Port Campbell Beach

Port Campbell Beach is one of the safest and most family-friendly beaches along the Shipwreck Coast. Nestled within the sheltered waters of Port Campbell Bay, the beach is protected by towering limestone cliffs and the narrow entrance to Port Campbell Creek, creating much calmer conditions than the exposed ocean beaches nearby. It is one of the few places along this stretch of coastline suitable for swimming when conditions are favourable.

The wide sandy beach is just a short walk from the heart of Port Campbell, with cafés, restaurants, playgrounds and accommodation all close by. During summer, the beach is popular with families, who enjoy swimming, paddling, beach games and exploring the rock pools at low tide. The calm waters also make it a pleasant place to launch a kayak or stand-up paddleboard.

The beach is backed by a grassy foreshore reserve with picnic tables, barbecues and public toilets, making it an ideal place to spend a few hours. The Port Campbell Surf Life Saving Club, established in 1963, overlooks the beach and provides patrols during the summer holiday period. As with any beach, always swim between the red and yellow flags whenever patrols are operating and check current conditions before entering the water.

Port Campbell Beach also provides beautiful views across the bay towards the limestone cliffs and harbour entrance. It is an excellent place to relax after exploring nearby attractions such as the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge and Gibson Steps.

Surf Safety
Although Port Campbell Beach is one of the safest swimming beaches along the Shipwreck Coast, conditions can still change quickly. The beach is sheltered by the limestone headlands and the entrance to Port Campbell Creek, which usually reduces wave size, and rip currents generally only develop during larger swells.

Swim between the red and yellow flags whenever the beach is being patrolled.
Port Campbell Surf Life Saving Club patrols the beach on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays from mid-November until Easter Monday.
Outside the patrol season, the beach is unpatrolled and extra caution should be taken.
Children should always be closely supervised in and around the water.
Avoid swimming near the harbour entrance during rough conditions, where currents can be be stronger.
Check local conditions before entering the water.

Location

32 Cairns Street, Port Campbell 3269 View Map

Web Links

→ Port Campbell Beach (BeachSafe)