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The Twelve Apostles, Victoria © Visit Victoria

Top 12 Apostles attractions

Spend a day or more exploring the rugged and windswept coastline where the world-famous 12 Apostles sit.

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By Bonnie Jackson

Embark on a scenic 4.5-hour drive from Melbourne along the Great Ocean Road and arrive at the wondrous 12 Apostles. Rising out of the Southern Ocean, alongside Australia's famous Great Ocean Road, you'll find these spectacular, 45m (150ft) tall, limestone pillars that were once connected to the mainland cliffs. Here, there are countless ways to soak in the scenery and make the most of your coastal exploration.

See the 12 Apostles from the air

12 Apostles, Great Ocean Road, Victoria © Visit Victoria

Enjoy a panoramic view of Australia's most spectacular coastal scenery with a helicopter flight over the 12 Apostles. Flights depart throughout the day from the heliport behind the 12 Apostles Visitor Centre. Depending on the length of your flight, you might see not only the world-famous limestone stacks but the entire Shipwreck Coast all the way to Cape Otway, site of the oldest lighthouse in Australia.

Take a self-guided walk to Loch Ard Gorge

Loch Ard Gorge, Great Ocean Road, Victoria © Greg Snell Photography

Enjoy the self-guided walks at  Loch Ard Gorge , which introduce shipwreck history, geology, and coastal ecology. It was here that the Loch Ard, probably Victoria’s most famous shipwreck, was smashed against Muttonbird Island in 1878 with only two young survivors.

Visit the surrounding natural attractions

Twelve Apostles, Port Campbell National Park, Victoria © Greg Snell Photography

Pay a visit to the neighbouring scenic stops to make the most of your trip along the Great Ocean Road. Witness the stillness of the water under  The Grotto , learn about the history of the  London Bridge which collapsed in 1990, and marvel at the surrounding Bay of Islands. The best part is, they are all within a 30-minute drive of each other.

View rock stacks from sea level

Great Ocean Walk, Twelve Apostles, Great Ocean Road, Victoria © Visit Melbourne and Mark Watson

Be sure to check tide times and ocean conditions before visiting as the beach is not accessible in all conditions.

Witness the magnitude of the Gog and Magog rock stacks (not considered as part of the 12 Apostles) from ground level. Climb down the 86 stairs of  Gibson Steps to the beach and take a stroll along the soft sand which is backed by 70m (230ft) limestone cliffs. 

Walk the end of the Great Ocean Walk to the 12 Apostles

Twelve Apostles Lodge Walk, Great Ocean Road, Victoria © Tourism Australia

Arrive at the 12 Apostles at a walker's pace. From Princetown it is a 7km (4mi) moderate walk on boardwalk, crushed gravel, steps, and rubber tiles. Savour stunning coastal views and look for kangaroos and birdlife. If you're keen to enjoy a longer walk, do the four-day  12 Apostles Lodge Walk with superb eco-retreat accommodation or take on the entire 104km (167mi)  Great Ocean Walk any number of ways.

Places near Melbourne to visit

Check out the shipwrecks

Great Ocean Walk, Shipwreck Coast, Great Ocean Road, Victoria © Visit Victoria

Bass Strait was a major shipping route, bringing immigrants and supplies to  Victoria . Explore the entire Shipwreck Coast, which has more than 200 shipwrecks between Port Fairy and Cape Otway. The Historic Shipwreck Trail has 25 signposted sites leading to information plaques that overlook the cliffs where the wrecks occurred. You can see the historic shipwreck display at the 12 Apostles Visitor Information Centre in Port Campbell.

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The Great Ocean Road Collective

Your Guide to Visiting the Twelve Apostles Australia

The highlight of any Great Ocean Road road trip is without a doubt the 12 Apostles. Rising out the sea, these rock formations are a rite of passage for anyone visiting Victoria or Australia.

Over 2 million local and international tourists visit the 12 Apostles each year – and for good reason! They are something everyone should see at least once in their lives. We break down everything you need to know about these mystical rocks and how to explore them via the Great Ocean Road Victoria. Information on accessibility, admission, facilities, and more is all available here in your guide to visiting the Twelve Apostles Australia.

Table of Contents

What Are The Twelve Apostles?

A must see when visiting Australia, the 12 Apostles are quite simply enormous limestone rocks, which stand at an impressive 45 meters high. Believed to have formed over 20 million years ago , these jaw-dropping structures rise out of the Southern Ocean, where they have slowly reduced in number due to harsh winds and battering waves.

There are actually more than 30 limestone stacks stretched along the coastline of Victoria, however, there are only eight of the “12 Apostles” still standing . They are visible from the tourist viewpoints at the 12 Apostles.

Why Are They Famous? The History of the 12 Apostles.

The 12 Apostles have gained popularity over the years due to their location along the famous Great Ocean Road, Australia. The stacks which we see today were originally known as the Sow and Piglets to locals. Muttonbird Island formed the “Sow” and the rock stacks formed the “Piglets”, before being renamed the 12 Apostles for marketing purposes in the 1920s.

These majestic limestone figures were slowly carved out of the rugged cliffs over millions of years, at times forming enormous arches (like London Bridge) which framed the ocean. As harsh weather lashed at the rocks, accompanied by salt and the strong winds of the Southern Ocean, the arches slowly eroded and left singular standing structures.

Geologists believe that the limestone rocks are eroding at approximately 2cm a year. This leads many tourists to want to take in the view of the rocks before they disappear foreve r. The last time a rock succumbed and fell into the ocean was in July 2003. However, the good news is that due to the impact of the waves on the cliffs, new limestone stacks are predicted to appear in the future.

What Is There To Do At The Twelve Apostles?

Take in the view! Visit one of the viewpoints to get a full view of the stacks. There are numerous decks and viewing areas which are easy to locate. Simply take the well-marked path until the highway from the Visitors Centre.

There are four lookout points, which give you uninterrupted views of the seven stacks and the vast ocean. Make sure to spend time on the main viewing deck, at dusk and dawn you can view little penguins making their way to shore.

Unfortunately, you can’t descend to the beach at the foot of the 12 Apostles . However, if you fancy a sandy walk or some sunbathing, head to nearby Gibson Beach. It is part of the protected area of the 12 Apostles Marine National Park.

There are numerous helicopter tours that will give you a mesmerizing birds-eye view of this iconic attraction. Seeing the Twelve Apostles from above will be a highlight of your trip to Australia. The hefty price tag is well worth the adrenaline, view and overall experience.

How Can I Get To The Twelve Apostles?

The 12 Apostles can be reached via the famous Great Ocean Road. The Great Ocean Road offers breath-taking views, with rugged cliffs and glistening shores. The drive to the 12 Apostle viewing areas can be done by car or by taking an organized tour which often includes other famous sights along the way.

If you are taking a self drive road trip don’t miss this two-day itinerary , or if you have bit more time this three day showcases the best of this scenic stretch.

Getting To The Twelve Apostles By Car

From Melbourne: If you’re traveling by car from Melbourne, the journey takes roughly 4-5 hours along The Great Ocean Road. The return trip can be done in roughly 3.5 hours via the Princess Highway, inland route.

From Adelaide: If you’re planning to see the 12 Apostles from Adelaide, it’s 6-7 hour (616km) drive. The same goes for the return journey.

A round trip from Melbourne is fairly easy as there are places to stop along the way, and if you leave early you can beat the crowds and head back to the city before sundown. From Adelaide, it’s a good idea to have some form of accommodation lined up to break up the trip.

Twelve Apostles Tours

Taking a guided tour along The Great Ocean Road is a popular and time-effective way to see the top sights. There are many options to choose from. From small groups to large with various itineraries and attractions in Victoria. We have broken down the best Great Ocean Road & 12 Apostles tours based on your preference and time availability here .

Twelve Apostles Opening Times, Admission & Facilities

The viewing decks over the 12 Apostles is open 365 days a year, from dusk til dawn. However, the visitor’s center is open from 10:00 am-4.30 pm daily.

• Facilities: At the Visitor Centre you can find toilets, basic refreshments and some interpretative displays.
• Accessibility : For disability access, wheelchairs and strollers can access the lower viewing platform, and a wheelchair-accessible toilet is open 24 hours a day at the visitor facility.
• Admission : In addition, there is no admission fee to see the 12 Apostles. Even better, the visitors car park is also free, making it a fantastic way to spend the day without spending a penny.

When Is The Best Time To Visit The Twelve Apostles?

As with most tourist attractions, visiting the 12 Apostles, Australia can get very crowded and it can be quite tricky to avoid the crowds. There certain times of the day and some months which are quieter than others.

The Best Time Of The Day

The most popular time to visit the 12 Apostles is at sunset . However, if you would prefer to avoid the crowds we suggest you visit at sunrise.

The golden glow of the rocks is complemented by the fresh morning breeze. Bring a coffee and watch the light show – its the perfect way to start your day. Although you might not be completely alone, you will avoid the rush of tour buses. After, head down to Port Campbell and explore the small town where you can find quaint shops and restaurants.

The Best Time Of The Year

Retaining their impressiveness all year round, the 12 Apostles in Victoria can be visited any time of year. But with that being said, if you prefer to visit with during the warm, dry months visit between January – March .

Alternatively, the months of June, July and August are slightly less crowded and you’ll be rewarded with the dramatic sight of the Twelve Apostles Australia against the moody winter sky. There is plenty to enjoy during the different seasons along the Great Ocean Road.

Attractions In Port Campbell National Park

Port Campbell National Park is a much-visited area which offers some of the most jaw-dropping views in the world. 12 Apostles are by far the most well known but there are some other nearby attractions along the Great Ocean Road Victoria which are world checking out.

Loch Ard Gorge

Located less than one kilometre from the Twelve Apostles

Loch Ard Gorge is a stunning stretch of sand and golden gorge with turquoise waters. You must visit it when within Port Campbell National Park! Loch Ard Gorge is a mere three minutes drive from the 12 Apostles.

Spend an afternoon exploring the beautiful bay and take a refreshing dip in the clear, blue water. If you want to learn more about the fascinating history of the area, take a guided tour or read the interpretive signage to learn about the famous shipwreck which crashed by Muttonbird Island in 1878.

Gibsons Steps

Located a mere 1 kilometre from the 12 Apostles, Gibsons Steps and the beach below is truly impressive. You’ll feel incredibly tiny standing on the sand at the foot of the cliffs. This popular fishing spot with locals is the perfect place to take a stroll after a couple of hours on the Great Ocean Road, Victoria.

The steps which descend to the beach were originally carved by the Aboriginal people who lived in the area but were later maintained by early settlers. However, ensure you wear sturdy shoes if you plan on visiting the beach as the steps can be slippery when wet.

Read Next: The Top 20 Great Ocean Road Attractions You Must See

The 12 Apostles is the a centerpiece of the Great Ocean Road. If you are visiting the area don’t miss this iconic sight!

What time of year will you visit the 12 Apostles?

The Twelve Apostles, Australia

The Twelve Apostles

Page Contents

The Great Ocean Road is famous for its winding, cliff-hugging drive culminating in the spectacular and rugged coastline of the Port Campbell National Park, home of the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, Gibson’s Steps, and even more stunning natural attractions.

Twelve Apostles Marine National Park

The Twelve Apostles Marine National Park was established in 2002. In total, 75 km square, covering 17km of the Victorian coastline. The spectacular formations are not just found above the waterline. Incredible underwater scenery with arches, fissures, and reefs make up much of the spectacular environment beneath the Southern Ocean.

What are the Twelve Apostles in Australia?

The 12 Apostles are an Australian icon. The Ocean Road drive is likened to the coastal road of California and often ‘declared’ the best road trip in the world, rather overstated perhaps, is there any such thing as ‘the best road trip’ in the world? It is fabulous, it is dramatic and it is worth visiting though.

Limestone pillars, once connected to the cliffs of the Port Campbell National Park, rise out of the sea. Carved out over many thousands of years through the natural forces of nature, firstly as caves, then into arches and eventually becoming the limestone stacks we see today.

Further along the coastline, ‘The Arch’, ‘London Bridge’ , ‘ The Grotto’ and ‘Bay of Martyrs’  are more reminders of how the coast constantly changes.

Find the perfect itinerary to suit your adventure , whether self-driving or by tour bus.

Where are the 12 Apostles?

The 12 Apostles are located within the Port Campbell National Park , Victoria. The distance from Melbourne: 227.5 km / 2 hours 50 minutes on the fastest possible route or 277 km / 4 hours 25 minutes on the scenic coastal drive (definitely the best option). These times are driving only, without any stops.

How many of the 12 Apostles are left?

There are now six of the 12 Apostles rock formations that can be seen from the main viewing platform.

From the other end of the viewing area, two more stacks can be seen along Gibson’s Beach, but these are not part of the ‘official’ count as they are known as Gog and Magog.

We do not actually have Twelve Apostles, it is all a bit confusing as to which ones are ‘officially’ called the 12 Apostles as opinions differ.

The crumbled remains of two of the rock stacks can be seen from the viewing platform and some are out of sight.

It goes without saying that the experience is still amazing regardless and a trip down the Great Ocean Road to the 12 Apostles is certainly worthwhile and the most popular road trip in Australia.

There are more of the limestone rock stacks along what is known as ‘T he Shipwreck Coast’, including some smaller ones in the Bay of Islands Coastal Park further along towards the town of Warrnambool.

Why are they called the Twelve Apostles?

The ‘Sow and the Piglets’ was the name previously used to describe these beautiful formations, not a terribly romantic title at all. The Sow was what is now called ‘Mutton Bird Island’ in the Loch Ard Gorge section of the park and the piglets were all the other rock stacks.

The short-tailed shearwater , or muttonbird as it is often known in Australia, migrate 1000’s of miles south from the Aleutian Islands to nest along the coast during the Aussie summer. The sight of these sea birds coming into nest each evening after searching for food for their chicks is one of the lesser-known attractions at Loch Ard Gorge.

As the coastline changes, so do some of the names of formations we have come to know.

At Loch Ard Gorge, what was previously known as ‘The Island Archway’ is now known as ‘Tom and Eva’ after the arch collapsed creating two new islands. Tom and Eva were the only survivors from one of the most famous shipwrecks, The Loch Ard in 1878.

When is the best time to visit the 12 Apostles?

The 12 Apostles attract more visitors than any other location along the Ocean Road, daily visitor numbers peaked at 11,000 during the Chinese New Year recently.

Those numbers were extreme, but it does get insanely busy, especially when Melbourne day tour buses arrive mid to late afternoon. Sunset is also very busy. The quietest time is early morning at any time of the year, though there will always be other visitors there at dawn too.

The summer holidays (Christmas till the end of January) and Easter are the peak times, winter attracts fewer crowds and can be a wonderful time to experience the area.

Tips for your visit to Port Campbell National Park

• Free Parking is plentiful at the 12 Apostles visitor centre.
• Toilets and drinking water available at the centre, 24 hours.
• There is a small kiosk/gift shop at the centre, which closes at 5 pm – crazy for such a famous attraction.
• Accommodation and cafes/restaurants (even a microbrewery!) can be found in Port Campbell, 12 minutes drive away.
• There is a 2 km, gorgeous, walk along a well-made path to Gibson’s Steps from the main visitor centre.
• If possible, do this road trip over at least 2 days so that there is time to relax, read our one-day itinerary for an idea of what to expect and how much you can see.

What to See & Do at The Twelve Apostles

There is more to see and do in the area than just viewing the famous rocks stacks – follow walking trails, walk along beaches, visit a historic cemetery at Loch Ard Gorge and learn more about the region.

1. Gibson’s Beach – This is a must-do!

This is the first stop when arriving at the Port Campbell National Park from the Melbourne direction, and one of the best beaches to visit for dramatic scenery.

It is not safe for swimming , though surfers can often be seen there. 88 steps lead down the cliff face to the ocean and two of the famous rock formations, known as Gog and Magog,  can be seen.

High above the beach at the western end, one of the 12 Apostles viewing platforms can be seen. The steps were hand-carved into the cliff over a century ago but were concreted for safety in the 1990s.

When the tide is extra high, the steps are closed off as there can be very little of the beach available to walk on, otherwise, it is a fabulous spot to relax and view the limestone cliffs from sea level.

Parking is very limited at Gibson’s Steps, if it is busy, drive 2 km’s to the large parking area at the Apostles visitor centre and follow the 2 km coastal path back, it is signposted clearly and a lovely, easy hike.

2. The Twelve Apostles viewing area

No need to introduce these icons of the Great Ocean Road! There is plenty of room on the viewing platforms, though it does get crowded, the busiest time is mid to late afternoon.

2a. Helicopter Flights

It is amazing to finally see these famous rock stacks from the viewing platform, but how about from above?

• Scenic helicopter flights leave from near the 12 Apostles visitor centre behind the car park.
• Or how about a flight from Apollo Bay? These trips follow the coast, passing the Cape OtwayLight Station and parts of the coast that you can’t see or access from the road. Apollo Bay Aviation provides a variety of trips, read more on their website.

3. Loch Ard Gorge

This area is simply awesome, just a 5-minute drive from the 12 Apostles. The walks to the well known ‘Razorback’ formation, past ‘Tom and Eva’ along a path to Shipwreck lookout and down into Loch Ard Gorge and the beach are the most popular, if you have time, walk on to the small cemetery, Mutton Bird island viewing platform, Thunder Cave and down to the Sherbrook River where it meets the southern ocean.

• No toilets or visitor facilities at Loch Ard Gorge
• Swimming is allowed on the beach at Loch Ard Gorge, though at your own risk.
• Do not swim on the beach at the Sherbrook River as the current is extremely strong and dangerous.
• Watch out for snakes, do not approach if you see any, leave them alone and they’ll generally leave you alone too.

To do all the walks at Loch Ard Gorge it takes a few hours and covers about 8 km of trails, but is one of the most spectacular places to visit.

We spent over three hours here recently, taking our time to see every lookout, walking down to the Sherbrook River to watch the waves crashing in.

SAFETY WARNING

Never underestimate the power of currents and waves and never overestimate your own strength and abilities. The seas can be dangerous and it takes a split second to get into trouble and be swept off rocks or the beach and out into the ocean. Even going in just waist-deep can be catastrophic.

On the 21st April 2019, two volunteer lifesavers from Port Campbell, a father, and son lost their lives trying to save a tourist who was swept into the sea from this area. The rescue boat overturned in a 2-meter swell, a third rescue volunteer survived and the tourist was winched to safety.

4. The Arch | 5. London ‘Bridge’ | 6. The Grotto

A short drive from Port Campbell, on the road to Warrnambool, is even more formations well worth visiting.

The Arch involves a short walk to a viewing platform. London Bridge, now known at London Arch, always attracts crowds and ‘The Grotto’ is an especially interesting formation to walk down to.

Australia’s ‘London Bridge’ fell down in 1990

A formation that was for decades known as ‘London Bridge’ had a connecting arch collapse in 1990, leaving two unsuspecting travellers stranded on the newly formed island. A couple of hours later they were rescued by helicopter.

It was fortunate that there was no one on the section that fell into the sea. It is now referred to as ‘London Arch’.

Bay of Islands Coastal Park & Bay of Martyrs

Further along the road, the Bay of Islands Coastal Park is near the end of this incredible coastal drive and less than an hour from the town of Warrnambool, well known for whale watching. Along with the Bay of Martyrs, this area is well worth visiting. Follow the historic trail of the Bay of Martyrs, walk on the beaches…

The Shipwreck Coast

Immigrants and supplies were brought to the country via what was a major shipping route through the Bass Strait. Many ships would sail via Cape Town, across the Southern Ocean and through what was described as the ‘eye of the needle’ – the relatively narrow gap between King Island and Cape Otway.

It was a treacherous part of the journey, over 200 ships came to grief along this section of the Victorian Coastline.

The 12 Apostles Information Centre in Port Campbell has a small scale model of the most famous wreck, ‘The Loch Ard’ which wrecked in 1878 with only 2 survivors, a cabin boy named Tom and a young passenger named Eva. The historic shipwreck display at the centre is worth visiting.

Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village in Warrnambool is an extensive museum and displays many shipwreck artefacts recovered from some of the 200 ships that came to grief along the coast.

Items range from everyday products owned by passengers, ship items and a Peacock statue from the Loch Ard wreck, valued at $4 million. The peacock was designed by Paul Comolera in 1873 and fired at the Minton pottery at Stoke on Trent, England. It was destined for the International Exhibition of 1880 in Melbourne.

Where does the Great Ocean Road Begin and End?

Once travellers reach Torquay, the Great Ocean Road begins, the Bass Strait finally comes into view and the adventures begin. The road goes past Bells Beach where surfing legends are made then winds on down to the little towns of Angelsea and Aireys Inlet.

It continues all the way for miles and miles along the coast and inland through forests and farmland before reaching the Port Campbell National Park and the 12 Apostles.

Port Campbell is about 12 minutes from the Apostles and then it is less than 20 kilometres further, with a few more sights to be seen before the Great Ocean Road essentially ends near the little town of Allansford and the Bay of Islands.

Melbourne to the 12 Apostles

The drive direct along the coast to the Twelve Apostles is over 4,5 hours, non-stop . Read our one-day self-drive itinerary to find out the best places to stop along the way and to get a realistic time table so that you can see everything along the way.

Take a few days, if possible, to tour the coast which will allow time to drive inland to see some beautiful waterfalls and cool temperate rainforest.

Apollo Bay to 12 Apostles

Apollo Bay is often used as a holiday base as it is midway along the Ocean Road, offers a beautiful beach as well as drives into the rainforest with waterfalls and walking trails.

From the town, it is about 90 minutes drive / 87 km to the Port Campbell National Park, which can be done as a day trip.

There is so much to do once in the 12 Apostles area, so aim to leave Apollo Bay early enough to be able to enjoy the experience and, preferably, return to Apollo Bay before dark.

The road goes inland through forest and farmland before climbing to the top of the Otway Ranges at Lavers Hill then descending through more forest and farmland to the coast again.

Cape Otway with a historic lighthouse to climb is another perfect day trip destination from Apollo Bay if you are using the town as a holiday base or if time is available when touring.

12 Apostles Accommodation

Finding accommodation near 12 Apostles is easy, most motels and cabins are located in Port Campbell which is a 12-minute drive from the Port Campbell National Park where the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge and Gibson’s Steps are located.

Read our list of 20 unique Air BnB stays, from tiny houses to glamping and earth off-grid eco-homes or vintage caravans… No. 20 on the list is near the 12 Apostles.

Camping and caravan parks (including some lovely free campsites ) are plentiful all along the coastal drive.

Motel and Cabin Accommodation – Port Campbell

We love staying at the Sea Foam Villas when it is just the two of us and have enjoyed staying in the family cabins at the Port Campbell Holiday Park with the kids. Port Campbell offers plenty of different options for accommodation. Browse for some of the best deals on boo k ing.com

GREAT OCEAN ROAD MAP & Itinerary PLANNER

There is so much to see along the Great Ocean Road, beautiful beaches, waterfalls, seaside towns, cool temperate rainforest walks, historic lighthouses, koalas in the wild, and kangaroos.

It is important to be aware of how long the journey will, realistically, take. Driving the route as a day trip from Melbourne covers over 500km and can be tiring.

Use our map of 50 of the best things to see and places to visit along the Great Ocean Road as well as the best stops to make for spectacular views.

DRIVING MELBOURNE TO ADELAIDE VIA THE GREAT OCEAN ROAD?

Driving from Melbourne to Adelaide or vice versa? Follow our 5-day self-drive itinerary via the Great Ocean Road.

Take your time, enjoy this amazing coastal drive, breathe in the salty air, and the earthy scents of the cool temperate Australian rainforest…

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The Twelve Apostles

Towering 45 metres above the mighty Southern Ocean on the Great Ocean Road & Shipwreck Coast are the 12 Apostles.

Visited by more tourists than any other natural attraction in Australia, the Apostles are in the Port Campbell National Park which gets pretty busy with over 2,500,000 visitors each year.

Over the last 15-20 million years, the oceans’ erosion has created these huge stacks from the Sandstone & Limestone coastline that formed at the bottom of a super deep ocean.

The 12 Apostles are pretty impressive and a highlight along this coastline, but just one of the many wonders of the Great Ocean Road and nearby area.

The Eight 12 Apostles

There are eight ’12 Apostles’ and there has only ever been nine of them, since they were renamed in the 1920s.

You can see just five of them from the 12 Apostles viewing area and need to drive a few kilometers down the road to the Loch Ard Gorge car park then go for a short walk to the Razorback to see the other three.

Each of the eight Sandstone and Limestone ‘stacks’ that make up the ’12’ Apostles are just one group of them along this incredible coastline. Heading further west, from the Apostles right deep into South Australia, you’ll find hundreds more, although the 12 Apostles are by far the most well known and potentially the most impressive.

Getting to the 12 Apostles from Melbourne

It’s not just the amazing group of sandstone stacks that makes so many people want to travel here. The Apostles are the main attraction in the area, although they’re surrounded by hundreds of kilometers incredible coastline and forest that attracts millions of people each year

It is possible to get to the Twelve Apostles in less than three hours from Melbourne by taking the inland and most direct route, although it’s most commonly one of the last visits on a single or multi-day Great Ocean Road trip.

History of the 12 Apostles

This coastline is the tragic site for hundreds of shipwrecks, most of which occurred in the 1850’s during the Australian gold rush era, when tens of thousands of Europeans and Chinese rushed to Melbourne on the hunt for wealth.

The 12 Apostles were first seen by large amounts of Europeans and Chinese in the 1800’s, although it was inhabited for tens of thousands of years prior by the local Indigenous people.

Geologically, the intriguing history of the 12 Apostles spans back a much longer amount of time.

How The Twelve Apostles were formed - why are there 12 Apostles?

The 12 Apostles are eight 45 metre tall Limestone Stacks shaped by erosion.

Over 20 millions years ago the area where the 12 Apostles are today was a super deep ocean for a really long time.

Plant and animal matter that died and sunk to the ocean floor, along with sand from the rivers and other ocean debris that ended up down there slowly compacted over thousands of years from the massive pressure of the huge amount of water above. This created the Sandstone and Limestone (Limestone is Sandstone where 50% or more is made up of fossils) right along the Great Ocean Road.

The water level has changed many times, it’s current level has remained similar for the last 6,000 years, since the end of the last Ice Age. The wind and ocean have eroded the stone at a rate of about 1.5-2cms per year.

At first, the erosion causes caves to form at sea level. Eventually, the caves will turn into passages tunneling through the stone. Some parts of the stone will erode faster than others, depending on its’ make up. In time, the tunnels will get so big that the roof will fall out in areas and the entry or other parts of the tunnel turn into large arch ways. With a bit more time, the centre of the arch way will collapse, leaving what is called a Limestone ‘stack’.

In the future, more Apostles and similar stacks will collapse, although many more of these stacks will form along the Limestone coastline that stretches for hundreds of kilometers across the south of Australia.

Sow & Piglets renamed 12 Apostles

The original name came from George Bass in 1798 when he was exploring the area by sea, then the name was used commonly by new immigrants to identify the landmark that meant they were close to the end of their long voyage.

During the 1800’s, particularly from the 1830’s when immigration from Europe to Australia started to increase, then in the 1850’s right up to the early 1900’s during the gold rush era, ships use to take the ‘Clipper Route’ from England to Melbourne.

The Clipper Route went south of Africa, using the the Roaring Forties (strong winds below Africa & Australia) to sail thousands of kilometers east where no land would be seen until the 12 Apostles and surrounding area.

As ships sailed past a small sandstone island that is now known as ‘ Mutton Bird Island ‘ and the stacks now known as the 12 Apostles, they’d refer to the landmark as the ‘Sow and Piglets’. Mutton Bird Island was the ‘Sow’ (mother Pig) and the Apostles were the Piglets.

It’s said that when the gold rush ended in 1918 due to the last large gold mine closing in Ballarat, less people would travel past the Sow & Piglets, the beauty of this place was less talked about and tourism was down.

A few years later in the 1920’s, the locals started investigating why such a lack of people wanted to visit the incredible Sow and Piglets. After a short while, it was determined that the name wasn’t too attractive so in order to give a bit of justice to the incredible coastline, it was renamed ‘The Apostles’.

Some locals say that originally there was no ’12’ in the name, then due to the bible reference and some other natural stone formations around the world being named the ’12 Apostles’, tour agents begun referring to them as the ’12 Apostles of the Great Ocean Road’ and the Sow & Piglets name was forgotten.

Tips for visiting the 12 Apostles

Being the most visited tourist attraction in Australia and hours from the capital city, it’s worth being prepared for your visit so that you can get the absolute most out of your trip to the 12 Apostles.

How to get the best photo of the 12 Apostles

Morning. Sunny Day, Some Clouds. East, Facing West.

You’ll just need to take a look at a small sample of photos of the 12 Apostles to see that some are breathtakingly incredible, others look like a photo of a dirty rock or overcrowded boardwalk.

Millions of people visit the Apostles every year, so it’s best to get there early in the morning, before the loads of buses arrive from Melbourne.

From the car park and visitor information centre, head straight to the furthest part of the walk that you can go, which is out to a point called Castle Rock at the main Apostles viewing area . It’s tempting to stop and take photos as soon as you get to the area where the Apostles can be seen, but if you keep walking you’ll get an insanely better view with another huge 45 metre sandstone stack that you won’t be able to see from the first viewing area.

At this area, if you face east (towards Melbourne), you’ll actually be looking at Gog & Magog , which are also Sandstone stacks, but they aren’t part of the 12 Apostles. Make sure you’re facing west and you’ll be able to see five of the 12 Apostles. It looks like you can see more than five stacks, but a lot of the what you see is actually still attached to the mainland.

To view the other remaining three of the 12 Apostles, you’ll need to drive for few minutes west to Loch Ard Gorge and walk about 300 metres to the Razor Back (it’s all well signed) Once you get to the Razor Back, look past it and you’ll be able to see the other three of the eight 12 Apostles.

Due to the position of the sun, you’ll get the best photo in the morning as the main viewing platform faces west, otherwise if you arrive in the afternoon, you’ll still be able to get an amazing photo of Gog & Magog or just head down the road to Loch Ard Gorge (we actually think it’s more fun down at Loch Ard Gorge anyway!).

When to visit

It starts getting busy at about 10:30am and peaks in the mid afternoon at about 3:30pm. Summer is much busier than any other time of the year, the most busiest week being from Boxing Day (26th of December) to the New Year.

It’s definitely best to visit in the morning! It gets extremely busy here, there have been times in recent years where tens of thousands of visitors have headed there from Melbourne on the same day.

Most of the tour companies aim to leave Melbourne between 7:00-7:45am. The majority of the tour companies and tourists traveling in their own cars will go via the Great Ocean Road and arrive at the 12 Apostles at about 3:00-4:00pm, however it’s becoming pretty popular for the tour groups to head straight to the Apostles first, getting there between 10:00-11:00am. People heading directly to the Apostles from Melbourne also usually arrive from about 10:00am onwards and it’s common to still find a crowed there long after the sun goes down.

To avoid as many people as you can, aim at arriving at about 9:30am. There will still be some tourists around, but not many and then you’ll be able to get one of the best coffee’s that can be found anywhere on the Great Ocean Road when the visitor information centre opens at 10:00am.

Single Day Visit versus a Multi Day Trip

We’ve met people that only want to see the 12 Apostles and don’t care for anything else, so of course it makes sense for these people to head directly to the 12 Apostles from Melbourne and then return again in one day.

It takes about three hours to get to the Apostles directly from Melbourne. Allow one-two hours to check the place out.

We suggest at least heading along the Great Ocean Road on a full day or multi-day trip . The Great Ocean Road is incredible! It starts about one and a half hours south-west of Melbourne or 25 minutes from Geelong.

Although you can drive along the entire 243 kms of the Great Ocean Road, visit the 12 Apostles and return to Melbourne in one day, there’s so much to see along the way and past the Apostles. We have taken people on nine night tours along the Great Ocean Road, into South Australia to the Limestone Coast, returning to Melbourne via the Grampians. In short, the more time, the better!

Tours to the 12 Apostles

It’s possible to do express tours to the 12 Apostles from Melbourne or Geelong. But it’s a long way to see just one of the dozens of incredible sights along the Great Ocean Road.

A 12 Apostles express tour isn’t recommend but contact us if this is what you’re after – we can take you or give you some other options on how to do this.

Typically, Great Ocean Road tours are just single day tours, which means they are long! Usually, tour groups leave Melbourne between 7:00-8:00am and return about 12 hours later. It is a good day, but you only experience a fraction of the Great Ocean Road and Otways Forest.

There’s a huge amount of variety in these tours. The most common “small group tour” is still on a 25 seat bus, which leaves people with quite a few complaints by the end of the day in regards to comfort and the lack of time spent at each destination. It is possible to book a seat on a larger coach for a bit more comfort, but the bigger the bus, the less places it can visit.

If you have the time, we strongly suggest booking an over night tour so that you can really experience the Great Ocean Road. A week could easily be spent traveling the road, so a single day tour just isn’t enough time but if that’s all you can do, it’s still definitely worth it!

BPTRV run tours for with a maximum of three passengers (unless booked well in advance so there’s time to hire a larger vehicle). Whether it be that you just have time for a one day tour or are wanting to spend several days exploring the Great Ocean Road, chat to us at [email protected] and we’ll figure out the best tour for you. Otherwise, if you want information on any other tours for whatever reason, feel free to email us as Guy has worked for a bunch of different Great Ocean Road tour operators.

Accommodation & camping near the 12 Apostles

If you’re lucky enough to be spending the night along the Great Ocean Road, staying at a hotel, hostel or camping near the 12 Apostles could be the ideal location.

Depending where you’re coming from and where you’re going, the location works well. If you’ve left Melbourne to head along the Great Ocean Road, the Apostles are almost at the end of your journey, making it a great choice for your first or second nights accommodation. On the other hand, if you’ve come from Adelaide, the Grampians or anywhere else, camping near the 12 Apostles allows you to be right at the start/end of the Great Ocean Road so that you can explore it on your way to Melbourne the following day.

There are no camp grounds or hotels at the Apostles, but a 5-10 minute drive along the Great Ocean Road in either direction will take you to small towns with loads of options.

Heading east (towards Melbourne) for 10 kms brings you to Princetown . There is some budget accommodation in the centre of Princtown called the 12 Apostles Inn or set-up your caravan or tent across the road at the Apostles Camping Park & Cabins . The camping park here is our preferred place to stay as it’s small and quiet with good, clean facilities.

If you want to camp right next to Kangaroos and hear the roar of the Southern Ocean breaking into the Gellibrand River Mouth , then head down to the Princetown Recreational Reserve where you can can camp on the oval at one of the most affordable campsites on the Great Ocean Road. There are showers and toilets here but not much else. The reason you’d chose this camp is due to the nearby wildlife and short walk to the mighty Southern Ocean, not for comfort and the facilities.

You can take part of the Great Ocean Walk and head to the 12 Apostles by foot from Princetown. It’ll take a couple of hours but the view is well worth it! Here’s some more information on Princetown .

If you’re heading to Port Campbell or further west to Warrnambool, consider staying at Choice Hotels .

Heading west from the 12 Apostles for about 11kms will take you to Port Campbell which has to be one of the most beautiful towns along the entire Great Ocean Road.

Here, there are dozens of accommodation options, from luxurious beach houses to a backpackers hostel, motels and campgrounds.

Port Campbell is the last town on the Great Ocean Road that has shops, restaurants and accommodation (although Warrnambool is much larger and only a ten minute drive west from the official end of the Great Ocean Road Allansford or it’s about one hour from the 12 Apostles). You can read more about Port Campbell here .

Looking for somewhere a bit more remote? If you’re willing to drive for another hour or so into the Great Otway National Park, back along the Great Ocean Road towards Melbourne, then you could be treated with a campsite in the rain forest at Aire Crossing or camp just behind the incredible 3.6km beach at Johnanna Beach Campground .

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Your Guide to the Twelve Apostles: Australia

• Post last modified: November 8, 2020
• Post category: Australia / Oceania

Stretched along Australia’s southern coast is one of the most scenic drives in the world, the Great Ocean Road. The Great Ocean Road is one of the best road trips we’ve ever experienced, great for a two day Great Ocean Road trip . With roads winding along stunning cliffs, sandy beaches and wonderful seaside towns, it is no wonder that this is one of Australia’s top destinations. And one of the best “wow” moments of this trip is when you round a corner to find columns of limestone towering out of the sea. These are the Twelve Apostles seas stacks. With this twelve apostles guide we’ll help you make the most of your time exploring this beautiful part of Victoria, Australia.  

The Twelve Apostles are one of the most photogenic places in Australia. And somehow these beautiful photos don’t do justice to the shear impressiveness of these geologic wonders. It’s no wonder so many people visit this section of Australia. So what are the twelve apostles?  

At one point these sea stacks were attached to the limestone cliffs that make up Australia’s southern coast. However, after years of erosion by the ocean, the cliffs faded and offshore sea stacks were born. For tourism reasons, all of these sea stacks were grouped together and coined The Twelve Apostles. Located in Port Campbell National Park and Twelve Apostles Marine National Park, these sea stacks are still being beaten by the ocean. Today, you’ll only be able to spot eight remaining apostles as the sea has reclaimed four. The Southern Ocean continues to chip away at the remaining apostles. So continue reading our twelve apostles guide so you can start planning your trip before this wonder of Australia is lost forever.  

Top Things to Do at the Twelve Apostles

Visitor’s centre.

The Visitor’s Centre is right next to the main car park. Here you can learn about the history and geology of the Twelve Apostles. Once you read up on this natural site, you can follow the accessible path to the edge of the cliffs. The viewing platforms here give you the best views of the Twelve Apostles. Here you’ll see the most iconic panoramic views of the ocean’s awesome power. So stop to enjoy the views.

Know that this area is almost always filled with visitors. People are pretty respectful about taking turns at the best viewing spots. However, be aware that you may have to get creative to get the exact shots you want.

Gibson Steps

Visit the Gibson steps at low tide so that you can walk along the base of the cliffs and spot the sea stacks from below. The steps here are steep and can get wet so be cautious on your walk down. This beach is beautiful but is for viewing only. The waves here are dangerous and are known to snatch people from the shore. So keep an eye on the waves while you’re taking all of your photos and don’t attempt to take a dip.  

Depending on time of day, parking for the Gibson steps can be crowded. So if you’re fit and don’t mind walking, it’s only a 2 km from the Visitor’s Centre along the Great Ocean Walk. We’d recommend just parking at the Visitor’s Centre and walking to avoid the stress of finding a parking spot.

Loch Ard Gorge

The Loch Ard Gorge area is part of Port Campbell National Park and is just a bit further down the road. This was one of our favorite stops because it had several very different viewing areas. From here, you can walk along the beautiful sandy beach in Loch Ard Gorge. This beach is nestled in a cove and provides a very relaxing spot for a picnic. You can swim here but be cautious as currents are strong.  

From the Loch Ard Gorge parking area, you can also spot the Razorback formation and, our favorite, Thunder Cave. From the main parking area there are around 8 km of walking trails to the different sights. These trails are fun to walk and explore. There are also several smaller parking areas throughout this section of the national park that can help you to get closer to main attractions so you don’t have to walk too many trails.  

London Bridge

London Bridge did in fact fall down in Australia. And now this area is known as London Arch. This easily accessible viewing platform gives you a view of the island arch that was once connected to the mainland via another arch. However, this interior arch collapsed in 1990 making this bridge an arch.

The Arch and the Grotto

Take the short walk from the car park to the viewing platform to see this small arch just off the coast. A bit further along the Great Ocean Road, you’ll find the parking area for the Grotto. Another quick hike to the coast and down to the sea and you’ll get views of this cave-like formation.  

Walk the Great Ocean Walk

Walk the Great Ocean Walk to explore the Twelve Apostles at a slow pace. This walk often goes along the beach and allows you to spot some fun bird and animal life as well. You can explore the whole walk, just the 16 km Twelve Apostles section, or just a short section between viewing areas. Whatever you choose to do, we recommend stretching your legs on this beautifully maintained trail.

See the Twelve Apostles from the Heavens

Something we didn’t do that came highly recommended was seeing the Twelve Apostles from the air. Our own Twelve Apostles guide (aka our Bed and Breakfast host), highly recommended that we take a helicopter flight to view the cliffs. We didn’t do this, but after seeing them from the shore, I wish we had taken extra time to see them from the air.  

Helicopter tours leave from the Twelve Apostles Visitor’s Centre and Apollo Bay. These flights cost from $145-600+ AUD, depending on the length of the flight.

Go Underwater at the Twelve Apostles Marine National Park

If you want another view of this coast, explore it underwater. There are a few tour operators out of Port Campbell that will allow you to scuba or snorkel the coast line, including several famous shipwrecks. However, as the ocean can be unpredictable here, make sure to hire your own twelve apostles guide before exploring the waters here.

When to Visit

The Twelve Apostles are one of the most popular attractions along the Great Ocean Road. So no matter when you visit, you’ll experience crowds. Summers (December-February) and holidays will be busiest. Also, with tour buses arriving from Melbourne, midday will be the busiest time with lots of people also congregating around sunrise and sunset.  

All that being said, the park is pretty spread out. So with the exception of some of the main viewpoints and the visitor’s centre, you should be able to explore the coast without having too many views interrupted.  

Getting There and Around

The Twelve Apostles are only 3.5-4.5 hours from Melbourne by car. Of course, if you take the longer scenic route, you’ll probably need more time to explore everything. We recommend taking two days to explore the Great Ocean Road .   However, as this is just a short drive from Melbourne, you can easily drive there in a day and complete this Twelve Apostles guide to have a fabulous day trip.  

There are also several day trip companies that operate out of Melbourne.   These are great if you would like a convenient experience and maybe are a little nervous about driving on the wrong side of the road (don’t be!). However, these trips do tend to be a bit more rushed. Prices for day trips range from $100-200 AUD.  

Whatever mode of transportation you choose, you’ll need a vehicle to get around. If you’re going to drive yourself, there are plenty of free parking areas at all of the viewing areas. If you’re going to be renting a car, make sure to research what the requirements are for rentals if you’re visiting from a different country.  

For the ambitious, there is a bike and walking trail that winds its way along the Great Ocean Road. Viewing the Twelve Apostles by foot or bike will require a significant amount of time dedicated to walking or biking and will take away from your time vista-ing.  

Where to Stay

Port Campbell is the closest town and you’ll find plenty of places to stay and places to eat in town. However, don’t plan on being out too late at night; many places close around sundown. If you’re planning on driving the Great Ocean Road, we recommend staying in Port Campbell if you’re following our two day itinerary .  

What to Budget

I just love Australian parks. Parking and Admission into Port Campbell National Park are free. ~ Australia, you should really charge us tourists for these cool things. ~ However, while Australia is being kind, enjoy this beautiful destination on the cheap. You need not pay for anything other than transportation, food and accommodations (if you choose to stay overnight).

We ate in Port Campbell and found the prices reasonable at $20 USD/meal for a mid-range lunch. If you choose to stay overnight, accommodations average around $150 AUD/night.  

Want to Explore all of the Great Ocean Road? Check out our 2-Day Great Ocean Road self-drive tour.

Whether you’re exploring the Twelve Apostles as part of your epic Great Ocean road trip or as a single day trip, we think it is an amazing destinations and one of our favorite spots in Australia. We hope that this Twelve Apostles guide has helped you to plan your trip to this amazing natural geologic area. For further things to explore in Australia, read our Australian blog posts here.  

This Post Has 4 Comments

I did the GOR on a spontaenoueous decision and I wished I had factored in more time rather than three days. Especially the final stage with the 12 Apostels and the other formations it was quite the impression heavy day. Cape Otway was beautiful and if I (and I will) do the GOR again, I would stretch it to 5-6 days and also do the Grampians on the way back to Melbourne.

Carolin | Solo Travel Story

We did it in three days too. It was our first Australia visit and we were cramming everything in but I think 4 days would have been perfect for us. We also did tons of planning so that definitely helped. One thing we didn’t think of was how slow we would be driving because of the twisty road 😉

This looks amazing! I would love to visit here in the future, great post with lots of details!

Thanks! Definitely worth adding to the bucket list 😉

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The Ultimate Guide to Visiting the Twelve Apostles in 2024

The Great Ocean Road is one of Australia’s most iconic road trips. Stretching along the southern coast of Victoria, from Torquay to Allansford, driving this route will take you on one of the world’s most scenic coastal drives.

And the main attraction of the Great Ocean Road?

It has to be the Twelve Apostles: a collection of limestone rock formations (spoiler: there’s only eight) that are more than 20 million years old. What we love most about these impressive structures is that each “apostle” has its own shape and size — some as tall as 45 metres (or 150 feet) — yet, they all rise majestically out of the waves, almost like ancient sentinels, guarding the coastline.

If you ask us, the Twelve Apostles is an attraction that you should absolutely have on your Australian bucket list. It’s well worth the hype.

Dave and I live in Melbourne, so have taken countless visits out to the Twelve Apostles. Specifically, we first visited in 2009, then most recently in November 2023 — and we’ve checked out these structures over a dozen times in between.

What can we say? We can’t get enough of these iconic coastal rock formations.

Today, we’re going to share everything you need to know about planning your perfect trip to the 12 Apostles.

The History of the Twelve Apostles

The history of the Twelve Apostles begins millions of years ago — twenty million, in fact — when Australia was still part of the ancient supercontinent of Gondwana. The limestone rock formations that make up the Twelve Apostles were created thanks to the accumulation of marine sediment and skeletal debris on the ocean floor.

Over millions of years, these sediments were compressed and cemented together to form the rocks we see today.

It’s believed the Twelve Apostles were originally part of a much larger limestone cliff formation known as the Port Campbell Limestone. Over time, the softer parts of the cliff eroded away, leaving behind the distinctive rock stacks that we see today.

Despite the name, there were never actually twelve apostles. In fact, the name was given to the rock formations back in the 1920s as a way to attract tourists to the area. At the time, there were only nine stacks visible from the shoreline. And today, due to erosion, there are eight still standing.

While the history of the Twelve Apostles is primarily geological in nature, they have become an important cultural and historical symbol for the people of Australia. They’re a testament to the incredible power of nature, and a reminder of the beauty and wonder that can still be found on our planet.

The Best Time of Day to Visit the 12 Apostles

The vast majority of people arrive at the 12 Apostles in the early afternoon.

Yes, between midday and 3 p.m. is when a chaotic blend of tour groups and day trippers arrive from Melbourne. The crowds can be intense. And what that means is that you’re going to be seeing the Twelve Apostles at the worst possible time.

First of all: that swarming mass of tourists? You guessed it; they’re far from quiet. You’ll be surrounded by rampaging children, chattering tour groups, and an army of tripods. The level of annoyance obviously depends on your tolerance level, but it’s safe to say the crowds can be quite overwhelming during those peak hours.

And it’s not just the level of the noise that you’ll have to contend with: it’s also difficult to find a parking spot and there’s an extended wait time for the viewing areas — especially if you’re hoping to grab a photo of yourself without anybody else in the frame!

Dave and I have visited the 12 Apostles at almost every time of day you can think of: at 7 a.m. after spending the night in Port Campbell , in the middle of the day after driving down from Halls Gap , in mid-afternoon while on a day trip from Melbourne , and several times at sunset. For us, there’s no question that the afternoon is the worst possible time to get there.

Does that mean that you should skip the 12 Apostles if your only option is an afternoon visit?

Absolutely not.

Seeing the 12 Apostles with a few extra people is still more special than not seeing them at all. Just prepare for a mass of people and you won’t be disappointed by the experience.

So when is the best time to see the 12 Apostles?

I personally love the early morning, at around 7 or 8 a.m. At this time, none of the day trippers have yet arrived, so you’re only sharing the structures with the people who have stayed overnight — and most of those will have opted to see it at sunset the night before.

Because of the orientation of the 12 Apostles, the sun rises from behind the main viewing platform, meaning the structures will be perfectly illuminated in its warm golden glow. There’s usually a bit of sea mist hanging around in the morning, too, which adds to the other-worldly feel of the destination. And there’s only a dozen or so people to share the views with, so you almost feel as though you have it all to yourself.

Dave’s favourite time to visit, however, is at sunset.

I have to confess it’s a pretty magical time to be there.

On one occasion, we made it to the viewing platform at 5:10 p.m. on a sunny April afternoon — sunset at that time of year is at 6:15. Immediately, we chastised ourselves for having not opted to see the 12 Apostles at sunset before. It was a beautiful experience.

And to our great surprise, there was hardly anybody else there. We shared the viewing area with around 20 other people and, unlike at midday, it was silent. People spoke in hushed tones of awe as we all stared out at millions of years’ worth of natural history.

An hour later, however, as if by magic, several hundred other people had materialised to stand beside us.

Yep, sunset is yet another time of day that attracts the crowds.

Having said that, the vibe was the exact opposite to the one you’ll encounter at midday: everybody was quiet and calm, snapping photos and whispering to each other. You can usually squeeze into a gap in the railings to take your shot — there’s enough space for everyone — so you won’t have to jostle too hard with the other visitors.

And once the sun has officially dropped below the horizon, don’t you dare think about leaving.

The 30 minutes beyond sunset are when the sky truly grows aflame; often bringing up more impressive colours than those that you’ll see beforehand. And once those 30 minutes are up, something truly wonderful takes place.

You Can See Fairy Penguins if You Hang Around Until Dusk

I’ll let you in on a secret: there’s a colony of Fairy Penguins — or Little Penguins, as they’re alternatively known — that live on the beach of the 12 Apostles.

And just like the Penguin Parade on Phillip Island , if you stick around until dusk, you’ll be able to watch them make their way across the sand. Unfortunately, you can’t get up close and personal with these ones, as they’re only viewable from the lookout platforms, but it’s still a remarkable experience to witness.

Is it worth it? We think so. An impressive 800 penguins call this part of the world home, so you can definitely make them out from up high. (Your photos are most likely going to be terrible, though, as it’s pretty dark by the time the penguins decide to leave the ocean.)

The only major thing to keep in mind is that if you’re going to be staying overnight in Port Campbell, you’ll need to plan your penguin-viewing around your dinner-eating.

Almost all of the restaurants in Port Campbell stop serving food at around 8 p.m., so you’ll need to make sure that sunset doesn’t interfere with these plans. In particular, during the summer months, when sunset is around 8 p.m., you should plan to eat dinner first; in winter, the sunset rolls in at around at 5-6 p.m., so you’ll have time to eat afterwards.

However, I highly recommend eating an early dinner at the Apollo Bay Fishermen’s Co-Op, which is located on the Great Ocean Road, around 75 minutes before you arrive at the Twelve Apostles. They serve up some of the best fish and chips that I’ve ever had, so offer a significantly better food option than eating in Port Campbell.

Speaking of Port Campbell:

If You Can Stay Overnight, You Should

The vast majority of visitors to the Twelve Apostles do so on a day trip, and we think that’s a big mistake. In fact, we tell almost everybody who asks us that they should absolutely split the driving across two days.

There are so many advantages to staying overnight.

First of all, it means you’ll be able to watch the sun set over the Twelve Apostles, then follow it up the next day with a peaceful early-morning visit. As I mentioned above: these are easily the best times of day to be there; you’ll be avoiding the crowds that gather during those peak afternoon hours.

Additionally, while the Twelve Apostles are the most famous part of Port Campbell National Park, they’re not the only part.

You’ve also got London Bridge, Loch Ard Gorge, the Grotto, and several other notable rock formations. In my opinion, some of these structures are even more impressive than the Twelve Apostles, but because they’re not as well-known, not as many people visit them. In other words, you could easily spend two or three hours exploring just this section of the coastline. On a Great Ocean Road day trip, that’s simply not possible; you won’t have enough time.

And finally, it’s exhausting.

It takes five hours to get to the Twelve Apostles from Melbourne via the Great Ocean Road — and that’s without factoring in the 30-odd stops you’ll be making for beaches, lookouts, and villages along the way.

By the time you get to the Apostles? You won’t be feeling all that excited about turning back around and driving it all again. Even the non-scenic inland road from the Twelve Apostles to Melbourne takes three hours — it’s a long slog.

The only thing I’d say about staying overnight: if you’re going to be driving to Port Campbell after sunset, keep your eyes peeled for wild animals. On two of our late-night drives in the area we’ve had numerous animals plant themselves in front of our car: kangaroos, wallabies, a koala sitting in the middle of the road; we’ve seen it all! And we could have hit just about all of them if we hadn’t been paying attention.

Take the Gibson Steps: They’re Totally Worth It

It’s time for a confession: during our first few visits to the 12 Apostles, Dave and I skipped out on going down the Gibson Steps. The small car park at their entrance was always full, so we simply reassured each other that they wouldn’t be worth it, then continued on with our drive.

When we finally did make it down the steps, however, we couldn’t stop talking about how much we’d been missing out on.

Learn from our mistakes: don’t skip the Gibson Steps.

So what even are they?

The Gibson Steps are located roughly 1 kilometre southeast of the 12 Apostles; if you’re driving from Melbourne, you’ll get to them before you get to the Apostles. They are — as the name suggests — a series of steps, and they lead you down from the top of the cliff to the beach below.

Upon reaching the sand, you’ll be greeted by the site of Gog and Magog — two limestone structures that technically aren’t part of the 12 Apostles, but look like they are, so they’re super-impressive.

Taking the Gibson Steps to the beach offers a unique perspective that you simply can’t get from the viewing platforms. From the bottom of the cliff, as you stroll across the beach, you’re able to get a far better idea of the sheer enormity of these structures. Not only that, but you can get relatively close to Gog and Magog from ground level, giving you a far better idea of the intricate details of these rocks: you can really see the texture!

And the crowds? They’re non-existent down here, even at midday.

I mentioned above that there’s a car park for the Gibson Steps, but that it’s often full: unfortunately, this is the case. It was absolutely jam-packed in the hour before sunset, and there was only one space left in the quiet early-morning hours, too. The car park holds around 20-30 cars, so there isn’t much space for parking.

There is a designated accessible parking space and that’s usually empty. (Although the steps themselves aren’t accessible to wheelchair users, there’s a viewing platform at the top of them that’s still worth a look.)

It’s not all bad news: people are always leaving the area, so if you have to circle the area for five minutes, it isn’t so bad. I’d be surprised if you had to wait longer than that for a place to space up.

If it’s too busy, you could also park your car at the main car park for the Twelve Apostles and walk back to the Gibson Steps from there, following part of the Great Ocean Walk. It’s a 1 km walk and takes 15 minutes to complete.

Are The 12 Apostles Worth Visiting if It’s Cloudy?

Now, if you’re anything like me, you tend to feel disheartened by cloudy skies.

I always want to see the attractions I visit at their very best, which in my eyes means with bright, blue, cloudless skies. You can insist that the clouds add drama and interest to a scene and I’ll simply scrunch up my nose in response because I just. can’t. agree.

So what happens when your parents retire and head out to Australia on their dream trip of a lifetime, Lauren? What happens when they arrive in Melbourne and you realise your designated days for driving the Great Ocean Road look decidedly unsunny?

Well, dear reader, let me tell you, because that exact scenario happened just recently, in late-2023 and it was a little bit heartbreaking, to be honest. I wanted them to be able to see the Twelve Apostles at their best. Alas! It wasn’t to be.

You can’t control the weather, you can only control your reaction to the weather.

And as I said above, I strongly believe that seeing the Twelve Apostles in less-than-perfect circumstances is certainly better than not seeing them at all.

But was it worth it?

Well. You can see my photo above. There’s no denying that it’s not quite as eye-catching as the other scenes I’ve shared in this article. It was, however, still quite dramatic. And it was still impressive. My parents still thought it was amazing to see them in person (but of course, they’ve never seen the structures in the sunshine!)

But all that to say that yes, it is worth visiting the Twelve Apostles when it’s overcast. It’s not quite a 10/10 incredible experience, but it’s still a solid 7.5/10.

Plus, one big bonus to the clouds was that there was only around half the amount of people that normally are there at sunset.

Oh, and if you do take my advice and decide to spend the night in Port Campbell and see the Twelve Apostles the next morning, that gives you a second chance to catch those sunny skies! We had far less cloud cover the following morning, so got to see the Apostles illuminated through blue-sky gaps.

What About Visiting if It’s Raining?

Dave and I always joke about the time that we drove all the way to Port Campbell to see the… Two and a Half Apostles.

As you can see from my photo above, it was kind of accurate!

If you’ve already planned a trip along the Great Ocean Road — maybe you’ve booked to do one of the popular day tours or can’t move your road trip itinerary around — and the weather looks awful, then yes, I would recommend still tackling the drive.

(If you have the ability to move things around and visit during better weather, however, you should absolutely do that!)

You’ll likely be switching up your plans for the drive due to the wet weather — trading sunbathing on the beach for hitting up some hot springs; panoramic lookouts for wine-tasting and cheese-sampling — but there are plenty of indoor highlights on the Great Ocean Road, and the Twelve Apostles will still be waiting for you.

In fact, the best thing about visiting the Twelve Apostles in the pouring rain is that there’ll be about three other people at the viewing platforms at the same time as you. When Dave and I visited and took the above photo, there wasn’t a single other person there with us!

(Yes, there was a reason for that — you could barely see anything! — but it was still an experience few people get to have.)

So pull on your warm clothes, make sure you’ve got a waterproof jacket, and pack on an umbrella. You never know: the rain may have stopped by the time you get there!

Which brings me to my final point about the weather in this part of the world:

Dress for the Weather (And the Potential Weather)

In general, summer brings the best weather to the Great Ocean Road while winter brings the worst. But as my photo in the previous section displays: you can just as easily find yourself in a misty thunderstorm in the middle of February!

This is a part of the world that’s famous for its changeable weather — and it’s nearly always windy — so dressing appropriately will minimise any discomfort. Check the weather forecast before leaving, but prepare for any eventuality.

We once drove the Great Ocean Road in January when the forecast was for rain, but by the time we reached the Twelve Apostles, the clouds had cleared and we had nothing but blue skies.

We also once tackled the Great Ocean Road in 27°C sunshine — perfect weather — but it was so windy at the Twelve Apostles that we were frozen in shorts and a T-shirt. The icy southerly wind had caused the temperature to drop by about 10°C!

It goes both ways.

One thing I do recommend is bringing some shoes with good grip if you plan on making the trek down Gibson Steps. The stairs can be quite slippery when wet, so you’ll want some decent tread as you make your way down.

On that note: if the tide’s coming in at Gibson Steps, be careful!

My dad was happily wandering up to Gog and Magog to take photos when a huge wave swept in, engulfed his legs, and reached all the way to the cliff at the back of the beach! Needless to say, he then had to walk around in soaking-wet shoes for the next couple of hours. If the tide’s coming in and the waves are strong, you could find yourself without any sand to stand on.

Jump On a Helicopter Tour for a Different Viewpoint

The views are unbeatable: Seeing the Twelve Apostles from above is an experience that simply can’t be replicated on the ground.

From the air, you’ll get a bird’s eye view of these towering limestone stacks, as well as the surrounding coastline, rugged cliffs, and pristine beaches.

During your helicopter tour, you’ll have a knowledgeable pilot to guide you and provide interesting insights into the area’s history and geography. You’ll learn about the Twelve Apostles and the surrounding natural wonders, as well as the history of the Great Ocean Road and the local culture and traditions.

Prices start from $165 per person and can be booked at 12 Apostles Helicopters .

Respect the Environment While You’re There

Okay, so when you do visit the Twelve Apostles, it’s so important that you remember you’re visiting a fragile ecosystem that is home to a diverse range of plants and animals. Here’s how you can ensure you act as a responsible traveller:

Stay on the designated paths: The Twelve Apostles has strict rules in place to protect the natural environment. One of these rules is to stay on the designated walking trails and avoid trampling on delicate vegetation. Stick to the boardwalks and viewing platforms to help protect the plants and animals that call this area home.

And if you don’t do it for the environment, do it to avoid the snakes!

Leave no trace: When visiting the Twelve Apostles, it’s important to leave the area as you found it. This means taking all your rubbish with you, including food waste and cigarette butts. Don’t disturb any rocks or shells, and avoid collecting any souvenirs or natural materials. Remember, the less you disturb the environment, the better it will be for future visitors and the natural ecosystem.

Respect the wildlife: The Twelve Apostles are home to a range of wildlife, including seabirds and marine mammals such as seals and whales. When visiting the area, it’s important to respect the animals and keep a safe distance. Don’t feed or disturb them, and avoid making loud noises or sudden movements that could frighten them. Remember, you’re a guest in their home, so treat them with the respect they deserve.

All images copyright Everything Victoria unless otherwise noted

One half of the team behind Everything Victoria, Lauren loves road trips, great food, and seeking out the best beaches in the world. Originally from the U.K., she moved to Melbourne after ten years spent exploring the planet as a travel writer; she believes she's chosen the best city in the world to live.

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The 12 Apostles in Australia - everything you need to know

30 October 2023

We step back in geological time to investigate this Biblical oddity on the Victorian coastline.

How old are the twelve apostles.

No one knows for sure, but these rock formations are believed to be over twenty million years old.

How did the Twelve Apostles form?

They are an offshore collection of limestone stacks along the Great Ocean Road, this sculpted coastline originated when billions of tiny marine skeletons accumulated on the ocean floor, gradually creating limestone formations. As the ocean retreated, the cliffs were exposed above the sea level.

The wild and wilful Southern Ocean gradually eroded the softer limestone, forming caves in the cliffs, which eventually became arches. When they collapsed, rock islands up to 65 metres high were left isolated from the shore. This process also created a host of other natural features including Pudding Basin Rock, Elephant Rock, Muttonbird Island, Thunder Cave, Bakers Oven, London Bridge and the Grotto.

“We arrived in darkness to position ourselves for sunrise” (photo: Ken Duncan)

How were the Twelve Apostles named?

Until the 1960s the formations were called the Sow and Pigs – Muttonbird Island being the sow and the stacks the piglets. Then, in a flash of marketing brilliance, they were renamed the Apostles. By some divine intervention the name soon evolved into The Twelve Apostles – even though you could only see nine at the time.

But how many you can count depends on where you stand and what you include; there are actually as many as 30 stacks stretched along the coast, but not all are visible from the viewing areas. It’s a work in progress.

Why are there only seven?

At 9:18am on July 3, 2005, one of the Apostles had its last supper. Onlookers reported that the stack shimmied and shuddered a bit, fractured and then imploded before sliding into the ocean. The 12th Apostle (known as Judas) went from a magnificent 50 metre stack to a pile of rubble in seconds.

On 25 September, 2009, another rock came crumbling down. Although not as dramatic an exit as the Judas, this small formation eroded due to weather conditions. Located out the back near Razorback Lookout, this was the most recent Apostle to have fallen.

What the Twelve Apostles look like today.

Other Facts

Back in January 1990, the rock formation linking the London Bridge to the mainland collapsed. Two tourists who were climbing the bridge at the time needed to be rescued by a police helicopter. Luckily no one was injured. This incident ironically brought a sense of reality to the children’s song, “London Bridge Is Falling Down”.

In June 2009, shortly before the 5th rock had fallen, the Island Archway near Loch Ard Gorge also collapsed and became two separate rock formations. Initially the decision was to leave the name as is, but later on it was changed to Tom and Eva. Paying homage to the two teenage survivors from the Loch Ard Shipwreck.

This natural landmark draws in over 2 million visitors per year. Making it the third most popular natural site in Australia (after Uluru and the Great Barrier Reef ).

The Twelve Apostles Marine National Park includes some of Victoria’s most spectacular underwater scenery, including dramatic underwater arches, canyons, fissures, gutters and deep sloping reefs.

Tours to the Twelve Apostles

Dependent on where you’re located, tour packages to the Twelve Apostles differ in terms of price and length.

For Melbourne-dwellers, Sightseeing Tours offers a one-day package to the Great Ocean Road and Twelve Apostles for only $105 per person . Picking you up from a pre-determined CBD or St Kilda location, this bus will take you along the breathtaking coastline, stopping at popular beaches, seaside towns, Otway Rainforest (with the tallest eucalyptus trees in Australia) and of course, ending at the Twelve Apostles.

Kepler Tours offers a two-day small group tour along the Great Ocean Road which picks up passengers from Geelong and Melbourne CBD. Owners (and brothers), Steve and Matt have put together a jam-packed tour full of the essential highlights including the 12 Apostles, as well as a few hidden gems only the locals know about. The tour includes a nights stay in the heart of Warrnambool for the all-inclusive price of $219. You can also choose to upgrade your stay to a suite with your own bathroom and kitchenette for a fee.

This Twelve Apostles tour heads through Otway Rainforest, with some of the tallest eucalyptus trees in the world.

If you want to make the most of this experience and don’t mind splashing a bit of cash, then book yourself in for Helicopter Scenic Flight through the landmark. The cheapest package is $145 per person for 15 minutes of flight time. But you’ll be able to hang above the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, The Sentinel, The Arch and London Bridge.

Book a spot on the Twelve Apostles Helicopter Scenic Tour.

Getting There

If you’re located in Geelong, lucky you! You’ve only got a 2 hour road trip ahead. Whereas Melbourne city slickers, you’ve got a 3 hour drive inland to reach the rocks. If you’re willing to tack on another hour to the journey, take the Great Ocean Road for some spectacular scenic views.

For the brave, there are also walking tours that head out to the landmark. You can choose between a moderate or easy route and Aus Walking Co. also include 5-star accommodation in their package. If you feel comfortable walking 7 hours in a day, then you won’t want to do this trip any other way.

Take a guided tour through the Victorian coastline.

If you’d rather hit the road all by yourself, with no guide and no time limit, we salute you. Great Ocean Road Walks gives you the tools to plan out the entire trip. Pack a tent and choose to rough it under the stars, or treat yourself to any of the many hotel stays along the way.

If you want to walk alongside the highway, then hit up our guide to walking the Great Ocean Road .

If you’re planning a trip along the Great Ocean Road, then click here for our guide to everything you need to know.

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One Comment

I travelled many years ago passing the 12 Apostles on to the very end of the road.It was lovely to see & read all about.The drive was divine,travel so wonderful,loved the curves & bends.Scenery spectacular. Not driving now,but if anyone has not done it I will say GO FOR IT.

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12 Apostles - Great Ocean Road - 7 Things to Do

When Is the Best Time

The 12 Apostles is one of Australia's most iconic attractions and an amazing year-round destination. However, summer and even shoulder seasons often bring heavy crowds. Weekends are usually busier due to the proximity to Melbourne. This guide covers everything you should know before you go. Make sure to read my 7 Must-Do Things at the end of this article. 

The best time to visit the Great Ocean Road and the 12 Apostles is October, November, and February until May. During the Christmas Holidays, from mid-December until late January, the 12 Apostles are heavily overrun. Regarding the crowds, spring and autumn are the best seasons for your visit. The most rainfall in winter is from June to September.

These are my recommended tours via GetYourGuide with 24 hours in the advance cancellation policy. Thx for booking via my website! With your support, I am able to provide all information first-hand. Tour prices are at no extra cost!

Seasons and Weather

In general, the Southern Ocean has a strong influence on the climate. It keeps the winter warmer and the summer cooler. In summer, the sun is extreme, but it is not too hot, always a fresh breeze. Most stable weather in summer is from January to March. Most precipitation in the winter, from June to September. Be prepared for extremely windy conditions. While weather conditions don't vary heavily throughout the year, the tourist crowds definitely fluctuate. Thus, spring and autumn are the best time. It's frequently windy along the coast; bring a wind jacket the entire year. Rain can occur, but the wettest time is the winter until September.

Spring (September-November)

It's getting warmer but also crowded again. Day temps are pleasant between 16°-20°C. It's cooler in the morning and evening. Expect a packed place from around 10 am onwards, even worse when the tour buses arrive around 12. However, it won't change anything about this spectacular view of the limestone pillars. The water temp, though, is cold, around 15°C. During spring break, most of the accommodations are fully booked.

Summer (December-February)

Best conditions with usually dry and clear weather. Temps can climb up to almost 30°C, but usually, they stay around 22°C. It's the peak season, and the rates are at their highest (book well in advance for a nearby hotel). 12 Apostles are overrun with visitors during the day. However, come early or late in the day and enjoy the special atmosphere. Even though it is summer, it's not that hot because of the breeze from the sea. Water temps are 18°C maximum. That's still pretty cold.

Autumn (March-May)

Fewer visitors but still very busy. Even more so during the Easter holiday and on weekends. Midday is the worst time of the day, but it doesn't change too much of this awesome scenery. The 12 Apostles view is the busiest, and the Grotto or London Bridge are less crowded. The weather gets a little cooler. Temps can drop below 20°C, and the morning and evening temps are around 10°C only.

Winter (June-August)

These are the best months if you'd like to enjoy a quieter visit. However, it can still be busy at weekends. Excellent months for taking photos from the large viewing platform without hundreds of others pushing each other shoulder to shoulder. The downside is the weather: While definitely not freezing, it's cooler, and most rainfall occurs in winter. The advantage is that you may get fantastic shots with towering clouds in the back.

These are my recommended tours via GetYourGuide with 24 hours advance cancellation policy. Thx for booking via my website! With your support, I am able to provide all information first-hand. Tour prices are at no extra cost!

Time of Day and Tips for Photographer

During summer and in the shoulder seasons, the place is usually utterly crowded during the day. In summer, we arrived after midday and felt there were at least a thousand people from many different countries. It was a little difficult to enjoy the scenery with many people next to us, taking pictures or being asked to take photos of them. Usually, I appreciate taking pics for others, but even while we ate our sandwich, I got asked.

We learnt our lesson and visited the 12 Apostles two years later in spring during the morning. For this reason, come early or late in the day to dodge the crowds. The pro is that the light in the morning and the sunset are the best time of the day for magical shots from one of the most famous sights around the world. I know it's hard, I am not an early riser, but get up very early and try to be there at sunrise: Sunrise / Sunset Times Princetown

Don't miss out on my entire Great Ocean Road Guide  - 3 Days Itinerary | Top Tips | Where to Stay

Best Hotels and Lodges Nearby  

Do you really need to stay the night nearby? YES! If you want to experience the 12 Apostles without massive crowds, then do yourself a favour and book something nearby. Enjoy the peaceful sunset and sunrise! Our 5 recommendations for an exceptional location close to the 12 Apostles, London Bridge and all other attractions of the Port Campbell National Park.

Best Months to Visit

Related Topics

Location and Tips

The Twelve Apostles are limestone rock stacks by the Great Ocean Road and belong to the "12 Apostles Marine National Park" and "The Port Campbell National Park". Although called the 12 Apostles are currently 8 rocks left. These rocks are constantly changing by the untamed ocean and by weathering. It is just a question of time before the next collapse.

It's a three-hour drive inland from Melbourne to the most famous part of the Great Ocean Road. Schedule some time to visit the collection of wave-sculpted rock formations and the Twelve Apostles. ( Google Maps Link - Melbourne to the 12 Apostles)

8 Facts About the 12 Apostles

• How many are left? Currently, there are eight Apostles; the ninth one collapsed in 2005.
• Opening Hours : None. You can visit at any time of the day. Early morning and evening are my preferred time.
• Fee : No entrance fee. Even parking is free.
• Parking : Large car park, no fee.
• Time Spent : Most tours via busses spend about an hour here. The entire National Park is worth to visit a whole day.
• Facilities : Kiosk and restrooms
• View : From platforms (see below)
• Location : Google Maps 12 Apostles

Viewing Platforms (Accessibility)

There are four connected viewing areas which are very close to each other and easily accessible from the parking area. The distance from the parking lot to the upper viewing area is approximately 280 metres and accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. The main viewing area can be reached via a staircase leading down to the platform. The platform is over 2 metres wide and quite long. Find more details about the other platforms and accessibility here: 12 Apostles Accessibility Information

7 Things to Do at the 12 Apostles - Port Campbell National Park

Of course, there is even more, to see and do around the 12 Apostles. These are our highlights after several visits to our friend Rik in Melbourne, Victoria, and around the 12 Apostles. Plan an entire day from sunrise to sunset here, and you will experience the most beautiful parts of this little piece of the entire Great Ocean Road.

Definitely, one of the most photographed sides is the 12 Apostles. These limestone stacks were formed by erosion. The harsh weather conditions from the Great Southern Ocean and the wind resulted in the erosion of the soft limestone over thousands of years. Walk along the boardwalk to Castle Rock to get the best outlook for all of the left 8 “Apostles”.

One km to the east side are the Gibson Steps. There is a small car park only. During the day and in the peak season, you have to walk 1.2 km from the 12 Apostles car park to get there. 86 cliff-stairs lead down to the spectacular beach. It’s the only beach access where you get to two offshore limestone stacks; Magog and Gog. The steps are closed by a gate during high tide. If you want to get a closer look at the beach and the rock formations, check out the tides before. Tide Times 12 Apostles Marine Park

Four km to the west is the next popular stop, the Loch Ard Gorge. The site is named after the clipper, which sank here in 1878. Just two of the 54 passengers survived the disaster. Get more insights into the dramatic shipwreck coast at the Marine Museum in Warrnambool. It’s a 300 m walk down to the beach and gorge. Read the whole story about the Loch Ard Clipper on boards along the short walk. The history of the sunken ship is as fascinating as the scenery. You will love this beach, especially during the summer.

From the Loch Ard Gorge Parking, you can get to The Razorback, which is on the left. To the right leads the trail to Muttonbird Island and Thunder Cave. The Razorback got its name from the sharp edges caused by the strong sea breeze and spray.

Another famous stop within 18 km distance of the 12 Apostles is the collapsed London Bridge. This rock formation and the coastline are constantly attacked by waves (one wave every 14 seconds), rain, and wind, which cause erosions. The collapse of the first arch was just a question of time. Also, the second exposed arch will collapse one day by the forces of nature, leaving two stacks. "The Arch", another rock stack, is nearby but less spectacular.

Drive another two kilometres along the Great Ocean Road to get to the picturesque Grotto. During low tide, the Grotto looks like in my picture.

A helicopter tour is by far the most thrilling way to view the 12 Apostles. However, it’s also the most expensive one. You’ll not only be amazed by this view of the 12 Apostles, but you’ll also notice that the whole fantastic coastline looks different from the air. Most visitors who did this ride loved it.

Open seven days a week from 9 am-5 pm. They provide you with information and maps; souvenirs are available as well. A small kiosk offers snacks, coffee, and beverages. Expect to line up during the busy time of the day. It is said restrooms are open day and night, but we experienced them closed before 9 am and in the evening.

There is plenty of parking at the main attraction, though it can be pretty full during the summer. All other parking areas are smaller and tend to be full around midday. However, wait just a couple of minutes until the next car leaves. Limited parking at Gibson Steps better walk the kilometre from the parking at the visitor centre.

Don't leave the walking and hiking trails along the Great Ocean Road. Venomous snakes are common here. We always spotted a tiger snake when visiting the 12 Apostles. They are common to the coastal areas in the south of Australia.

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12 Apostles Day Trip

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The 12 Apostles

One of the most well-known highlights of the Great Ocean Road is the 12 Apostles.

Situated in the Port Campbell National Park, a 12 Apostles day trip enables you to see the massive limestone structures that tower 45 metres above the tempestuous Southern Ocean — a spot which always leaves visitors in awe at its size and beauty.

How to Get There

Organising a 12 Apostles road trip is easy with our website. There’s several different ways to get here including car, bus, ferry, plane and even helicopter. For those planning a road trip to the 12 Apostles we have information available on  travel distances and times , and planning your journey.

For those seeking a guided tour, take a look at our  What to See and Do  page.

What Else to See & Do

A 12 Apostles road trip should also include a visit to the Twelve Apostles Centre.

The Centre offers insightful cultural heritage stories, a kiosk and amenities. After visiting the Centre complete the magic of your road trip to the 12 Apostles by walking through the tunnel, under the Great Ocean Road to the expansive, breath-taking Apostle views.

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Loch Ard Place

Peterborough, all things to do.

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Great Ocean Road Regional Tourism acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the Great Ocean Road region the Wadawurrung, Eastern Maar & Gunditjmara. We pay our respects to their Elders, past, present and emerging. We recognise and respect their unique cultural heritage and the connection to their traditional lands. We commit to building genuine and lasting partnerships that recognise, embrace and support the spirit of reconciliation, working towards self-determination, equity of outcomes and an equal voice for Australia’s first people.

The 12 Apostles – are they really worth a visit?

The 12 Apostles is probably one of the biggest natural tourist attractions in Australia (besides Uluru and the Great Barrier Reef) and a must see for every tourist along the great ocean road but is it really worth a visit?

Also check out Our Top 10 things to see and do on the Great Ocean Road (mostly free!) – This list also includes places to stay along the Great Ocean Road.

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Firstly tourists need to realise that there are no longer 12 apostles, due to erosion there are approx. only 8 “Apostles” left and from the main viewing point you can only see about 5 of them as the rest are scattered along the coast and are out of site from the main view area.

The best way to see all of the apostles is by helicopter however this is also the most expensive way to see them at a cost of $99 – $150 for only an 8 minute flight.

The viewing area was constructed by tourism Victoria and the national parks; they also built a large car park for all the tourist buses and cars, this makes it very easy to find a park. The visitors centre features a café, an information centre and public toilets.

A short walk away from the visitors centre is the first viewing platform of the 12 apostles.  All of these platforms are very well constructed and are situated in good a spot which offers large areas for tourists to take photos without having to be shoulder to shoulder, pushing and shoving to try and get to the front of the crowd for a good photo.

With that said we did go in winter –July- so it is possibly much busier on a summer’s day.

If you continue along the platform you are taken to another vantage point which is built out on top of a small bluff, it gives you a great view of the coast line. This area is a little smaller and a little more crowded with lots of people rushing to get into good photo spots.

Quick tip: Don’t forget to get your photo taken at the 12 apostles, don’t be a travel snob and think that is “too touristy” – You’re at the 12 Apostles!!

For some people this is a once in a lifetime experience! If you see a couple trying to take a “selfie”, please stop and offer to take a photo for them and they will most likely offer to do the same for you, if not there are always plenty of people around so I’m sure that someone will help out with a photo.

In conclusion “are the 12 Apostles really worth a visit”? Yes, yes they are! If you’ve travelled all the way to Melbourne and have the time (or make the time) take a day trip and see them or better yet plan to drive from Melbourne to Adelaide and take in ALL that the Great Ocean Road has to offer!

Sam, a seasoned traveler across four continents and 49 countries, is a leading authority in travel planning. Her website, Travelling King, offers tailored itineraries and expert guides for seamless trips. Sam's expertise in luxury travel, fast travel, and destination guides keeps her at the forefront of the travel community.

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43 Comments

Thanks Luke! It was a little cold and rainy but that is winter for you haha!

I agree! The 12 (or 8) Apostles are definitely worth a visit 🙂 The Great Ocean Road is a fabulous Australian Road Trip with so many interesting stops along the way, and the view… breathtaking!

Hey Gina! the GOR road trip is a must! had a fantastic time – although i think i would have preferred to do it in summer! Was a little chilly!

I am currently planning a trip to Australia for next year so I have added this to my list as a must visit! Thanks for sharing 🙂

I agree – definitely worth a visit! I have been many times, as I take people who visit us in Melbourne from elsewhere. They always enjoy it and so do I 🙂 We have actually never had problems taking photos or found it crowded, so perhaps you were just unlcuky? I haven’t been in a couple of years though, so perhaps it has become more popular.

I feel like this is one of those sights that is just there to make a picture and then get out of the way. I always like to sit somewhere (on a rock preferably) and start dreaming away, thinking about what I´m seeing, taking my time. Of course I´ll take a photo but I´m not the typical tourist who takes a photo and then leaves to see another side of the attraction… However, I´m afraid that is not possible at the 12 apostles. Still I´d like to see them when I´m there and hopefully find a place where me and my musings can be alone for some time =)

I feel so bad now that I haven’t even got myself there yet! (And I’m Australian) I’ll definitely make the effort now!

Hey Sharon, It wasnt “that” crowded the day we went but there was a bit of a crowd – i cant imagine what it would be like in summer or full tourist season. I would say there would have easily been over 100 people when we were there

Hey Tam! That’s ok – hope you enjoy your trip down under 🙂

Talk about timing – I just went there yesterday afternoon and this morning!! I was a bit unlucky with the weather as it was extremely windy and not sunny. In fact my pictures look just like yours! A few good spots to also see are just outside of Port Campbell.

It definitely is a beautiful part of the country along the whole Great Ocean Road. Some of the little towns are worth a visit too.

As I started reading your post, with a question you’ve asked in the mind, just seeing that first photo made me think: Hell yes, it’s worth to visit! Sad that the Apostles are disappearing – and since there are no longer 12 of them, I wonder if they should change the name of the site – kidding 🙂

We were also there at the end of winter, in a quite stormy weekend, and there were not many people. Twelve apostles or less it is an amazing natural landmark with stunning views. I agree with you, it is more than worth visiting them!!

I wouldn’t miss that – it looks gorgeous! Hopefully it won’t keep continuing each year and go down to 6 apostles…5 apostles.. that would be sad. I’d love to see that from helicopter but that’s a bit out of my budget!

How long ago were there 12 apostles? And… perhaps more to the point, how long (in your geologically professional opinion) will those last 8 continue to stand? Looks beautiful… though, I’ll be trying to pick a somewhat warmer day to go see them perhaps 😉

I don’t think I would pay $150 for an 8 minute plane ride. As cool as that would be, I just don’t think it would be worth it in my opinion. However, I would like to see the 12 Apostles from the viewing platform. Australia is somewhere that I would love to travel one day. 🙂

Of course they are worth the visit! At least that’s what they look like after reading your review of them. This landscape and scenery really reminds me of the Needles off the Isle of Wight coast in England (probably not as famous as the 12 Apostles but equally as impressive).

We love taking scenic drives along coastlines and this looks like the perfect spot to take an adventurous road trip whilst taking in some amazing landscape. We are considering heading back to Oz at the end of 2014 so maybe we will have time to taken in this awesome attraction.

Brrrrr, you guys looked cold. But what a view huh! As an Aussie who has STILL never seen these, I am so glad to read about it, it’s on my list.

This looks gorgeous! I’d love to go 🙂 It’s definitely going on my list for Australia!

Slack!!! that said I have been here for 14 years and have only just gotten around to seeing them 🙂

make the time – they are worth it 😉

NOt a problem Tam – enjoy yourself!

Hey Milene there are places to sit and relax and take in the view – maybe not secluded spots but nice spots 🙂

hey Michele! Very true – Port Fairy, Campbell town, Torquay are all beautiful places!

hey Frank! Very good point – i guess they will always be the 12 apostles -even when there is only one

hey Gabor! Thanks! I think seeing the 12 Apostles during any season is good – They are beautiful in any light!

Hey Marie-Carmen. Interesting thought – have seen a few photos of beautiful cliffs in Ireland – would love to visit one day!! yes sadly they disappear by (from memory) 2cm per year.

Hey Samantha! i dont think we will loose too many more any-time soon – i think from memory they erode by about 2 cm every year.

Hey Jonny, No idea to both your questions – cant say im an expert 😛 I have heard they recede by 2cm every year so who knows how long they will last?

Hey Kelly, I agree $150 for an 8 min flight is pretttty expensive! I wish it was cheaper – would love to see them from the air!

Hey Chris! the Great Ocean Road is a beautiful coastal road – fantastic scenery all the way! Its so nice to see the 12 Apostles in “real life” instead of in a picture

I’m not really a big fan of cliffs and rock formations but I really think that the name and the setting of the 12 Apostles make it worth visiting 😀

Hey! It was pretty chilly but we had lots of llayers on and a waterproof jacket so we were toasty warm 🙂 Come back and see them sometime 🙂 Lists are hard – they grow too often!

Hey Ashley, Should “pop” past on your SEA trip!

Great post – really makes me want to go! Sometimes it’s awesome to just embrace being a tourist 🙂

Glad you mentioned the Ocean Road at the end because I was going to ask if there is a good coastline road trip you could suggest. 🙂

Hey Silvia. Its always one of those places “to see” on people’s bucket list. and its fun to embrace your tourist side – nothing wrong with it

Oh yes the Great Ocean road is certainly a good coastline trip!

Helicopter tour sounds like sth I would enjoy! And I would love to see the sight, generally I would love to visit Australia!

I wish i had taken the Helicopter tour now, but give the time you are in the air compared to the price of the flight – not sure if it was worth it!

For me, just because there were so many tourists there, I preferred other places along the Great Ocean Road. They are some really amazing rock formations though, so if you can schedule your visit to not be at a peak time then it’s definitely worth it!

I love the views along the great ocean road, it is an awesome drive along the coastline. My next visit to Melbourne is in November so am hoping the family will take me to vist the 12 Apostles again. The lookouts are so well positioned and historical stories of the different spots make it all so interesting.

Great post. I was there in summer and at sunset. It was pretty packed, but still great fun. If you fancy reading about it, check it out here

There’s never been ’12’. The name was applied to the stacks in the middle of last century (from memory), when it was decided to change their name from the ‘Sow and Piglets’ (a little hard to market that…) to simply ‘The Apostles’. Somewhere along the way someone’s whacked ’12’ in front of that, which is their contemporary name. (Get the good oil about all that from John McInerny from Port Campbell Touring Company. He’s a local legend around the coastline. What he doesn’t know about them has yet to be discovered).

And they’ll be around for hundreds of years yet – no need to worry about them collapsing into the ocean in our lifetimes.

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Visiting the 12 Apostles? You won’t believe what else is around the corner.

• Nature and Wildlife

The famous 12 Apostles are one of the most recognised icons of the Great Ocean Road region, but if you’re planning on visiting Port Campbell and the 12 Apostles, make sure you don’t miss out on these other gems close by. They are well worth a visit in their own right (plus they will make for some epic Instagram selfies).

What else is near the 12 Apostles?

Here is a quick cheat sheet for some other must sees when you visit the 12 Apostles:

Gibson Steps

London bridge, loch ard gorge, bay of islands.

Prepare to be dwarfed by the magnitude of the cliff-line and offshore stacks. The sheer scale of natural sculpting evident at this site is humbling.

Location:  Great Ocean Road, Princetown (5 km west of Princetown township)

The still clear water in the open cave casts reflections in contrast to the dynamic moving water of the ocean directly behind it.

Location: The Grotto Track, Peterborough

London Bridge, pre 1990 was a double-spanning bridge connected to the mainland. The stack was created over hundreds of years, with the weaker layers toward the base being eroded away by wind and water to form the two bridges.

Location:  Great Ocean Road, Port Campbell (7 km west of Port Campbell)

Loch Ard Gorge is unusual for this section of coast, in that its water is relatively calm, although its not for swimming, it makes for a great photo op.

Location:  Great Ocean Road, Port Campbell (8 km east of Port Campbell)

The pale limestone of this section of coast reflects a different quality of light and offers superior photographic opportunity in overcast conditions. Highly underrated!

Location: Bay of Islands Track, Peterborough

Explore More 12 Apostles

Wake up to the Iconic 12 Apostles Coast and Hinterland

Carving the 12 Apostles

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Loch Ard Motor Inn

Port campbell.

Pixies at Eco Bay

Sea Foam Villas

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Port Campbell Playground

Port Campbell Shopping

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Port Campbell Lolly Shop

REAL Pizza Pasta Salads

Frying Nemos Fish and Chips and Country Fried Chicken

Sow and Piglets Microbrewery

Discover the region.

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Deans marsh, kennett river, skenes creek, lavers hill, beech forest, peterborough, budj bim cultural landscape, cape bridgewater.

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© 2024 Great Ocean Road Regional Tourism

Corporate site | contact us | disclaimer.

Great Ocean Road Regional Tourism acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the Great Ocean Road region the Wadawurrung, Eastern Maar & Gunditjmara. We pay our respects to their Elders, past, present and emerging. We recognise and respect their unique cultural heritage and the connection to their traditional lands. We commit to building genuine and lasting partnerships that recognise, embrace and support the spirit of reconciliation, working towards self-determination, equity of outcomes and an equal voice for Australia’s first people.

7 Places That Might Not Exist In 10 Years

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• Explore iconic destinations like the Twelve Apostles and Glacier National Park before they disappear forever.
• Rising sea levels threaten Kiribati, while illegal activity endangers Papakolea Beach.
• Moldova may soon unify with Romania, changing the country's identity and landscape forever.

Various types of destinations attract travelers. From mountain climbing trips around the world to traveling to the world's friendliest countries , there are many choices for every kind of globe trotter. International tourism ended in 2023 with an estimated 1.3 billion arrivals , and this number will only increase by the end of 2024.

However, the travel ecosystem is poised to undergo significant changes as the world looks ahead. While some destinations will continue to thrive, others might become inaccessible for various reasons or, in some cases, even disappear.

For instance, on August 9th, 2024, the Toilet Bowl, one of Utah's most famous arches, collapsed . No one will ever be able to revisit it. Like this iconic arch, these are some of the places that might not exist in the next decade, so there is limited time left to explore them.

7 Best Dark Tourism Destinations To Visit In America

These historical sites are the spots of terrible tragedies, horrific crimes, or otherwise eerie events - and they're all open to the public.

7 The Twelve Apostles, Australia

One collapsed in 2005, and an offshore gas extraction plant nearby puts those remaining at risk of crumbling at any time.

A collection of natural limestone stacks off the shore of Port Campbell National Park in Victoria, Australia, the Twelve Apostles are said to have formed by erosion around 15 to 5 million years ago.

In July 2005, one collapsed into the sea, leaving eight still standing. The original Twelve Apostles never included twelve stacks. There were nine, and eight are still standing. More stacks exist west of the national park but are not considered part of the Apostles' group.

The gas extraction plant, intended for home use in Victoria, has been approved for the first time in a decade. Due to the continuation of the stack's erosion, eventually, the coastal shore will disappear. The question is not if, but when !

6 Papakolea Beach, Big Island, Hawaii

The stunning green sand beach is at risk of disappearing or becoming inaccessible due to illegal tourist activity.

Also known as Mahana Beach, this is one of only four green sand beaches worldwide. Located near South Point, on the island of Hawaiʻi, Papakolea Beach formed in a bay over 49,000 years ago, circled by volcanic ash.

It is only legally accessible on foot, with attempts to restrict vehicular traffic. However, illegal tourists' shuttling through the exceptionally fragile ecosystem has created ruts in the soil that reach eight feet deep. Authorities may restrict any further access to the gorgeous beach at any point.

Furthermore, scientists have predicted that coastal erosion in Hawaii will reach 20 feet in the next 35 years, meaning that waves may completely swallow beaches like Papakolea. However, a tsunami can cover the beach at any time, making it inaccessible.

5 Moldova, Europe

Polls supporting the unification of moldova and romania rose from 20% to 44% from 2015 to 2022.

A beautiful landlocked country in Eastern Europe, with a population of approximately 2.42 million, Moldova borders Romania to the west. The unification of Moldova and Romania is a popular concept, furthered by the Romanian Revolution in 1989 and Moldova's independence in 1991.

With most of its population being ethnically Romanian, and given the country's poor economic state, this could quickly happen anytime, especially with recent growth in the number of those in favor of joining Romania. If it does take place, the land of Moldova will remain, but the country and many things it stands for might cease to exist.

Between 1991 and 2009, about 140,000 Moldovan citizens obtained Romanian citizenship, while one million requested it. Moldova was once considered the world's unhappiest place , but an effort has been made to change that image.

7 Airports Around The World That Are Now Abandoned (& Why)

Many of these abandoned airports have seen their darkest days that are now frozen in time.

4 Kiribati, Oceania

Rising sea levels could submerge the country, which is less than six feet above sea level.

The Republic of Kiribati, a group of 33 very low-lying Pacific Islands in the central Pacific between Hawaii and Australia, is home to 120,000 people. A typical tropical postcard paradise, Kiribati is at risk from rising sea levels.

Global warming is melting the polar ice caps, glaciers, and ice sheets, causing sea levels to rise. It is estimated sea levels have risen an average of 0.01 feet per year since 1993. This phenomenon is proving to be catastrophic for many coastal regions, especially places like Kiribati.

The government spends a lot of time alerting the world to Kiribati's plight and seeking solutions to the imminent catastrophe. Scientists believe that these islands may become uninhabitable soon. It has also bought land in Fiji to evacuate the country's entire population if the worst happens. At less than six feet above sea level, a single tsunami can wipe it off the map.

3 Blockbuster Store, Bend, Oregon, USA

The brand's last remaining retail store in the world, after operating 9,094 stores in 2004.

Formerly called Blockbuster Video, Blockbuster was a public store chain in the 1990s that offered video and game rentals. At its peak in 2004, Blockbuster employed 84,300 people worldwide and operated 9,094 stores.

Following the great recession in the late 2000s and growing competition from Netflix's mail-order service and video-on-demand, the company filed for bankruptcy protection in 2010.

After being acquired by satellite television provider Dish Network and following a series of closures in 2019, only one franchised store remains open: in Bend, Oregon. Since becoming the last Blockbuster, it has become a popular tourist destination. The iconic brand store's future remains uncertain, but it is unlikely to survive another decade in its current avatar and business model.

2 Dead Sea, Jordan & Israel

A third of its surface area has evaporated at four feet per year, with less freshwater inflow, making it about 15% shallower.

The Dead Sea is a landlocked salt lake bordered by Jordan to the east and Israel to the west. At 1,412 feet below sea level, it is the lowest land-based elevation on Earth, is one of the world's saltiest bodies of water and lies in a hot desert climate.

Regrettably, the Dead Sea has been drying up for decades due to climate change and the overexploitation of natural resources. The diversion of 80% of water from the Jordan River, its most significant source of fresh water, for agricultural and industrial purposes has also contributed to this process.

The lake has attracted visitors from around the Mediterranean Basin for thousands of years. Whether it will happen in the next decade cannot be confirmed, but the swift rate at which the lake is drying and receding is a matter of grave concern.

6 Places You Might Not Be Able To Visit A Year From Now

Visit these beautiful locations around the world before they are gone forever or close for an extended period of time. Plan soon!

1 Glacier National Park, Montana

The number of glaciers in the park has reduced from 150 to 25, shrinking the total glacial mass by 85% since 1956.

Glacier National Park in Montana is a paradise for adventurous tourists, a spectacle of melting glaciers, alpine meadows, and pristine lakes. However, at the current accelerated rate of global warming, scientists predict glaciers will disappear from the park by 2030.

Of the estimated 150 glaciers, over 25 acres in size, that existed in the park, only 25 active glaciers remained by 2010 . Scientists studying the glaciers have estimated that all active glaciers may disappear by 2030 if current climate patterns persist.

Scenic yet highly underrated spots in Montana could be alternatives to Glacier National Park if and when the iconic US National Park's glaciers melt. The park has consistently had at least two million annual visitors since 2012, and it would be a sad day if and when it no longer exists.

Home » The Apprentice Apostle

The Apprentice Apostle

• By Ida Adams
• 21 August AD 2024

I Was There When Jesus Cleaned the Temple

I’ve never seen anything like it

Passover was coming, and Jesus decided to visit Jerusalem and the Temple.

What a sight! People milling about. The vendors shouting their wares. The horrible sound of the ceremonial slaughtering of thousands of animals and the smell of blood everywhere.

Bulls, rams, goats, oxen, turtledoves, and pigeons were sacrificed. James knows far more than I do and told me these sacrifices were called  korbanot  and the way they were slaughtered,  shechita .

The sacrifices were burned on an altar, making them divine.

I’m not sure I understood everything. My family was casual about our faith. They sent us to a Jewish school and expected the teachers and the priests to take care of that side of our lives.

But my eyes were fixed on Jesus. He did not look happy and stared at the moneylenders. James explained to me that every animal had to be perfect. Also, every man over 19 had to pay a temple tax. The serious-looking men I saw were tax collectors who collected the money and officials who looked over the animals to ensure they were perfect.

This is where the moneylenders came in. The officials would not accept a coin bearing the image of the Roman Emperor, so the people with Roman coins had to pay to exchange their money for the  Tyrian  shekel.

James had the right money. There were so many people that he stayed with me. He’d been to the Temple before and knew what to expect. I wanted to sacrifice something, but it was a problem. I could not afford a larger animal, and as I had a cove of tame doves at home with which my sister played, it felt wrong to sacrifice a dove.

The next moment, there was a roar, and I recognized Jesus’ voice. He had made a whip out of cords and was chasing out all the sheep and the oxen. He poured out all the moneylenders’ money and kicked over their table.

It was amazing to see him in this role. He was so fierce and angry. He told them to get their animals out of there and not to make his Father’s house a  market .

Everyone was quiet that night. The disciples had not seen Jesus angry before and didn’t know what to make of it.

Neither did I.

— The Apprentice Apostle

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• Ida Adams , Jesus Cleaned the Temple

2 thoughts on “The Apprentice Apostle”

Thank you so much. This Apprentice has much to learn.

You are a great apprentice.

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