Welcome to the 12 Apostles Region -...

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Welcome to the 12 Apostles Region

Port Campbell Camperdown Peterborough Princetown Timboon Cobden 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)

12 apostles How many Apostles?

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.

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.

Top Tip! Viewing and photography 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

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.


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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.

Those who travel a little further are always

rewarded. The pale limestone of the Bay of

Islands reflects a different quality of light and

offers superior photographic opportunity

in overcast conditions! Stop at the Bay of

Martyrs on your way for a different, but equally

impressive, perspective and enjoy a walk along

the sand as part of the experience. You might

even put those first footprints on the beach!

London Bridge is the most celebrated formation

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.

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.

Loch Ard Gorge 8km East of Port Campbell London Bridge7km West of Port Campbell

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.

Top Tip!

There is no drinking water or toilet facilities at Loch Ard Gorge. Allow 2-3 hours to fully explore

The Arch6km West of Port Campbell

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!

The Grotto9km West of Port Campbell

Bay of Islands18km West of Port Campbell

PETERBOROUGH

PORT CAMPBELL TO SIMPSONTO TIMBOON

PRINCETOWNBAY OF MARTYRS

BAY OF ISLANDS

LONDON BRIDGELOCH ARD GORGE

12 APOSTLES

12 APOSTLES

GIBSON’S STEPS

THE GROTTO

THE ARCHP


Port CampbellCrayfish, café’s, jetty and bay

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.

PrincetownWetlands, wildlife, boardwalk and birds

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

TimboonTall trees, fine food, whisky and walks

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

CobdenFarmland, 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

CamperdownLakes, gardens, hills and heritage

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

TerangDry 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

our towns

LismoreDerrinallum

Camperdown

Cobden

Terang

Noorat

SimpsonTimboon

Port Campbell

Princetown

Skipton


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

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.

PrincetownGourmet 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, ice-cream, 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.

fresh gourmet produce

highlightsLake 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 CamperdownDrive 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.

volcanic lakes and craters


O P E N A L L Y E A R

Apostle Whey Cheese10am - 5pm Daily

G.O.R.G.E Chocolates10am - 5pm daily

Timboon Fine Ice Cream10am - 5pm daily

Timboon Railway Shed Distillery10am - 5pm daily

Mouse Trap CafeHome of L’artisan Cheese and Schulz Organic10am - 4pm daily

S E A S O N A L O P E N I N G S

Berry World November to AprilTuesday to Sunday 10am -4pm

Newton’s Ridge WinerySeptember to April:Thursday to Monday11am - 4pmJanuary:11am - 4pm daily

Port Campbell

12 ApostlesLoch Ard Gorge

London Bridge

Simpson

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Timboon

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.

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.

12 Apostles Visitor Information Centre - Port Campbell1300 137 255www.visit12apostles.com.au

Total distance of route, approx.

70km. Travel time, taking in all

producers stops, about 4 hours.

www.12apostlesfoodartisans.com/ www.facebook.com/12apostlesfoodartisans twitter.com/12ApostlesFoods #12asfoodies

Gourmet1 2 Apos t l e s

T ra i l

Berry World

GORGE Chocolates

The Mouse Trap CafeL'Artisan Cheese &

Schulz Organic

Newtons Ridge WineryTimboon Fine Ice Cream

Timboon Railway Shed Distillery

Apostle Whey Cheese

V I C T O R I A

12 ApostlesMelbourne

A U S T R A L I AA U S T R A L I A


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.

Some other things and plac-

es you can go

wildlife see and do

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

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 ChartersSpectacular 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

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.

Otway Fly

Victoria’s premier eco-tourism attraction: Rainforest canopy walk, zipline tours and café.1hr east of Port Campbell 1800 300 477www.otwayfly.com


Types of Accommodation Motels: Motels Vary in size from 5 - 30 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

Hostels and Backpackers: Generally have a selection of private rooms and dormitory rooms. Many facilities including bathrooms are shared with other guests

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.

Accommodation TipsParking: All accommodation businesses 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.

Running Hot Water: All of our accommodations and camping parks will have hot running water.

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.

accommodation

dont kill anyone or hurt yourself or our nat park

travel safely and responsibly

Environment 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.”

Rubbish

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.

Smoking

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.

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.

• Avoid alcohol.

• 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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Top Tip! 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!

MelbourneBallarat

Princetown

12 Apostles

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.

the journeyDrive 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

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