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. Here are 7 of the best things to do during your visit to Port Campbell1. Timboon – Port Campbell TrailHire 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. 2. Port Campbell Lookout 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. 3. Port Campbell Discovery Walk 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. 4. Spot the little penguins at the 12 Apostles or London Bridge at Sunset 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. 5. Enjoy something to eat and drinkThere 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. 6. Shipwreck Coast Lookouts and Walks 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. 7. Great Ocean Walk Day HikeThe 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. About Ride With UsRide With Us offers ebike and bicycle rentals in Port Campbell, Timboon, Cobden and Camperdown. Ride With Us also provides a bicycle and passenger transport service where we can transport your bicycles or ours. If you choose to ride one way, we can shuttle you back to town, your car or your accommodation. Bikes for youths and children are available and children’s bicycle accessories include a child seat, two child tag along trailer. We even have a small pet seat and a pet trailer so you can take your dog along. Transport is available for up to six bike riders and up to nine bikes, to and from your preferred locations. Ride With Us can also provide transport to and from the Great Ocean Walk.
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Ride With UsExperience the Timboon and the 12 Apostles region with Ride With Us, see the icons of the Great Ocean Road. We provide transport services throughout the region including taxi and shuttle services, bike hire and more. Categories
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