Port Campbell - Mutton Bird Island Lookout

Mutton Bird Island Lookout is one of the highlights of the Loch Ard Gorge precinct in Port Campbell National Park. The viewing platform overlooks Mutton Bird Island, a rugged limestone stack just offshore that is home to one of Victoria's largest breeding colonies of Short-tailed Shearwaters, commonly known as mutton birds. Between October and April, thousands of these remarkable seabirds return to the island at dusk after spending the day feeding at sea, creating an unforgettable wildlife spectacle.

A short, sealed walking path leads from the Loch Ard Gorge car park to the lookout, making it an easy stop for visitors of all ages. Along the way, interpretive signs explain the area's geology, wildlife and maritime history. The island also played a significant role in the tragic wreck of the Loch Ard in 1878, when the clipper ship struck nearby reefs before breaking apart.

The lookout forms part of the Living on the Edge Walk, which links several of the Shipwreck Coast's most impressive attractions, including Thunder Cave and Broken Head. From the platform, visitors can admire the dramatic cliffs, crashing surf and expansive Southern Ocean views, making it an excellent location for photography and wildlife watching.