Port Campbell Victoria - along the Great Ocean Road

Port Campbell is a small village with less than one thousand inhabitants, yet boasts one of the most appealing and adventure laden stretches of Australian coastline. It is located along the Great Ocean Road of Victoria, on the southeastern fringe of the island continent. At one time a sleepy fishing village, it has transformed itself into a haven for tourism and those who want the experience of the spectacular views, wildlife and rock formations offered by the Twelve Apostles, the Bay of Islands, Gibson Steps and Loch Ard Gorge.

The settlement of Port Campbell dates to the late 1800s. Other than tourism, the main industry is crayfishing. Taking care of visitors who come to the area for the Port Campbell National Park and other attractions is enough to nearly double the size of the village during the last five years. Many quality places to find food, drink and lodging are available within a short distance of the community.

The community may be as popular for the variety of food and drink available as for its scenery. You can enjoy local crayfish, strawberries picked fresh, handmade chocolates and that's just the start of the culinary delights. Lime and coconut ice-cream is a dessert pick for many visitors to the area. Local award-winning cheese such as the Apostle Whey Cheese, marinated feta, brie, and washed rind camembert go with a meal or become part of a picnic basket lunch. Vineyards in the area are proud to present Pinot Griggio. You may prefer locally distilled whiskey.

The limestone formations in the area are exceptional. The characteristics of the sedentary rock is somewhat unusual here, as it it softer below the surface so tends to wear away in arches, then columns, relatively quickly. Wave action is responsible for the wear patterns in other areas. The offshore rock patterns are awesome in size and beauty. Boat trips near the Twelve Apostle leave visitors gasping at the sheer immensity of the formations.

A variety of Port Campbell accommodation is available for the casual visitor to the area or for those who want to extend their stay to enjoy all the attractions that the community and surrounding region has to offer. One, two and three bedroom cottages, luxury villa apartments in similar sizes, motels, hostel or bed and breakfast choices give individuals, couples and even larger groups a range of prices and services.

Wildlife viewing is not only popular, the locals make seeing the unusual variety of creatures as easy as possible. There are local wildlife shows, usually scheduled at dusk or dawn for best results. You can get free binoculars from the Visitor's Information Center to make viewing more exciting. In addition to bird watching, marsupial sightings and reptile shows, you can schedule trips to catch sight of whales and other marine animals.

Learning more about the shipwrecks in the waters nearby is a popular attraction for history buffs. There are charter trips where you can get close to major underwater ship graveyards. Divers can explore the waters in and near the wrecks. The Great Ocean Road was built as a war memorial to casualties suffered in World War I. It is rated as the world's largest war memorial. The Historic Shipwreck trail is the location of more than fifty defined wrecks for shipping vessels in the waters.

Water sports, heritage tours, fishing, golf and skate activities are attractions that make the Port Campbell area a choice for all ages and preferences. If you like to shop, you can choose gourmet foods or local artists work. Spectacular scenic stretches combined with market shops and events will satisfy the natural history buffs and those who prefer retail therapy.