Walking
Peterborough is situated on a stretch of some of Australia’s most spectacular and rugged coastline. There are a number of walking tracks in Peterborough as well as in neighbouring towns along the Great Ocean Road, catering to all ages and levels of fitness. These include:Peterborough Foreshore
The car park at the top (southern) end of Irvine St offers views looking east across the wreck sites of the Schomberg (off the spit, on Schomberg rock, 1855), the Young Australian (at the mouth of the Curdies Inlet, 1877) and the Newfield (around the corner, left of the spit in Newfield Bay, 1892). Interpretive signs bring to life the stories of local shipwrecks and the stories surrounding them. Dolphins can often be observed herding salmon in the inshore gutters at the eastern end of the beach and are a good indicator of when fishing conditions are right.
Peterborough - Bay of Martyrs Cliff Top Walk A wonderful cliff top trail that provides access to some spectacular beaches and coves. Follow the walking track from the eastern end of the car park. This short, spectacular walk leads to the site where the "Falls of Halladale" ran aground in 1908 and, further along, into the township of Peterborough. Please stick to formal tracks to access beaches along the trail.
Peterborough - Bay of Islands
Located 4 kms west of Peterborough, the Bay of Islands are definitely a ‘must see’ collection of impressive off-shore stacks. The pale limestone of this section of coast reflects a different quality of light and offers superior photographic opportunity in overcast conditions. The track to the main viewing platform is 280m return with a slight incline. The trails to the western viewing platforms are narrow and not suitable for prams and wheelchairs.
Port Campbell Discovery Walk
Access the walk via steps near the mouth of Campbells Creek, on the beach in front of the Port Campbell Surf Club. Steps and gradients make this trail unsuitable for prams and wheelchairs. The walk traverses cliff top and dense low coastal heath. It offers wildlife viewing opportunities and unobstructed viewing east to Sentinel Rock and the 12 Apostles. Distance is 3.8 kms, allow 1.5 hours for the walk.
Loch Ard Gorge Area
Three easy walks have been developed at Loch Ard Gorge to allow you the chance to discover the areas' natural treasures. Interpretive signs along these walks reveal the fascinating stories about the area's history, geology and natural features. There is a map of the whole precinct viewable from the main car park. Visitors should allow 2 – 3 hours and be aware that there are 3 separate car parks.
Twelve Apostles Walk
Stop and visit the Twelve Apostles Centre before taking the walk to view the amazing Twelve Apostles coastline. Walk the short distance (500m) through the tunnel, under the Great Ocean Road to various lookouts offering expansive, breathtaking views. Dusk and dawn provide the best viewing opportunities with opportunity to view penguins from the cliff top viewing area (about 15 - 20 minutes after sunset). Take a free ranger walk and talk during December and January to find out more about this inspirational seascape.
Muttonbird Island
Muttonbird Island, near Loch Ard Gorge, is an important nesting place for the Muttonbird (Short-tailed Shearwater). These remarkable birds migrate about 30,000 km every year, spending summer in the northern Pacific Ocean and returning the last week of September to nest in various rookeries in Bass Straight. You can watch them fly ashore each evening from October to April, although the best viewing is January to February.
Click here for more information about local walks, including access, duration and degree of difficulty.
We highly recommend a visit to the 12 Apostles Visitor Information Centre, located at 26 Morris Street in Port Campbell (a ten minute drive, east of Peterborough). Not only do they have a comprehensive display of artifacts from the Loch Ard and other local wrecks is on display, they also offer a large selection of trail maps for the Port Campbell National Park and Loch Ard precinct.
