Date: 13th March 2026
Travelled: 50 kms from Timboon to Camperdown
Visited: Camperdown
Stayed: Portland Henty Park, free , N38.35507, E141.60693
After another early start driving the various lookouts on Great Ocean Road we return to the Jayco for a late morning tea. Our host Martin has recommended the drive north via Cobden to Camperdown. So enough of Port Campbell National Park, we head north.
Unsurprisingly we spend 10 minutes waiting for this fellow to give us the go !
The farmlands all appear to be dairy and beef cattle as we make for Cobden. We have a rolling visit to Cobden which has two of the largest milk and cheese processing factories weโve seen, but little else of interest.
Another 12 kms on to Camperdown wedged between several trucks weโre glad to turn off to the town centre. Camperdown was the service centre for some of the largest pastoral properties in the state. At even a first glance this is reflected in the stately colonial buildings that line Manifold Street.
The first and most obvious the gothic style clock tower. Built from a bequest by Thomas Manifold who died on a hunt in 1895. What 32 year old today would have had the forethought to make such a large bequest to the town he lived in.
The tourist blurb tells us the town is most famous for its local blue basalt. The post office pictured below a lovely example, which has weathered to a dark grey.
Other than the blue granite the most striking feature of Camperdown is Manifold Street, the Avenue of Elms as it is known. Central Camperdown has a series of wide double avenues divided by nature strips and trees.
Weโve walked prosperous Manifold Street finding only a couple of empty shops. Camperdown is certainly one of the most handsome towns weโve visited during our Australian wanderings.
Another interesting day passes through to the keeper. An early start for Portland tomorrow.
Michael + Pam
