Are Gibson Steps a good fit for young children? – well yes – but only if you know what you’re getting yourself into. Taking a family on a self-drive road trip along the Great Ocean Road, Gibson Steps is a bit of a mixed bag – potentially brilliant with kids, or potentially a disaster waiting to happen. The difference usually comes down to getting the timing and energy levels right, and deciding whether to treat it as a mini-adventure or just a quick photo stop in a rush.
I’ve spent years leading groups of travellers along this coast with operators like Wildlife Tours Australia and independently, and the pattern always seems to be the same. Gibson Steps is the kind of stop that can go either way – it’s all about plodding along at a pace that works for your crew.
Where This Stop Fits On The Route
Gibson Steps is right in the thick of the wild Shipwreck Coast, just a stone’s throw from The Twelve Apostles and not too far from Port Campbell. This bit of coast is all about sheer cliffs, weathered limestone and towering sea stacks jutting straight up out of Bass Strait.
If you’re driving the Great Ocean Road over a couple of days – which is what a lot of families do on a two-day tour – then Gibson Steps is often on the itinerary alongside Loch Ard Gorge, London Bridge and The Grotto. The thing is, most of those stops are just lookouts, whereas Gibson Steps is different – it’s one of the only places where you can actually make your way down from the top and stand right at the base of the cliff.
That access is the main drawcard – and the main challenge.
What This Place Is Really All About
Gibson Steps is an artificial staircase carved into the cliffs in the early 1900s, named after early coastal settlers Hugh Gibson and Marie Gabrielle. The staircase cuts through some fragile rock that’s constantly being reshaped by wind, salt, and the pounding surf.
That sounds like a manageable 86 steps from top to bottom – but until you’re halfway back up with a cranky child on your hands, it doesn’t sound like much, does it? The steps are narrow and exposed, and the wind from the ocean sweeps straight in. To top it all off, ongoing maintenance is routine here, which underscores how unforgiving this place is.
On a two-day Great Ocean Road tour, this stop is usually the most physically demanding of the whole lot.
The Physical Reality For Young Families
Taking a trip down can be a doddle – gravity’s got your back, the kids are buzzing, and the views open up in no time. They love the sheer scale of the cliffs looming above, and the roar of the ocean a mile below has a way of energising everyone.
But coming back up’s a whole different story. You’re much more aware of how tired your legs are by this point, and the wind’s usually picked up by the afternoon. Suddenly, that staircase that seemed so simple on the way down feels like Mount Everest, and the climb back’s the real test – not just for families who are doing the trip on their own, but even for those who are with a guided group like Wildlife Tours Australia.
If you can manage to get your head around the fact that the hard bit’s ahead from the very start, you’ll find it a lot easier to prepare your family for what’s in store.
How Different Ages Handle The Climb
Age is the biggest factor here, more than general fitness.
If you’ve got a baby, you can squeeze into a baby carrier as long as the weather isn’t too wild, but you have to be careful – especially with the strong winds coming off Bass Strait – you don’t want to get caught out with an unstable carrier. Toddlers are probably the hardest to deal with, though – they’re too big to carry easily, but too young to be any use on the stairs themselves. And don’t forget that if you’re doing a 2-day drive along the Great Ocean Road, they may already be running on fumes from all the other sights and sounds.
Preschool and primary school-aged kids, on the other hand, tend to do just fine – they can handle the stairs, follow instructions, and still manage to be amazed by the scenery. Older kids are usually a breeze – although they’re more interested in the waves and the rock stacks offshore than they are in the actual steps.
Tide Timing Is The Quiet Deal-Breaker
Most families don’t give much thought to the tide – but they should.
When the tide’s in, Gibson Beach gets all pinched in by the waves crashing right up against the base of the cliffs, and with kids, that can be a bit uncomfortable. But at low tide, the beach opens right up, and you get the full benefit of 86 steps in all its glory.
Looking at the Shipwreck Coast, it seems like low tide opens up around 30-40% more beach area than when the tide’s in, which is a pretty big deal when you’re trying to keep a bunch of kids happy. If you’re planning to visit Gibson Steps as part of a 2-day Great Ocean Road tour, it’s worth keeping an eye on the tide – it really does make a difference.
Safety Around Here Is A Big Deal
This place is not a swimming beach & it’s nothing like the very calm coastlines you find in other parts of Australia. The water’s Always Too Cold, and the rip currents are fast – and if you don’t know what you’re doing, potentially deadly. Not to mention the rogue waves that can just catch you out of the blue.
You’ll hear it time & time again – from Parks Victoria, right through to operators like Wildlife Tours Australia on the guided tours – this stretch of coastline is always getting a mention in safety briefings. And let’s be clear – the message is always the same: take a moment to appreciate the power of the ocean, but don’t for a second think it’s just going to be a gentle day out with the kids.
The Facilities Are Super Basic – For A Reason
At Gibson Steps, there are no toilets, no cafe, no place to hang out in the wind, and no water to drink. The nearest reliable facilities are back at the visitor centre near The Twelve Apostles, which is really the best place to start.
By design, Gibson Steps is not a place you’d want to linger with the whole family. You are stepping straight into a wild coastal environment — not a family-friendly park. If you’re planning on doing the Great Ocean Road in two days, most guides will flag this early on so you don’t get caught short on day one.
What Sets This Apart
Compared to Loch Ard Gorge, Gibson Steps is steeper and far more physically demanding. Loch Ard Gorge has gentler pathways and multiple access points that let families get close to the coast with minimal effort.
Even London Bridge, The Grotto, and the Bay of Martyrs deliver dramatic views without breaking a sweat.
Gibson Steps is different because it puts you right in the middle of it. You’re not just looking at the Shipwreck Coast — you’re standing inside it. That’s what makes it memorable, and also why you need to think carefully before bringing kids.
Where Does This Stop Fit Into A Family Day
Families staying in Apollo Bay, Skenes Creek, Wye River, or Kennett River usually head for the Shipwreck Coast early in the day, before energy levels drop.
Those based in Port Campbell have more flexibility and can plan a visit to Gibson Steps around tide times and weather conditions.
If you’re squeezing this into a 2-day Great Ocean Road trip, it’s almost always better to visit earlier rather than leaving it until the end of the day when everyone’s exhausted.
What Years On The Road Taught Me
For some families, Gibson Steps becomes the highlight of the trip. For others, it’s the moment they turn back halfway up the stairs after a gust of wind knocks the confidence out of everyone.
Both outcomes are completely normal.
My rule is simple: fresh kids, low tide, and decent weather? Go for it.
Long day of driving, high tide, and a blustery wind? Stick to the top lookout and save your energy for the next stop. It’s a strategy I’ve used myself and seen play out countless times on guided tours with Wildlife Tours Australia.
When Bypassing This Stop Is The Way To Go
If there’s maintenance work underway, the conditions are poor, or the kids are simply done for the day, skipping Gibson Steps is not a failure.
Places like the Bay of Martyrs or Childers Cove are solid alternatives if you want coastal scenery without tackling steep stairs.
The Final Word For Families
Gibson Steps isn’t a mythical must-do for families — it’s a location that’s earned its reputation.
It demands planning, patience, and a healthy respect for the conditions. But for those willing to put in the effort, it can deliver one of the most unforgettable moments on the Shipwreck Coast — standing beneath towering cliffs with the Southern Ocean pounding the shore right in front of you.
Treat it as a genuine experience rather than just another tick on a Great Ocean Road itinerary, and it can absolutely work as part of a family holiday — whether you’re travelling independently or with operators like Wildlife Tours Australia.
FAQ
Is Gibson Steps suitable for prams?
No way, it’s not suitable for prams. The stairs are too steep, and the access is too narrow – it’s not a safe or practical option for pram users.
How many steps are there at Gibson Steps?
There are roughly 86 steps – but let’s be real, erosion and maintenance work can see that number change a bit.
Is Gibson Steps the same as Gibson Beach?
No, not exactly – Gibson Steps refers to that staircase, while you’ve got Gibson Beach (or Gibson’s Beach) down below.
Is Gibson Steps safe after the remediation work?
Yes, when it’s open. Always, always double-check the access before you head out – you don’t want to turn up and find out they’ve shut it down.
Is Gibson Steps tougher than Loch Ard Gorge for families?
Yeah, it’s generally tougher on the younger kids. Loch Ard Gorge’s a bit easier to tackle, while Gibson Steps is a bit more demanding, but the views make it worth it.