What a stunning part of the world! Our trip began in Port Campbell, along the iconic Great Ocean Road – that magical stretch of coastline that never fails to deliver. From amazing food and family-friendly adventures to endless places to explore, it’s got it all.

And don’t even get Mamma started on the views… the scenery up and down the coast is absolutely breathtaking.

This may have been our first visit to Port Campbell – but it most definitely won’t be our last.

Our home for four days was the Southern Ocean Motor Inn, and it could not have been better positioned. They’ve recently added a series of modern villas right on the Port Campbell foreshore – and when we say foreshore, we mean it. Your front door opens directly onto stunning bay views.

The two-bedroom villas are ideal for families, with a queen bed in the main room and two singles in a separate bedroom. There’s a fully equipped kitchen, for relaxed family meals at the breakfast bar and the open-plan lounge area leads to a timber deck - perfect for unwinding while soaking up the view.

You’re just a three-minute stroll from local shops, cafes, and restaurants, and it’s an excellent base for exploring the iconic 12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and the many other spectacular stops along the Shipwreck Coast.

Make the Port Campbell Visitor Information Centre one of your first stops – the team there are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about the region. They’ll set you up with everything you need to explore, including a map of the Port Campbell Discovery Walk which is a scenic cliffside trail that winds along the coast and offers breathtaking views over Port Campbell Bay.

You can even borrow binoculars from the Visitor Centre, perfect for whale spotting during the migration season (usually from May to October).

While you're there, don’t miss the maritime displays inside the Visitor Centre – they tell the story of the Loch Ard shipwreck and the many other dramatic tales from the area and it’s maritime history

We were also pointed towards a lookout trail that starts from the Port Campbell Soldiers Memorial at the top of town. It’s a short, gentle walk and absolutely worth it for the elevated views of the bay and beyond.

The surf outside the bay is definitely not for the faint-hearted – we watched a few brave souls take on the wild waves. However, the bay is perfect for fishing, snorkelling and swimming.

You’ve seen the photos, maybe even watched a video or two of the Twelve Apostles – but nothing quite prepares you for seeing them in real life. It’s utterly breathtaking. The viewing decks and walking paths are fantastic, offering multiple vantage points and plenty of space for everyone to take it all in.

One of the best tips we got from the Visitor Information Centre was to head there in the morning – it’s a little quieter, and the light is beautiful.

And yes – seeing them from the sky was one of the most unbelievable experiences this Mamma has ever had. The team at 12 Apostles Helicopters are incredible – this is a professional, well-run operation that delivers a smooth, unforgettable ride.

This stretch of coast is truly a sight to behold – rugged, raw, and absolutely magnificent.

Where to eat in Port Campbell – from our experience, every spot we tried was fantastic!

A standout dinner was at the Port Campbell Hotel. It features a cosy front bar, a relaxed beer garden, a formal dining area, and a huge summer dining space out the back. It’s a must-visit for a hearty pub meal in a welcoming atmosphere.

For something more intimate and relaxed, try REAL Pizza. This isn’t your average pizza joint – families will love the ‘choose your own ingredients’ menu, the clear focus on sustainability, and the fact they list exactly where their produce comes from.

This is food for the heart, the soul – and the tummy!

We would also recommend Grassroots Deli for lunch and Barrels for a snack and drink before dinner to watch the sunset…….take us back!!!!!

Let’s talk about Timboon – this place is a whole-day adventure for curious, active families!

We arrived around 10am and hired some e-bikes from the fantastic team at Ride With Us. You can opt for mountain bikes too, but we wanted to cover more ground – and this Mamma’s first go on an e-bike was a win! Easy to ride, and the kids absolutely loved them.

We cruised towards Curdies River, heading for the historic Timboon Trestle Bridge. Surrounded by lush paddocks, towering trees, and plenty of dairy cows, the ride itself was stunning – and the bridge made for the perfect turning point and a great photo opportunity.

With appetites well and truly built up, we rolled back into Timboon township and made our way to our next stop – the Schulz Organic Creamery and Cafe…..oh and yes we did stop and have an ice cream - of course we did!

Schulz Organic Creamery and Café – we all know the milk, but we were not prepared for the incredible meal we had here. Hand on heart, we’d recommend making the 2.5-hour trip just to visit this spot alone.

Every single thing we ate featured a Schulz dairy product – from the freshly baked scones with jam and cream, to the thick milkshakes, the Reuben bagel, and the rich, warming roasted pumpkin soup served with house-made bread and butter.

And then there’s the cheeseboard – a must. (You can see more pics and details from our visit over here.)

The café sits on beautifully maintained grounds, with lush trees, flowers, and veggie beds surrounding you. It’s the kind of place you’ll want to linger – serene, wholesome, and seriously delicious…

Port Campbell has recently undergone a stunning makeover, featuring refreshed shopfronts, upgrades to the main road, and improvements to the picnic and foreshore areas. This, combined with its charming country town vibe and access to some of the most picturesque spots on the planet, makes for a truly fantastic holiday destination. The beach is patrolled during the warmer months, so between your adventures, you can relax and enjoy the water safely. Oh, and we heard the fishing off the jetty here is excellent too.

It was such an incredible trip – Mamma says it’s something really special. So next time you’re searching for a holiday destination, pick and choose from our adventures to create your own unforgettable experience here in Port Campbell.

Mamma Knows West – Inspiration for local families

*This is a paid collaboration with Visit Great Ocean Road