Princetown - Gibson Steps Beach

Gibson Steps Beach is one of the most spectacular beaches along the Great Ocean Road. Nestled beneath towering limestone cliffs, it offers visitors the rare opportunity to stand on the sand beside two enormous offshore limestone stacks, providing a unique perspective of the dramatic Shipwreck Coast that can't be experienced from the clifftop lookouts.

Access to the beach is via the historic Gibson Steps, a staircase of approximately 86 steps carved into the cliff face. The descent is steep but well worth the effort, rewarding visitors with breathtaking views of the rugged coastline, crashing surf and towering cliffs that rise more than 70 metres above the beach. At low tide, you can walk along the sand for impressive views of the sea stacks and coastline, although beach access may be restricted during high tides or rough seas.

The beach is a favourite destination for photographers, particularly at sunrise and sunset when the limestone cliffs glow with shades of gold and orange. Due to the powerful Southern Ocean swells, Gibson Steps Beach is best enjoyed as a sightseeing destination rather than a swimming beach.

Surf Safety
Gibson Steps Beach is not a safe swimming beach. Powerful waves, strong rip currents, rapidly changing tides and heavy shore breaks make the water extremely dangerous.

There are no lifesaving patrols at Gibson Steps Beach.
Swimming is not recommended.
Only access the beach when sea and tide conditions are safe.
Be aware that high tide and large swells can cut off access to the beach.
Keep well clear of the cliff base, as rockfalls can occur without warning.
Never turn your back on the ocean.

Gibson Steps Lookout Walk from the Twelve Apostles:

Leave the car at the Twelve Apostles car park and follow a section of the Great Ocean Walk to Gibson Steps. The track begins behind the kiosk in the visitor centre precinct, winds through coastal vegetation and safely passes beneath the Great Ocean Road. It finishes at the lookout above Gibson Beach, with views of the towering cliffs and the offshore rock stacks known as Gog and Magog.

Distance: 2.2 km return
Time: Approximately 45-60 minutes return, plus viewing time
Terrain: Mostly level with gentle gradients
Track: Compacted crushed rock, suitable for prams and wheelchairs
Start/Finish: Behind the kiosk at the Twelve Apostles visitor centre precinct

Beach access is an optional extension involving 86 steps and is unsuitable for prams and wheelchairs. The steps may close because of tides, weather or geological conditions, so check the signs before descending.

Review:

We did the walk from the Twelve Apostles car park but thought the walk was rather mundane with limited views from the track. It would be just as good to stop at the carpark beside the Great Ocean Road above the beach. There is a lookout point near the carpark.

The 86 concrete steps down to the beach are very big and could be difficult for younger kids. The steps can also be slippery because water trickles down the rock face besides the steps. At the bottom of the steps there was a manky unattractive pool of water created from water trickling down the cliff face. In general, this is not a place we would choose to revisit.

Location

Gibson Steps Car Park, Great Ocean Road Princetown 3269 View Map

Web Links

→ Gibson Steps Beach (BeachSafe)