983-983 Travel Guide

Off the Great Ocean Road in Port Campbell National Park, the Twelve Apostles are limestone sea stacks the Southern Ocean has spent millennia carving from the cliffs. Despite the name, fewer than ten stacks remain — the last collapse came in 2005, and the slow erosion continues, which is part of the wonder: you are watching a vanishing sculpture. Timber boardwalks trace the cliff tops, looking down on orange-orange towers standing against blue water and white surf, glorious at sunrise and sunset — Australia's definitive postcard. Nearby, London Bridge, Loch Ard Gorge and Gibson Steps stack up more coastal drama along the road.

Phillip Island lies about two hours southeast of Melbourne, famous for the Penguin Parade. Every sunset, groups of little penguins (the world's smallest penguin) come ashore from the sea, waddling across the sand back to their burrows to feed their chicks; visitors watch this warm natural scene from dedicated stands. The island also has a koala conservation center and the Nobbies, a rocky headland with a seal colony, plus surf beaches and a racetrack. Protecting the penguin ecology and obeying the no-flash rule is the premise of watching the parade.

The Great Ocean Road is a scenic coastal highway stretching about 240 km along the south coast of Victoria, built by veterans returning from World War I to commemorate fallen comrades—itself one of the world's largest war memorials. On one side is the vast Southern Ocean, on the other forests and cliffs; the most famous sight is the Twelve Apostles—limestone pillars standing in the sea, eroded by waves over millions of years, majestic in morning and dusk light. Also the Loch Ard Gorge, the London Arch and other rock seascapes make it Australia's most classic road trip.

Port Campbell National Park is the most spectacular park on Victoria's Great Ocean Road. Protecting the Twelve Apostles, London Arch and Loch Ard Gorge — world-class coastal erosion landforms with magnificent limestone sea stacks, deep canyons and roaring Southern Ocean waves. Twelve Apostles — ~45-50 m limestone sea stacks in the Southern Ocean; about 8 remain. Sunrise turns them golden. London Arch — lost its outer arch in 2005. Loch Ard Gorge — named for an 1878 shipwreck. Free admission. Along the Great Ocean Road. Visiting for the Twelve Apostles and Southern Ocean is the most spectacular Great Ocean Road experience.

London Bridge is a fascinating coastal erosion formation on the Great Ocean Road. Once a double-arched bridge connected to the mainland, the outer arch collapsed in January 1990 — stranding two tourists on the outer section (rescued by helicopter). Now an isolated rock platform in the sea. From the viewpoint, the collapsed bridge is a dramatic sight. A reminder of nature's power. Near the Twelve Apostles; free. Visiting for the dramatic collapsed bridge is an engaging Great Ocean Road experience.

Loch Ard Gorge is one of the Great Ocean Road's most magnificent and moving coastal landscapes. Named after the 1878 shipwreck of the Loch Ard, it features stunning limestone cliffs, a tranquil cove and a poignant maritime story. 72 died; only 2 young survivors. Steps lead to a small beach surrounded by towering limestone cliffs and emerald water. Nearby Island Archway and London Bridge. Free admission along the Great Ocean Road. Visiting for the magnificent gorge and poignant shipwreck story is a moving Great Ocean Road experience.