This area is simply awesome, just a 5-minute drive from the 12 Apostles. The walks to the well known ‘Razorback’ formation, past ‘Tom and Eva’ along a path to Shipwreck lookout and down into Loch Ard Gorge and the beach are the most popular, if you have time, walk on to the small cemetery, Mutton Bird island viewing platform, Thunder Cave and down to the Sherbrook River where it meets the southern ocean.
Loch Ard Gorge, a fabulous beach. Swimming is at your own risk, waves and currents can be extremely strong and it is not patrolled.
Tips:
- No toilets or visitor facilities at Loch Ard Gorge
- Swimming is allowed on the beach at Loch Ard Gorge, though at your own risk.
- Do not swim on the beach at the Sherbrook River as the current is extremely strong and dangerous.
- Watch out for snakes, do not approach if you see any, leave them alone and they’ll generally leave you alone too.
To do all the walks at Loch Ard Gorge it takes a few hours and covers about 8 km of trails, but is one of the most spectacular places to visit.
We spent over three hours here recently, taking our time to see every lookout, walking down to the Sherbrook River to watch the waves crashing in.
SAFETY WARNING
Never underestimate the power of currents and waves and never overestimate your own strength and abilities. The seas can be dangerous and it takes a split second to get into trouble and be swept off rocks or the beach and out into the ocean. Even going in just waist-deep can be catastrophic.
On the 21st April 2019, two volunteer lifesavers from Port Campbell, a father, and son lost their lives trying to save a tourist who was swept into the sea from this area. The rescue boat overturned in a 2-meter swell, a third rescue volunteer survived and the tourist was winched to safety.
