For travellers wanting the closest place to stay and see some astonishingly beautiful natural attractions on the Great Ocean Road, you’d better pencil in to stay a while at Port Campbell and in particular the NRMA Holiday Park.

This has to be one of the most picturesque parks on the Great Ocean Road from its setting to its proximity to the stunning coastal scenes that everyone wants to see on this scenic drive. It is the ideal base for photographers or anyone really who wants to see the spectacular seascapes and limestone stacks that this area is renowned for. Port Campbell is the closest place if you wish to make a number of visits to see the 12 apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, London Bridge, Bay of Islands and Bay of Martyrs.

The first thing that grabs your attention about the holiday park is its setting which borders Campbells Creek and sits behind the Port Campbell Surf Lifesaving Club. From a Creekside powered site you can watch the water flow into the bay of Port Campbell or conversely, see water rushing through the narrow mouth as the swell from the surf beach pushes in rapidly along the cliff face. It’s a bit disconcerting to witness this initially, and had me running for higher ground as a surge of water came barreling in and all but swallowed up the sandy edge of the creek. The area is however a favourite spot for families to go fishing, swimming and kayaking especially for those staying in the park.

The amenities in the park are extremely good with a two storey building housing the clean and modern ablutions and laundry downstairs and upstairs a well appointed camp kitchen with views over the park and creek behind. At the camp kitchen you can even pick your own herbs, while you make use of the outdoor BBQs and dine outdoors with glimpses of the beach. Indoors there are plenty of tables for individuals or groups to use and kids will feel really welcomed with an arcade games room and a pool table as well as comfortable couches and a television. With all the outdoor fun to be had at Port Campbell though, they won’t want to be indoors for long.

An added bonus to make staying at this park such a great option, is the easy walking distance to places to dine in Port Campbell. For starters, directly across the road from the park is the Sow & Piglets Brewery (which I wrote about in my last post), and nearby you can also walk to 12 Rocks Café & Beach Bar and a number of other cafes and takeaway places, most with picturesque views over the park and bay. In fact it’s only a short stroll to everything in town and worthwhile spending a few days here to appreciate it all.

Cheers

Glenys