Peterborough Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Peterborough showing rocky coastline and a beach
Peterborough showing rocky coastline
Peterborough showing a sandy beach and rugged coastline
Peterborough showing rocky coastline
Southwest Victoria featuring a beach and rocky coastline

Bring the family to this relaxed fishing village fronting the notched limestone cliffs and tall dunes of the Shipwreck Coast and find striking coastal viewpoints and a golf course.

Peterborough is a coastal township on the Great Ocean Road. Despite being marked on early seafaring maps as a place of great peril, the settlement grew into a busy fishing village throughout the late 19th century. Today it’s a handy gateway to the region’s magnificent coastal attractions. Explore the pretty waterfront hamlet and discover foreshore reserves and awe-inspiring viewpoints that overlook some of the Shipwreck Coast’s most remarkable geological formations.

Spend some time wandering around Peterborough Coastal Reserve, a wide and grassy park that skirts the town’s waterfront. Take in views of the Southern Ocean horizon and the pretty lagoon that marks the town’s eastern border. Stroll across the bridge that passes over the lagoon’s inlet and reach Peterborough Beach. Although it’s sheltered by offshore reefs, this beach regularly has a surf swell. Swim in the gentle waters near the inlet, but be aware lifeguards do not patrol this beach.

Fire up the foreshore barbecue and grill your lunch while the kids play at the adjoining playground. You’ll also find tennis courts and a fantastic nine-hole golf course close by.

To the west of the town, you can embark on the Cliff Top Walk and look out across the Bay of Islands Coastal Park to see rugged limestone crags, rocky coves and wave-battered bluffs. Nearby Halladale Point marks the spot where a ship was wrecked in 1908. Peterborough’s treacherous coast is strewn with shipwrecks dating back to the early 1800s and many place names are linked to maritime misfortune, including Newfield Bay, Antares Rock and Schomberg Reef.

Continuing west, you’ll find the stunning Bay of Martyrs viewpoint. Take photographs of the offshore limestone pillars and the sheltered shores of Worm Bay. Pretty coastal heathlands stretch across the cliff tops and provide habitat for a variety of bush birds.

Peterborough is located approximately 3 hours’ drive west from Melbourne and 40 minutes’ drive east from Warrnambool. The town is easily accessible via the Great Ocean Road. As the gateway to beautiful coastal reserves and viewpoints, Peterborough is a destination on the Great Ocean Road not to be missed.

Peterborough House & Motel

Peterborough House & Motel

3 out of 5
9 Irvine St, Peterborough, VIC
The price is ₹10,181 per night from 22 Jul to 23 Jul
₹10,181
₹11,199 total
22 Jul - 23 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star golf motel in Peterborough. Enjoy free parking, a beach locale and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Water Tower and Peterborough ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (51 reviews)
"Beautiful location beachside with ocean view. Wonderful hosts who prepare wonderful high quality chef meals; and 2 bedroom family room had all amenities and very comfortable."

Reviewed on 26 Jun 2025

Peterborough House & Motel
Seahorse Coastal Villas

Seahorse Coastal Villas

3.5 out of 5
38 Old Peterborough Road, Peterborough, VIC
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Peterborough. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Our guests praise the property condition in their reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (179 reviews)
"Separate bedrooms and a washer."

Reviewed on 19 Mar 2025

Seahorse Coastal Villas
Great Ocean Road Tourist Park

Great Ocean Road Tourist Park

3.5 out of 5
Cnr Great Ocean Road and Irvine St, Peterborough, VIC
Stay at this 3.5-star cabin in Peterborough. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Popular attractions Water Tower and Peterborough Coastal Reserve are ...
Good place to stay
"Really good. Had a nice short weekend stay for a wedding. Loved the spa, though it took a LONG time to fill above the jets. Plenty of hot water, was good."

Reviewed on 24 Mar 2020

Great Ocean Road Tourist Park
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Seahorse Coastal Villas

Seahorse Coastal Villas

3.5 out of 5
38 Old Peterborough Road, Peterborough, VIC
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Peterborough. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Our guests praise the property condition in their reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (179 reviews)
"Separate bedrooms and a washer."

Reviewed on 19 Mar 2025

Seahorse Coastal Villas
Great Ocean Road Tourist Park

Great Ocean Road Tourist Park

3.5 out of 5
Cnr Great Ocean Road and Irvine St, Peterborough, VIC
Stay at this 3.5-star cabin in Peterborough. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Popular attractions Water Tower and Peterborough Coastal Reserve are ...
Good place to stay
"Really good. Had a nice short weekend stay for a wedding. Loved the spa, though it took a LONG time to fill above the jets. Plenty of hot water, was good."

Reviewed on 24 Mar 2020

Great Ocean Road Tourist Park
Loch Ard Motor Inn

Loch Ard Motor Inn

3.5 out of 5
18 Lord Street, Port Campbell, VIC
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Port Campbell. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9/10 Wonderful! (925 reviews)
"Can hear the ocean waves crashing at night. Very nice place."

Reviewed on 13 Jul 2025

Loch Ard Motor Inn
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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