The 12 Apostles are one of Australia's most spectacular natural landmarks and the highlight of any journey along Victoria's iconic Great Ocean Road. Rising dramatically from the Southern Ocean, these towering limestone stacks have been sculpted over millions of years by relentless winds, powerful waves and the forces of nature.
Despite the name, there have never been twelve visible rock stacks. Today, only a handful remain standing, as erosion continues to reshape the coastline. This constant transformation makes every visit unique, with the landscape changing over time as new formations emerge and others collapse.
The 12 Apostles are especially breathtaking at sunrise and sunset, when golden light illuminates the cliffs and the ocean below. Visitors can enjoy panoramic viewing platforms, scenic walking trails, or experience the coastline from above on a thrilling helicopter flight.
Located just a short drive from Peterborough, the 12 Apostles are perfectly positioned to explore alongside nearby attractions such as Loch Ard Gorge, London Bridge, the Bay of Islands and the 12 Apostles Food Artisans Trail. Whether you're a photographer, nature lover or simply seeking unforgettable coastal scenery, the 12 Apostles offer an awe-inspiring experience that showcases the raw beauty of Australia's southern coastline and leaves visitors with memories that last a lifetime.
The Bay of Islands Coastal Park is one of the Great Ocean Road's best-kept secrets, offering breathtaking coastal scenery without the crowds. Located just 5 minutes west of Peterborough House, this spectacular stretch of coastline features dramatic limestone stacks, towering cliffs and secluded beaches carved by the powerful Southern Ocean over thousands of years.
Unlike the more famous 12 Apostles, the Bay of Islands provides a peaceful and intimate experience, allowing visitors to take in the stunning views at their own pace. Well-maintained viewing platforms offer panoramic vistas of rugged sea stacks rising from turquoise waters, making it a favourite destination for photographers, nature lovers and those simply wanting to enjoy the beauty of Victoria's Shipwreck Coast.
The Bay of Islands is particularly magical at sunrise and sunset, when the changing light casts golden hues across the limestone formations and ocean. It's also an excellent place to spot whales during the annual migration season, with Southern Right and Humpback Whales often seen close to shore between June and September.
Staying at Peterborough House places you just moments from this remarkable natural attraction. Whether you're exploring the Great Ocean Road, enjoying a scenic drive or looking for a quiet place to unwind, the Bay of Islands is a must-visit destination that perfectly showcases the wild beauty of Victoria's southwest coast.
Loch Ard Gorge is one of the Great Ocean Road's most iconic and captivating natural attractions, located just 10 minutes east of Peterborough House. Named after the clipper ship Loch Ard, which was wrecked here in 1878, the gorge combines breathtaking coastal scenery with one of Australia's most famous maritime stories.
Surrounded by towering limestone cliffs and sheltered from the open Southern Ocean, the beach at Loch Ard Gorge offers visitors a unique perspective of the powerful forces that have shaped the Shipwreck Coast over millions of years. Well-maintained walking paths lead to a series of spectacular lookouts and geological formations, including the Razorback, Island Archway and Thunder Cave, each showcasing the dramatic beauty of this ever-changing coastline.
The story of the Loch Ard adds a fascinating historical dimension to every visit. Of the 54 people aboard the ship, only two survived—Tom Pearce and Eva Carmichael—whose remarkable tale of survival has become an enduring part of Australian history.
Guests staying at Peterborough House can easily explore Loch Ard Gorge before returning to relax in the comfort of the motel or enjoy a meal overlooking the ocean. Whether you're interested in history, photography, coastal walks or simply experiencing one of Victoria's most spectacular natural landmarks, Loch Ard Gorge is an unforgettable destination that deserves a place on every Great Ocean Road itinerary.
The Grotto is one of the Great Ocean Road's most unique and photogenic natural attractions, located just 10 minutes west of Peterborough House. Combining the features of a sea cave, blowhole and natural rock pool, the Grotto offers visitors a rare opportunity to step down from the clifftops to experience the rugged beauty of the Shipwreck Coast from a different perspective.
A short walk from the car park leads to a staircase descending into the limestone formation, where crystal-clear rock pools, dramatic cliffs and views through a natural archway create one of the most memorable scenes along the coastline. The ever-changing light and the contrast between the turquoise ocean and weathered limestone make the Grotto a favourite destination for photographers and nature enthusiasts.
The Grotto is spectacular throughout the year, but sunrise and sunset provide particularly magical conditions as the warm light reflects across the rock pools and surrounding cliffs. During the cooler months, visitors may also spot migrating Southern Right and Humpback Whales from the nearby clifftop lookouts.
Staying at Peterborough House places you within easy reach of this remarkable natural wonder, making it simple to include the Grotto in your Great Ocean Road adventure. Whether you're exploring the region's famous landmarks or discovering its hidden gems, the Grotto is a must-visit destination that showcases the raw beauty and geological wonder of Victoria's spectacular southwest coastline.
London Bridge is one of the Great Ocean Road's most recognisable landmarks, located just 5 minutes east of Peterborough House. This spectacular limestone formation was originally a natural double-span arch connected to the mainland, earning its name because it resembled the famous bridge in London.
On 15 January 1990, the natural arch unexpectedly collapsed after years of erosion caused by the relentless Southern Ocean. At the time of the collapse, two tourists were standing on the outer section of the formation. Fortunately, neither was injured, and both were safely rescued by helicopter. The dramatic event attracted international media attention and serves as a powerful reminder that the Shipwreck Coast is constantly changing as wind and waves continue to reshape the limestone cliffs.
Today, visitors can admire the remaining rock stack and surrounding coastline from purpose-built viewing platforms offering sweeping views of the rugged cliffs and turquoise waters below. The area is especially popular at sunrise and sunset, when the warm light transforms the limestone into shades of gold and orange. During the winter months, Southern Right and Humpback Whales can often be seen migrating along the coastline.
Guests staying at Peterborough House are perfectly positioned to visit London Bridge and nearby attractions including Loch Ard Gorge, the 12 Apostles, Bay of Islands and the Grotto. Combining fascinating history with breathtaking scenery, London Bridge is an unforgettable stop on any Great Ocean Road journey.
The Gibson Steps offer one of the most immersive experiences along the Great Ocean Road, allowing visitors to descend from the clifftops to the beach below and stand beneath the towering limestone cliffs of the Shipwreck Coast. Located approximately 15 minutes east of Peterborough House, this spectacular attraction provides a unique perspective of the coastline that simply can't be appreciated from the viewing platforms above.
Named after local settler Hugh Gibson, who carved the original steps into the cliff in the 1870s to access the beach, the Gibson Steps have long been a gateway to one of Victoria's most dramatic coastal landscapes. Today, visitors descend more than 80 steps to reach the sandy beach, where towering cliffs rise almost 70 metres overhead and two impressive offshore rock stacks stand proudly against the powerful Southern Ocean.
The beach is particularly stunning at sunrise and sunset, when the changing light creates spectacular colours across the cliffs and ocean. Conditions can change quickly, so visitors should always pay attention to tide and surf warnings and never enter the water, as dangerous currents are common.
Staying at Peterborough House places you within easy reach of the Gibson Steps, making it the perfect base for exploring this unforgettable section of the Great Ocean Road and experiencing the raw power and beauty of Victoria's iconic Shipwreck Coast.
Hopetoun Falls is one of the Otway Ranges' most spectacular waterfalls and a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the Great Ocean Road. Located approximately 1 hour from Peterborough House, the falls cascade around 30 metres into a lush fern-filled gully, surrounded by towering mountain ash and cool temperate rainforest.
A short walk from the car park leads to a viewing platform overlooking the waterfall, while a longer staircase descends to the base, where visitors can experience the full beauty and power of the cascading water. The surrounding rainforest is rich with native birdlife, ancient tree ferns and moss-covered vegetation, creating a peaceful escape from the coastline.
Whether you're combining your visit with the nearby Otway Fly, the California Redwoods or the scenic drive through the Otways, Hopetoun Falls offers an unforgettable nature experience. Staying at Peterborough House makes it easy to include this iconic waterfall as part of a memorable day exploring the diverse landscapes of southwest Victoria.