Peterborough
A small fishing village between London Arch and Bay of Islands — one of the few protected swimming coves on the Shipwreck Coast and the best base for the western circuit.
The fishing village in the middle of the Shipwreck Coast
Peterborough sits on the Shipwreck Coast between two of its most-photographed attractions: London Arch (5 km east) and Bay of Islands (5 km west). The village has perhaps 200 permanent residents, a working fishing operation, a single pub, a general store, and a small but established accommodation base. It's larger than Princetown but smaller than Port Campbell — a middle-ground town that suits specific traveller priorities.
Peterborough's defining feature is geographical: a sheltered cove at the village's south side, where sandstone cliffs create one of the few safe swimming environments on the Shipwreck Coast. For travellers wanting to be on the Shipwreck Coast and actually swim during their stay, Peterborough is the answer.
For most Great Ocean Road travellers, Peterborough is one night between the Twelve Apostles area and Warrnambool. For dedicated western Shipwreck Coast explorers — photographers, walkers, fishers — Peterborough's position is genuinely strategic.
Limited but present
- The Schomberg — pub bistro with reliable counter food and craft beer.
- Peterborough General Store — groceries, café-style food, opens early.
- Small café on the main street — coffee and light meals.
- Drive to Port Campbell — 15 minutes east for full restaurant scene.
Where to sleep
- Peterborough Caravan Park — main accommodation option, sites and cabins.
- Schomberg accommodation — pub-attached rooms.
- Small B&Bs — handful of options on residential streets.
- Holiday rentals — limited but available via Airbnb and Stayz.
Peterborough FAQs
- Is Peterborough worth visiting?
- For travellers exploring the western Shipwreck Coast — yes. Peterborough sits between London Arch (5 km east) and Bay of Islands (5 km west), making it the natural base for the western circuit. It also has one of the few protected swimming coves on the entire Shipwreck Coast. The town is small (population ~200) but more developed than Princetown.
- How far is Peterborough from the Twelve Apostles?
- About 30 km / 30 minutes east. Further from the Apostles than Port Campbell (closer) or Princetown (closest), but better positioned for the western Shipwreck Coast attractions (London Arch, The Grotto, Bay of Islands).
- What is there to do in Peterborough?
- Visit London Arch, The Grotto, Bay of Islands, and Bay of Martyrs (all within 5-15 minutes). Swim at the protected harbour cove. Walk the foreshore and clifftop trails. Fish from the local pier and rocks. The fishing village atmosphere itself is part of the appeal — quieter and more authentic than Port Campbell.
- Where can you stay in Peterborough?
- Peterborough Caravan Park is the main option (sites + cabins). Several B&Bs and small cottage rentals. Limited compared to Port Campbell but more accommodation than Princetown. Suits travellers who want to be specifically near the western Shipwreck Coast attractions.
- Can you swim at Peterborough?
- Yes — Peterborough has one of the few protected swimming coves on the Shipwreck Coast. The harbour beach is sheltered by sandstone cliffs and offers calm-water swimming on most days. Not patrolled, but the sheltered geography makes it the safest swim option west of Port Campbell. Drop-offs and currents at the cove mouth — stay near the beach.
- Is Peterborough or Port Campbell better for the western Shipwreck Coast?
- Peterborough — slightly. London Arch, The Grotto, Bay of Islands, and Bay of Martyrs are all within 5-15 minutes of Peterborough. From Port Campbell, the same drive is 15-30 minutes. For a focused western-coast trip, Peterborough wins on proximity. Port Campbell wins on amenities, restaurants, and accommodation pool.
- How long should I stay in Peterborough?
- One night is enough to see London Arch + Bay of Islands and walk the local foreshore. Two nights lets you add Bay of Martyrs, the protected swim cove, and a slower morning. Beyond two nights, the western Shipwreck Coast is fully explored — most travellers continue west to Warrnambool for whale season or east to Port Campbell for the Apostles.
- Are there restaurants in Peterborough?
- Limited but present. The Schomberg pub has bistro food. A small café on the main street. The Peterborough General Store for groceries and basic café food. For a wider restaurant scene, drive 15 minutes east to Port Campbell.