Check Out the Historic Port Campbell Pier<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nWhat the Port Campbell pier lacks in size, it makes up for in historical importance: this small jetty dates back around 150 years. It’s been rebuilt a few times over the years, and is now largely made of concrete, but there’s a narrow wooden boardwalk along one side for you to stroll along.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It’s a good place to fish from, and you’ll often find people sitting there with a rod dangled over the side early in the morning or as the sun goes down. I wandered past just after 7am on my most recent trip, and there were already half a dozen locals swapping tales and trying to catch that night’s dinner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you’re not fishing, it’s a great spot to take photos of the beach in one direction and crashing ocean waves in the other. Even on calm days, it’s easy to see why this wild coastline has wrecked close to 100 ships over the years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The most eye-catching aspect of the pier is the crane at the far end: it’s used to help get small boats in and out of the water, so you can back your boat trailer up alongside and just lift the boat straight off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Although it sits on one side of the town bay, you can’t get up onto the pier directly from the beach. Instead, just walk from the foreshore up Lord Street, past the Parks Vic building and onto the pier itself. The building is interesting in its own right: almost a century old, it was originally for housing rockets that were used to fire ropes out to boats struggling in bad weather.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/path><\/svg><\/span>Visit the Soldier’s Memorial and Prady’s Lookout<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nOnce you’re finished at the pier, rejoin Lord Street and follow the short nature trail up the hill to the Port Campbell Soldier’s Memorial. Inscribed with the names of local men who died in the World Wars, it’s a simple, solemn reminder of the sacrifice made by so many at that time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The memorial overlooks the town beach, and is the site of the town’s ANZAC Day ceremony each year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Once you’re paid your respects, continue along the path for another minute to Prady’s Lookout, where you’ll have dramatic views out over the pounding waves of the Southern Ocean. Head up there early in the morning to see the limestone cliffs turn gold in the rising sun.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you don’t fancy the climb up the hill, you can also drive almost to the lookout: just head to the end of Hennessy Street, park the car, and walk a few metres.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/path><\/svg><\/span>Stretch Your Legs on the Port Campbell Discovery Walk<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nIf the short stroll up to the memorial wasn’t enough exercise for the day, it’s time to tackle the Port Campbell Discovery Walk. This 4.4km trail starts beside the holiday park, crossing over the impressive pedestrian suspension bridge before climbing up to a viewpoint (discussed below) that looks over the town and dramatic nearby coastline. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
This viewpoint is only a few metres from the road and a small carpark, so you can choose to start the walk there instead of in town if you’d prefer. The distance is only slightly shorter, but it saves you the steep climb up and down the cliff.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wherever you started from, the walk then continues on a well-maintained path along the cliffs for around 2km to Two Mile Bay Road. You’ll have great views of the ocean, Sentinel Rock, and back towards town most of the way, and there’s a good chance of spotting birds and local wildlife if you’re walking quietly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There’s road access (and limited parking) at the end of the trail, so you can be picked up from there if you like, but otherwise it’s just a matter of returning the way you came.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/path><\/svg><\/span> Enjoy Stunning Views From the Port Campbell Lookout<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nIf you’re looking for the best views in Port Campbell, you don’t have to go far: the lookout just outside town delivers them in spades. The easiest way to get there is to just stay on the Great Ocean Road as it continues west: there’s a turnout on the side of the road where you can park the car and walk for less than a minute.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you’d rather work for your views, follow the Discovery Walk mentioned above from beside the holiday park, climb the steep steps up the side of the hill, and turn right at the track junction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Either way, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views out over the beach and town in one direction, and back along Port Campbell Creek in the other.<\/p>\n\n\n\n