Gibson Steps is a staircase of 86 steps leading from the clifftop down to a broad beach in Port Campbell National Park, about 1 km south of the Twelve Apostles. From the viewing platform and, when the sea allows, from the sand, you can see Gog and Magog, two offshore stacks that are not counted among the Apostles. The beach is dramatic rather than relaxing: it faces the full force of the Southern Ocean swell, the cliffs tower above the sand, and conditions change quickly. The site reopened to visitors in February 2026 after inspections and geotechnical assessments confirmed it was safe, and a new blowhole lookout opened alongside it. It is free to visit, and there is a car park beside it.
Reading the conditions
The ocean can reach the cliff line at any tide, and the beach is not open in all conditions. Check tide times and swell at the Port Campbell Visitor Information Centre, stay clear of the cliff base because of rock fall risk, and do not turn your back on the waves. This is not a swimming beach. If the steps are shut or the surf is high, the viewing platform still gives a good view of the stacks.
Getting there
Drive to the Gibson Steps car park, which has an accessible space and sits close to the Twelve Apostles. Do not park on the Great Ocean Road beside a solid yellow line. You can also walk from the Apostles along the Great Ocean Walk, a 2.2 km return trip of about 60 to 80 minutes, though the narrow gravel path is not suitable for prams, wheelchairs or mobility scooters. Allow half an hour to an hour at the steps themselves.
Planning
Gibson Steps is not covered by the new timed booking for the Twelve Apostles precinct, so it makes a useful add-on or a flexible stop if you could not get your preferred slot. It is a particularly good stop in the early morning or late afternoon, when the stacks are lit from the side and the beach is quieter. Wear shoes with grip, because the steps can be damp and the sand is soft near the water.
What to expect
The experience
A staircase of 86 steps from the clifftop to a wild beach, with a viewing platform above for those who prefer to stay up.
Best time
Go early in the morning or late afternoon, and check tide and swell before descending.
How long
Allow 30 to 60 minutes including the climb back up.
Tips
Wear shoes with grip, keep away from the cliff base, never swim and check conditions at the Port Campbell Visitor Information Centre.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Visitors who want to stand on the sand beneath the cliffs and see Gog and Magog up close.
- Families
- Fine for fit children who can manage 86 steps, but hold hands near the water and stay clear of the cliffs.
- Couples
- A quiet late afternoon here is a good counterpoint to the busier Apostles lookouts.
- Pair with
- Pair it with the Twelve Apostles precinct and Loch Ard Gorge.
- Time needed
- Half an hour to an hour.
Good questions
How many steps are there?+
There are 86 steps from the clifftop to the beach. The viewing platform at the top is the easier option.
Is Gibson Steps open?+
Yes. It reopened to the beach in February 2026 after safety checks. Always check conditions and signs, because the beach is not open in all conditions.
Can I swim here?+
No. The beach faces strong Southern Ocean swell and the ocean can reach the cliffs at any tide.
What are Gog and Magog?+
They are two offshore stacks visible from the platform and, when the sea allows, from the beach. They are not counted among the Twelve Apostles.
Do I need a booking?+
No. The new timed booking applies to the Twelve Apostles precinct, not to Gibson Steps.
