Peterborough

Travel Guide

Peterborough which includes a sandy beach and rocky coastline
Peterborough featuring rocky coastline
Peterborough featuring a sandy beach and rocky coastline
Peterborough showing rocky coastline
Southwest Victoria featuring a beach and rugged 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 ¥19,183 per night from Jul 10 to Jul 11
¥19,183
¥21,101 total
Jul 10 - Jul 11
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! (51 reviews)
"Beautiful location beachside with ocean view. Wonderful hosts who prepare wonderful high quality chef meals; and 2 bedroom family room had all amenities and very comfortable."

Reviewed on Jun 26, 2025

Peterborough House & Motel
Peterborough Beach House
Peterborough Beach House
Peterborough
The price is ¥42,887 per night from Jul 27 to Jul 28
¥42,887
¥48,233 total
Jul 27 - Jul 28
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this vacation home in Peterborough. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Wild Dog Cove 5 and Falls of Halladale are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (3 reviews)
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 Feb 23, 2025

Peterborough Beach House
Sunsets on Martyrs - Coastal LuxuryBeach House
Sunsets on Martyrs - Coastal LuxuryBeach House
Peterborough
The price is ¥72,563 per night from Jul 10 to Jul 11
¥72,563
¥108,047 total
Jul 10 - Jul 11
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Peterborough. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Worm Bay and Bay of ...
Incredible view & stay
"Pristine views, super close to the beach. Host was very friendly. Our friends had a great time here!"

Reviewed on Jan 13, 2025

Sunsets on Martyrs - Coastal LuxuryBeach 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.
Peterborough Beach House
Peterborough Beach House
Peterborough
Stay at this vacation home in Peterborough. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Wild Dog Cove 5 and Falls of Halladale are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (3 reviews)
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 Feb 23, 2025

Peterborough Beach House
Sunsets on Martyrs - Coastal LuxuryBeach House
Sunsets on Martyrs - Coastal LuxuryBeach House
Peterborough
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Peterborough. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Worm Bay and Bay of ...
Incredible view & stay
"Pristine views, super close to the beach. Host was very friendly. Our friends had a great time here!"

Reviewed on Jan 13, 2025

Sunsets on Martyrs - Coastal LuxuryBeach House
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! (179 reviews)
"Separate bedrooms and a washer."

Reviewed on Mar 19, 2025

Seahorse Coastal Villas
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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