Princetown Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Twelve Apostles which includes a gorge or canyon, a sunset and rocky coastline
Encircled by national parks and some of Victoria’s most famous natural wonders, this small coastal village offers a quiet retreat near to beaches, wetlands and lush forests.

Princetown is a small township perched on a hilltop bordered by the meandering Gellibrand River, a short distance from the Great Ocean Road and the magnificent Twelve Apostles. Close to coastal Port Campbell and the verdant eucalyptus forests of the Great Otway National Park, Princetown is a great spot to base your trip to some of the region’s most stunning natural attractions.

In Princetown’s small centre, find a welcoming pub that also functions as a general store, post office and hotel. Surrounded by a lush river estuary and wetlands, Princetown is a haven for native fauna, especially birdlife. This region is connected to the Great Ocean Walk via pretty wetland boardwalks. This 104-kilometre (64.6-mile) hiking track follows the coast and leads past historical landmarks and beautiful secluded beaches.

Princetown’s beaches are a few minutes’ walk away from the village, down a riverbank track that leads away from the national park camping area. These beaches have large undercurrents and dangerous reefs, often creating excellent surf breaks for experienced surfers. Use extreme caution if you swim or surf at these beaches, as they are not patrolled by lifeguards.

Don’t miss a trip to see the breathtaking Twelve Apostles when visiting this end of the Great Ocean Road. The stunning offshore limestone stacks are one of the region’s most famous attractions and offer pleasant coastal walks to beautiful lookouts and more natural formations. Located 6 kilometres (3.7 miles) west of Princetown, the Twelve Apostles are also near to the vertical cliffs of the Gibson Steps and the Loch Ard Gorge. Explore verdant temperate rainforest at the Maits Rest Rainforest Walk, also located close by.

Princetown is approximately 4-hours’ drive from Melbourne along the Great Ocean Road, and just under 3 hours from Torquay. Camp in Princetown’s magnificent National Park camping sites or book a night or two at a cosy seaside cabin. Make the most of the region’s beaches in summer or visit in any season to experience the many faces of native Australian bushland, including springtime wildflowers and winter wattles.

Twelve Apostles Motel & Country Retreat
Twelve Apostles Motel & Country Retreat
3.5 out of 5
314 Booringa Road, Princetown, VIC
The price is ฿3,002 per night from 17 Nov to 18 Nov
฿3,002
฿3,302 total
includes taxes & fees
17 Nov - 18 Nov
Stay at this 3.5-star motel in Princetown. Enjoy free parking, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
7.4/10 Good! (525 reviews)
"Wonderful owners, Quiet property, beautiful countryside and great food."

Reviewed on 26 Oct 2024

Twelve Apostles Motel & Country Retreat
Vayu Vista
Vayu Vista
3 out of 5
2 Hebs Track, Princetown, VIC
The price is ฿4,533 per night from 12 Nov to 13 Nov
฿4,533
฿4,533 total
includes taxes & fees
12 Nov - 13 Nov
Stay at this 3-star cabin in Princetown. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Popular attractions The Twelve Apostles and Princetown Wildlife Reserve ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (9 reviews)
Fantastic base for 12 Apostles exploration
"Sandi is an extraordinary hostess . The place is beautiful , spacious and quiet. She even helped us drop our car and drove us to the trailhead !"

Reviewed on 4 Oct 2024

Vayu Vista
Apostles Camping Park & Cabins
Apostles Camping Park & Cabins
2 out of 5
32 Post Office Road, Princetown, VIC
Stay at this campsite in Princetown. Enjoy free parking, daily housekeeping and a picnic area. Popular attractions The Twelve Apostles and Princetown Wildlife ...
Apostles Camping Park & Cabins
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Vayu Vista
Vayu Vista
3 out of 5
2 Hebs Track, Princetown, VIC
Stay at this 3-star cabin in Princetown. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Popular attractions The Twelve Apostles and Princetown Wildlife Reserve ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (9 reviews)
Fantastic base for 12 Apostles exploration
"Sandi is an extraordinary hostess . The place is beautiful , spacious and quiet. She even helped us drop our car and drove us to the trailhead !"

Reviewed on 4 Oct 2024

Vayu Vista
Apostles Camping Park & Cabins
Apostles Camping Park & Cabins
2 out of 5
32 Post Office Road, Princetown, VIC
Stay at this campsite in Princetown. Enjoy free parking, daily housekeeping and a picnic area. Popular attractions The Twelve Apostles and Princetown Wildlife ...
Apostles Camping Park & Cabins
Loch Ard Motor Inn
Loch Ard Motor Inn
3.5 out of 5
18 Lord Street, Port Campbell, VIC
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Port Campbell. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9/10 Wonderful! (844 reviews)
"Quite safe and good ambiance"

Reviewed on 3 Nov 2024

Loch Ard Motor Inn
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Cities near Princetown