It is quite incredible that in just a 10 minute drive there is so much to enjoy, but the 12 Apostles Marine Park offers just that. Loch Ard Gorge and Thunder cave are just a few minutes further on than the 12 Apostles, and secretly they’re my favourite stop of all.
Both Thunder Cave and Loch Ard Gorge are accessed from the same carpark. Thunder Cave is a blow hole that comes alive on windy days where the seas are high. You’ll certainly feel the splash of this powerful blow hole! It will give you a real sense of just how strong the ocean is in this part of the world.
Loch Ard Gorge, is a beautiful gorge with a beautiful private beach. Our most recent visit was during the peak of summer and at 9am we had the beach all to ourselves. It is a stunning spot for some splashes, sand castles and photos. The tide is quite strong and the gorge has caves with hidden rocks, so it isn’t a safe place to swim, but water play is fine.
If you visit during low tide, you can scramble over the rocks and enjoy the caves. It is a location that is beautiful from the lookouts looking top down and from the beach itself. If you visit during a quieter time, it is one of the most serene Great Ocean Road beaches to just sit at and unwind.