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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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Exploring The Iconic Twelve Apostles: A Complete Guide

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This comprehensive article will take you through every aspect of visiting this natural wonder, from the geological formation and cultural significance, to the best spots for photography and the nearby attractions worth exploring. Discover how to get there, what facilities are available, and what activities you can enjoy. With safety tips and personal anecdotes woven throughout, this guide aims to equip readers with all the essential information to have an unforgettable experience at the Twelve Apostles.

Table of Contents

Introduction to the Twelve Apostles

Located along the stunning Great Ocean Road, the Twelve Apostles are a truly awe-inspiring natural wonder. Despite their name, there are actually only eight remaining limestone stacks that make up the Twelve Apostles, as several have fallen victim to the powerful forces of nature over time. The symbol of the Great Ocean Road, these magnificent formations have been shaped by millions of years of erosion, resulting in towering pillars that emerge majestically from the Southern Ocean.

Getting There and Location

To reach the Twelve Apostles, you have a few options. If you’re driving, you can take the Great Ocean Road from Melbourne, following the scenic coastal route. The drive takes approximately three hours and offers breathtaking views along the way. If you prefer not to drive, there are also various transportation options available, including guided tours and public transportation services.

Scenic Beauty and Views

Prepare to be captivated by the unrivaled coastal beauty and awe-inspiring rock formations that await you at the Twelve Apostles. As you gaze out across the vast expanse of the Southern Ocean, you’ll be treated to stunning panoramic views that stretch as far as the eye can see. The limestone stacks, with their unique shapes and textures, create a truly remarkable sight. Don’t forget your camera, as there are plenty of opportunities for breathtaking photography.

Visitor Facilities

To ensure a comfortable visit, there are visitor centers conveniently located near the Twelve Apostles. Here, you can gather information, ask questions, and learn more about the area’s geological and environmental significance. Additionally, you’ll find a range of amenities available at the site, including parking facilities and clean restrooms. Accessibility considerations have also been taken into account, with designated paths and wheelchair ramps provided for those with mobility issues.

Activities and Exploration

Exploring the Twelve Apostles goes beyond admiring their beauty from afar. Take advantage of the various walking trails that wind their way through the surrounding coastal landscapes and discover hidden gems along the way. For those seeking a more immersive experience, guided tours are available, allowing you to learn about the area’s unique ecosystem and wildlife. Keep an eye out for native birds, seals, and even whales that can often be spotted offshore.

Historical and Cultural Context

The Twelve Apostles are not just a geological wonder, but also hold historical and cultural significance. These formations have been shaped by millions of years of natural processes. The area is also of importance to the Indigenous communities, with connections to their traditional stories and heritage. Take the time to learn about the rich history and cultural significance of the Twelve Apostles, gaining a deeper understanding and appreciation for this remarkable location.

Best Times to Visit

For the best experience and views, it’s important to consider the optimal times to visit the Twelve Apostles. Early morning and late afternoon are often recommended, as the soft golden light enhances the beauty of the rock formations and coastline. As for the best time of year, it largely depends on personal preferences. Spring and autumn offer mild temperatures and lower tourist numbers, while winter can provide dramatic stormy skies. Summer tends to be the busiest period, so plan accordingly.

Safety Tips

While visiting the Twelve Apostles, it’s crucial to prioritize safety. Stick to designated paths and viewpoints, as venturing off can be dangerous and result in erosion damage. Be aware of changing weather conditions, particularly during the winter months when strong winds and rough seas are common. Stay up to date with local weather forecasts and be prepared with appropriate clothing and footwear. Finally, always follow any safety instructions or warnings provided by park rangers or staff.

Nearby Attractions

If you’re looking to enhance your visit to the Twelve Apostles, there are plenty of nearby attractions worth exploring. the Great Ocean Road itself offers countless scenic viewpoints and stunning coastal landscapes. Visit Loch Ard Gorge , a breathtaking cove with a tragic shipwreck tale, or venture to the Great Otway National Park and immerse yourself in lush rainforests. Don’t miss the opportunity to see the London Arch , formerly known as the London Bridge, another natural arch formation along the Great Ocean Road.

Visitor Experience

Visiting the Twelve Apostles is an experience that will leave an indelible mark on your memory. Time and time again, visitors are awestruck by the sheer magnificence of these natural wonders. As you stand on the observation points, surrounded by the beauty of the Southern Ocean and the towering limestone stacks, you can’t help but feel a deep sense of wonder and reverence for nature’s forces. The Twelve Apostles truly are a must-see destination that will forever remain etched in your heart.

In conclusion, the Twelve Apostles along the Great Ocean Road are a testament to the power and beauty of nature. The awe-inspiring coastal views, unique rock formations, and cultural significance make this location a must-visit for any nature enthusiast or traveler. By following the provided guide, you can ensure a memorable and fulfilling experience at the Twelve Apostles, leaving you with lasting memories and a profound appreciation for this extraordinary natural wonder.

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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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 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 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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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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This Great Ocean Road 2 Day Tour itinerary (or 3 days) takes in all the famous sights such as the 12 Apostles and a few extra areas, including The Great Otway National Park and one of the prettiest waterfalls in the area. Read our  6-day itinerary for more touring information.

Suggested Overnight Stops

Apollo Bay or Port Campbell would be perfect towns to stop in overnight if you are driving the Great Ocean Road road trip over two/three days. It depends entirely on how long you spend along the way.

The advantage of stopping in Apollo Bay is being close to a lovely long beach plus more choice of accommodation and places to eat whereas a stopover in Port Campbell means you can view the Twelve Apostles at sunset/sunrise…

1st night – Apollo Bay

A pretty little seaside town that has escaped mass development and high-level buildings of any sort. The beach is stunning, with plenty of cafes and accommodation options as well as playgrounds and local walks. During the summer holidays, a small fairground is set up along the foreshore.

Find accommodation options in Apollo Bay

2nd night – Port Campbell

Port Campbell is a tiny fishing village that boasts a large number of accommodation options , cafes, a microbrewery, and a pretty beach plus coastal walking tracks. It is situated about 10 minutes drive from the 12 Apostles and is an ideal overnight stop, enabling people to visit the Port Campbell National Park at sunset and sunrise.

Find accommodation options in Port Campbell & Near the 12 Apostles

DAY 1 – MELBOURNE TO APOLLO BAY

Depart melbourne and drive over the westgate bridge.

This first section of the drive, following Highway One (Australia’s  National Highway ), is quite straightforward and not especially interesting.

There is a 24 hour BP Petrol Station at Little River which is about 30 mins after crossing the West Gate Bridge. A good place to fill up and grab a snack perhaps.

Geelong is Victoria’s second-largest city and is a lovely city to visit with plenty to do.

Keep following Highway One and look for the signs to the Great Ocean Road. Go via Torquay and Bells Beach or directly to Anglesea. It is about 90 minutes from Melbourne to the beginning of the Ocean Road.

What to see between Torquay and Lorne

• Torquay –    National Surfing Museum ,  Surfing Gear Outlet Shops, Great Beaches, plenty of places to stay …
• Bells Beach is close by to Torquay, home of the Rip Curl Classic Surf competition , held annually since 1961 during Easter time (during the event there is no free public access along the road or to the beach).
• Pt Addis beach and the wonderful Koori Cultural Walk.
• Split Point Lighthouse , Aireys Inlet.
• Long golden beaches and surf spots.
• Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch and numerous lookout points.

The busiest town along the coastal drive, there is a lot to do around Lorne , if you have time to stay a day or so. The town is situated on Louttit Bay, it has a beautiful beach and the forest of the Great Otway National Park comes right down to the back of the town. Lots of great cafes and restaurants, interesting shops and plenty of accommodation choices from campgrounds, to cottages and  4+ star resorts.

Erskine Falls is an easy drive or a good hike , following the Erskine River from the town. Lots of fun can be had for kids on the foreshore with a lovely beach,  swimming pool, in-ground trampolines, a skate park, and a playground.

Teddy’s Lookout is an ideal spot for a few walks and super views down along the Ocean Road. Turn right at the Lorne hotel and drive up the hill, following the signs.

Parking for long vehicles –  During the peak holiday seasons, parking for caravans or buses is limited. The streets behind Lorne are steep and not ideal for finding parking. The foreshore parking area is the best option.

Stay in Lorne?

Lorne could be a perfect alternative option for an overnight stay, it’s a funky little town with loads of attractions and things to do . Check out the best deals on Booking.com

What to see between Lorne and Apollo Bay

From Lorne it is approximately 1 hour to Apollo Bay… but with a number of worthy stops in between. These stops are directly off the main ocean road and signposted

• Artillery Rocks – A favorite of ours. Popular for fishing, the rock formations are worth seeing. They are about 12.5 km’s/under 20 minutes drive from Lorne (this is not signposted, but use the directions from the image below if you want to stop at one of our favorite spots).
• Sheoak and Carisbrook Waterfalls are both easy walks from the road.
• A number of lookout points and parking areas provide views and beach access, some are suitable for long vehicles.
• Kennett River and Koalas in the wild! The tiny community of Kennett River boasts possibly the best koala viewing in the area. Turn right towards the shop and then left up Grey River Road. Koalas can be anywhere here and it is a good spot for seeing the colorful King Parrots and Crimson Rosellas. Drive a couple of km’s up the road to escape the crowds perhaps and look for koalas. Further up is the Grey River Reserve, a pretty picnic area and well known for viewing glow worms after dark.
• Some good accommodation options are in the area, for anyone wanting to stop over and maybe see the nearby glow worms.

Such a beautiful town for a holiday. Apollo Bay is not overdeveloped and has a super relaxed feel. The long golden beach, hills coming down beyond, and a lovely foreshore area with playground, information center, sculptures, free BBQs and walking tracks.

Nearby attractions include Maits Rest Rainforest Walk , drives up into the Otways and Marriners lookout. The ‘ Great Ocean Walk ‘ starts here, 8 days and 100 km of adventure all the way to the 12 Apostles…

Accommodation in Apollo Bay

Accommodation varies from caravan parks, youth hostels, cottages, whole houses, luxury accommodation, and holiday units. There is somewhere fabulous to stay suitable for singles, couples, groups, and families.

Apollo Bay Caravan Park

Caravan and camping parks in Apollo Bay offer a range of options from campsites, powered caravan sites, and cabins.

Big 4 Pisces Holiday Park  |   Marengo Holiday Park   |    Apollo Bay Holiday Park

DAY 2 – APOLLO BAY TO PORT CAMPBELL

What to see between apollo bay & lavers hill.

• Maits Rest This is a gorgeous rainforest walk and worth taking the time to see. It is about 20 minutes from Apollo Bay and the walk is only about 15-20 minutes.
• Cape Otway   A stunning area with a dramatic coastline, shipwreck history and historic lighthouse (there is a cost to enter the lighthouse). Koalas live here in the wild and can be easily spotted in the trees. A couple of small campsites as well as fab walks.
• Johanna Beach  is a popular and well-known surf beach.
• Castle Cove  has a good viewpoint and a fairly steep walk down onto the beach.

What to see beyond Lavers Hill

Lavers Hill is at the top of the Otway Ranges and a crossroads where a couple of options are available.

• Turn right to visit Triplet Falls (about 25 mins drive) and the Otway Fly Tree Tops Walk then on to Port Campbell for the night. There are a number of beautiful waterfalls in this area of the Great Otway National Park . If you have time, stay in the area and explore further…
• Or turn left and continue from Lavers Hill to Port Campbell and the Twelve Apostles (45-minute drive), perhaps then return this way on the 3rd day. It all depends on time, weather, and daylight hours available.

If the decision is to visit Triplet Falls first:

• Turn right at the Lavers Hill junction, one of the prettiest waterfalls, Triplet Falls , is a 25 minute / 23.6 km drive away and definitely worth seeing. A number of other falls can be found in the area, check our map for more information on things to see.
• The Otway Fly is on the same road as Triplet Falls. an elevated treetops walk and zip-lining course. This is one of the most amazing treetops walks in the country and has a lookout tower that rises up above the tree canopy. There is a cost involved to enter. Read more about the Otway Fly, Zip Lining, and nearby Trees Adventure climbing course here.

What to see between Lavers Hill and Port Campbell

The drive to the 12 Apostles area from Lavers Hill takes about 50 minutes. It passes through forest and farmland before returning to the coast and all the famous sights in the Port Campbell National Park.

• Melba Gully – Another pretty rainforest walk just past Lavers Hill. Ancient Myrtle Beech Trees and a small cascade. At night, this is a popular spot to see glow worms. Maybe stay nearby if you are keen to see them.
• Moonlight Head – about 20 minutes past Lavers Hill is a place many people miss! A steep walk down to the beach at  Moonlight Head  rewards visitors with a classic scene of a ship’s anchor embedded in the rocks. The result of the shipwrecks Marie Gabrielle (1870) and Fiji (1890). Accessible at low tide only
• Princetown  – A tiny township, very close to the Twelve Apostles. Princetown has a boardwalk to the beach, a cafe, and a fairly basic campground.
• Port Campbell National Park – Home of the world-famous Twelve Apostles!
• Parking is extremely limited at Gibsons Steps. From the nearby 12 Apostles car park it is possible to walk back to Gibsons Steps if you have been unable to park.

• Twelve Apostles  – It is a very short, 2-minute drive to the 12 Apostles car park. Loads of free parking, plenty of space for caravans and motorhomes. Helicopter scenic flights leave from here and are highly recommended! Mid to late afternoon is the busiest time here. Staying overnight in Port Campbell will enable visitors to return for sunset or sunrise and when it is less busy. The walk from the car park takes a couple of minutes to reach the viewing platforms. Toilets and a basic cafe for drinks etc. Read our complete guide of what to see and do when you visit the 12 Apostles.
• Helicopter Rides  –   Book ahead to do one of these tours or just show up on the day.
• Loch Ard Gorge  – Named after one of the most famous shipwrecks along the coast, Loch Ard Gorge is… gorgeous. Walk to the ‘Razor Back’ formation, follow the shipwreck trail, and head down to the beach. Walks continue around the clifftop to the historic cemetery, Mutton Bird Island to the Blow Hole and further on to another beach. It is easy to spend a couple of hours exploring this area.
• Return on the 3rd day to see more of the area perhaps.

Port Campbell

A sweet little fishing village with good restaurants, a lovely beach, and a clifftop walk plus an ideal place to stay overnight. Lots of accommodation options.

Not far from Port Campbell, towards Warrnambool are more places to visit.

• The Arch (about 5 minutes from Port Campbell)
• The Famous London Bridge, which fell down… (a few minutes past The Arch)
• The Grotto – A sinkhole that is rather spectacular too. (another few minutes from London Bridge)

DAY 3 – PORT CAMPBELL TO MELBOURNE OR ONWARDS

Plenty of time to see more of the Port Campbell National Park, return to Lavers Hill and visit Triplet Falls or perhaps visit:

• GORGE Chocolates   GORGE Chocolates was established in 2004 in the countryside just minutes from the 12 Apostles.  A modest beginning soon gave way to a business appreciated by locals and tourists in the area.
• Apostle Whey Cheese “Dairy farmers Julian and Dianne Benson launched Apostle Whey Cheese on October 29, 2005. Since that day, Apostle Whey Cheese has taken out a number of major cheese awards and become an important tourism drawcard for the region. Just a short drive from the Twelve Apostles and the Great Ocean Road, Apostle Whey Cheese is a genuine paddock to plate operation”
• Timboon Distillery  “The Timboon Railway Shed Distillery offers a distillery experience and daily lunch service in a location with a real ‘sense of place’.  Both of the dining spaces are relaxing. Choose our covered and heated deck or the rustic and relaxed atmosphere inside the shed which is air-conditioned”
• Experience Timboon and the Rail Trail by hire bike. The Crater to Coast Bicycle Hire service specializes in hiring out mountain bikes for a fun day in the outdoors. They also have bike trailers available so the whole family including your pets or kids can come along too.

The return to Melbourne via Colac takes 3 hours / 229 km  / 142.5 miles.

Heading to warrnambool, adelaide… the grampian mountains.

Calculate distances/drive times and search accommodation in Warrnambool,   Adelaide, or the Grampians.

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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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12 Apostles Viewing Platforms

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The jewel in the crown of the Great Ocean Road and the number one visited attraction in the region is the 12 Apostles. Seeing the beauty of these limestone monuments is unforgettable and absolutely not to be missed. Sunrise and sunset provide even more impressive scenery.

The stunning new viewing area at the Twelve Apostles is now completed and open to visitors. The viewing provides a safer, more accessible and improved immersive experience for the millions that visit each year. It features wide paths, cantilevered viewing areas and a boardwalk looking across Gibson Steps beach. The design was led by the Eastern Maar community and has a ‘clapstick’ structure with colours of Ngayook (Sulphur Crested Cockatoo) and Ponponpoorramook (Red Tailed Black Cockatoo), which are primary totemic species to the Eastern Maar peoples.

Access information

• Large sealed car park with designated accessible parking spaces.
• 600m of sealed paths leading to accessible boardwalks and new accessible viewing areas by passing through or around the Visitor Centre.
• Prams and wheelchairs can access the lower viewing platform by following signs at the main lookout.
• Wheelchair accessible toilet open 24 hours at the Centre.
• Wheelchairs are available upon request from Kiosk staff between 10:00am and 5:00pm.

The 12 Apostles kiosk is open from 10 – 5pm daily. When closed visitors will find cafe’s, restaurants, refreshments and shops available at nearby Port Campbell 12 km to the west of the site.

Location: Great Ocean Road (6km west of Princetown)

• Length: 600m – 1.2km return
• Time:  45 minutes

Download your map of Port Campbell National Park walking tracks.

Why can't I see 12 stacks?

You have never been able to see 12 Apostles from the current viewpoint. Historically the stacks were revealed as visitors travelled via the Old Coach road which connected Port Campbell to Princetown and beyond to Rivernook Guesthouse. Find out more about the naming of the 12 Apostles.

At first glance you will see 7 rock stacks to the west with the rest hidden by headlands and obscured by other stacks. To the east are a further 2 rock stacks referred to in local vernacular as Gog and Magog. These two rock stacks are viewable from beach level via a car park 1km to the east of the Twelve Apostles. The small car park is often at capacity and visitors are advised they can walk safely via the Great Ocean Walk on a 1.1 km (2.2km return) trail that leaves from the south side of the Twelve Apostles Visitor Facility.

While any time of the day provides a great spectacle, sunrise and sunset are particularly impressive for the blazing hues created. A visit to the Twelve Apostles begins at the Twelve Apostles Visitor Centre. The parking area is designed to cater for the 1.2 million visitors annually that enjoy the site. A tunnel takes people under the Great Ocean Road to extensive boardwalk and viewing platforms.

What is the physical address of the 12 Apostles?

The Twelve Apostles are located on the corner of Booringa Rd and Great Ocean Road in Princetown 3269. They are a part of  Port Campbell National Park . The entrance to the car park is 6km west of the township of Princetown and 12km east of the township of Port Campbell. The 12 Apostles are accessible from Melbourne via the Great Ocean Road (4.25 hrs) and via the Princes Hwy (3.25 hrs). Which ever way you arrive remember the 12 Apostles is just one area in what is one of Australia’s most spectacular coastal National Parks.

Click here for more coastal trails and lookouts.

What are the opening and closing times of the 12 Apostles?

The Twelve Apostles lookouts and walkways are able to be viewed from dawn till dusk 365 days per year in fact many people stay till after sunset to view the little penguins returning to shore to their burrows below the main lookout.

It is only the kiosk that closes access to the toilets and walkways is available at all times. The quietest time of day is in the morning when the light is often at its best.

If you have the opportunity stay overnight in the area so you can experience sunrise and sunset.

What are the GPS Coordinates for the 12 Apostles?

Lat: -38.66292772063347 Lng: 143.1057643890381

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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.

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Things to see & do between Melbourne and the 12 Apostles

The epic road trip from Melbourne along the Great Ocean Road to the 12 Apostles features breathtaking scenery, vibrant seaside villages and inland treasures.

This four-day itinerary includes the Surf Coast towns of Torquay, Anglesea, Aireys Inlet and Lorne; then to Apollo Bay, The Otways and Port Campbell, and inland to the not to be missed volcanic plains of Camperdown and Colac.

Melbourne to Torquay, Anglesea, Aireys Inlet & Lorne

Find accommodation, things to do.

Pick a couple of stops, or strap yourself in for a big day of exploring the Surf Coast towns and hamlets, each with its own unique features and bucket-loads of interesting things to see and do.

Surf and Shop at Torquay

Torquay, the Surf Coast’s hottest ‘surfie’ town, has a great surfing vibe with surf shops and outlets galore. There is also boutique shopping, a variety of eateries, a day spa and the trailhead of the Surf Coast Walk . Stroll along Torquay’s esplanade, swim at Front Beach, enjoy the views from Point Danger Lookout and improve your surfing technique with a surf lesson . Alternatively, just pamper yourself with a spa treatment at RACV Torquay One Spa .

Action and Relaxation at Anglesea

Next stop is the town of Anglesea, where the Great Ocean Road meets the spectacular coastline. The huge expanse of white sandy beach at the mouth of the Anglesea River makes Anglesea perfect for beachgoers.

Once again, activity choices are numerous. Hire a paddle boat or a canoe to explore the Anglesea River, take a surf lesson , hike a section of the Surf Coast Walk and take in the majestic views of the jagged limestone cliffs at Point Addis Lookout.

For a change of pace, relax at Anglesea’s Lux Spa & Wellness  and choose from a range of rejuvenating treatments.

Outdoor Attractions at Aireys Inlet

It’s only a ten-minute drive along the scenic, winding Great Ocean Road to Aireys Inlet. Here, the Great Otway National Park almost meets the ocean and Fairhaven Beach, the longest in the area, stretches six kilometres along the coastline.

Don’t miss stopping at Split Point Lighthouse , standing 34 metres tall. This landmark is open for visitors and the nearby Lighthouse Tea Rooms are the perfect spot to enjoy a Devonshire tea, coffee and scones.

Stay by the Seaside at Lorne

Last stop for the day is the very popular seaside town of Lorne, where holidaymakers have been spending their summers for a century. Hit the beach for some ‘Vitamin Sea’, stroll out onto the Lorne Pier, enjoy the majestic coastal (and very Instagrammable) views from Teddy’s Lookout, or wander the main street brimming with boutique gift stores, cafes and galleries.

Just 10 kilometres away is Erskine Falls , the closest waterfall in the Otways, with water cascading down into a gorgeous ferny valley. Nearby are the pretty Kalimna Falls where the water trickles over a rocky ledge. For the thrillseekers, get amongst some adventure-filled fun at Live Wire Park set amongst the treetops of the Otways. Try the 525-metre Shockwave Zipcoaster, Super Circuit ropes course, Short Circuit ropes course, Canopy Circuit walk or the Spring Circuit trampolines.

After a day of outdoor adventure, return to Lorne for a sundowner at the local Lorne Hotel with its stunning coastal views, then try one of Lorne’s great dining options.

Surf or shop at Torquay

Paddle the Anglesea River or relax at Lux Spa & Wellness

Climb Split Point Lighthouse and grab a coffee after

Check out some waterfalls and hit Live Wire Park in Lorne

Apollo Bay and The Otways

The 45-minute drive from Lorne to Apollo Bay along the Great Ocean Road reveals some of the most spectacular scenery along the route. There are plenty of viewpoints where you can stop, including cliff top views and lookouts at Cumberland River, Mount Defiance, Wye River, and Cape Patton.

Wye River and Kennett River

Stop by the small town of Wye River and walk the one-kilometre stretch of sandy beach bordered by dramatic cliffs that links the town to Separation Creek.

Don’t miss the Great Ocean Road Koala Walk at Kennett River–one of the best places in Australia to spot cute koalas in the wild. Along the trail you may also spot a variety of colourful birds, including cockatoos, king parrots, eastern rosellas, and kookaburras.

Scenery and Seafood at Apollo Bay

After enjoying the incredible scenery from Lorne to Apollo Bay, stop for a well-earned lunch. Apollo Bay is the home of the freshest seafood on the coast. Who doesn’t enjoy salty fish and chips served in paper? You could also splurge on grilled lobster, or a box of 20 cooked prawns from the Fisherman’s Co-op .

Walk off lunch on a section of the 110-kilometre-long Great Ocean Walk that continues from Apollo Bay to the 12 Apostles–the dramatic coastal vistas are awe-inspiring.

The Great Otway National Park

Spend the afternoon exploring the nearby Great Otway National Park . Choose from Cape Otway and its historical lighthouse with stunning views from the balcony; a rainforest walk in the national park with wildlife and beautiful waterfalls; a treetop eco-adventure at Otway Fly Treetop Adventures ; or a guided wildlife tour with a local wildlife expert.

In the heart of the Otways at Beech Forest check out the giant Californian Redwoods , planted here in 1939. Hike to a couple of nearby waterfalls, such as Carisbrooke Falls, Hopetoun Falls or the extraordinary 20-metre-high Beauchamp Falls, just outside Beech Forest.

Stop and spot some wildlife at Wye River & Kennett River

Try part of the Great Ocean Walk from Apollo Bay then grab a bite from The Fisherman’s Co-op

Spend some time in the Otways checking out waterfalls , the Redwoods and Cape Otway Lightstation

Port Campbell & the 12 Apostles

The Great Ocean Road detours inland on the 47-kilometre-long stretch from Apollo Bay to Lavers Hill, the highest point on the road. Lavers Hill is surrounded by the Great Otways National Park and is the ideal place to stop for a morning coffee before continuing to the 12 Apostles.

The 12 Apostles and Gibsons Steps

The Great Ocean Road curves back to the coastline as you continue towards the town of Princetown, gateway to the 12 Apostles.

Grab a map from the Port Campbell Visitor Information Centre (along with a stack of other handy hints from the friendly team) and take the walking paths to the viewing platforms overlooking these remarkable natural wonders carved from limestone by the Southern Ocean.

Don’t miss the incredible Gibson Steps–take the 86 steps down to the beach, where you will be dwarfed by the 70-metre-high vertical cliffs. Nearby are two towering rock stacks known as Gog and Magog.

Other Shipwreck Coast Attractions

Only minutes away by car from the 12 Apostles is the tear-shaped chasm of Loch Ard Gorge. The road continues past the town of Port Campbell to more of the Shipwreck Coast’s natural treasures at London Bridge and The Grotto.

For a bird’s eye view of the 12 Apostles and the coastline, take a tour with 12 Apostles Helicopters .

Afterwards, return to Port Campbell for the night. This vibrant seaside town on the picturesque and sheltered Port Campbell Bay is the perfect place to rest after a long day of activities.

Time to see the 12 Apostles and don’t forget nearby Gibson Steps which is equally as stunning

And spend some time at Loch Ard Gorge, The Grotto, and London Bridge to name a few more

Camperdown, Colac and Return to Melbourne

On the last day of your four day Great Ocean Road trip, head inland towards the volcanic lakes and plains surrounding Camperdown and Colac.

Volcanic Plains and Rock Formations at Camperdown

Located on the world’s third-largest volcanic plain and surrounded by large salt and freshwater lakes, Camperdown with its beautiful elm-lined main street and impressive clock tower is a great place to stop.

Stroll through the delightful Camperdown Botanic Gardens, an ideal spot for a picnic or BBQ lunch. Climb the lookout for magnificent views over the twin crater lakes of Lake Bullen Merri and Lake Gnotuk.

Noorat Stone Walls

Along the Princes Highway from Camperdown to neighbouring towns such as Noorat, you will see remnants of stone walls built in the 1800s. An attempt to keep rabbits out of farmland, as well as clearing the fields of prolific volcanic stones, the dry stone walls stretch for 3,000 kilometres.

Mount Elephant Extinct Volcano

Located one kilometre west of the township of Derrinallum, and 37 kilometres west of Camperdown, is the extinct volcano of Mount Elephant that erupted 180,000 years ago. Walk the 3.4-kilometre-long track up to the summit and around the crater rim of Mount Elephant for magical views.

Lakes and Lookouts at Colac

Before heading back to Melbourne, stop at the city of Colac on the shores of Lake Colac, the largest freshwater lake in Victoria.

Take a drive 17 kilometres north-west to the nearby Red Rock scenic lookout. The Red Rock Volcanic Complex is the youngest volcano in the area and the site of countless volcanic blasts that took place 8,000 years ago.

What an amazing place to think about how the landscapes here were formed by volcanic activity thousands of years ago!

Check out Camperdown in the Volcanic Lakes & Plains

Stop to wonder at the Noorat Stone Walls

Climb (if you dare!) the extinct volcano, Mount Elephant

Relax in Colac at the lake before heading home

So much to see and do on the Great Ocean Road

It is impossible to take a Great Ocean Road trip and see everything in just one day–so slow down, take your time, and explore all the nooks and crannies along the way. There’s so much more to see than just the 12 Apostles!

Plan your next Great Ocean Road trip so you can get off the beaten track and find some of its hidden gems. For loads of inspiration and road trip itineraries, where all the planning has already been done for you, head to Great Ocean Road Itineraries.

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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.