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.

Peterborough House & Motel

Peterborough House & Motel

3 out of 5
9 Irvine St, Peterborough, VIC
The price is AU$223 per night from 19 Oct to 20 Oct
AU$223
19 Oct - 20 Oct
includes taxes & fees
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! (56 reviews)
"Lovely motel"

Reviewed on 9 Oct 2025

Peterborough House & Motel
Sandy Feet Retreat Su

Sandy Feet Retreat Su

Peterborough
The price is AU$463 per night from 20 Oct to 21 Oct
AU$463
20 Oct - 21 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this vacation home in Peterborough. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Wild Dog Cove 5 and Wild Dog Cove 2 ...
Sandy Feet Retreat Su
Salt bush cottage Peterborough

Salt bush cottage Peterborough

Peterborough, Victoria
The price is AU$416 per night from 21 Oct to 22 Oct
AU$416
21 Oct - 22 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this vacation home in Peterborough. Enjoy in-room fireplaces and air conditioning. Popular attractions Worm Bay and Falls Of Halladale 2 are located ...
Salt bush cottage Peterborough
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.
Sandy Feet Retreat Su

Sandy Feet Retreat Su

Peterborough
Stay at this vacation home in Peterborough. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Wild Dog Cove 5 and Wild Dog Cove 2 ...
Sandy Feet Retreat Su
Salt bush cottage Peterborough

Salt bush cottage Peterborough

Peterborough, Victoria
Stay at this vacation home in Peterborough. Enjoy in-room fireplaces and air conditioning. Popular attractions Worm Bay and Falls Of Halladale 2 are located ...
Salt bush cottage Peterborough
The Shark Haus Summar

The Shark Haus Summar

Peterborough, VIC
Stay at this vacation home in Peterborough. Enjoy a garden, an in-room coffeemaker, and in-room fireplaces. Popular attractions Wild Dog Cove 5 and Wild Dog ...
The Shark Haus Summar
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

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