National Park

PORT CAMPBELL NATIONAL PARK home of the Twelve Apostles

			Port Campbell township nestles by a picturesque bay, bordered by the National Park to east and the west, and lush farmland to the north. Drive, cycle, walk or fly (by helicopter or light plane) or cruise to view the icons of the Twelve Apostles, Gibson Steps, The Arch, The Grotto, Loch Ard Gorge, Bay of Islands, Bay of Martyrs and London Bridge. These stunning sights are all within 15 minutes drive of Shearwater Haven. The bay is safe for swimming and a sheltered spot for sun bathing. Relax and watch the lobster fishermen unloading their catch. Pick up a rod and fish from the pier. Divers may see amazing sights in the Marine National Park.
			Photograph the sun setting over the ocean, then view the little penguins surfing their way ashore at the Apostles or London Bridge. In summertime at dusk you may see short tailed shearwaters return to their burrows on Mutton Bird Island. The brilliance of the stars will take your breath away. Take the shipwreck trail. Follow the story of the ‘Loch Ard’ and visit Glenample Homestead where survivors of the wreck recuperated.
	Koala with baby, photographed in local bushland by our guest, Benjamin Miller,USA Pictured below		Walk to Two Mile Bay and see the diverse coastal foliage, (This is a favourite jogging route for guests from Shearwater Haven). Surf Eastern Reef or Gibson Steps. Take this path from the Port Campbell town lookout. View the indented limestone coast, lit by the afternoon sun. You will see the Twelve Apostles to the east. Watch the surfers below, or take the steps down to the bay and across the beach, tide permitting. Enjoy a drink in a bay side cafe bar.
			*Contrast the stillness of the Grotto rock pools with the might of the ocean immediately beneath.* *Walk the western section of the Great Ocean Walk and see wild kangaroos as well as the rugged southern ocean.* *In winter, rug up and experience the dramatic turbulence of the stormy ocean.* *Your hosts are happy to share local secrets such as where you may see koalas and echidnas.*
			Favourite scenic highlights of your hosts are walks around Loch Ard Gorge, especially to Thunder Cave and the Razor Back Ridge. We love to take the steps down to the beach by Gibson Steps, a treacherous location to enter the water, yet a stunning atmosphere with thundering waves and towering cliffs. If the tide is out you may walk right near the first two Apostles and be photographed with them as the back drop. Another of our favourite activities is to walk short sections of the Great Ocean Walk. We highly recommend the section from opposite Glenample Homestead, along to Clifton Beach. You may even be lucky enough to enjoy that magnificent white beach in solitude. Should you be on a brief trip, the only way to see all of these delights may be by the Twelve Apostles Helicopters. A treat which must be seen to be believed. on a rare day when the sea is flat a scenic boat trip is magical.
	Stay an extra day and take the produce trail through picturesque, lush farmland and sample the local gourmet cheeses, wine, smoked eels, ice-cream and strawberries and whisky. Return to Port Campbell for your lobster dinner. Purchase your Port Campbell lobster in town and have it especially prepared for you at Room 6 Restaurant. (prior arrangement may be necessary) Play golf on the cliff tops of Peterborough or watched by koalas on the bushland course at Timboon. A visit to Timboon's railway Shed Distillery is a must. Enjoy a delicious meal there after a walk or ride of the rail trail from Timboon through tall trees and green pastures. Make Shearwater your base for a day trip to the Otway Fly and Wreck Beach at Moonlight Head. The volcanic region of Camperdown is only 45 minutes drive to the north. Travel 45 minutes west to Warrnambool to the maritime museum. Historic Port Fairy is a comfortable day trip away.