Having spent the night in Port Campbell, we were right on the doorstep of Port Campbell National Park and the world renowned 12 Apostles. I was excited to see the towering limestones stacks once again, even though there are only about seven or eight of them remaining due to erosion, but they are still a magnificent sight to behold.

It is also worth getting to the 12 Apostles early to avoid large crowds and find the best photo spots and whilst you're in the national park, you're also just a short drive from other natural attractions such as, Loch Ard Gorge, Tom and Eva Lookout, Bay of Islands and more, so allow at least half a day to enjoy them at leisure.

Limestone stacks of the 12 Apostles

12 Apostles

Gibson Steps is also well worth a visit, just a 2min drive from the 12 Apostles, the vast stretch of beach is open to the full brunt of the Southern Ocean with stunning views towards the limestone stacks of the 12 Apostles. The steps were carved into the cliff face by early settler Hugh Gibson, whose homestead, coincidently offered refuge to Loch Ard George shipwreck survivors Tom and Eva. Speaking of Loch Ard Gorge, it is 3 minutes drive west of the 12 Apostles and the site of the above-mentioned shipwreck. The small bay is especially tranquil, a direct contrast against the windswept shore of Gibson Steps Beach, the water is exceptionally blue here and the surrounding sandstone cliff faces are a warm, golden sand, like a scene out of a movie.

Gibson Steps Beach

Loch Ard Gorge

Tom and Eva Lookout is a lookout named after the two shipwreck survivors mentioned above, and the Razorback, another limestone formation in the vicinity has been withered to form a sharp, jagged ridgeline. In fact,  signs of erosion are commonplace, sights like London Bridge once had a central arch but today the midsection has collapsed.

Tom and Eva Lookout

London Bridge

I'm sure there are places that I've missed, hidden gems as there is just so much worth seeing in Port Campbell National Park, but I definitely saw a lot more than my first trip more than a decade ago and crossed off many things on my to-do list.  We left in the afternoon filled with wonderful memories and mesmerised by the beauty of the natural landscape. What are some of your favourite lookouts in Port Campbell?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Victoria Harbour

The Big Buddha/Tian Tan

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The walk is broken into several sections, each with its own unique landforms and vistas. Most Aussies would be familiar with the iconic movie Priscilla: Queen of the Desert and first up on the walk is what is known as Priscilla's Crack, a V-shaped formation made famous by scenes from the movie. The sandstone domes here tower above you shaped almost like giant hives, they are both eerie and magnificent in the cool morning light. Throughout the walk, our guide pointed out particular bush plants that were once used by the Aborigines for food and hunting purposes, and many take on rather sculptural forms.

Once you reach the rim, you're offered magnificent, panoramic views of the canyon and the grandeur of its sheer sandstone walls and the chasm beneath becomes apparent. I think this is the moment I've been waiting for, nothing can quite describe the feeling of seeing the canyon in its entirety as you walk from the north wall to the southern side. For some rest and snacks, we headed down to the waterhole, also known as the Garden of Eden, where a shady pool surrounded by sandstone walls and cycads offered us some well-needed rest before making our way back up and out.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The day ended with sunset viewing of Uluru while sipping on some chilled sparkling wine and munching on crackers and dips. It was an awe-inspiring sight; watching Uluru change with the fading light and surrounded in silence.

Uluru sunset viewing

But we were in for a treat the next morning as we got up well before dawn and headed out of camp at 6:30am to make it to the base of Uluru right before first light. The Kuniya Walk is around 1hr at a leisurely pace, starting at Kuniya Piti and ending at the Mala carpark. To witness sunrise over Uluru at such closeness, see it change from a deep reddish purple to a vibrant ochre as the sun slowly rises was truly a magical and rather spiritual experience. No wonder this place is famous for its spectacular sunrise and sunsets! This is a must!

Sunrise

Uluru at dawn

Uluru at sunrise

If you have time, I would also suggest taking the shorter Mala Walk, where you will see some of the sacred sites used by the Aboriginal people for ceremonies, teachings and food preparation. It is best to opt for a guide, this way you will not only learn about the land and its stories but also of the various bush plants and their uses. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~