London Bridge - VIC

Not to be confused with the "other" London Bridge, (or London Arch) found along the Great Ocean Road, near Port Campbell, this London Bridge is located just to the west of Portsea Back Beach on the Southern shore of the Mornington Peninsula. This side of the peninsula faces Bass Strait and contrasts dramatically with the calmer waters of Port Phillip Bay. This is not a safe swimming beach and waves are not rideable by surfers. The rock flats off the beach can be fished at high tide, or deeper water off the adjoining rock platforms at low tide. However, take care as waves wash over the rocks.

The rock arch found here has been formed by wave erosion. This hollowed out sea stack can be viewed from a lookout at the end of London Bridge Road, which heads west off Back Beach Rd to the site and accessible by vehicle. Alternatively, you can walk there by following the Farnsworth Track (3 km return) along the cliff-tops which are popular with hang-gliders. Start at the Portsea Ocean Beach carpark and return along the beach.

Numerous significant events in European history have occurred in and around Portsea, including the first British entry of Port Phillip Bay, the first claiming of land in what would become Victoria (both in 1802), the first (short-lived) convict settlement (1803), the first Allied shot of World War I (1914) and Prime Minister Harold Holt’s death off Cheviot Beach (1967).