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    London Bridge

    Port Campbell National Park

    A short drive along the Great Ocean Road from the Twelve Apostles just beyond Port Campbell, discover these three unique and spectacular rock formations. See Little Penguins come ashore at dusk from London Bridge Lookout, coastal vistas framed by the charming Grotto and the Arch precariously balanced on a rock platform smashed by waves.

    The Great Ocean Road is famed for its stunning scenery - and no more so than on the stretch just past Port Campbell and the Twelve Apostles. Stop at these three highlights on your way to Warrnambool.

    Originally a natural archway and tunnel, London Bridge collapsed on 15 January 1990 and became an isolated arch no longer connected to the mainland. Two tourists stranded on top of the remaining island had to be rescued by helicopter. Come to the lookout for the views or at dusk to spot the adorable Little Penguins coming ashore on the protected beach below. In winter keep an eye out for passing Southern Right Whales and Humpback Whales on their migration north.

    Things to do in the area

    The Arch
    Shaped by ferocious Southern Ocean swells, the Arch sits precariously atop a rock platform. Step out on to one of two viewing platforms and enjoy panoramas out to the Twelve Apostles.

    The Arch is a good example of the limestone formations in transition along the coast. Starting in the form of a tunnel, seeping rain and constant pounding wave action combine to dissolve and hollow it out until ultimately it stands free as an arch. Ultimately this arch and other rock stacks will collapse to form rock stacks. The nearby Twelve Apostles themselves have been shaped in this way.

    The Grotto
    This weathered hollow limestone formation is one of the most evocative and intimate of the coastal formations of the Great Ocean Road. Part-blowhole, part-archway, part-cave, its serene rock pools and smooth boulders frame the sea views and offer a sometimes peaceful place to soak in the wonders of sea-spray and nature. Enjoy stunning coastal panoramas from the upper platform before descending to The Grotto.

    A couple walk along the beach at Gibson Steps.

    Gibson Steps

    A gentle 1.1km track takes you to Gibson Steps Lookout and, when open, 89 steps lead down the cliff‐face to a wild ocean beach. If the tide is low you can view the rockstacks ‘Gog and Magog’ up close.
    Two young wearing dresses stroll across the beach at Loch Ard Gorge.

    Loch Ard Gorge

    A few minutes' down the Great Ocean Road from the world-famous Twelve Apostles, discover another mighty rock stack and a stunning sandy beach enclosed by sheer yellow coloured limestone cliffs.
    A man and woman play in shallow waters in front of the Twelve Apostles.

    Twelve Apostles

    The world-famous Twelve Apostles are the undisputed highlight of the equally famous Great Ocean Road. View these limestone sea stacks at sunset for a quieter and even more spectacular experience. And be sure to walk the short trail to Gibson Steps for a view from the beach.
    A couple take a selfie in front of the Grotto in Port Campbell National Park.

    The Grotto

    The Grotto is a cave and sinkhole located about halfway up the cliff, from sea level. The paved pathway leads to a decked staircase that descends into a viewing area. Enjoy the view of the rock pools carved out in the jagged edged limestone. Stay inside barriers

    How to get there

    London Bridge

    When you're there

    For the best view, look into the Grotto from the lower viewing platform, where you can see the horizon, the pools, and the jutting rock formations in one go. Sunset is a great time to go to the Grotto, London Bridge or the Arch for a memorable photograph.

    The weather and ocean conditions change constantly here and at times going down to explore The Grotto at eye-level can be dangerous, particularly if it’s windy and the tide is high.

    When to go

    The three towns of Princetown, Port Campbell and Peterborough all have estuary swimming areas safe from the open sea. Summer is a busy time all along the Great Ocean Road. Sea kayaking at Princetown and Peterborough areas .

    Need to know

    London Bridge

    Accessibility

    Visiting a park can be more of a challenge for people with disabilities, however in Victoria there are a wide range of facilities to help people of all abilities enjoy our wonderful parks around the state.

    Assistance dogs are welcome in Parks Victoria parks and reserves. Entry requirements apply for parks and reserves that are usually dog prohibited, such as national parks.

    Change of Conditions

    Nature being nature, sometimes conditions can change at short notice. It’s a good idea to check this page ahead of your visit for any updates.

    • Notices Affecting Multiple Sites

      Speed limit and traffic changes around Twelve Apostles this summer

      Visitors to the Twelve Apostles over the summer holiday period are encouraged to plan ahead, with traffic management being implemented from Christmas Eve.

      With COVIDSafe Summer restrictions in place and people being asked to physically distance, practise good hygiene and wear a mask when required, Park Rangers will be monitoring the narrow boardwalks and lookouts at the Twelve Apostles. If public health directions are not being maintained, a queuing system for access to lookouts may be implemented. 

      Traffic and road safety changes
      24 December 2020 – 3 January 2021, then weekends through January.

      • Roadside barriers: To prevent illegal roadside parking, barriers will be installed along the Great Ocean Road, from approximately 200 metres west of the Twelve Apostles visitor centre to 300 metres east of Gibson Steps, and 200 metres each side of the Loch Ard Gorge carpark entrance. 

      • Speed limit reductions: To ensure the safety of pedestrians and drivers, the speed limit will be reduced to 40kms along the Great Ocean Road, from approximately 200 metres west of the Twelve Apostles visitor centre to 300 metres east of Gibson Steps, and 200 metres each side of the Loch Ard Gorge carpark entrance. The speed limit will rise to 60kms in these locations outside of operational times (approximately 11am-6pm).

      • Traffic control: Signage and dedicated traffic control staff will direct vehicles on the Great Ocean Road and in car parks to ensure safe and smooth traffic flow into and around the precinct

    • Gibson Steps (Port Campbell National Park)

      Gibsons Steps beach access reopened

      The Gibsons Steps beach access has been reopened after the the completion of a rock hazard works project. A geotechnical report commissioned by Parks Victoria confirms that the access can be reopened to allow safe beach access for  park visitors.

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