Welcome to the
12 Apostles Region
Port Campbell Camperdown
Timboon Cobden
Peterborough Princetown
Terang Skipton
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Welcome to the 12 Apostles
Region
A friend from afar is a fine thing indeed
We admire your courage and sense
of adventure travelling to a destination
where there are not many Chinese
speakers. There are many things that
can be said without words and we
would like you to know that a smile,
a raised hand and a greeting means
many things.
It means that as a community and
as a destination we would like you to
know that you are welcome, we hope
you have a wonderful stay and we
will try our best to make your visit a
memorable one.
The 30km stretch of the Great
Ocean Road between Princetown,
Port Campbell and Peterborough
include some of the most famous
and spectacular coastal scenery on
the Great Ocean Road. In fact this
stretch of coast is one of the most
photographed and loved sections of
coast in Australia. We invite you to
share this coastline with us.
Visitor Information Centres
Look for the blue and yellow 'i' symbol
to direct you to your nearest Visitor
Information Centre where you can pick
up free maps, tips and detailed advice
on how to make the most of your stay.
Port Campbell Visitor Information
Centre is open 7 days from 9am 5pm.
Camperdown Court House Information
and Arts Centre is open from 9am 3pm (closed Tuesdays)
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12 apostles
Where and what are the 12
Apostles?
The 12 Apostles are the temporary
remnants of a retreating limestone
coastline. The limestone was formed 10 –
25 million years ago but the shaping of the
scenery you are witnessing is recent and
dynamic. Sea level rises 10 000 years ago
have exposed the soft limestone of this
coastline to the combined erosive might
of wave, wind and rain driven from the
Southern Ocean.
The car park for the 12 Apostles is on
the north side of the Great Ocean Road
between Princetown and Port Campbell.
The path to the cliff top viewing area takes
you underneath the road and is accessible
even when the kiosk is closed.
How many Apostles?
Top Tip! Viewing and photography
At the time of writing there are 9 sea
stacks visible from the two viewing areas;
7 looking east and 2 looking west. One
stack collapsed in 2005 but there have
never been 12 visible from this viewing
area. Historically the stacks were viewed
by horseback, horse drawn cart and on
foot from a cliff-top trail that connected
Port Campbell to Guesthouses in
Princetown.
are most spectacular in the first 3 hours
after dawn and in the 2 hours leading
up to dusk. This is your reward for
staying close to the 12 Apostles! Please
remember that sunrise and sunset times
can vary greatly across the year
A 1km trail leaving from the 12 Apostles
kiosk will take you 1km further east to
Gibson Steps. If tide and ocean conditions
permit you can get down to beach level
and leave footprints in the sand near the
base of the 2 eastern limestone giants.
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TO TIMBOON
BAY OF ISLANDS
TO SIMPSON
PORT CAMPBELL
PETERBOROUGH
THE ARCH
BAY OF MARTYRS
THE GROTTO
LONDON BRIDGE
P
LOCH ARD GORGE
12 APOSTLES
12 APOSTLES
PRINCETOWN
GIBSON’S STEPS
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The Arch
London Bridge
Visit The Arch in the afternoon and the
formation is bathed in a warm golden light.
The walkway descends down and offers
an unusual perspective back towards the
famous 12 Apostles. The formation may
look smaller than the 12 Apostles, but do
not be fooled by comparison! The Arch
is wide enough that a helicopter could
technically fly through it!
London Bridge is the most celebrated formation
6km West of Port Campbell
7km West of Port Campbell
on the western side of the national park. London
Bridge used to be connected to the mainland
and people enjoyed walking across it to picnic.
In 1990 the bridge collapsed leaving 2 people
stranded on the new island! Take heed from
this unlucky tale and please stick to designated
pathways and behind fences and barriers when
exploring.
The Grotto
Bay of Islands
Many a visitor holds a special memory of
their visit to The Grotto. Steps lead you
down into the heart of the formation where
you can gaze through the cave to the open
ocean. Spray from waves can cast a fine
mist over the low viewing area. Sunshine
does the rest filling the air with rainbow
delights.
Those who travel a little further are always
9km West of Port Campbell
18km West of Port Campbell
rewarded. The pale limestone of the Bay of
Islands reflects a different quality of light and
offers superior photographic opportunity
Loch Ard Gorge 8km East of Port Campbell
Loch Ard Gorge is often described by our
visitors as Australia's most spectacular
beach. It is also the site of one of
Australia's most famous shipwrecks.
Located just 8km from Port Campbell
you will feel very lucky to arrive here and
be surrounded by some of the most
impressive coastal scenery on the planet.
explore...
Loch Ard Gorge is home to 5km of trails, 3
car parks and 11 main viewing platforms.
Some of the most famous photographs
of the Great Ocean Road are taken of the
Loch Ard Gorge Beach and it presents
a perfect opportunity to take your own.
Descend the 70 steps into the deeply
carved gorge and be rewarded with an
awesome view.
Departing from the main carpark to the
east is the geology trail which leads to the
Razorback via the Island Arch. At the time
of writing, the connecting bridge between
the two Island Arch rock stacks was the
last formation to collapse. Trail maps can
be collected free of charge from the Port
Campbell Visitor Information Centre.
in overcast conditions! Stop at the Bay of
Top tip!
Martyrs on your way for a different, but equally
There is no drinking water or toilet
facilities at Loch Ard Gorge. Allow 2-3
hours to fully explore
impressive, perspective and enjoy a walk along
the sand as part of the experience. You might
even put those first footprints on the beach!
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Skipton
Camperdown
Lakes, gardens, hills and heritage
Derrinallum
Lismore
Noorat
Camperdown
Terang
Cobden
Timboon
our towns
Port Campbell
Princetown
Port Campbell
Princetown
Timboon
Crayfish, café’s, jetty and bay
Wetlands, wildlife, boardwalk and
birds
Tall trees, fine food, whisky and walks
Port Campbell is the largest town
and accommodation centre in Port
Campbell National Park. An ideal spot
to refresh and recharge after a day of
exploring.
Set around a lucky horseshoe shaped
bay, Port Campbell is a perfect place
to put your feet in the ocean and feel
the sand between your toes. In the
town, a selection of eateries will be on
your doorstep.
The tiny village of Princetown
(Population 22) is virtually an island
surrounded by wetland and the lazy
course of the Gellibrand River. Wild
Kangaroos can often be sighted
from the viewing platform in the
township (look directly across the river)
particularly in the early morning and
late afternoon.
18km E of Port Campbell.
Peterborough
Seaside golf, rock pools, fishing and
beaches
Nestled between National Park and
the wide estuarine flats of the Curdies
River you will love the beautiful seaside
hamlet of Peterborough.
11km west of Port Campbell
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Simpson
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Tall eucalypts crown the wooded
valley of Timboon; home to gourmet
produce, a whisky distillery and a
delightful rail trail to walk and cycle off
a scrumptious lunch.
Enjoy picking sweet and tasty
strawberries straight from the plant
between November and April, or try
your luck at spotting the local koalas in
the trees around the township!
17km NW of Port Campbell
Camperdown is the largest town in our
local government area and services an area with many dairy, beef and sheep
farms. A picturesque avenue of elm
trees, fantastic botanical gardens and
well preserved architecture is legacy
from wealthy sheep graziers that
farmed huge properties in the 1800’s.
As well as being an important regional
centre, Camperdown is at the heart of
our volcanic lakes and craters district.
Don’t miss the views from the top of
Mt Leura, the Botanic Gardens and
Lake Bullen Merri on the southern
outskirts of the township.
53km N of Port Campbell
Cobden
Farmland, cows, rail trail and golf
Cobden has cows! In fact Cobden is
at the centre of the most productive
dairy farming region in the whole
of Australia and the third largest
township in our area. Check out the
friendly ducks in Cobden’s lake.
32km N of Port Campbell
Terang
Dry Stone Walls, historic trees,
racecourse and dairy
Terang has heritage listed historic
trees and a wide central avenue with
rose gardens and historic buildings.
Terang is our local government
area’s second largest town and is a
commercial centre for the surrounding
dairy farming district.
53km NW of Port Campbell
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volcanic lakes
and craters
Follow routes north from the coast to
explore the wide open spaces of our
sublime volcanic landscapes. Get your
camera at the ready for spectacular
views over a tapestry of rolling green hills
punctuated by deep blue crater lakes.
Staying in one of our charming inland
towns brings its own rewards; with no
light pollution, the uninterrupted views of
the clear starlit sky are exceptional and
unforgettable!
Top Tip!
If Ballarat is your next stop, you will be
driving through this impressive landscape.
Enjoy a stop in the towns of Skipton,
Lismore or Derrinallum to get an insight
into real rural Australia.
highlights
fresh gourmet
produce
Princetown
Lake Bullen Merri/ South Beach 2km
South of Camperdown
Put your feet in this crystal clear
volcanic lake on black volcanic sands! A
spectacular picnic area with BBQs.
Mount Leura Camperdown
Drive to the peak of this dormant volcano
and be greeted by 360 degree views
across the vast open and natural Australian
landscape.
Mount Elephant 1km West of Derrinallum
This perfect breached scoria cone last
erupted between 5,000 and 20,000 years
ago! On the 1st Sunday of the month you
can climb to the top. Other times it can be
seen from 60km all all directions!
Lake Tooliorook 5km South of Lismore (on
gravel road)
Standing on the lake edge, you will be
greeted by a wide variety of native birdlife
and a spectacular perspective of Mount
Elephant appearing to rise out of the calm
waters.
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Since the 1840s Chinese cuisine has
found a way into the hearts and homes of
Australians. Chinese inspired menu items
can be found in even the smallest country
towns.
Waves Restaurant
29 Lord Street, Port Campbell, 3269 +61
(3) 5598 6111
Timboon Railway Shed Distillery
Bailey Street, Timboon, 3268
+61 (3) 5598 3555
Gourmet Produce
Our local government area, Corangamite
Shire, is the most intensive dairy producing
area in Australia! Our fresh milk and dairy
products are exported around the world.
Make sure you try some of our locally
produced flavours whilst you area here;
including chocolate, strawberries, icecream, whiskey, wine and cheese. Our
seafood speciality is Southern Rock
Lobster, locally known as crayfish. The
fishing fleet brings them directly into Port
Campbell and you can find it on the menus
of local restaurants and in local stores. Our
Visitor Information Centre team can help
you locate the tastiest treats!
Shopping and Cooking
We have a small supermarket in Port
Campbell and larger ones in Timboon,
Cobden, Terang and Camperdown.
Be prepared that restaurants do tend
to finish service after 8pm and coastal
supermarkets can close as early as
6:30pm in the winter.
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12 Ap os tle s
The 12 Apostle Food
Artisans all work
seasonally within their
businesses, we advise you
to contact them directly
regarding their opening
times and factory door sale
opportunities. Most will be
open for visitors during
peak Holiday periods.
www.12apostlesfoodartisans.com/
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AD
RO
CO
OA
COLAC R
Apostle Whey Cheese
10am - 5pm Daily
Simpson
D
BO
G.O.R.G.E Chocolates
10am - 5pm daily
Timboon
Newtons Ridge Winery
The Mouse Trap Cafe
Apostle Whey Cheese
PORT C
AM
L'Artisan Cheese &
Schulz Organic
Timboon Fine Ice Cream
10am - 5pm daily
LE ROAD
PBELL RO
AD
COORIEMUNG
OA
CENT R E R
D
AN
RO
AD
TOWN RO
A
T O
CE
PRINCE
London Bridge
GREA
Loch Ard Gorge
12 Apostles
A U S T R A L I A
V I C T O R I A
Melbourne
12 Apostles
www.facebook.com/12apostlesfoodartisans
Timboon Railway Shed Distillery
10am - 5pm daily
Mouse Trap Cafe
Home of L’artisan Cheese
and Schulz Organic
10am - 4pm daily
D
GORGE Chocolates
Port Campbell
Total distance of
route, approx.
70km. Travel time,
taking in all
producers stops,
about 4 hours.
EN
T
Timboon Fine Ice Cream
Gourmet cheese makers,
single malt whisky, fresh
local crayfish, rich Timboon
Ice Cream, chocolate, wine
and strawberries. Take our
gourmet food trail and visit
them on site or look for
them on the menus and
wine lists of our local
dining establishments.
D
ON
Timboon Railway Shed Distillery
B
Berry World
IM
GourmTrailet
OPEN ALL YEAR
12 Apostles Visitor Information
Centre - Port Campbell
1300 137 255
www.visit12apostles.com.au
twitter.com/12ApostlesFoods
SEASONAL OPENINGS
Berry World
November to April
Tuesday to Sunday
10am -4pm
Newton’s Ridge Winery
September to April:
Thursday to Monday
11am - 4pm
January:
11am - 4pm daily
#12asfoodies
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Some other
things and places you can go
see and do
wildlife
Our region is a welcome and beautiful
haven for native wildlife.
Kangaroos can often be sighted from
the Princetown viewing platform in
the early morning and late afternoon.
Remember to drive carefully during
these times as our cheeky kangaroos
do not always respect the road rules!
Stay around after sunset at 12
Apostles or London Bridge viewing
platforms and watch Little Penguins
wander up the beach below you!
Improve the view with free binocular
rental and get tips on seasonal wildlife
viewing opportunities from the Port
Campbell Visitor Information Centre.
Top tip!
We are only a short journey from the misty
glens and powerful waterfalls of the
Otway Rainforest! Be prepared to taste the
unadulterated freshness in the air as you
explore! Pictured here is Melba Gully, only
47km from Port Campbell
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Koalas are regular visitors to the eucalypt
trees around Timboon. Keep looking for
our furry friends on the road to the Cape
Otway Lightstation where they are in high
numbers!
Wide open paddocks surround our
towns and our landscapes would not be
complete without the wide variety of cows
and sheep that fill them. Please park
safely, completely off the road, if stopping
to take photographs of our farm animals.
Alternatively, stop off at Apostle Whey
Cheese at 3:45pm where the cow milking
is open to the public!
Get a little closer at the Great Ocean
Road Wildlife Park, Princetown. Feed the
kangaroos, pat a friendly emu and relax in
their cafe. 9am to sundown. +61 (3) 5237
5262 www.greatoceanroadwildlifepark.
com, 25 minutes east of Port Campbell.
12 Apostles Helicopters
Experience an unrivalled bird’s eye view of
the most spectacular coastal scenery in
Australia in 5 star comfort and safety.
10 minutes east of Port Campbell.
+61 (3) 5598 8283
www.12ah.com
Port Campbell Boat Charters
Top tip!
Bargaining for goods and services
is generally not a part of Australian
culture; prices are fixed to provide
good value for all customers. Any
discounts that are offered should be
considered a welcome bonus.
Spectacular scenic boat trips and fishing
charters; departures are dependent on
weather conditions
Port Campbell
+61 (0) 428 986 366
Cape Otway Lightstation
Café, tours, accommodation and events.
Experience mainland Australia’s oldest
surviving lighthouse. 1.25 hrs east of
Port Campbell. +61 (3) 5237 9240 www.
lightstation.com
Otway Fly
Victoria’s premier eco-tourism
attraction: Rainforest canopy walk,
zipline tours and café.
1hr east of Port Campbell
1800 300 477
www.otwayfly.com
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dont kill anyone
or hurt yourself
or our nat park
travel safely
and responsibly
accommodation
Types of Accommodation
Accommodation Tips
Environment
Motels: Motels Vary in size from 5 - 30
Parking: All accommodation businesses
rooms. All rooms will have a private
bathroom. Not all rooms will have cooking
facilities but there will be provision for you
to make tea and a small fridge provided
offer free parking . In our local government
area of Corangamite we are proud of the
fact we have no traffic lights and no fees
for parking.
Port Campbell National Park has a unique
and sensitive ecology that contains many
threatened and rare species. Please, “Take
nothing but photographs and leave nothing
behind but footprints.”
Hostels and Backpackers: Generally
Running Hot Water: All of our
Rubbish
have a selection of private rooms and
dormitory rooms. Many facilities including
bathrooms are shared with other guests
accommodations and camping parks will
have hot running water.
Self - Contained Cottages and
Apartments: All rooms have private
bathrooms and cooking facilities
Bed and Breakfast: You are generally
sharing a house with the host. All rooms
will have a private bathroom, breakfast is
often served in a common dining area.
Holiday Parks: Are spaces where
campervans and tents pay a fee to set up
for the evening. Generally there will be a
choice of a site with or without power as
well as options of self contained cabins. To
have beds made up with linen may incur
an extra fee.
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Check In and Check Out: Check in
times are generally 14 00 for check in and
10 00 for check out
How should I leave my room?
Many of our accommodation
owners are also the cleaners. A tidy
room is usually a way of saying you
enjoyed your stay. Plates, cutlery
and saucepans should be washed
dried and put away in self-contained
accommodation before leaving.
WiFi: Many of our accommodation
providers have WiFi included in their room
rate. If not, the Port Campbell Visitor
Information Centre offers free WiFi to
visitors and can provide details of the free
WiFi hotspots throughout our area.
Please put plastic, cans, glass and
paper in these bins for recycling. Bins
are generally not provided in our National
Parks. It is a good idea for you to travel
with a plastic bag in the car and dispose of
rubbish at bins in our townships or at your
accommodation.
road safety
• Keep left at all times.
• Wear seatbelts and ensure your
children have their own seat and legal
child restraints.
• Do not overtake across solid
line markings. This is illegal and
dangerous.
• Use slow vehicle turnouts to allow
other cars to pass you.
• Exit roundabouts and park safely
off the road before using maps or
navigation devices.
Smoking
• Avoid alcohol.
Smoking is prohibited indoors in
most buildings in Australia; including
accommodation and restaurants. Smoking
is also prohibited in playgrounds and on
beaches. Please extinguish cigarettes
carefully to reduce fire risk. You can pick
up a free portable ashtray from the Visitor
Information Centre to help you dispose
of cigarette butts safely and responsibly
outdoors.
• Drive at a safe and legal speed.
• Watch for animals around sunrise
and sunset.
• Take regular rest breaks.
• In Australia you must park in the
same direction of traffic flow.
• Safely park off the road before
exiting the car.
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the journey
The Great Ocean Road is one of the
world’s most spectacular drives. Cliff
hugging curves, emerald rainforest,
fresh local produce and charming
seaside villages await your discovery
on route to the spectacular limestone
formations of Port Campbell National
Park.
This is a drive that requires respect
and careful planning. Please do not
rely on electronic navigation devices as
GPS units are not effective or accurate
in our area. Far too many cars arrive
in the 12 Apostles region after sunset
and miss the 12 Apostles, the trails, the lookouts and the local eateries. Please browse the drive times here to plan your trip.
Drive Time without Stopping
Melbourne - 12 Apostles
B100/Great Ocean Road - 4 hr 15min
A1/Princes Hwy (inland) - 3 hr 15min
12 Apostles to Port Campbell - 10min
Allow more time in summer traffic.
B100/Great Ocean Road Sections
Melbourne - Torquay - 1hr 30min
Torquay - Lorne - 1hr
Lorne - Apollo Bay - 45 min
Apollo Bay - 12 Apostles - 1hr
12 Apostles - Port Campbell - 10min
Port Campbell - Peterborough - 10min
Peterborough - Warrnambool - 50min
Warrnambool - Port Fairy - 30min
Top tip!
Ballarat
Melbourne
Princetown
12 Apostles
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The route from Port Campbell to Melbourne via Ballarat is only 20 minutes
longer than the quickest route via the A1/
Princes Hwy! This is a Golden Opportunity
to explore the volcanic lakes, peaks and
rural landscapes between the coast and
Ballarat!