​Port Campbell is a picturesque coastal town on the Great Ocean Road. The town of Port Campbell is only 11 minutes’ drive from the 12 Apostles and has a variety of shops, cafes and restaurants, petrol, services and amenities as well as some magnificent bay and coastline views. Located approximately 3 hours’ drive from Melbourne, 1 hour from Colac or 1.5 hours’ drive from Apollo Bay, Port Campbell is like the less famous but just as good-looking little sibling to the more well-known towns of Torquay, Lorne and Apollo Bay. Port Campbell is sure to surprise you. 

Hire a bike from Ride With Us and ride along the newly built Timboon – Port Campbell Trail. Choose a bicycle or ebike and enjoy a leisurely ride along the purpose built 19km bicycle and walking trail with scenic views from the coast to the award-winning Top Tiny Tourism Town of Timboon. Pets allowed on this trail.
Stop off at Schulz Organic Dairy and Café before continuing into Timboon for handpicked strawberries, award winning Timboon Fine Ice Cream, whisky, cafes and lolly shop as well as clothing and gift boutiques.
You also have the option to ride one way to Timboon or Cobden and be dropped back to Port Campbell at the end of your ride. The bicycle meeting point in Port Campbell is the Sow and Piglets Brewery & Guest House. 

​Cross the Port Campbell suspension bridge and climb the stairs to the top for beautiful views over Port Campbell. There is also a small car park with access off the Great Ocean Road for those who don’t want to climb the stairs.

The Port Campbell Discovery Walk is a scenic walk along a winding gravel path with ocean views. Take in the sandstone cliffs and views over the town of Port Campbell and its small bay as you make your way through the low-lying scrub to Two Mile Bay and back (approximately 4.8kms return). Park in Port Campbell and head towards the Port Campbell Surf Lifesaving Club. Take the path next to the Caravan Park and across the Port Campbell suspension bridge, then climb the stairs to the top and follow the path. Alternatively, there is a small car park with access to the trail off the Great Ocean Road or Two Mile Bay. Dogs are not allowed on this walk. See where you can take your dog here.

The 12 Apostles are the number one attraction in the region and is an experience we recommend ticking off your bucket list. A purpose built viewing platform allows you to take in the views. The most spectacular time of day is usually sunset. While you’re there, don’t miss the opportunity to spot the little penguins that typically begin to emerge from the sea 10 to 15 minutes after sunset. Little penguins can also be spotted from London Bridge. Note that this is not an up-close experience with penguins so binoculars are recommended. Loan binoculars are available from the Port Campbell Visitor Information Centre. Ask at the Visitor Information Centre for the best place to spot the little penguins during your stay. 

There are a handful of eateries and drink spots to choose from including a pub, microbrewery, beachside dining and bar, cafés, restaurants and take away. Grab an afternoon sweet treat at the lolly shop or the seasonal ice cream bar. For foodies on an adventure, follow the 12 Apostles Food Artisan’s Trail from Port Campbell to Timboon and surrounds, enjoying the tastes of local produce including cheese, handpicked strawberries, chocolate and homemade fudge, just to name a few.

This section of the Great Ocean Road is known as the Shipwreck Coast and for good reason. The treacherous waters around this area fooled many sailors. Visit Loch Ard Gorge which is named after the Loch Ard ship which ran aground crashing into Mutton Bird Island in 1878. The only two survivors out of the 52 passengers were teenagers Tom Pearce and Eva Carmichael who dragged themselves to the safety of the beach inside Loch Ard Gorge. There are several walks and lookouts with beautiful views.

Prior to 1990, London Bridge connected to the mainland before one of the arches collapsed, leaving it as its own little island. When the seas are rough huge swells crash up against the sides of the limestone landmark which will leave you in awe. Grab your camera for a magnificent photo opportunity.

Just a few minutes drive from London Bridge you will find The Grotto. Wander down the steps into the sink hole for a unique view through the limestone arch and out to sea.

There are many more lookouts with easy walks along this section of the coast including Bay of Martyrs, Bay of Islands and Gibson Steps where you can also make your way down onto the beach when conditions are suitable.

Dogs are not allowed on these walks. See where you can take your dog.

The Great Ocean Walk is a 100km coastal hiking trail which stretches from Apollo Bay, through Cape Otway to the 12 Apostles. The trail is designed to be walked in one direction over a period of 5 to 8 days however day hikes are also a great way to experience the spectacular trail without needing to commit to an overnight or multi-day hike experience.  
​
Not all sections of the trail have vehicle access to or near the trail. For one day hikes from Port Campbell, we recommend walking from Princetown Recreation Reserve to the 12 Apostles (7kms) or from The Gables to the 12 Apostles (approx. 18km). The walk has magnificent views, and scenery so is well worth the trek if you are into an active holiday. 

​The Great Ocean Road stretches for over 234kms from one end to the other and the region is bigger than that again, including many nearby inland towns. If you are visiting the Great Ocean Road with your dog, we have collated walks, activities, things to do and places to stay which are pet friendly around Port Campbell, Timboon, Princetown and Peterborough.

Dogs are permitted off leash at:

• The Port Campbell Recreation Reserve oval (lower level)
• Peterborough beach between the bridge and the monument at the carpark south of Irvine Park. Restrictions prohibit dogs between 9am and 6pm daily between 1 December and Easter Monday inclusive.
• Logan’s Beach Warrnambool

Dogs are permitted on lead only at the following places:

• Port Campbell Jetty
• Port Campbell Soldiers Memorial Walk
• Camperdown to Timboon Rail Trail
• 12 Apostles Bicycle Trail
• Timboon Bushland Reserve (Cowley’s Creek)
• Timboon Power Creek Reserve
• Timboon Recreation Reserve
• Peterborough Walking Track
• Peterborough Wild Dog Cove
• Princetown Serpentine Boardwalk
• Princetown Old Coach Road East to the Recreation Reserve
• Princetown Recreation Reserve
• Johanna Beach
• Sandy Cove in the Childers Cove area
• Dogs are allowed on leash in all Corangamite Shire townships. These towns include but are not limited to Port Campbell, Princetown, Timboon, Cobden, Camperdown and Terang.

If spending the day or more in Warrnambool, find out more about designated dog friendly areas. 

​Timboon is the easiest town to get around with dogs as there are plenty of grassed areas and easy access to walking trails from the town centre which are dog friendly. Timboon is only a 16-minute drive from Port Campbell and a 29-minute drive from Princetown. There are also a few good take away places including Timboon Take Away and The Fat Cow Food Co so you can grab something food and drinks to go, then sit and enjoy your food outside with your fur baby.

Timboon Fine Ice Cream is dog friendly with a large outdoor seating area and grass plus they make ice cream suitable for dogs in maple bacon, banana, vanilla and peanut butter flavours. Their doggie ice cream is inspired by owners Tim and Caroline's dogs Winnie and Rose. Winnie and Rose doggie ice cream is low lactose, low sugar and low fat and is churned with hemp seed oil to make those furry coats shine. 

Dogs are also welcome in the gardens with outdoor seating area at Schulz Organic Creamery and Café just a few minutes drive from Timboon township.

Dogs are welcome at 12 Rocks Café in Port Campbell. We recommend calling ahead to check with Port Campbell Hotel (pub) and Sow and Piglets Brewery which both have small outdoor areas.

Daysy Hill Country Cottages, Port Campbell – There are one and two bedroom cottages and two bedroom cabins suitable for staying with your dog. Comfortable and clean accommodation. Daysy Hill has an undercover bbq area, fire pit and picnic table with a view. Both cottages and cabins are well suited for you and your furry friend to relax. Pets are unable to stay in the suites but are welcome in the cabins and cottages. Please bring your pooch’s own bedding and bowls. There are a number of animals including chickens that wander the gardens, friendly sheep and some cattle on the property.

Seahorse Coastal Villas, Peterborough - Set off the Great Ocean Road and surrounded by countryside, this unassuming collection of villas is 1 km from Peterborough Golf Course, 5 km from The Grotto rock formation and 25 km from the Twelve Apostles scenic point. Relaxed, air-conditioned villas provide Wi-Fi access, TVs and kitchens, as well as laundry facilities. Some villas have bunk beds.

12 Apostles Motel & Country Retreat, Princetown - Set on 3 hectares of country property on the edge of Port Campbell National Park, this tranquil motel is 3 km from The Twelve Apostles rock formations and 7 km from Loch Ard Gorge. The cosy rooms feature microwaves, tea and coffeemaking facilities, flat-screen TVs and Wi-Fi (surcharge). Room service is available. There are also cottages with kitchenettes. Amenities include a restaurant/bar and a barn, plus a playground, BBQ facilities and gardens. Breakfast is offered for a fee.

Bayview no. 2 at Bayview Villas, Port Campbell - This beachfront 2 bedroom apartment is located just across from the beach & only a 1 minute walk to the nearest coffee shop.

Surf break at Bayview Villas, Port Campbell - Beautiful views over looking the bay of Port Campbell and just a few meters from the beach edge.

Princetown Recreation Reserve Powered and unpowered sites. Undercover BBQ Area, Picnic Tables, Childrens' Playground, Tennis Court, Toilets. The Princetown Recreation Reserve is located 6km's east of the 12 Apostles, adjacent the Gellibrand River. Dogs are allowed within the Recreation Reserve when walked on a lead and kept at owners camp but unfortunately they are not allowed on the beach as it is a National Park. 

More pet friendly accommodation

Ride With Us provide offer pet friendly bike hire and transport for Timboon, Cobden, Port Campbell and surrounds.

Two bridges were recently replaced on the Camperdown to Timboon Rail Trail which is now open again from Camperdown to Timboon.

Timber bridges 11 and 12, located on the trail between Glenfyne and Timboon have been replaced with steel bridges with higher rails to accommodate horse riders and are weight rated for the committee to be able to maintain the trail. The two original bridges were initially built by volunteers in the nineties and made of timber. There are still three timber bridges which the rail trail committee are working towards having replaced in the future.

The Camperdown to Timboon Rail Trail is pet friendly and is available for walking, cycling, ebikes and horse riders, however because of weight limits on the three bridges which need replacement, no horses are permitted between Merrett's Road and Bridge 15, about 1 km north of the Timboon Trestle Bridge. Motorbikes and trail bikes are also not permitted on the trail.
​
The trail meanders its way through forest and grazing paddocks and passes by historic railway trestle bridges. A lesser known regional Victorian rail trail, the trail is a hidden gem and makes for a very peaceful ride. ​

Feeling peckish along the way? Stop in Cobden at the Cobden Golf Club for a bite to eat in the bistro (you'll be riding right through the middle of the golf course) or detour into the main street for a pub meal at Thommo's or a quick bite to eat at one of the cafes or the local bakery. If you have more time on your hands, stroll through the op shops and locally owned clothes, gifts, homewares, lolly and sewing stores. 

When you reach Timboon, reward yourself with lunch at Timboon Railway Shed Distillery or a local cafe then enjoy an ice cream at the famous Timboon Fine Ice cream(ery). Wander the shops for more lollies, gifts, clothes and homewares.

The Camperdown to Timboon Rail Trail now also connects to the Twelve Apostles Trail at Timboon. Some sections are still in progress however once complete, the trail will take cyclists right to the coast at Port Campbell. Please check weather conditions and updates about the current status of the Twelve Apostles Trail before commencing your ride.

The wonderful thing about rail trails is we get to see parts of Australia which are inaccessible by car. The peaceful and almost hidden locations are often seemingly undiscovered, and at times you will rarely pass another trail user. This is true for the Camperdown to Timboon Rail Trail which is located in the Great Ocean Road hinterland region in Southwest Victoria.

The Camperdown to Timboon Rail Trail takes bike riders and hikers from Camperdown to Naroghid then approximately 30 kilometres along the rail trail through dairy farms to Timboon which is renowned for its farm gate produce and locally made gourmet fare. The rail trail also joins up with the newly constructed 20 kilometre 12 Apostles Trail which is a bicycle, walking and running path from the Great Ocean Road hinterland town of Timboon to the coast at Port Campbell.

The Camperdown to Timboon Rail Trail is a treelined compacted earth track, taking hikers through the middle of dairy farms, past relics of the old railway trestle bridges and over the historic Timboon Trestle bridge. A peaceful walk through a combination of flat grazing country and rolling hills, the trail has varying difficulties depending on which section of the trail you choose to walk. During wet weather some sections of the trail can be muddy or slippery at times. Nobby bike tyres or hiking boots are recommended in Winter, Spring and after rain.

Camperdown to Naroghid
Due to parts of the old railway line being used as farmland, the section of trail between Camperdown to Naroghid requires riders to ride along country roads without a footpath however the remainder of the trail from Naroghid to Timboon is a scenic off-road ride. To avoid the roads, it is recommended you start your ride from Naroghid or another section of the trail rather than Camperdown.

Naroghid to Cobden
There is a rail trail car park on Cross Forest Road at Naroghid where the off-road section of the Camperdown to Timboon Rail Trail starts. This is a good place to start your ride. From here the trail is mostly flat, travelling in between dairy farms with an easy, almost unnoticeable descent into Cobden. Once you arrive at Cobden, the trail goes through the middle of the Cobden Golf Course, past the relics of an old rail bridge. The Cobden Golf Club is available for riders to stop in for a toilet break, drink and a bistro or bar meal. Alternatively, ride or walk 1km into Curdie Street, Cobden’s main street for a variety of options from a sandwich to a sit down or take away hot meal.

When you are ready to continue on, there is a short detour from the rail trail at the end of the golf course to rejoin the trail. Walk along McKenzie Street towards the CFA building, along Neylon Street to Grayland Street, then rejoin the trail on Grayland Street behind Hewitt & Whitty.

Cobden to Glenfyne
This 11km part of the trail is fairly flat and runs alongside farms, often running adjacent to or weaving across the Cobden-Warrnambool Road. There are a few major road crossings along this section of the trail, so watch for vehicles travelling at speed and please cross with care. On either side of the Cobden-Warrnambool Road at Glenfyne there are large shelters and the Glenfyne Public Hall has under cover picnic area, BBQ facilities and parking available.

Looking for things to do in Cobden? Here are our top things to do covering a variety of family friendly, art, history, nature and outdoors.