31 Jul 2021
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Situated in the heart of the Great Ocean Road’s iconic attractions including the Bay of Martyrs and Bay of Islands Coastal Park, Peterborough is a great family friendly destination with a shorefront playground and children's riding loop
Local Shipwrecks
Place names around Peterborough are often tied to nearby shipwrecks. Look for names like Newfield Bay, Halladale Point, Antares Rock and Schomberg Reef.
Tee Off - Golf Courses
Set right on the shoreline, with views of the battered coast and iconic limestone formations from just about every tee off, fairway and green, there's nothing comparable to round at Peterborough anywhere in Australia, if indeed the world.
Peterborough - Bay of Martyrs - steps and beaches edition 8km
Click for an exciting animated video.
Distance: 8 km
Elevation gained: 135m
A spectacular mix of trail, beach and steps to get the heart pumping. Check tide and ocean swell conditions before you go if you intend running the beaches. Look out for and keep your distance from endangered hooded plovers when on Bay of Martyrs beach. Staying on clifftop trail will reduce this run to around 6km. Enjoy!
Family Fun
A great shore front playground, children's riding loop and placid waters of Curdies Inlet immediately marks Peterborough as a family friendly destination. The tennis courts are often alive with family challenge matches until the smell from the BBQ draws everybody from the court. With careful supervision there are rock pools to explore, good fishing spots and plenty of options for walks and short drives to nearby attractions. Check out our Craters to Coast Discovery activity program and get in touch with your wild side on your next visit to the region.
Pet Friendly
Holidaying with your best animal friend on the Great Ocean Road can be an awesome experience. Sure, there are some areas where dogs are just not allowed to go, but there are some amazing spots where you can explore together.
In Peterborough there are areas where you can enjoy some off the lead time, this can depend on the time of day and the season. They are permitted on leashes in the area bounded by and including Hamilton and Irvine Streets, Schomberg and Hallladale Roads and the Childrens playground and BBQ area on Irvine Street.
Around town
What to see & do
Skydive 12 Apostles
Skydive 12 Apostles offers Australia's most spectacular skydive. Take off from the Great Ocean Road Airport, take it all in as you jump from 14,000 feet over one of the...
12 Apostles Biplane Flights
Soar over the spectacular Shipwreck Coast in an open cockpit biplane. See it all from the 12 Apostles to the Bay of Islands.
Peterborough Licensed Grocers
The Peterborough Licensed Grocers is open seven days for all your last minute needs. They stock a range local produce including Schulz Organic Milk and Cheese, milk bar and licensed...
Peterborough Antiques and Art (+ Coffee is on pause)
Temporarily closed - Peterborough Antiques and Art is for those whose joy it is to browse art collections, furnish their home with a mix of objects and art, give a gift that is a little different, or just love exploring treasures from living history.
Childers Cove Cheese Company
Located just off the Great Ocean Road, overlooking picturesque Childers Cove, 26 kilometres from both Warrnambool and Peterborough, you will find Childers Cove Cheese Company.
Peterborough Beaches
Beaches to the immediate west of Peterborough Township are characterized by sheltered coves, grottos and offshore stacks. The constant twisting and turning of the shoreline means you can find relative shelter in most conditions.
Peterborough Foreshore
The car park to the south of town offers views looking east across the wreck sites of the Schomberg and the Newfield.
Peterborough - Bay of Martyrs Trail
A wonderful cliff top trail from Peterborough Golf Course, through Halladale Point where you can view where the Falls of Halladale was wrecked, along to the Bay of Martyrs car...
Paddling in the ocean
Knowledge of local swell, sea, wind, prevailing conditions and sound judgment is necessary for safe experiences in this area. Paddlers attempting these waters need to be experienced and able to read ocean dynamics in a setting of multiple headlands, overhangs offshore stacks and reef platforms.
Newfield Bay
The broad double sweep of Newfield Bay extends east from the mouth of the Curdies River some 1.7 km to where it terminates once again into the limestone cliffs that characterize the area. Offshore reefs mark the final resting place of the Schomberg and the Newfield.
Paddling lakes, rivers, estuaries
For recreational paddlers, the volcanic lakes and estuaries generally provide more protected and predictable waters with plenty of opportunities to explore.
Fishing local Estuaries
Estuarine species to be targeted include bream, mullet, trevally, estuary perch, mulloway and short finned eel. The upper layers of water not far upstream of the mouth will occasionally yield brown trout.
Recommended accommodation
Great Ocean Road Tourist Park
On the Great Ocean Road, next to the bridge and opposite the hotel. Very popular for estuary and surf fishing, cray fishing, diving and swimming.
Peterborough House & Motel
Located in the restful coastal village of Peterborough, situated at the mouth of the Curdies River on the Great Ocean Road, Peterborough House is the perfect destination for your holiday...
Seahorse Coastal Villas
The Seahorse Coastal Villas are located only 600 meters from the beach, golf course and Bay of Islands Coastal Park in Peterborough on the Great Ocean Road and only a...
Butterfly Farm Bed and Breakfast
Butterfly Farm Bed and Breakfast provides two bed and breakfast accommodation rooms with an adjoining hallway.
Peterborough Holiday House
The Peterborough Holiday House is located in the centre of town and is walking distance to beaches, nine hole golf course, tennis courts and the local cafe, restaurant, take away,...
Walk Run Cycle
Peterborough - Bay of Martyrs - steps and beaches edition 8km
Click for an exciting animated video.
Distance: 8 km
Elevation gained: 135m
A spectacular mix of trail, beach and steps to get the heart pumping. Check tide and ocean swell conditions before you go if you intend running the beaches. Look out for and keep your distance from endangered hooded plovers when on Bay of Martyrs beach. Staying on clifftop trail will reduce this run to around 6km. Enjoy!
The Wonky Stingray 43km
Click for an exciting animated video.
Distance: 42.9km
Elevation gained: 386m
Plenty of options for ocean views and scenic stops on this 43km route. Best in the mornings when you just may encounter more riders than vehicles. Check out our short video and allow time for photos!
