Port Campbell

VIC 3269 • Victoria

440
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
72.83 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
CoastalTourismGreat Ocean RoadNational ParkScenic
Advertisement

About Port Campbell

Port Campbell is a small coastal town on Victoria's Great Ocean Road, situated within the Shire of Corangamite approximately 285 kilometres south-west of Melbourne. The town sits on a dramatic clifftop headland above Port Campbell Bay and is the gateway to the iconic Twelve Apostles limestone stacks within Port Campbell National Park. At the 2016 census the town had a population of around 478 people, though visitor numbers far exceed permanent residents for much of the year. Port Campbell is named after Captain Alexander Campbell, a Scottish whaler who sheltered his vessel in the bay in the 1840s.

As one of the Great Ocean Road's most visited destinations, Port Campbell's economy and lifestyle revolve around tourism, hospitality, and coastal recreation. Visitors come year-round to see the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and the broader Port Campbell National Park. The town has a selection of cafes, restaurants, accommodation options, and a visitor centre, serving both tourists and the small permanent community. Permanent residents tend to work in tourism, agriculture, or commute to Warrnambool; the town offers a relaxed coastal lifestyle with rugged ocean scenery on the doorstep.

Port Campbell falls under postcode 3269 and is governed by the Corangamite Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Wannon, while state elections fall under the Polwarth (Western Victoria) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Postcode
3269
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Federal Electorate
State Electorate
Type
Locality
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-38.66°, 143.18°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
72.83 km²
Population Density
6 /km²
Elevation
0m

📣 Ad

💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 3269

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 3269 for the 2023–24 financial year (2019–20 data not published for this postcode).

Median 2019–20
N/A
Median 2023–24
$46,795
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$66,450

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 3269; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • V/Line coach — Warrnambool (connecting rail) ~1 hr to Warrnambool
  • Great Ocean Road tourist services — Geelong / Melbourne (seasonal) ~4 hr to Melbourne (coach)

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
285 km
By Train
No direct rail; coach to Warrnambool (~1 hr), then train to Melbourne (~3 hr)
By Bus
V/Line coach connections via Warrnambool
By Car (Peak)
~3 hr 30 min via Great Ocean Road or ~3 hr via Princes Freeway
By Car (Off-Peak)
~3 hr 15 min

🛣️ No train station in Port Campbell. Warrnambool is the nearest major rail hub (~75 km west).

Walkability Somewhat Walkable

Walkable within the compact town centre and along coastal clifftop paths; car required for all regional travel and services beyond the town.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

No schools listed for this postcode.

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
440
0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

These are the latest rates for the Corangamite Local Government Area, which contains Port Campbell. Rates are per 100,000 residents for the year ending September 2025; trends compare 2 and 10 year periods.

Break & enter (dwelling)
278.8 / 100k
Motor vehicle theft
209.1 / 100k
Non-FV assault
164.7 / 100k
Robbery (unarmed)
0 / 100k
Steal from vehicle
253.4 / 100k

Source: Crime Statistics Agency Victoria

📣 Ad

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Port Campbell known for? +

Port Campbell is world-famous as the gateway to the Twelve Apostles — Victoria's most iconic natural attraction — and the spectacular Port Campbell National Park, which also includes Loch Ard Gorge and London Arch along the Great Ocean Road.

How far is Port Campbell from Melbourne? +

Port Campbell is approximately 270 kilometres south-west of Melbourne CBD, around a 3 hour 30 minute drive via the Princes Highway and Great Ocean Road.

Does Port Campbell have public transport? +

Port Campbell has very limited public transport. V/Line coach services run seasonally along the Great Ocean Road corridor. A car is highly recommended to access the Twelve Apostles and surrounding park attractions.

What is the population of Port Campbell? +

According to the 2021 Census, Port Campbell has a population of approximately 440 permanent residents, though millions of tourists visit the area each year to see the Twelve Apostles.

Is Port Campbell a good place to live? +

Port Campbell offers a rare permanent lifestyle alongside one of the world's great natural wonders. It suits those working in tourism, hospitality, or who can work remotely, seeking a dramatic coastal setting with easy access to Great Ocean Road adventures.

What is the postcode for Port Campbell? +

The postcode for Port Campbell is 3269.

Is Port Campbell a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Port Campbell is part of the Corangamite LGA — see the Crime Statistics section on this page for the latest recorded offence rates per 100,000 residents, along with 2-year and 10-year trends.