|The Loch Ard Gorge is a visible example of the process of erosion in action.|
It's named after the shipwreck of a clipper ship named Loch Ard which ran aground on Nearby Muttonbird Island on June 1, 1878 from a 3-month journey starting from England to Melbourne. Two people, Pearce & Carmichael survived out of the 51 onboard. Pearce was washed ashore and rescued Carmichael before proceeding to climb out of the gorge to alert patrolists to do a rescue attempt.
You can actually walk around here and if you have a few hours to spare, do the walks.
Start: Loch Ard Gorge car park
Finish: Loch Ard Gorge car park
Nearby: Port Campbell
Permits/bookings: None required.
A series of short walks introducing the region’s geology, wildlife and the famous shipwreck that gave the gorge its name:
- The 900 metre geology walk looks at the forces that shaped the area’s astounding coastline
- The 3 kilometre ‘Living on the Edge’ tour presents the diverse wildlife that make their home on the edge of sheer cliffs
- The 1.4 kilometre ‘Wreck of the Loch Ard’ walk recounts the amazing escape of the two young survivors of the Loch Ard, wrecked here in 1878.
More information about Loch Ard Gorge here
Here are other awe-inspiring Great Ocean Road attractions:
Split Point Lighthouse
Town of Lorne
Lorne Food Trip
Loch Ard Gorge