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