The Gibson Steps are a set of 86 steps that descend to a large expanse of golden, biscuit-coloured sand.
There’s a mighty view at the top of the Gibson Steps. The lookout over the beach is wild, windy and beautiful. Just a few minutes from the Twelve Apostles, the Gibson Steps lead to Gibson Beach below. Waves crash around dramatic, magnificent rock formations that jut out of the ocean. It’s a photographer’s dream.
Getting to Gibson Steps
Located in the Port Campbell National Park on the Great Ocean Road, the Gibson Steps bridge your way to Gibson Beach. Here, you’ll be face to face with giant rock formations called Gog and Magog, which tower over visitors marvelling at the bottom.
The Gibson Steps are accessible via the Gibson Car Park. If you want to spot the view from the top of the steps, it’s right next to the car park.
Or, they’re a 1km walk from the Twelve Apostles Car Park. Then the lookout point is just a short walk away from the car park. Feeling a short hike? Soak up the views from different angles, with the popular return trail. The most popular one is 1.3 hours and it’s just over 2.5km, starting at the Twelve Apostles Visitor Centre.
The History of the Gibson Steps
Originally carved into the side of the sandstone cliff by hand. Settler Hugh Gibson lived on a homestead at the top of the steps, which he further carved out to allow himself easier access to the beach below. The steps leading down to the beach are a steep, jagged decline.
The whole coastline is a Jurassic blend of limestone and sandstone that was established some 300 million years ago.
Safety at the Gibson Steps
There are a few safety points to keep in mind when visiting the Gibson Steps. Keep in mind that…
- Tides will rise and fall. At high tide, you cannot get down to the beach below as the waves can crash down hard!
- When these steps were built, they were not made for tourists in mind! Be mindful that some of the steps can be steep for short legs.
- The steps might be narrow on a busy day. Hold on to the handrail for support
If the tide is out then the gate to the steps will be closed. But at low tides, visitors can head out to the beach below and admire the views.
Complete your Melbourne Day Trip with the Twelve Apostles
Seeing the Great Ocean Road in one day is not completed without a visit to the Twelve Apostles. Want to check out the Twelve Apostles and explore the Gibson Steps? We’ve got a fun-filled tour with plenty of photo opportunities, great food, and a knowledgeable tour guide.
We’ll take you on our Twelve Apostles Day tour and stop off at the Gibson Steps as part of your Great Ocean Road tour.
