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.

Gibson Steps
Loch Ard Gorge
Twelve Apostles

The Grotto
How to get there
London Bridge
When you're there
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.
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 changes24 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
- 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.
-
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.