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.
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
Review:
Mutton Bird Island Lookout is most easily accessed from the Mutton Bird Lookout carpark, a distance of 150m. The road to this carpark is 380m west of the main carpark. Alternatively you can walk 550m to this carpark from the main carpark which passes the Loch Ard Cemetery.
This lookout has less spectacular views than some of the other lookouts but each evening from October until April, thousands of muttonbirds fly in from the sea, circle the island, land and return to their burrows. This is a wildlife spectacle worth viewing.
From the Mutton Bird Lookout carpark there is a track to The Blowhole (600m), Thunder Cave (850m), Broken head (1.2km) and Sherbrooke River (1.3km). After 300m on this track there is a branch to another lookout point which also overlooks Mutton Bird Island.
Location
Great Ocean Road, Port Campbell 3269 View Map
