Gibson Steps, Great Ocean Road: How many steps & how to get there?
The Gibson Steps in Port Campbell National Park are one of the top attractions on Victoria’s Great Ocean Road. There are 86 steps carved into the cliffs on the way down to Gibson Beach.
Where are the Gibson Steps?
The Gibson Steps in the Port Campbell National Park are a popular stop on the Apollo Bay to Warrnambool leg of Victoria’s Great Ocean Road drive. You can also visit as part of a small group Great Ocean Road tour from Melbourne.
Located just south-east of the more famous Twelve Apostles lookout, the Gibson Steps are the rather steep route down to Gibson Beach. The road and the car park are on top of 70 metre high cliffs, and the beach is at sea level. So something special is required.
7 fantastic Great Ocean Road experiences
1. Crowd-beating reverse direction tour. 2. Surfing lessons in Anglesea. 3. Split Point Lighthouse climb. 4. Shockwave Zip-Coaster. 5. Guided wildlife walk. 6. Budj Bim National Park tour. 7. Great Ocean Road by motorbike.
How many steps at Gibson Steps?
There are 86 steps at Gibson Steps in the Port Campbell National Park, Victoria. The story goes that the steps were carved by local settler Hugh Gibson in the late 1800s, but Gibson realistically only made improvements to what was already there.
The Indigenous Kirrae Whurrong people have been shaping and using the steps for centuries. All Hugh Gibson did was put in the work to make a more formal staircase.
How to get to the Gibson Steps
There is a car park outside the Gibson Steps. But many prefer to park at the Twelve Apostles car park in Port Campbell just up the road. From there, a walking path runs alongside the Great Ocean Road for about 1km. There are some pretty nifty views of the coastline along the way.
Once you’re at the Gibson Steps, there’s a decision to make. Do you go down to Gibson Beach or just admire the Gog and Magog limestone rock stacks from the Gibson Steps Lookout?
Pick the right Great Ocean Road tour from Melbourne
- For wildlife and nature focus: One day tour with koalas and guided forest walk.
- To beat the crowds: Reverse direction Great Ocean Road day tour.
- For adventure: Two day camping and surfing trip.
- For backpackers: One day highlights tour aimed at younger travellers.
- For exclusivity and flexibility: Private tour where you can pick the sights you want to see.
- For an extended trip: Three day Melbourne to Adelaide tour.
Are the Gibson Steps safe?
You might not have a choice in the matter. During rough weather, a gate is closed across the top of the Gibson Steps. When national park rangers judge the Gibson Steps and Gibson Beach are not safe due to ocean swells and wind, Gibson Beach is inaccessible.
If the gate is open, the Gibson Steps are relatively safe, but you still have to walk down with care. Swimming at Gibson Beach is risky – there are no lifeguards, and ocean conditions can be notoriously rough. Check the Parks Victoria website for an idea of conditions on the day before you set off from your Port Campbell accommodation. Alternatively, book a Great Ocean Road tour from Melbourne and hope for the best.
Other great things to do on the Apollo Bay to Warrnambool drive include spotting koalas at Cape Otway, surfing at Johanna Beach and taking a 12 Apostles helicopter tour.
More Victoria travel
Take a hot air balloon ride over Melbourne.
How long is the drive from Melbourne to Seymour?
Choose between the lookout and the beach at Eagles Nest, Inverloch.
Drive through Gippsland on a Melbourne to Eden road trip.
Why stay at the Porepunkah Pines Holiday Park?