Peterborough Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

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

Seahorse Coastal Villas
Seahorse Coastal Villas
3.5 out of 5
38 Old Peterborough Road, Peterborough, VIC
The price is AU$210 per night from 15 Mar to 16 Mar
AU$210
includes taxes & fees
15 Mar - 16 Mar
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Peterborough. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (176 reviews)
"Had a great stay."

Reviewed on 31 Jan. 2025

Seahorse Coastal Villas
Peterborough House & Motel
Peterborough House & Motel
3 out of 5
9 Irvine St, Peterborough, VIC
The price is AU$267 per night from 18 Mar to 19 Mar
AU$267
includes taxes & fees
18 Mar - 19 Mar
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! (44 reviews)
"This hotel was amazing. The room was immaculate and so cozy. The power went out (a pelican ran into a powerline!) and the staff was very helpful in keeping us updated and providing tea candles so we could see in our rooms. Amazing stay."

Reviewed on 4 Mar. 2025

Peterborough House & Motel
Sunsets on Martyrs - Luxury Coastal Beach House
Sunsets on Martyrs - Luxury Coastal Beach House
Peterborough
The price is AU$892 per night from 13 Apr to 14 Apr
AU$892
includes taxes & fees
13 Apr - 14 Apr
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Peterborough. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and patios. Popular attractions Worm Bay and Bay of Martyrs are ...
10/10 Exceptional! (9 reviews)
Incredible view & stay
"Pristine views, super close to the beach. Host was very friendly. Our friends had a great time here!"

Reviewed on 13 Jan. 2025

Sunsets on Martyrs - Luxury Coastal Beach House
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 WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (176 reviews)
"Had a great stay."

Reviewed on 31 Jan. 2025

Seahorse Coastal Villas
Sunsets on Martyrs - Luxury Coastal Beach House
Sunsets on Martyrs - Luxury Coastal Beach House
Peterborough
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Peterborough. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and patios. Popular attractions Worm Bay and Bay of Martyrs are ...
10/10 Exceptional! (9 reviews)
Incredible view & stay
"Pristine views, super close to the beach. Host was very friendly. Our friends had a great time here!"

Reviewed on 13 Jan. 2025

Sunsets on Martyrs - Luxury Coastal Beach House
Peterborough Beach House
Peterborough Beach House
Peterborough
Stay at this vacation home in Peterborough. Enjoy a garden, patios, and in-room fireplaces. Popular attractions Wild Dog Cove 5 and Falls of Halladale are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
Peterborough
"Very comfortable and clean, with sea views and great access to all Peterborough beaches. Great to have two bathrooms. Some of the window winders and plumbing were a bit dated. Kitchen was well appointed, although really only a one person space.Overall very comfortable."

Reviewed on 23 Feb. 2025

Peterborough Beach House
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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Reviews of Peterborough

4.2
Top destination
5 - Excellent
5
5 - Excellent 29%
4 - Good
10
4 - Good 59%
3 - Okay
2
3 - Okay 12%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Very small town but great access to beach and river. Need to go shopping in Warrnambool before you come.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Fantastic spot to stay, in the middle of many tourist attractions along the great ocean road, as well as some fabulous breweries, chocolate makers and ice creameries close by.

Cities near Peterborough