The Grotto

The Grotto is a natural sinkhole and coastal cave formation located within Port Campbell National Park on the Great Ocean Road in Victoria, Australia. Formed by limestone erosion, it features a collapsed sinkhole with two seaward windows and a rock pool at sea level. Accessible via a boardwalk and timber steps from a clifftop car park, it is notable for its geological structure, ocean views and photography opportunities along the Shipwreck Coast.

Visitors can expect a clifftop car park with an accessible upper lookout, followed by a timber boardwalk and steep steps descending to a lower viewing area inside a collapsed limestone sinkhole. The sinkhole encloses a shallow rock pool and frames two natural arch windows opening to the Southern Ocean. The setting is exposed coastal cliffs with wind, waves and layered limestone formations. There is no beach access for swimming; the experience is sightseeing, photography and short walks.

The Grotto is a geological feature formed over millions of years by erosion of Miocene limestone along the Shipwreck Coast. The sinkhole and arches were created by gradual collapse and wave action. It lies within Port Campbell National Park, established to protect the limestone coastline and its natural formations.

The area lies within Eastern Maar Country. The Port Campbell coastline is part of an Aboriginal cultural landscape with long-standing connection to Eastern Maar people. The Shipwreck Coast is also significant for its maritime history.