Loch Ard Gorge

Loch Ard Gorge is a limestone defile that cuts through coastal cliffs and descends to a sheltered sandy beach, with towering yellow rock walls on either side. The gorge features distinctive natural rock formations shaped by centuries of wave erosion and weathering.

The clipper ship Loch Ard sank in 1878 near Mutton Bird Island, with only two survivors among the passengers and crew. This shipwreck became a defining moment in the region's maritime history and remains deeply connected to the site today.

The two rock pillars here gained the names Tom and Eva in 2009, honoring the survivors of the Loch Ard shipwreck who found refuge in this gorge. These names personify the dramatic rescue story that locals have passed down through generations.

Visitors reach the beach by descending a set of stairs, while a maintained walking path with information boards runs along the eastern side of the gorge. Wet rocks can be slippery, so wear appropriate footwear, and check tide conditions if you plan to explore the outer rock formations.

An observation platform currently under construction takes the shape of a breaching whale, created through partnership with the Eastern Maar Aboriginal community. This design merges indigenous cultural perspectives with contemporary architecture, offering visitors a new vantage point for experiencing the gorge.