Shipwreck Coast & Loch Ard Gorge
The dramatic climax of the drive — the Twelve Apostles, Gibson Steps, Loch Ard Gorge and its 1878 shipwreck story, London Arch and the Bay of Islands.
Shipwreck Coast & Loch Ard Gorge
The western Great Ocean Road runs along the Shipwreck Coast — a wild, cliff-lined shore where the Southern Ocean has carved the Twelve Apostles, gorges and arches, and wrecked hundreds of ships. Beyond the Apostles, the Gibson Steps drop to the beach, Loch Ard Gorge tells the story of an 1878 shipwreck, and London Arch, the Grotto and the Bay of Islands stretch west. It’s the dramatic climax of the drive.
What to See
Twelve Apostles
The eight limestone stacks off the cliffs — best at sunrise or sunset.
Gibson Steps
A cliff stairway to the beach beneath the stacks (mind tides and conditions).
Loch Ard Gorge
A dramatic gorge and the site of the 1878 Loch Ard wreck — two survived of 54.
London Arch & Bay of Islands
Sea arches and stacks stretching toward Peterborough, plus the Grotto.
Shipwreck Coast Tips
- Give it at least half a day to link the main stops
- Base at Port Campbell for sunrise and sunset at the Apostles
- Use the Gibson Steps for beach-level views (tides permitting)
- Read the Loch Ard story at the gorge — the walks are short and moving
- Access and facilities can change — check current details
Shipwreck Coast — FAQ
What is the Shipwreck Coast?
The rugged stretch of coast around Port Campbell National Park where more than 600 ships are said to have come to grief — home to the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, London Bridge and the Bay of Islands.
What happened at Loch Ard Gorge?
The clipper Loch Ard wrecked here in 1878; only two of the 54 aboard survived. The dramatic gorge, beach and cliff walks tell the story — a short drive from the Twelve Apostles.
What are the main stops on the Shipwreck Coast?
The Twelve Apostles, the Gibson Steps, Loch Ard Gorge, the Razorback, London Bridge (now London Arch), the Grotto and the Bay of Islands toward Peterborough.
How long do you need on the Shipwreck Coast?
At least half a day to link the main stops without rushing; base at Port Campbell to catch them at sunrise and sunset.
What happened to London Bridge?
The outer span of the natural London Bridge arch collapsed in 1990, leaving the offshore stack now known as London Arch — still a striking sight from the clifftop lookout.
The Great Ocean Road, Planned Around You
The Twelve Apostles, the surf coast, the Otway rainforest and the wildlife — with the driving and bookings handled by the family that’s toured Australia since 1974.
Call 0409 661 342 Plan My Trip — Free Enquiry