.