Things to do in Port Campbell
Here at Walk91, we create unforgettable self-guided journeys along the Great Ocean Walk, where we handle your accommodation, itinerary, and transport your luggage each day. We love our beautiful section of Victoria’s coastline, but we also appreciate other areas too. If you’re planning a coastal trip along Victoria, we want to help you have the best time possible, and this is why we’ve written this short guide to Port Campbell. This gorgeous little port town has a lot to offer and we hope you’ll make the most out of your next visit. If anything we say here inspires you to head out on an epic walk the next time you visit Port Campbell, please check out our Great Ocean Walk packages.
A Little Introduction to Port Campbell
Port Campbell is a picturesque little village in Victoria that was established in the mid-to-late 1800s. The village might be overlooked by some as they drive by, but there is plenty to see and do here. There are local bakeries, art galleries, a range of local shops to explore, and one of the nicest beaches you’ll ever see. We’ll go into some of the best things to do in Port Campbell, but we need to mention the most popular attraction first of all: its proximity to the 12 Apostles!
The 12 Apostles
This collection of limestone stacks off the Victoria coast is an extremely popular attraction for visitors and locals alike. Many visit as it is part of the Great Ocean Road — perhaps the most iconic drive in Australia. Others visit because it is part of the Great Ocean Walk — a different experience that is comprised entirely of walking paths along this rugged shipwreck coast. Lastly, many visit the 12 Apostles all on their own, simply because this epic natural spectacle can really take your breath away.
Our 3-day 12 Apostles Great Ocean Walk Tour is designed to cover the second half of the walk, finishing off with a real bang as you look out at the 12 Apostles. Alternatively, many of our complete tours, such as our nicely paced 6-day Complete Great Ocean Walk, finish up at the 12 Apostles. We want you to feel a tremendous sense of accomplishment as your finish your walking holiday, and nothing has quite as much gravitas as the 12 Apostles. If you’re in Port Campbell and you’re looking for something to do, we highly recommend the 12 Apostles!
Going Fishing at Port Campbell
If you love nothing better than a relaxing fishing trip, then Port Campbell might be the perfect spot for you. You can fish in numerous locations, including special permitted spots on Gibson Steps Beach and Princetown Beach. But the best place to fish, in our humble opinion, is simply on Port Campbell’s jetty. You have the bait shop nearby and you can look forward to catching Australian salmon, squid, and trevally. Scattered throughout various other fishing locations nearby, you can look forward to catching gummy sharks, brown trout, rainbow trout, Atlantic salmon, and Australian bass — to name a few of the highlights.
Chill on Port Campbell Beach
Port Campbell Beach offers soft white sand and turquoise waters, and yet it’s right in the heart of the village, making it easy to get to from central accommodation as easy to head into town for a bite to eat. This is a small but charming beach that is the perfect spot for families looking to take a little paddle in the water or build a sandcastle or two.
Explore Loch and Gorge
Just a short drive from Port Campbell, you’ll find Loch and Gorge. This inlet offers some of the most Instagrammable views in Victoria. The golden rocks of the gorge overlook the little beach, making it feel protected and secret. The shallow green waters quietly lap the beach, yet because you’re so ensconced by the cliffs, most of the other noises nearby are diminished. The result is one of the most tranquil places you’ll ever visit.
Climb Port Campbell’s Scenic Lookout
The scenic lookout in Port Campbell is well worth climbing the steps for. This climb is near the beach and it offers views of the town, the beach, and the surrounding seaside. The panoramic views from the lookout are guaranteed to impress even the most jaded of travellers!
Surf on Shelly Beach
While Port Campbell Beach is lovely, it’s no good for surfing. For that, you’ll need to travel just a short distance west until you find Shelly Beach. Despite the name, this beach isn’t very shelly at all; its soft white sand is perfect for sunbathers and its heavy swell is ideal for surfers, but only those who are already confident. This surf isn’t mucking around, so we only recommend experienced surfers give it a go!
That’s all we have time for today’s guide. However, we have admittedly only covered a few of the great things to do in Port Campbell. We hope we’ve convinced a few people who were sitting on the fence to get off that silly old fence and start planning a trip to Port Campbell, the 12 Apostles, and perhaps even one of our Great Ocean Walks! If you have any questions for us, please get in touch.