The Port Campbell National Park is well-known for its limestone formations, which have been shaped over millions of years through erosion. Visitors can explore attractions such as the 12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and the Grotto, making it a memorable destination for nature enthusiasts along the Great Ocean Road tour.
The Razorback is a remarkable rock formation in the Port Campbell National Park, known for its jagged and narrow appearance. It is easily accessible when viewing another natural landmark in the park, the Tom and Eva rock formations.
How to find
The Razorback is among several impressive Port Campbell National Park rock formations, easily accessible by car or a short walk. The carpark at Loch Ard Gorge is less than 5 kilometres west of the Twelve Apostles. Upon arrival at the carpark from the Great Ocean Road, you will find the walk’s starting point towards the Razorback.
A car park is designated for buses and about 20 meters east of the stairs leading to the beach at the bottom of Loch Ard Gorge. Visitors will notice the Razorback sign at the beginning of the walking path.
The formation of the Razorback
More than 20 million years ago, this entire coastline was submerged underwater, including the land you are standing on to view the Razorback.
The Razorback is composed of Sandstone and Limestone, formed due to the combination of plant and fish matter, sand from rivers, and other debris compacting at the ocean floor.
Over the past 15-20 million years, the ocean has gradually eroded the cliffs at approximately 1.5-2 cm per year. The cliffs extended beyond the Razorback when the sea receded, slowly deteriorating over millions of years. The current water level was established 6,000 years after the last Ice Age.
Over time, caves will develop in the Razorback, causing the limestone to transform into a large arch gradually. Eventually, the centre of the arch will weaken and collapse, leaving behind large stacks. This process is similar to the formation of the 12 Apostles; you can observe some of the stacks behind the Razorback.
Walk
From the car park, there is a 300-meter flat walk to reach the Razorback and enjoy the view of the Apostles. Along the way, you will pass the collapsed Island Archway, walking atop massive cliffs made of Sandstone and Limestone.
This short and easy walk provides close-up views of the rugged coastline shaped by the mighty ocean over millions of years.
From this location, visitors can observe the three remaining Apostles that are not visible from Castle Rock, the designated viewing area for the 12 Apostles.
History Razorback
Australian Indigenous communities have inhabited this coastal area for thousands of years. However, the name Razorback originated during the European colonisation of the region in the 1850s when this stretch of coastline became known as the Shipwreck Coast.
Initially, it is believed that one of the original names for the 12 Apostles was “The Sow and Piglets“. The island known as Mutton Bird Island, located a few hundred meters west of the Razorback, was referred to as “The Sow”. At the same time, the Apostles to the east were called “The Piglets” and extended for a distance of nearly 5 kilometres.
The name ‘Sow & Piglets’ was given by George Bass in 1798 and became commonly used by people passing the area by ship, particularly during the Ballarat Gold Rush era. On the other hand, Loch Ard Gorge was named after the 1878 shipwreck in the gorge only 300 meters away from the Razorback.
Best times to visit
The location is always open. The weather in the area is constantly changing. The best times to shoot here are from sunrise to mid-morning. There are two alternative vantage points from which to shoot this feature.
Given the unpredictable weather in this area, it would be advisable to check the forecast and allocate additional time in case of possible brief showers, typically lasting 15 to 30 minutes.
It is essential to dress in layers because the weather and temperature here are constantly changing. You can easily be exposed to the elements. During the summer, it is crucial to have sunscreen with you. If showers are in the area, wear a weatherproof jacket with a rain shield or plastic cover to protect your camera.
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