Can I take a helicopter ride over the 12 Apostles?

Yes, you can take helicopter tours to ride over the 12 Apostles in Australia.

What activities can I do at the 12 Apostles?

Exploring the Shipwreck Coast, taking the Gibson Steps or a Great Ocean Road day trip are some of the best activities you can do at Apostles in Melbourne.

How many Apostles are left now?

There are eight Apostles currently, each standing at various heights.

Why are they called the 12 Apostles?

The Twelve Apostles were originally called “Sow and Pigs” but the name was changed as Jesus’s apostles as a marketing strategy to boost tourism.

What are the 12 Apostles in Melbourne?

12 Apostles In Melbourne are limestone rock stacks located in Port Campbell National Park.

12 Apostles In Melbourne: Breathtaking Coastal Wonders 2026

Begin your Australia Tour Begin your

Australia Tour with the legendary Great Ocean Road, a breathtaking journey along Victoria’s southern coast from Torquay to Allansford. This is where you can experience the world renowned 12 Apostles in Melbourne!

Located in the Port Campbell National Park, along the Great Ocean Road, the Twelve Apostles stand as nature’s masterpiece; a collection of limestone rock formations carved million years ago. What’s more interesting is despite their name 12 Apostles, only eight majestic stacks remain currently, towering 45 metres high, and creating a stunning landscape that captures the raw beauty of Australia’s coastline.

Carved by wind and waves, each apostle boasts a unique shape and size, standing as a witness to the region’s incredible histroy. The Twelve Apostles represent more than just rock formations. They’re a symbol of Australia’s wild, untamed beauty. Come, lets explore the best viewing platforms, history, things to do, how to reach the Twelve Apostles Great Ocean Road and more!

12 Apostles: History

While Visiting the 12 Apostles, you will witness a remarkable geological story. Over two decades, the Southern Ocean’s harsh salt, surf, and winds have gradually eroded Victoria’s limestone coastline. Constant water and wind carved the soft rocks, which transformed into majestic sea-framing arches. Eventually, relentless storms caused these arches to collapse, creating isolated limestone stacks reaching 45 metres high.

12 Apostles Viewing Points

Explore some of the best 12 Apostles viewing points below:

1. Twelve Apostles Viewing Platform

Designed by the Eastern Maar community, the new Twelve Apostles viewing area offers a safer and more immersive experience. Featuring wide paths, cantilevered platforms, and a boardwalk overlooking Gibson Steps Beach. The structure incorporates colours of local cockatoo species —— Ngayook (Sulphur Crested) and Ponponpoorramook (Red Tailed Black), reflecting the community’s cultural significance.

2. Loch Ard Gorge

Loch Ard Gorge is a five-minute drive from the Twelve Apostles and is located within Port Campbell National Park. It is a famous stop on the Great Ocean Road in Australia and is one of the popular Apostles viewing points. It is named after the tragic shipwreck that occured on nearby Mutton Bird Island in 1878.

3. The Arch

Near Port Campbell, along the road to Warrnambool, explore exciting Apostles viewing points like The Arch, known as London Bridge. In 1990, the “London Bridge” drastically collapsed and unexpectedly stranding two travellers on a new island. Fortunately, they were rescued by helicopter a few hours later.

Top Things To Do At Twelve Apostles In Melbourne

Explore the best things to do at Twelve Apostles in Melbourne:

Enjoy The Apostles Helicopter Tour

Experience the breathtaking Apostles helicopter tour! Soar over the stunning 12 Apostles and Shipwreck Coast, capturing panoramic views of iconic limestone stacks. The flights depart from the 12 Apostles Visitor Centre. This tour offers trips ranging from short scenic rides to extended journeys to Cape Otway’s historic lighthouse.

View Twelve Apostles From Sea Level

Experience the stunning landscape from ground level. Descend the 86 Gibson Steps to the beach and walk along soft sand, surrounded by towering 70-metre limestone cliffs. Taking the walk on Gibson steps offers a unique perspective apart from the viewing platforms.

Explore Nearby Attraction

Explore the scenic stops near the 12 Apostles! Within a 30-minute drive, you can discover incredible natural wonders like The Grotto’s serene waters, the historic London Bridge (which dramatically collapsed in 1990), and the picturesque Bay of Islands. Each location offers unique views and fascinating stories along the Great Ocean Road.

Explore Shipwrecks

Discover the historic Shipwreck Coast, spanning from Port Fairy to Cape Otway with over 200 shipwrecks. You can see the shipwreck display at the 12 Apostles Visitor Information Centre in Port Campbell to learn more about this maritime history.

How To Reach Twelve Apostles

Wondering how to reach Twelve Apostles? There are multiple travel options available, including day trips and longer stays, making it flexible for all travellers.

How To Reach Twelve Apostles From Melbourne

It is an exciting journey from Melbourne! The trip takes about 4.5 hours via Geelong along the Great Ocean Road.
You can return to Melbourne through an inland route via the Princess Highway, which takes around 3.5 hours.

Suggested Read: 15 Best Beaches In Australia

Best Time To Visit The 12 Apostles In Melbourne

The coastal weather remains unpredictable, varying from warm to cold and wet conditions throughout the year. With that said, the best time to visit the 12 Apostles depends on various factors like weather, crowd levels, and natural beauty.

For The Best Weather

The best time to visit the 12 Apostles is during the summer months from December to February. These months offer warm and sunny weather. However, this period also means peak tourist season with larger crowds.

To Avoid Crowds

Want to avoid crowds? Visiting the 12 Apostles during the shoulder seasons of March to May or September to November offers a more peaceful experience. These months typically have fewer tourists, allowing you to enjoy the natural beauty without crowded viewing spots.

Facts About 12 Apostles

The 12 Apostles are a mesmerising natural wonder featuring stunning colour transformations throughout the day.
During sunrise, golden rays paint the rocks in red and rose hues.
At sunset, the sky bursts with orange and lavender, casting a rainbow-like glow on the limestone stacks.
Each apostle has a unique name, including Razorback, Bakers Oven Rock, Thunder Cave, Island Archway, Grotto, and Sentinel Rocks.
Visitors can explore the area by standing beneath these towering formations or taking a guided walk through Loch Ard Gorge.

Tips For Visiting The 12 Apostles In Melbourne

When visiting the Twelve Apostles Great Ocean Road, follow these essential tips:

Dress Smart: Wear comfortable walking shoes, waterproof jacket, sunscreen, hat, and bring insect repellent.

Respect The Environment: If you’re taking the Twelve Apostles Great Ocean Road walking tours, stay on marked paths, protect wildlife, and leave no trace.

Avoid Crowds: Visiting the 12 Apostles early morning or late afternoon is recommended for a more peaceful experience.
Check The Weather: Check tide times for beach accessibility during your Twelve Apostles Great Ocean Road trip.

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Discover The 12 Apostles In Melbourne: Australia’s Coastal Gem

12 Apostles: History

12 Apostles Viewing Points

1. Twelve Apostles Viewing Platform

2. Loch Ard Gorge

3. The Arch

Top Things To Do At Twelve Apostles In Melbourne

Enjoy The Apostles Helicopter Tour

View Twelve Apostles From Sea Level

Explore Nearby Attraction

Explore Shipwrecks

How To Reach Twelve Apostles

Best Time To Visit The 12 Apostles In Melbourne

For The Best Weather

To Avoid Crowds

Facts About 12 Apostles

Tips For Visiting The 12 Apostles In Melbourne

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