12 Rocks Beach Bar Cafe

We had the fish and chips and the lamb spaghetti special, both were absolutely delicious! The fish was incredibly fresh with a perfectly crispy batter. The lamb spaghetti was rich and flavorful, clearly made with care. But what I really like is the atmosphere of the place that was wonderful, cozy and welcoming, just a short walk from the beach. On a clear day, you’d be able to enjoy a beautiful sunset view, but unfortunately, it was cloudy and rainy when we visited. Still, the charm of this little town more than made up for it. It felt like stepping into a movie set, quiet, picturesque, and full of character. Highly recommended and definitely worth a visit!

Great Asian foods, surprisingly. Loved the pork belly with rice, taste so good. The laksa was good, too. The calamari was also really good. The place itself was nice, felt homey and chill. You can see the ocean, too from inside. Really recommended place to eat when you are in town.

Great customer service and at a beautiful location. Team members go above and beyond to make you feel welcome. However, the food and taste can be improved and not value for money. The garlic cheese bread is great, but triple cheese pizza and the steak sandwich are not so great.

During my trip along the Great Ocean Road, I stumbled upon a charming little cafe called 12 Rocks Cafe. It’s tucked away by the beach, and I had no idea it was a hidden gem. I thought it might be another tourist trap, but boy, was I wrong! After lunch was delivered, my family and I were all raving about the delicious food. I ordered the vegetable lasagna, and it was absolutely bursting with flavor. The little details they put into it, like sunflower seeds, were just the cherry on top. And to top it off, we had a breathtaking view of Port Campbell while we ate. It was a perfect break from my busy travel schedule.

I was staying in Lord Inn Motor (just opposite to this place) and nobody can miss this Restuarant with the best view in Port Campbell. Wine list is very good as per my taste and decently priced. Food taste is fresh but can be little better….but I tried run of the mill fish and chips (the chef may be sick and tired dishing same stuff over and over again). Chips were amazing….. I will say I will always go back there. Don’t look for variety of fish (then go to fish and ice-cream shack just opposite side to garden). Look for moments, the sunset or the foams in air as big waves are dashing the rocks and sip your drink - chat with close ones.

Quite a large cafe inside the gorgeous little town of Port Campbell. Very popular due to its cafe/restaurant and bar services and the location is fantastic with beautiful view of the ocean! I suggest booking during busy times as was nearly full when we were here in the middle of winter.

This cafe is one of the best in the very pretty and small town port Campbell. We had both our dinner and the breakfast here. Food was really great and we have ample place inside and outside with great view.

12 Rocks Café and Beach Bar, located at 19 Lord Street in Port Campbell, VIC, is a popular dining spot along the Great Ocean Road. Known for its scenic waterfront views and diverse menu, it offers a casual yet memorable dining experience.  ⸻ 🏖️ Atmosphere & Location Situated directly across from the beach, 12 Rocks boasts stunning views of the bay, making it an ideal spot for both daytime and evening meals. The venue features a relaxed, rustic ambiance with indoor and outdoor seating options, including dog-friendly areas. Its proximity to landmarks like the Twelve Apostles enhances its appeal to travelers seeking a picturesque dining experience.  ⸻ 🍽️ Menu Highlights The menu at 12 Rocks is eclectic, blending Modern Australian cuisine with international influences. Dishes range from seafood options like Thai red seafood curry and Otway beer-battered fish to hearty selections such as lamb and pork belly. Breakfast offerings include the signature Rocks Big Breakfast, while lunch and dinner feature items like fried chicken burgers and Scotch fillet beef and reef. The restaurant also caters to various dietary needs, offering vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.   ⸻ 🍷 Drinks & Service Style 12 Rocks operates with a casual service model where patrons order at the counter. The beverage selection includes a range of Australian wines and local beers, such as the Spikey Moses beer. While the wine list is somewhat limited, it offers quality choices at reasonable prices.   ⸻ 🧾 Pricing & Value The restaurant is noted for its generous portions and competitive pricing. For instance, the lamb dish, praised for its flavor and portion size, is priced at $34, offering good value for money. Overall, 12 Rocks provides a satisfying dining experience without breaking the bank.  ⸻ ⭐ Reviews Summary With an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 on Tripadvisor, 12 Rocks receives mixed reviews.  Positive Aspects: • Delicious and well-presented meals, especially seafood and lamb dishes.  • Beautiful beachfront location offering stunning views.  • Friendly and accommodating staff.  Areas for Improvement: • Some patrons have noted that certain dishes can be overly spicy. (please let them in advance) • A few reviews mention limited menu options for those with specific dietary requirements.  ⸻ 🕒 Opening Hours 12 Rocks is open daily from 9:30 AM to 8:30 PM, with extended hours until 9:00 PM on Saturdays. Please note that hours may vary seasonally, especially during winter months.   ⸻ 📞 Contact Information • Address: 19 Lord Street, Port Campbell, VIC 3269  • Phone: +61 3 5598 6123  • Website: 12 Rocks Café and Beach Bar 

This place was pretty pricey, but I probably shouldn't be surprised when it comes to a place in Port Campbell. It also seemed to be one of the few places open when we made our way through here. However, as a place for a meal, it wasn't all that bad, and they even had some nice selection of beers. The other thing was that the chips turned out to be pretty good as well. Another thing that stood out with this place was the views over the harbour - that was really nice, especially in the early evening.

One of the more popular restaurants in town, for a good reason too. They make great food and there is a bunch of tables for people to come in and get seated quickly. I ordered the pulled pork sandwhich and it was one of the best I've had. The bbq sauce was the perfect balance of sweet and a small kick of spice at the very end. The fried onion pieces mixed in with the pork was delicious and added a great crunch to every bite. The American cheese was melted perfectly on the sandwhich and the arugala added a freshness to the meal. The fries that came with the dish were crispy and delicious. Definitely an overpriced meal ($26) but it was pretty incredible. The menu also has a wide arrangement of options, from sea food to chicken fingers to salads. So there's something for whatever you're in the mood for.

With not too many dining options available at Port Campbell, we picked 12 Rocks to have our dinner during the one-night stay for our 12 apostles trip. Despite the price (which is understandable given the demand/supply as well as the number of tourist attractions nearby), the restaurant​ really surprised me with the quality of the food it offered. I ordered a steak dish that came with seafood gravy on top as well as some seasonal greens and fries on the side. Though the meat was a bit over-cooked (more like Medium in contrast to Medium-Rare that I asked for), the texture was tenderer than I expected. The real highlight was with the fries. The fries were really crispy​ and better than most of the fries that I have had. Haven't​ had the chance to compare it with the other restaurant​s nearby, but this place wouldn't let you down if you're merely looking for some quick bites after a full-day exhausting great ocean road ride.

We visited this cafe for dinner on 31/12/2022. Luckily we got to this cafe right as they opened for dinner. (This cafe is open from early morning till late but one can only order meals during certain hours. During all other hours though one can call in for a hot or cold drink and/or some cake or a piece of slice.) We were fortunate to get the last table. Therefore, I recommend that you book here to guarantee a table - especially in the peak-summer-season. My partner and I both had the chicken snitzel, gravy, hot chips/fries and salad. (The gravy is served in a container, along with your meal, so that it doesn't go all over your salad - an important must so that one can eat their salad without having hot gravy all over it. The gravy had just the right consistency - not too thick or thin.) The salad was the perfect amount and had a variety of items in it; and had a nice dressing. As for the snitzel ..... well ..... it was amazing! The snitzel was super thick - was not processed chicken but an actual chicken breast; and had a yummy crumbing. I recommend this place, and the food dish I had. As for the staff, they are super nice, and very helpful. The cafe is directly opposite the beach so it is the perfect place to enjoy a meal! The cafe has indoor and outdoor seating.

We were hungry after a long day on the ocean road and this spot hit the mark. Got there just before sunset, what a great way to finish the day. Food was solid, I had chicken schnitzel and my wife had fish and chips. Huge piece of fish and chicken. Hit the spot and washed down with a Carleton draught. Service was friendly

You would think that a cafe overlooking a nice view would also have some good food, but that wasn't the case here. We had ordered the calamari ($18) and the ricotta, sundried tomato, and kalamata olive flat bread ($16). The calamari was extremely fishy, to the point where I felt nauseous & it came on a bed of mint and cilantro -- not even a regular salad you can really enjoy to eat. The flat bread was about as average as anywhere else. Wouldn't recommend.

An average place for lunch. If you stopped in Port Campbell for a quick bite before hopping back on The Great Ocean Road, you could certainly do a lot worse. Most sandwiches on the lunch menu are between $15-20 with chips. I had one of the specials - a salami panini - for $10 sans chips and it was decent.

I'm not going to lie, this cafe pleasantly surprised me in terms of portions and taste. And of course, who can forget the amazing coastwise view from the window seats?! Between my mate and I, we shared the Reuben sandwich, the fish pot pie, and the soup of the day (the name escapes me) and were stuffed after! Would definitely recommend for a hearty meal. Prices aren't the cheapest but nothing beats having warm food indoors on a windy day!

Soy chai latte ($5) - 3.5 stars Pretty good, milky. Got it to go and service seemed friendly.

Food was just okay. A tiny bit pricey and small portions. Big restaurant and lots of tables. Unexciting specials. No aussie specials, no lamb. Kangaroo dishes... Rocks burger was good.

It is some good stuff but it is really good with your friends or girlfriend it is really nice and romantic so if you are just having lunch that is a tourist u will have a good time

Stopped in here while visiting family over the weekend. Amazing location, with wide window views overlooking the main beach in Port Campbell. Get the fish and chips. Seriously. Do it. The fish had the best batter consistency, texture and flavour I've ever tasted on a flake. The fish itself perfectly complemented it. The sides to the meal were a bit underwhelming though. The chips were standard, and lacked any real punch or crunch. The salad could have done with a lot less red onion. No sauce included with the meal, although we were able to find some tomato sauce from a waiter. The lemon with the fish was a slice, and not a wedge, which also made it difficult to do anything with. In terms of how busy it was, it was medium. We got a window seat without any wait. There were some larger tables that also had no-one at them. It was a nice cafe/restaurant with an amazing view, but lacked a little attention to detail in terms of service and the sides to the meal.

Great place to eat with a scenic view on the water. Waitstaff was not familiar with menu or I would have given 5 stars. I had the lamb lamb wrap, which was a little bland but overall good.

Not my favorite meal while on the Great Ocean Road. The burger was an average burger with cheese and bacon but nothing to write home about. I would suggest trying a local pint and watching the scenic beach on the patio when it is warm.

Only 12 km from the 12 Apostels. We were sceptical and thought it could be a tourist trap. But we were really surprised: friendly staff, very good food and quite reasonable prices keeping in mind that there are few alternatives in Port Campbell. All in all: thumb high and we would come again.

Chicken burger + pumpkin soup, good location, you can have milk there which is nice, strawberry one,

Great location and great layout including a roof top bar. Clean bathrooms and floors. Local and decent amount of beer selection, great bar to watch games and matches at. This would have been a better review if the service would have done anything for us. We had to go up and get our beers every time, were never offered a menu, and never approached by anyone from the staff.

This is the restaurant I visited twice. Last year, I visited the 12 apostles and stayed in the motel in the Port Campbell. I visited this restaurant and tried the cangaroo meat. It's too hard to bite,not so good. But this year, I tried the bull eye fillet and wanted it to be cooked as tender as possible, even with some blood in it. It's very good and tender and I finished the big steak within 10 minutes. I am a Chinese visitor, so some items on the menu are a little hard to read. I strongly suggest to have a Chinese version menu because based on my observation, there are many Chinese visitors coming. So please put their eating experience with a high priority. Cheers.

Nice location with sea view. Relax atmosphere with good food. We came here for breakfast and were not disappointed. Recommended!

Decent gourmet earerie for a little town. Fried fish and asian style mussels is delicious. Garlic bread is salty maybe Australian has a strong pellet. Among house wines, Shiraz is drinkable. Avoid the Chardonnay, which tastes like as ice water.

Great food with good prices. Service was fast and easy and although it would be great to see more vegetarian options on the menu, the meat eaters were happy with their hearty, fast meals. The seating and atmosphere needs a little work but I would definitely recommend a stop for a meal.

Came in with a big appetite after viewing the 12 Apostles at sunset. I had the porterhouse steak off their specials with garlic butter sauce and liked it. The chips that came with it were soggy, old, and tasted refrigerated. My wife had the Mediterranean veggie pizza and maybe it was made right but we didn't like it. Now for the worst part. Their Oreo cheese cake was so spongy I can't believe they were serving it. And it was $10! The texture was like jello and rubbery. Staff are very friendly and with limited options this might be your best bet for dinner.

Great price range and massive meals. We had 6 oysters, a steak and seafood marinara pasta for about $60 for 2 people. The meals were very nice. Drinks were reasonable and like RSL prices. The place was quiet when we walked in at about 6pm but really busy by 7pm and the staff were very attentive and friendly.

After an exhausting but equally amazing day in the road I had an early dinner here. 1/2 a dozen oysters as a starter, which were delicious. I know them plain with separate vinegar etc. to add, but here the chilli and coriander came prepared in the shell. Kinda overshadowed the oceany taste of a good oyster, but still yummy. Calamari as a main came with a salad and aioli. The calamari were good, but the sauce could've been better. What earned the 4* was the breathtaking view combined with the good food and the kind staff.

Not a bad place to eat--smoked chicken pasta needed salt and some more flavor. Lamb Shepard's pie hit the spot. Beer is ok--lacks the depth of American craft beer but it did the job for the time being. All staff was kind and attentive. A little pricey for the lack of pizazz in my food--this is why I gave 3 stars

What a great find. The view was lovely and the food excellent. It is crowded and noisy and like most Aussie spots, you order for yourself at the bar and they deliver food to your table. The special ravioli of the day, the fish and chips and fish tacos were ordered at our table and all were very good.

Happily surprised!!!! Really marvelous meals both times we were there during our stay! The lobster/shrimp ravioli with scallops and shrimp was amazing!! My partner loved his chicken schnitzel, and the next time we came back he loved the gnocchi and I enjoyed the paella. Good wine selection and great view as well. You never know in small beach towns what kind of cuisine you're going to get so we were happy to return. 4 stars as the prices were a bit more than we were expecting but compared to the other choices in Port Campbell, it was worth it. Highly recommend.

We sat outside for lunch and beers. The view of the beach is lovely and the food was well upscale of standard pub fare. The salads were fresh and inventive. On the greasy side, the sweet and sour fries got devoured within seconds. Just beware the hundreds of aggressive flies.

Came in late for hot chocolate and cake. The banana honey cake was pretty good but the hot chocolate was such a disappointment . Came lukewarm and didn't have much flavour. Service was mediocre.