Port Campbell Bay and Beach
A charming coastal town and beach, Port Campbell is the perfect base for exploring the 12 Apostles and enjoying stunning sunsets.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Warmest for beach activities
Port Campbell Bay and Beach
Best Time
Warmest for beach activities
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming coastal town and beach, Port Campbell is the perfect base for exploring the 12 Apostles and enjoying stunning sunsets.
"Great place to have a small break during your tour on the Great Ocean Road."
🚗 Park with Ease
Ample parking is available near the beach and shops, making it convenient for day visitors. :car:
☀️ Sun Protection is Key
Remember to slip, slop, slap! The sun can be intense, even on cooler days. :sunwithface:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Port Campbell Beach
Port Campbell
A charming, small beach perfect for family fun and a relaxing break with nearby amenities.
Sunset Views
Port Campbell Bay
Witness breathtaking sunsets over the bay, offering a tranquil and picturesque end to your day.
Worm Bay
Off the beaten track near Port Campbell
Discover this hidden gem for a more secluded beach experience, a true off-the-beaten-path adventure.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Strategic Stay for Great Ocean Road
Beach Vibes & Local Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Park with Ease
Ample parking is available near the beach and shops, making it convenient for day visitors. :car:
☀️ Sun Protection is Key
Remember to slip, slop, slap! The sun can be intense, even on cooler days.
🗺️ Explore Hidden Coves
Venture off the main road to find secluded spots like Worm Bay for a unique beach experience.
🌅 Sunset Magic
Stay for the sunset; it's a beautiful and peaceful experience over Port Campbell Bay. :city_sunset:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Park with Ease
Ample parking is available near the beach and shops, making it convenient for day visitors. :car:
☀️ Sun Protection is Key
Remember to slip, slop, slap! The sun can be intense, even on cooler days.
🗺️ Explore Hidden Coves
Venture off the main road to find secluded spots like Worm Bay for a unique beach experience.
🌅 Sunset Magic
Stay for the sunset; it's a beautiful and peaceful experience over Port Campbell Bay. :city_sunset:
☕ Grab a Bite
Numerous cafes and restaurants are nearby for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. :coffee:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Port Campbell is praised as a convenient and peaceful base for exploring the Great Ocean Road's iconic sights, particularly the 12 Apostles. Visitors enjoy the beautiful sunset views over the bay and the town's essential amenities, including cafes and restaurants. While the beach is small, it's considered a pleasant spot for families and a good place for a relaxing break.
"Port Campbell is a great place to stay when you are visiting the viewpoints at the Great Ocean Road. There are many Airbnb’s available for your stay, some even have a nice view on the ocean.
In the area there are also some good restaurants where you can have breakfast, lunch and dinner.
A petrol station and small general store are also around the corner. You can even buy some souvenirs there.
The beach is small, but can be fun especially for kids.
Great place to have a small break during your tour on the Great Ocean Road."
Arunan
"This place is quiet and peaceful. You can enjoy a quiet time with your friends or family and witness a beautiful Sunset. There are multiple cafes and restaurants. Cheers!"
Nachiketa Sinha Roy
"When leaving Port Campbell made a short stop here for a different view of the jetty and town."
Google Lum
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Port Campbell is easily accessible by car via the Great Ocean Road. It's a popular stop between the 12 Apostles and Warrnambool. Many road trip itineraries include it as a key point.
Yes, Port Campbell is highly recommended as a base for exploring the Great Ocean Road, especially for visiting the 12 Apostles. It offers convenient access to attractions and amenities.
Yes, driving from Melbourne to Port Campbell takes approximately 3-4 hours, depending on your route and stops along the Great Ocean Road.
Public transport options are limited. Driving is the most common and convenient way to reach Port Campbell and explore the surrounding areas.
The drive from Port Campbell to the 12 Apostles viewpoints is very short, only about 10-15 minutes east along the Great Ocean Road.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, access to Port Campbell Bay and Beach is free. There are no entry fees for the beach or the town itself.
Port Campbell Beach is accessible at all times. However, for safety, swimming is best during daylight hours, and it's patrolled by surf lifesavers during peak season.
Parking at Port Campbell Beach is generally free, with a large car park available nearby.
While Port Campbell is near the National Park, the beach and town area do not require an entry fee. Fees may apply to specific attractions within the broader Great Ocean Road region.
Yes, accommodation in Port Campbell, including Airbnbs with ocean views, can be booked in advance. It's advisable to book early, especially during holidays.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can relax on the beach, swim (when patrolled), enjoy the sunset, and explore the nearby town's cafes and shops. It's also a great spot for kids to play.
The beach is suitable for swimming, especially when surf lifesavers are on patrol during the summer months.
Yes, there are public toilets and showers conveniently located near the beach.
Afternoons are great for beach activities, while evenings offer stunning sunset views over the bay.
Absolutely! The bay, jetty, and surrounding coastline offer beautiful photographic opportunities, especially during sunrise and sunset.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Port Campbell has several cafes and restaurants offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner options for both locals and tourists.
Given its coastal location, you can expect fresh seafood at many of the local eateries.
Yes, there is a small general store in Port Campbell where you can purchase basic groceries and supplies.
Many of the cafes and restaurants are welcoming to families, and the beach provides a great space for kids to enjoy themselves.
Dining hours typically align with standard cafe and restaurant schedules, with most places open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It's wise to check specific opening times.
📸 📸 Photography
The beach itself, the jetty, and the bay at sunset are prime locations. Don't miss the chance to capture the coastal scenery.
Golden hour, both sunrise and sunset, offers the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for photography.
Drone regulations can vary. Always check local rules and restrictions before flying a drone in national parks or coastal areas.
Exploring dirt tracks can lead to hidden gems like Worm Bay, offering unique and less crowded photo opportunities.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive coastal views, and a telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife spotting. A tripod is essential for sunset shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider staying in Port Campbell to easily access the 12 Apostles and other family-friendly attractions. The relaxed atmosphere of the town and beach provides a welcome respite. Remember to pack plenty of sunscreen and hats, as the Australian sun can be strong.
🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers
Many itineraries include it as a key stop for lunch or a sunset viewing. For day-trippers, Port Campbell provides a good opportunity to experience a charming coastal town and its beach. You can easily combine a visit here with stops at the nearby viewpoints. If you're on a tighter schedule, consider it a scenic lunch stop or a prime location for sunset photos before continuing your journey.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Bring your wide-angle lens for sweeping ocean vistas and a tripod for those magical low-light conditions.
The dramatic cliffs and rock formations of the nearby Great Ocean Road are also easily accessible from Port Campbell, making it a strategic base for photographers looking to capture the region's iconic scenery. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Port Campbell's Coastal Charm
Beyond the main beach, the area around Port Campbell is ripe for exploration. Many travelers recommend taking detours off the main road to discover hidden gems. One such spot, highlighted on social media, is Worm Bay, described as a more secluded and adventurous beach experience found by taking a random turn onto a dirt track.
This highlights the potential for discovering your own slice of paradise away from the crowds, a common theme for those exploring the Great Ocean Road. For those planning their Great Ocean Road journey, Port Campbell is often cited as an ideal place to stay. Its strategic location makes it perfect for visiting the iconic 12 Apostles and other nearby natural wonders. The town offers a range of accommodation, including Airbnbs with ocean views, and booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak travel times.
Capturing the Magic: Photography at Port Campbell
The true photographic magic often happens during the golden hours. Sunsets over Port Campbell Bay are frequently mentioned as a highlight, offering a tranquil and visually stunning experience.
Beyond the well-trodden paths, adventurous travelers have discovered hidden spots like Worm Bay, which can offer unique and less crowded photographic perspectives. Remember to always be mindful of local regulations, especially if considering drone photography. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit