Princetown activities
Things to do in Princetown
The Twelve Apostles 10 minutes east, Loch Ard Gorge 15 minutes west, the Gellibrand wetlands at the village edge, and the Great Ocean Walk's quiet western terminus.
The shortlist
What you should not skip
Princetown's activity list is mostly about what's nearby. The village itself has minimal traveller activity, but its position 10 km from the Twelve Apostles makes it a strategic base.
- Twelve Apostles (10 min east) — the signature stop. Apostles guide.
- Gibson Steps (5 km east) — beach access beneath the Apostles. Gibson Steps guide.
- Loch Ard Gorge (15 min west) — turquoise cove, beach descent. Loch Ard guide.
- Gellibrand River wetlands — birdwatching, estuary walks at the village edge.
- Great Ocean Walk's western end — the trail finishes here.
- Sunrise at the Apostles — Princetown's proximity makes this practical.
In and around town
Within walking or short drive
- Princetown wetlands trails — short estuary loops, birdwatching.
- Gellibrand River walks — short trails along the river edge.
- Great Ocean Walk terminus — short walk to the official trail's end point.
- Princetown Recreation Reserve — picnic, evening walks.
- The Twelve Apostles drive — 10 min east at any time of day.
Day-trip
Within 30 minutes' drive
- Twelve Apostles + Loch Ard Gorge + Gibson Steps — the main Shipwreck Coast stops.
- London Arch + The Grotto — 25 min west.
- Port Campbell — 12 min west for restaurants and amenities.
- Bay of Islands — 30 min west.
- Cape Otway Lightstation — 1h east, koala drive.
Frequently asked
Princetown things-to-do FAQs
- What are the top things to do in Princetown?
- Visit the Twelve Apostles (10 minutes east), Gibson Steps (5 km east), Loch Ard Gorge (15 minutes west), walk the Gellibrand River wetlands and estuary, walk a section of the Great Ocean Walk's western end, watch sunrise at the Apostles. The town's appeal is what's nearby rather than what's in town.
- Is Princetown worth visiting beyond the Apostles?
- For nature-focused travellers — yes. The Gellibrand River wetlands have strong birdlife (waterbirds, wading birds, occasional rarities). The Great Ocean Walk's final section ends here. The estuary at low tide is photogenic. Beyond these natural draws, the village itself has minimal traveller activity.
- Can you walk to the Twelve Apostles from Princetown?
- Technically yes — it's the final 5-7 km stretch of the Great Ocean Walk. Most thru-hikers walk Princetown to the Apostles on Day 8. For non-hikers, the walk is sometimes done as a one-way day section with shuttle pickup. Allow 2-3 hours one-way for fit walkers; the trail is moderate.
- Are there walking trails in Princetown?
- Yes — the Gellibrand River wetland trails offer easy walking with bird-watching opportunities. The Great Ocean Walk's western terminus passes through. Most trails are short (30-60 minutes) — the longer hikes happen further east on the GOW.
- Can you see kangaroos in Princetown?
- Sometimes, in the surrounding farmland and wetland margins. Not as reliable as Anglesea Golf Course or Tower Hill (15 minutes west). Best at dawn and dusk. The Princetown Recreation Reserve sometimes has kangaroos at evening.
- What's there to do in Princetown for kids?
- Limited within the village. The wetland walks are short and child-friendly; the river estuary engages some kids. The proximity to the Twelve Apostles and Gibson Steps fills daytime activity. For dedicated family activities, drive 10 minutes east to Port Campbell or 90 minutes east to Apollo Bay (Otway Fly, Maits Rest).
- Is Princetown a good base for Great Ocean Walk hikers?
- Yes for the western end specifically. Princetown is the natural finishing point for thru-hikers walking 16 km from Devils Kitchen on Day 8. From Princetown, you can either continue 5-7 km to the Twelve Apostles (true trail end) or shuttle out. Some hikers stay overnight in Princetown to celebrate the trail completion.