Port Campbell - Island Arch Lookout

Island Arch Lookout offers spectacular views of one of the Shipwreck Coast's most striking limestone formations. The viewing platform overlooks Island Arch, a natural rock arch that has been sculpted by the relentless waves of the Southern Ocean over thousands of years. From the lookout, visitors can also enjoy impressive views along the rugged coastline and into nearby Loch Ard Gorge.

A short, sealed walking path leads from the Loch Ard Gorge car park to the lookout, making it one of the easiest and most rewarding stops in Port Campbell National Park. The elevated viewing platform provides excellent photo opportunities, with the turquoise waters contrasting against the golden limestone cliffs and the offshore rock formations.

The lookout forms part of the network of short walks around Loch Ard Gorge, allowing visitors to easily combine it with Tom and Eva Lookout, The Razorback, Thunder Cave and the beach at Loch Ard Gorge, all located within the Port Campbell National Park. Many visitors consider Island Arch Lookout one of the highlights of the precinct thanks to its dramatic scenery and easy accessibility.

Access for Dogs:

Dogs are not permitted in Port Campbell National Park.

How to Get There:

The lookout is located within the Loch Ard Gorge precinct, approximately 8 km east of Port Campbell and 4 km west of the Twelve Apostles. Turn off the Great Ocean Road at the large, clearly signed Loch Ard Gorge entrance. At the junction inside the precinct, follow the road to the left to reach the main Loch Ard Gorge car park.

Loch Ard Gorge Area Lookouts Map

Information Signage

The Loch Ard Approaches

Bad weather or a navigation error could lead to disaster, and this shore became known as the Shipwreck Coast.

On 2 March 1878 the clipper Loch Ard left Gravesend England, for Melbourne under the command of Captain George Gibb. The ship carried 36 crew, 18 passengers and a mixed cargo weighing 2275 tons.

On the night of 31 May the passengers and crew held a party on board to celebrate the end of the three-month journey. Next day the ship would enter Port Phillip Heads, and the passengers were busy making preparations.

Land was very near, but a thick mist obscured the horizon and the Cape Otway light could not be seen. Concerned for the ship’s safety, Captain Gibb stayed on deck throughout the night. At 4am the mist lifted, revealing high, pale cliffs. The lookout cried “breakers ahead”...

“Threading the needle”.

For sailing ships following the Great Circle Route from Britain to Melbourne, entering Bass Strait was like ‘threading a needle’. The stretch of water between Cape Otway and King Island (‘the eye of the needle’) was very hazardous. Cape Otway was the first sight of land in the two or three month voyage for many ships following the Great Circle Route from Britain.

The Wreck

While Australia’s goldfields enticed people from all over the world, many lost their lives on the treacherous ‘Shipwreck Coast’.

Captain Gibb set full sail to turn the Loch Ard away from danger, but wind and current carried the ship towards the cliffs. Sails were then lowered and anchors dropped, but they dragged across the ocean floor.

In a final desperate attempt, the anchors were cut and sails again raised. The ship began to make headway; nearly clearing the cliffs, but the bow struck a shallow reef and stuck fast.

Water flooded into the cabins. With each swell, the yardarms smashed against the cliff face bringing pieces of mast and rock crashing down. Waves swept across the deck, hampering attempts to launch the lifeboats.

Paralysed with fear, the passengers clung to one another and, amidst their screams and cries, the ship slipped into the silent depths below.

Review:

This lookout is most easily accessed from the main carpark. A path which has the signage "Shipwreck Walk 330m" leads to the south west. After a small distance there is a short branch which overlooks Loch Ard Gorge and Carmicheal Cave.

The track continues onto the main Island Arch lookout point which has views of the natural rock arch, Island Arch, and long limestone walls. When the wind is strong the waves thunderously crash against the walls which makes this lookout one of the best viewing locations.

Location

Great Ocean Road, Port Campbell 3269 View Map