Gibson Steps - Where the Great Ocean Road Meets the Sea

Wander * Explore * Discover
Nov 13, 2022
3 min read

Updated: 2 hours ago

Gibson Steps - Where the Great Ocean Road

Meets the Sea

Few places along the Great Ocean Road give you the chance to stand right at the base of the cliffs, and Gibson Steps is one of them. Carved into the towering sandstone cliffs, these historic steps lead down to a beautiful stretch of beach where the scale and power of the Southern Ocean truly hit home. It’s one of the most popular stops on the Shipwreck Coast — and for good reason. From dramatic cliff-top views to the thrill of stepping onto the sand beside ancient limestone stacks, Gibson Steps offers a perspective you simply can’t get from a lookout alone.

A Staircase Carved into the Cliffs

The 86 rocky steps at Gibson Steps were carved into the sheer sandstone cliffs by local settler Hugh Gibson, working from an existing access route traditionally used by the Kirrae Whurrong people of the Eastern Maar Nation. This shared history is where Gibson Steps takes its name and adds an important cultural layer to the site.

Created to provide access to the beach below, the steps follow the natural contours of the cliff face. Descending them today offers a powerful connection to both the Traditional Owners and early European settlers who relied on this route to reach the coast.

With the cliffs towering above and the sound of the Southern Ocean growing louder with every step, the walk down feels both historic and humbling — a reminder that this landscape has been accessed, respected and shaped over generations.

Gog and Magog - Giants of the Coast

From both the viewing platform and the beach below, you’ll see the impressive limestone stacks known as Gog and Magog. These formations are remnants of a much larger headland, slowly shaped by wind and waves over thousands of years.

Standing on the beach beneath them gives a real sense of scale — the cliffs loom above, the stacks rise from the water, and the ocean surges in and out, constantly reshaping the coastline. It’s a powerful reminder of just how dynamic this part of Victoria’s coast is.

The Walk Down to the Beach

Distance & Time: Short walk

Steps: 86

Time Required: Around 30 minutes return

Difficulty: Moderate (due to steep steps)

The walk begins at the Gibson Steps car park, where a short path leads to the viewing platform. From here, you can already enjoy incredible views of Gog and Magog from above. If conditions are suitable, continue down the steep stone steps to the beach. The steps can be uneven and slippery, so sturdy footwear is recommended. Access may be closed during high tides or rough weather, and a gate at the top of the steps will be locked when it’s unsafe to descend.

👉 Click here for more things to do on the Great Ocean Road

Walking from the Twelve Apostles

For those who enjoy coastal walks, you can also reach Gibson Steps by parking at the Twelve Apostles Visitor Centre and walking approximately 1 kilometre along the clifftop. This spectacular walk follows the rugged coastline and offers sweeping views of the vertical cliffs and crashing waves below. It’s a fantastic way to experience the Shipwreck Coast on foot and makes the arrival at Gibson Steps even more rewarding.

Best Time to Visit

Gibson Steps is stunning at any time of day, but it’s especially magical at sunrise and sunset, when the cliffs glow with warm colour, and the sea stacks are beautifully lit.

Always keep an eye on tides and ocean conditions — waves can surge quickly, and visitors should stay well clear of the water’s edge and never turn their back on the ocean.

Practical Tips for Visiting

Parking: Small car park available near the steps
Facilities: No toilets at Gibson Steps (use Twelve Apostles Visitor Centre)
Safety: Beach access may close due to tides or weather
Footwear: Wear sturdy shoes for the steep, uneven steps
Dogs: Not permitted, as this area is within a National Park

Why Gibson Steps Is Worth the Stop

Gibson Steps offers something truly special — the rare chance to experience the Great Ocean Road coastline from sea level. Standing on the beach beneath towering cliffs and ancient rock stacks is both humbling and unforgettable.

Whether you’re stopping briefly for the views or taking the time to walk down to the sand, Gibson Steps is a must-visit destination that showcases the raw beauty and power of Victoria’s Shipwreck Coast.