Port-Campbell-Nationalpark

The Port Campbell National Park, 285km west of Melbourne in the Australian state of Victoria and is the highlight of the Great Ocean Road and the great Ocean Walk. It protects the coastal region between Princetown and Peterborough. The offshore marine area, with its islands located at the Twelve Apostles Marine National Park and the adjoining north-western coastline with its bays in the Bay of Islands Coastal Park. The erosion of the cliffs has created a wonderful backdrop, the highlight are the sculptures of the Twelve Apostles. The National Park was named after the Scottish whaler Alexander Campbell.

Geology

Before 10 to 20 million years ago, the remains of marine creatures were deposited on the sea floor and compacted to limestone. When the sea withdrew it revealed the soft rock. Over thousands of years, the strong waves and tides worked incessantly to 70 m high cliff, so cut deep gorges, shaped pinnacles, islands and stone arches. The erosion is progressing steadily and therefore this area is subject to constant change.

History

First, the Kirrae Whurrong Aborigines used the abundance of marine resources for digestion. Found artifacts serve as an indicator for their healthy life over thousands of years. They use even today the area for their traditional way of life. Later, in 1840, it attracted seal and whalers in the area, the first city was founded but only after 1870. The Bass Strait was increasingly becoming a main supply route from Europe to the emerging regions of Victoria and New South Wales. But the dangerous cliffs, with its strong surf claimed many victims. The most common accident happened in 1878, as the clipper Loch Ard in heavy fog and heavy surf before Muttonbird Iceland at the Loch Ard Gorge sand. From the 52 -strong crew survived only two men - one reason that this coastline became notorious as Shipwreck Coast.

Flora and Fauna

In sparsely vegetated bushland still bloom 6 significant native plant species, including the Metallic Sun - orchid and the Scented Spider- orchid. Here the Southern Brown bandicoots, echidnas and Swamp Antechinuses feel comfortable. The breezes are captured by hawks, honey eaters, terns, albatrosses and shearwaters. On the London Bridge and the Twelve Apostles beach can be in the twilight returning penguins nesting. During the day the sea of pelicans, ducks, herons and swans grief is populated. On a Bay of Islands Rock broods a colony of Silver Gulls, others are inhabited by Australian Gannet, the shearwater and the rare Black-faced Cormorant.

Attractions

• Twelve Apostles, eight free-standing rock in the sea
• Gibson Steps, a steep staircase to the beach overlooking two apostles
• London Bridge
• Loch Ard Gorge, two connected by a sandy beach with a cave gorges
• Mutton Bird Iceland, an island with a breeding colony of petrels
• The Arch, a rock arch at sea
• The Grotto, a sinkhole
• Thunder Cave, a 100 meter long tunnel with an opening, the blaring loud with waves