How to Make the Most of Your Visit to London Bridge

How to Make the Most of Your Visit to London Bridge

Written by: Cameron Ward

Published: 10/18/2016

Reading time: 3 mins

See this historic natural wonder found along the Great Ocean Road’s coastline

Set along the picturesque expanse of the Great Ocean Road, London Bridge is one of the more popular sights for visitors in the area. Now, the natural structure is known as London Arch, after the middle collapsed in 1990 and left it looking more like an archway than a bridge.

You can find London Arch in the Port Campbell National Park, where there are plenty of natural structures and wildlife to discover.

How London Arch Was Formed

London Arch is a stack that has been worn down by steady erosion over hundreds of years. Up until 1990, it was a double-span natural bridge, connecting the island to the mainland. On January 15th of 1990, the section of the bridge closest to the shoreline collapsed, leaving behind a chunk of land isolated in the ocean. Unfortunately, at the time of the collapse, two tourists were left stranded on the isolated chunk of land, known as Kelli Harrison and David Darrington. The two had to wait hours before they were rescued by helicopter, but there were even rumours suggesting that the couple were actually having an affair and collapse blew their cover.

The structure was originally known as London Bridge because of its similarity to its namesake. The collapse of the London Bridge highlights the everchanging structure of this coast. With the rocky sandstone cliff shoreline slowly crumbling and shifting in structure due to the continuous erosion of weather and sea. Transforming the region into a new sight every century or so.

How to Explore London Arch

London Arch forms one of the many stops on the expansive stretch of the Great Ocean Road. As well as discovering the natural formation itself, you can soak up the exceptional views of the surrounding landscape.

For the best views, go to the upper western or lower eastern viewing platforms, where you can marvel at the panoramic views of the great Southern Ocean.

Before the collapse of the bridge, visitors could walk across it from the mainland, getting to see the region from a different perspective. Now, however, viewing is limited to the designated platforms, which still provide excellent views of the ocean and the coastline.

To avoid the thicker crowds, head to the viewing platforms in the morning or in the evening. Not only will you have a quieter viewing experience, but if you make it in time for sunrise or sunset, you’ll be party to a spectacular show of colours across the ocean and cliffs.

It’s well worth taking your time when visiting London Arch. Though it is one of many natural structures on the Great Ocean Road, it’s worth spending some time casting your eyes across the magnificent views, and learning more about the tragic fate of the structure back in 1990.

Set close to the Twelve Apostles, perhaps the most famous landmark on the Great Ocean Road, London Arch is well-placed and a definite must-visit if you’re exploring this part of Australia.

Cameron Ward
Cameron Ward
Managing Director at Sightseeing Tours Australia

Cameron Ward turned his travel passion into a thriving Australian tourism business. Before he co-founded his own business, Sightseeing Tours Australia, he was enjoying being a Melbourne tour guide. Even now, Cameron delights in helping visitors from all around the world get the most out of their incredible Australian trip. You’ll see Cameron leading tours or writing about his favourite Australian places where he shares his local insights.