Things to do in Princetown
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Top 10 attractions in Princetown
Great Ocean Road
The Great Ocean Road is one of Australia's most famous coastal drives, located in Victoria and stretching approximately 243 kilometers. It features numerous breathtaking natural attractions, the most famous being the Twelve Apostles, a collection of limestone stacks rising majestically from the Southern Ocean. The Great Ocean Road is not only a scenic drive but also an excellent way to experience the natural beauty of Australia's southern coastline.Lavers Hill · 20.5 km from Princetown
Twelve Apostles
Twelve Apostles stand in Australia inthe Great Ocean Road-adjacent Port Campbell National Park (Parks Victoria), and are the product of the Southern Ocean's waves and strong winds eroding limestone cliffs over tens of millions of years. Seawater carved caves into the cliff face, the caves widened into arches, and when the arches collapsed, they formed isolated stacks that broke away from the coast, some reaching approx. 45 m in height. These stacks were named Twelve Apostles in the 1950s—although only nine remained at the time. The name comes from Jesus' twelve apostles in the Bible, but there were never actually twelve stacks. The waves erode the limestone at approx. 2 cm per year. Stacks collapsed under wave erosion in 2005 and 2009, and this geological process is ongoing. Wooden boardwalk viewing platforms run along the cliff, allowing visitors to walk out and overlook the stacks and the vast expanse of the Southern Ocean. At sunset, the setting sun turns the stacks golden, making it one of the classic scenes along theGreat Ocean Road.Princetown · 5.4 km from downtown
Port Campbell National Park (Parks Victoria)
Port Campbell National Park (Parks Victoria) is at the heart of the Shipwreck Coast. The park is named after Captain Alexander Campbell, who was active in this area in the 19th century. Steep limestone cliffs stretch along the coastline, where waves and wind have continuously eroded the soft rock layers for millions of years, leaving behind dense and spectacular coastal landforms such as sea stacks, arches, gorges, and sea caves. Twelve Apostles is the park's iconic landmark—a group of limestone stacks rising from the sea, displaying layered colors of golden yellow and gray-white under the sunrise and sunset. Not far away, Loch Ard Gorge is named after the 1878 shipwreck of the "Loch Ard," with towering gorge walls enclosing a hidden beach. To the west,London Archwas originally a double-arched stone bridge connected to the land, but later became an arch standing independently in the sea after the inner arch collapsed. Gibson Steps allow you to descend from the top of the cliff to the beach to admire the scale of the rock stacks from up close. The Grotto is a sea cave at the western end of the park; after the cave roof collapsed, it formed a natural skylight, with sunlight spilling into the water inside the cave.Princetown · 5.5 km from downtown
Loch Ard Gorge
Loch Ard Gorge, also known as the Loch Ard Gorge, is located within Port Campbell National Park along Australia's Great Ocean Road. Adjacent to the Twelve Apostles, it is a stop on the Shipwreck Coast with a particularly poignant story. The gorge is named after a shipwreck in 1878: that year, a British immigrant ship named the "Loch Ard" struck a reef near the shore while en route to Melbourne. More than 50 people on board perished, and only two teenagers—ship apprentice Tom Pearce and Irish immigrant Eva Carmichael—survived, escaping to safety by using the waters within this gorge. Today, a small cemetery for the victims remains on the cliff top, burying the few victims who were recovered, while most remain forever in the depths of the sea. This cliff area is connected by several walking trails: along the geological trail, you can walk to the blade-like Razorback rock formation, and you can also see the former Island Arch sea arch—after it collapsed in 2009, only two independent rock pillars remained, which are now officially named Tom and Eva, fittingly echoing the two survivors from that year. Continuing forward, the roaring waves of Thunder Cave and the Blowhole, where seawater surges up from the cave when the waves are high, are also worth a stop. You can reach the beach at the bottom of the gorge by following the stairs; even if you don't go down to the beach, standing on the viewing platform to overlook the crescent-shaped beach at the bottom of the valley, the ochre cliffs on both sides, and the crashing waves of the Southern Ocean, the view is equally expansive and spectacular.Port Campbell · 8.9 km from Princetown
Gibson Steps
Located in Victoria, Gibson Steps is a cliff walk along the coastline of the Great Ocean Road. The steps lead down to the beach, between the bottom of the eroded cliffs and the surging waves. Surrounded by many famous attractions, the local landowner Hugh Gibson in the 19th century artificially excavated the cliff. After walking down the 86 steps arranged in a zigzag pattern, you can reach Gibson Beach (Gibson Beach). The waves on the beach are very large and are not suitable for swimming. You can take a walk and watch seagulls. The biggest advantage is that you can see two huge rocks in the Twelve Apostles from here.Princetown · 4.5 km from downtown
London Bridge
London Bridge is located in Port Campbell on the Great Ocean Road. It is a beautiful coastal landscape formed by the force of nature. It used to be a promontory connecting the sea and the land. Due to the erosion and erosion of the waves, two round holes are formed, which just form a double arch, so Named "London Bridge".Peterborough · 20.9 km from Princetown
The Razorback
Port Campbell · 8.5 km from Princetown
Penguin Parade
The penguin parade is located at Summerland Beach on the southwestern tip of Phillip Island, serving as the signature attraction of Phillip Island Nature Park. It occurs daily around sunset: groups of little blue penguins return ashore on the waves after a day of foraging at sea, first gathering in shallow waters and peering around before waddling across the beach along fixed routes to their dune burrows. Spectators can observe this natural "mini parade" up close from viewing stands and boardwalks, often with penguins passing just steps away. The island is home to tens of thousands of little blue penguins. With blue feathers on their backs and snow-white bellies, they stand just over 30 cm tall and weigh approx. one kg when fully grown. Their round bodies and waddling gait make them utterly endearing. They spend their days foraging at sea and return to their nests in groups after dusk, following nearly identical round-trip routes between the ocean and their burrows generation after generation. On-site, you can hear their overlapping calls. There are a few points to note when observing: The eyes of little penguins are highly sensitive to light, so cameras or video recorders are not allowed on site, and quiet waiting is necessary to avoid disturbing them; after sunset, the seaside becomes windy and chilly, so even in summer, it is recommended to bring warm outerwear and arrive early to wait for the penguins to come ashore. This spectacle occurs year-round, with the southern hemisphere's spring and summer seasons (approximately August to February each year) coinciding with the breeding season, when penguin shore arrivals and nest activity become more frequent, typically creating livelier scenes. △ The little penguins leave the island to forage at sea during the day and return to their coastal nests in groups to rest at night. △ These little penguins are the smallest in the world, not only tiny in size but also very timid. Please avoid using flash to prevent irritating their eyes. △ The Penguin Parade can be observed year-round, with warmer weather from September to January coinciding with the breeding season, when penguin activity becomes more frequent, making it an ideal time for viewing.Australia · Summerlands
Thunder Cave
Port Campbell · 9.7 km from Princetown
Carlton Gardens
Carlton Gardens covers an area of approx. 26 hectares and was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2004, together with the Royal Exhibition Building located within the gardens. The garden maintains a Victorian-style landscape, with open lawns and avenues lined with plane trees complementing each other. Multiple tree-lined paths connect historical buildings with leisure areas. The garden features 3 fountains, among which the one designed by sculptor Joseph Hochgertel for the 1880 exhibition is particularly striking, and 2 decorative small lakes are located in the southern part. The garden is planted with various trees, including English oaks, elms, London plane trees, and Moreton Bay figs, offering different scenery throughout the seasons. The Melbourne Museum on the north side forms a sharp contrast with the classical garden through its modern architectural language, and the same area also features a children's playground inspired by the Victorian maze. The garden is perfect for a stroll; people can walk along the tree-lined paths or rest on the lawns to experience urban garden life in Melbourne.Australia · Carlton
Experiences you can't miss in Princetown
Featured Day tours in Princetown
View all Day tours![[September Promotion] Melbourne Great Ocean Road Trail + Twelve Apostles Day Trip](https://ak-d.tripcdn.com/images/0353512000rhrsek011EF_C_568_320.png?_fr=wc)
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Free things to do in Princetown
Great Ocean Road
Lavers Hill · 20.5 km from PrincetownTwelve Apostles
Princetown · 5.4 km from downtownPort Campbell National Park (Parks Victoria)
Princetown · 5.5 km from downtownLoch Ard Gorge
Port Campbell · 8.9 km from PrincetownGibson Steps
Princetown · 4.5 km from downtownLondon Bridge
Peterborough · 20.9 km from PrincetownThe Razorback
Port Campbell · 8.5 km from PrincetownPenguin Parade
Australia · SummerlandsImmediate access, Book now for todayThunder Cave
Port Campbell · 9.7 km from PrincetownCarlton Gardens
Australia · Carlton
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What travellers say about Princetown
I•YMarch 11, 2025
5.0
The tour to Great Ocean Road was taken by the guide named Vance who is frequent with both English and Chinese. Since I only speak English and Japanese, it was helpful that guide can speak English too.The tour was operated quite strictly about time, so the tour went so smoothly than I expected.In the tour, you don’t need to worry about the problem of language because the guide always left the paper which show what time you should come back to bus.The guide Vance is kind and funny, and I really enjoyed his guide and recommendation.And I really enjoyed the beautiful view and it was stunning!!!!
Great Ocean Road
JaymeLeeJanuary 28, 2025
4.0
Amazing viewing point! make sure you check out the beach and also the viewing deck. facilities are well taken care of and large parking lot
Twelve Apostles
彤記TUNGKeeFebruary 22, 2023
5.0
When traveling the Great Ocean Road by car, you must come to Port Campbell~
It takes about four hours to drive from Melbourne city center
If you play along the road, you can come here
I kept seeing many traces left over from history.
Every limestone is special
What an eye-opener
Another question is
This town has a lot of delicious food
A restaurant that is very popular among locals is the pizza restaurant
Super fragrant and special
One of the flavors is my first time eating it.
It’s pumpkin-based pizza. Everyone can try it wherever you go.
Give you an unexpected surprise
#melbourne
Port Campbell National Park (Parks Victoria)
蕙质兰心蕙质兰心September 13, 2022
5.0
Walking along the trail, you will arrive at the space under the Suzhou River Middle Ring Bridge, where you will feel like you are in a colorful "animal world". Rock Park is the first choice for young people who love sports and fitness. It provides spacious and comfortable sports venues for those who love basketball, football, skateboarding, frisbee and other sports, adding a touch of vitality to the Suzhou River.
Loch Ard Gorge
Lavender and SunApril 25, 2022
5.0
It's a short drive from Otway to Gibson Steps, the first spot where you can see the Twelve Apostles, and you can go directly down to the beach to take pictures, so it's a must-see. It's very refreshing to be close to the sea, but the wind is very strong here, and the waves are also very big, so you need to wear more clothes. The only drawback is that the waves are too big, so the mist in the air is too thick.
Gibson Steps
张知珩June 7, 2020
5.0
The attraction is free but you have to go down a long flight of stairs. There is a soft sandy beach and many foreigners are swimming.
In fact, there are many fun places along the way besides the Twelve Apostles. They are not even parks. Just an unknown beach is beautiful enough. Be sure to bring enough food and drinks.
It is best to drive yourself. If you really can't, you can join a one-day tour group, but it is more tiring.
London Bridge
_FB***61October 1, 2026
5.0
Loved watching a group of little penguins head home! It was so sweet seeing them waddle and shake their tails
Penguin Parade
MandadadadaMay 30, 2023
5.0
Lovely place to walk past on the way to the Melbourne museum. This time of the year, there’s autumn leaves covering the walkways. There is even a small pond with some ducks in the corner. And right in front of the royal exhibition hall, there is a fountain where sometimes you will catch couples taking their wedding photos here.
Carlton Gardens
