Port Campbell

There is really no denying the vast number of excellent national parks to be found in Australia, particularly in Victoria. However, very few of them match up to the reputation and wonder of Port Campbell. In terms of size, Port Campbell is smaller compared to Cape Otway, another famous Victorian national park. However, the port's various landmarks easily put the area in a class of its own. Among the most popular destinations within the park would be the world-famous "Twelve Apostles" rock formation.

There are actually only nine rocks at present time, though the Australian government saw fit to change the name to "Twelve Apostles" from "Sow and Piglets" to attract more tourists. The "apostles" are essentially large rocks that have been piled upon one another and are located amidst the lush beauty of the Australian coast. According to geological analysis, the rocks entered their current form due to erosion and climate conditions over the past few million years. The end result is ranked as being among the most impressive natural sights in Australia, if not the world. Due to the nature of the coastal area and climactic conditions, some of the currently-standing stacks are in danger of collapsing. The last collapse was in 2005, which was well-documented by tourists who saw the event. Apart from the "apostles," Port Campbell is also home to the London Arch, another famous rock formation that has weathered the effects of erosion.

Aside from rock formations, the park also boasts some of the finest scenery that can be seen from a car window in Victoria. The Great Ocean Road travels through Port Campbell and allows the park to be accessible from a majority of towns along the road's path. There are several walking tours that allow tourists to see the menagerie of exotic flora and fauna that can be found in the lush rainforests of the area and provide an excellent perspective on the geology and ecology of the general area.

Port Campbell is also home to camping grounds that are privately controlled but can be used by the public for a reasonable fee. There are several places where a backpacker can get good accommodation, even without the benefit of a reservation. Tourists can also opt for accommodation outside the park, as there are several small towns that have small hotels and inns for travelers visiting Port Campbell, particularly during the peak tourist season. Aside from the small towns along the road, Port Campbell is also easily accessible from the urban sprawl of the city of Melbourne.