Razorback
The Razorback is a narrow, wind and salt-weathered rock ridge off the coast. You can see it from the walking trail at Loch Ard Gorge.
Australia
Shipwreck Coast
Coastal RegionNature
The Shipwreck Coast between Princetown and Warrnambool is the wildest stretch of the Great Ocean Road: limestone cliffs, rock stacks, and narrow coves. More than 600 ships are said to have sunk here.
by Felix Gillen
The Shipwreck Coast between Princetown and Warrnambool is the wildest stretch of the Great Ocean Road: limestone cliffs, rock stacks, and narrow coves. More than 600 ships are said to have sunk here.
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Discover the most important sights and attractions
Loch Ard Gorge (Tom and Eva Lookout)
The Loch Ard Gorge is a narrow cove with a sandy beach between high limestone cliffs. In 1878, Tom Pearce and Eva Carmichael, the sole survivors of the Loch Ard shipwreck, were stranded here. Steps lead to the beach, loop trails to viewpoints and to the victims' cemetery. Do not swim; the current is dangerous.
Mutton Bird Island Lookout
On Mutton Bird Island, Short-tailed Shearwaters breed from late September to April. At dusk, they return in large flocks to their burrows, which you can see from the viewpoint above the island.
Twelve Apostles
The Twelve Apostles are limestone stacks off the cliffs. Twelve never stood here; in 2005, another collapsed. From the visitor center, a tunnel leads under the road to the boardwalks. Best at sunset, when the bus groups are gone.
Thunder Cave
In the Thunder Cave next to Loch Ard Gorge, the surf thunders into a sea cave. A short detour from the loop walk.
London Bridge (London Arch)
The London Bridge was until 1990 a double rock arch connected to the mainland. Then the inner arch collapsed, two tourists were stranded on the detached part and were rescued by helicopter. Today, the remaining arch is called London Arch.
Essen & Trinken
Cafe and bar on the Esplanade in Port Campbell with outdoor seating and views of the bay. Breakfast, Fish and Chips, Burgers and Beer.
Small shop in Lord Street offering pizza, pasta, and salads, great for a quick dinner or takeaway.
Bright dorms & private rooms in a friendly hostel with café, kitchen, BBQ area.
Cafe and restaurant on Lord Street, serving breakfast and lunch by day, and fish and steaks by night. One of the few places in town that stays open late.
Small brewery in Port Campbell, named after the former name of the Twelve Apostles. House beer on tap, plus pizza.
Food & Beverages
The selection is limited: a few cafés, pubs, and eateries in Port Campbell, with more in Warrnambool. Try Fish and Chips and local cheese, such as from the Apostle Whey Cheese Farm near Cooriemungle.
Fish and Chips
Fried fish with chips, usually Flake or Barramundi, best at Port Campbell Harbour.
Cheese from the Hinterland
The dairy country behind the coast offers cheese, ice cream, and dairy products you can sample directly on the farms.
History of the Coast
The 19th-century coast was infamous: fog, storms, and inaccurate charts saw many immigrant ships bound for Melbourne wrecked. The most famous was the Loch Ard, which sank in 1878. Only two young people survived. At Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village in Warrnambool, you can learn more and see the Loch Ard porcelain peacock that survived the disaster.The land traditionally belongs to the Eastern Maar. The viewing platform at Gibson Steps now also bears their name in the Eastern Maar language.
Traveling the Shipwreck Coast
Little is possible here without a car. From Melbourne, it's a good four hours to the Twelve Apostles via the coastal road, and just under three inland. V/Line runs buses and trains to Warrnambool and Apollo Bay; interconnections are rare.The Great Ocean Walk ends at the Twelve Apostles. The final stages from Princetown can be done as day hikes.
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