Hotels in Princetown, Victoria

Princetown provides Great Ocean Road travelers with the attractions of Gibson's Steps (cliff top steps to the beach - presently closed 2008 for safety); Loch Ard Gorge (a splendid opportunity to step down the boardwalk to the beach and inspect the short ocean caves); and the remains of the original 12 Apostles (with local scenic helicoptor flights).

But one of the nice, convenient places to view the easterly stretch of coast of all the above is to take the dirt road turnoff at Sherbrook River and proceed to the cliff edge. Practically from the carpark you can stand and film the coast, and on windy days, don't be surprised to see the waves crash clear up the sides of the near 200' plus high cliff walls near Loch Ard Gorge. It gives you a real appreciation of the terrible fate that bestowed the victims of the ship, the Loch Ard, and makes you wonder how the two sole remaining survivors managed to clamber to shore and take refuge in the caves in the Loch Ard Gorge (so named, after the shipwreck).

This whole area is steeped in shipwreck tragic history, yet spectacular in scenic views and experiences, be it aloft from a cliff lookout, stepping down to the beach where permitted, or way above from the many charter rides from planes and choppers operating the area.