The Ultimate Guide to the Twelve Apostles: Victoria’s Iconic Coastal Attraction
The iconic Twelve Apostles are the ultimate highlight of Victoria’s breathtaking Great Ocean Road. Discover the beauty of the 12 Apostles and Port Campbell National Park, plus essential travel info, photography tips, and more!
Have you even been to Victoria if you didn’t road trip the Great Ocean Road to the Twelve Apostles..?!
We jest, but only a little, given that these much-adored limestone wonders in our home state are one of the top three most visited natural attractions in the whole of Australia.
Here in the Port Campbell National Park, wild beauty is the order of the day: the iconic stacks rise precariously from the powerful Southern Ocean, and rugged clifftops give way to pretty coves and golden sand beaches. Truthfully, the region still manages to take our breath away, and we've both visited it regularly since we were teeny tiny tots.
If you’re planning your own trip to the Twelve Apostles (which you should be), this guide contains absolutely everything you need to know, from what to do when you're there to nearby Port Campbell National Park attractions to visit too, how to get there, the best lookout spots, and a few essential tips for the perfect trip.
And once you’ve read it? Prepare for the ultimate Aussie adventure.
THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO VICTORIA’S TWELVE APOSTLES
WHERE ARE THE TWELVE APOSTLES?
The Twelve Apostles are about 275km west of Melbourne, about 4-hours drive from the CBD along the Great Ocean Road. They form part of the Port Campbell National Park in regional Victoria, and are about 10-minutes drive from the coastal town of Port Campbell.
For info on how to get to the Twelve Apostles, scroll to the end of this post!
ABOUT THE 12 APOSTLES
The Twelve Apostles formed more than 20 million years ago when the area was deep sea and were once connected to the mainland. As the wind and water gradually wore down the coastline over millennia, the stacks were left in the wake of the retreating land.
But while they might be called the Twelve Apostles, the name is a slight misnomer given there's only ever been eight — and 7 standing today after one collapsed in 2005.
The area has long been rich in natural resources and spiritual connections for the indigenous Aboriginal populations, and important cultural sites can be found all along this coastline.
Early European settlers called the formations the Pinnacles, the Sow and Piglets (nearby Muttonbird island being the Sow, the stacks being the piglets), before they were renamed the Twelve Apostles last century.
WHAT TO DO AT THE TWELVE APOSTLES | PORT CAMPBELL NATIONAL PARK
TAKE IN THE TWELVE APOSTLES FROM EVERY ANGLE
The main 12 Apostles boardwalk from the Visitor's Centre along the coastline takes in many of the best viewpoints of the Apostles and the stunning coastline surrounding them, with plenty of epic photography opportunities.
We recommend following the boardwalk’s entire length and taking your time to see them from each angle.
The Castle Rock lookout is our personal fave, which takes in the scenery from East to West, and also looks back to the Gog and Magog formations, which are the same as the Apostles stacks but not counted as part of the same group.
TAKE A SCENIC HELI FLIGHT OVER THE 12 APOSTLES
This is probably the most epic thing you can do at the 12 Apostles: a thrilling scenic helicopter flight over the apostles and the main highlights of the Shipwreck Coast.
Depending on which scenic flight you opt for, you'll get a birds-eye view over the entire Shipwreck Coast, including Loch Ard Gorge, the Grotto, the Bay of Islands, and even Cape Otway Lighthouse Station, the oldest in Australia. If this landscape is breathtaking from ground level, you can only imagine how stunning it is from the air!
Flights depart around the clock each day from the helipad jut behind the 12 Apostles Visitors Centre. Find more details or book on the 12 Apostles Helicopters site here.
HIKE THE END OF THE GREAT OCEAN ROAD WALK
The Great Ocean Walk is an 8-day hike that takes you from Apollo Bay to the Twelve Apostles, hugging the coastline for ~100 rugged yet wildly beautiful kilometres.
You can either do the entire hike (see the Great Ocean Walk website here), or just opt to hike stages of it. The final stage of the hike is from Princetown to the Apostles, where a 7-kilometre hike along boardwalk and gravel will carry you along the coast to the Apostles.
MORE THINGS TO SEE IN THE PORT CAMPBELL NATIONAL PARK
The Twelve Apostles might be the star attraction, but there are also stacks (see what we did there?!) of other unmissable attractions in the area too.
For all the best things to do along the Great Ocean Road, you can find our guide here. In the meantime, here’s what to see in the Port Campbell National Park.
VISIT LOCH ARD GORGE
Only a few minute's drive past the 12 Apostles Visitor's centre is the dramatic Loch Ard Gorge, one of the most popular stops in the Port Campbell National Park and home to a pretty awe-inspiring shipwreck survival story from the late 1800s.
This is some of the most picturesque scenery in the area; a dramatic tear-shaped gorge where turquoise waves foam against the Ochre-hued cliffs and golden sand below.
Take in the rugged coastline from above at the main lookout or the Tom and Eva Lookout, wander along the Razorback, or head down the stairs to the beach below to feel the power of the ocean as it thunders against the crumbling cliff walls (we don't recommend swimming here).
READ | Our guide to the Loch Ard Gorge - includes what to know, what to do there, and plenty more
VISIT SHERBROOK RIVER
If Port Campbell National Park is all about discovering the wild natural beauty of Victoria's coastline, the place where the meandering Sherbrook River collides with the Southern Ocean is where you'll feel it in its most powerful glory.
The rawness of 12ft waves pounding against the rocks on one side of the bay and crashing like thunder on the sandy shoreline on the other is hard to describe. It's just epic, and one of our favourite stops in the Port Campbell and Twelve Apostles area.
Note | Swimming here isn't safe, and freak waves can occur around the rock pools.
EXPLORE THE GIBSON STEPS
Shortly before you get to the Twelve Apostles Visitor's Centre, you'll spot a blink-and-you'd-miss-it car park to your left. This where the Gibson Steps are, one of the few places in Port Campbell National Park that actually allow for beach access and the chance to view the famous 12 Apostles from sea level.
Not only is it a unique perspective on one of the marine park's highlights, it's also a great place to feel the power of the coastline as the wild waves pummel the shoreline and gusts of wind batter the sandy cliffs above.
This beach isn't suitable for swimming, and the cliffs are somewhat crumbly.
Where | Gibson Steps
SEE LONDON BRIDGE
London Bridge is a limestone archway just offshore that was once connected to the mainland. As the name might suggest, part of the rock formation actually collapsed in January 1990, creating the sheer cliff-face that you can see today.
From the London Bridge lookout, you can look over the Arch and the pristine beach below
Where | London Bridge car park
PHOTOGRAPHY AT THE TWELVE APOSTLES
THE APOSTLES ARE PHOTOGENIC AT SUNRISE & SUNSET
Photography enthusiasts: sunset at the apostles is magical, but having shot at both sunrise and sunset, we'd say both are equally spectacular for their own reasons.
At sunset the sun sets behind the apostles, backlighting the stacks and illuminating them in red and gold. At sunrise, the limestone is bathed in warm golden light and blue water is pale and inviting. The whole scene is incredibly peaceful at this time too.
Just know that whichever time you decide to visit, you won't miss out on a beautiful shot!
Sunrise at the Twelve Apostles
Sunset at the Twelve Apostles
SHOOT FROM EVERY ANGLE AND EVERY LOOKOUT
The quintessential view of the Twelve Apostles is from the main boardwalk - but it's not the only good view. Make your way along all to all the viewpoints, and also make sure you head up to Loch Ard Gorge and take in the stacks from the lookout points here too.
TWELVE APOSTLES FACILITIES
There is a Visitor's Centre at the Twelve Apostles, but otherwise the facilities here are limited to:
Carpark | Parking is free and while there are quite a few spaces, expect it to be full in the middle part of the day
Toilet | There are male and female toilet blocks here
Food | The 12 Apostles Kiosk is open most days between 9:30am - 5pm and sells hot + cold drinks and snacks. The closest place with proper cafes and restaurants is Port Campbell.
SAFETY IN THE PORT CAMPBELL NATIONAL PARK
DON'T SWIM UNLESS THERE ARE LIFESAVERS ON THE BEACH
The beaches here are many adjectives — picturesque, stunning, wild come to mind — but there's also another you need to be aware of: dangerous.
Most of the Port Campbell National Park's beaches are not safe for swimming, with strong rips and highly unpredictable conditions making it extremely dangerous for both you and your would-be rescuers. In 2019, two life-long lifesavers from Port Campbell lost their lives during a rescue at Sherbrook River.
In short, do not swim at any beaches in the region unless they’re patrolled, like that at Port Campbell town.
BE AWARE OF SNAKES
We say this having never actually seen one on our travels here but the Port Campbell National Park is prime snake territory, especially for Tiger Snakes (aka the ones you don't want to come across!). Given the crowds at the Twelve Apostles and snakes' general dislike of noise, it's probably unlikely you'll come across one when you visit - but not unheard of or impossible.
It's a good idea to wear proper shoes, stick to the middle of the path, and avoid trampling through scrub or long grasses. And if you do see one? Do not get closer to take a selfie or try to touch it!
WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE VISITING THE TWELVE APOSTLES
DRIVE ON THE LEFT
Aussies you can obviously skip this bit, but if you're travelling from overseas please remember to keep left while driving. The majority of the Great Ocean Road, including the area around the Apostles, is single-lane freeway, and driving on the wrong side causes bedlam and danger for all.
IT GETS VERY BUSY
The Twelve Apostles is the major attraction of the Port Campbell National Park, and it consequently becomes insanely busy through the middle and later parts of the day once the tour groups begin to arrive.
Factor this into your planning - and consider visiting for sunrise or in the early morning to avoid the chaos!
THERE ARE LIMITED PETROL STOPS ALONG THE GREAT OCEAN ROAD
If you're travelling along the Great Ocean Road from Melbourne, the last stop for petrol is Apollo Bay, 1-1:30 hours from the Apostles - so factor this into your trip planning!
If you do run into trouble, there’s an inland petrol station halfway between the two (but you’ll need to travel quite a way off the Great Ocean Road) at Yatzie's in Lavers Hill during the day.
After the Twelve Apostles, the next petrol station is located in Port Campbell, 10-minutes drive away.
TWELVE APOSTLES | ESSENTIAL TRAVEL INFO
WHERE TO STAY FOR THE TWELVE APOSTLES
We’ve got a comprehensive guide to the best airbnbs on the Great Ocean Road, but basically, if you’re looking to maximise your time around this part of the Great Ocean Road, we’d recommend basing yourself in Port Campbell, 10-minutes drive from the Twelve Apostles.
Our personal fave is this light, bright cottage surrounded by nature and full of style — plus within easy walking distance of town!
WHEN TO VISIT THE TWELVE APOSTLES
Personally, we think this part of the world is visitable at any time of year.
Wild, desolate and powerful during the colder months, it also makes for the quintessential gold and blue Aussie landscape during hot summer days.
That said, the Twelve Apostles are one of Victoria (and likely Australia)'s most popular tourist attractions, which means you'll need a little forward planning to enjoy the area with as little stress as possible.
BEST TIME OF YEAR
Firstly, we can't recommend visiting outside the peak season (December - late January) enough, as it also coincides with both school holidays and high summer. Tens of thousands of people have been known to descend on the Port Campbell National Park in a single day during this period, which obviously also means huge traffic jams, parking difficulties, and chaotic crowds of fellow tourists.
Visiting during the shoulder season (Spring and Autumn), or shifting your visit to winter means you’re more likely to enjoy each location without having to jostle for a position at a lookout.
BEST TIME OF DAY TO VISIT THE TWELVE APOSTLES
It starts to get pretty busy at the Twelve Apostles from mid-morning and continues to get busier through the mid-afternoon until sunset - mostly due to day tours from Melbourne
While a few (like this day trip) have begun travelling the route in reverse, most day tours depart from Melbourne around 7am and stop along the Great Ocean Road to take in the sights before arriving in time for the late afternoon / sunset at the Twelve Apostles.
To avoid the crush of people, we highly recommend visiting the apostles in the morning. Ideally, sunrise is a beautiful time to visit and we definitely recommend this if you're staying in the area, but if you're only travelling for the day then by 9-9:30ish at the latest.
HOW TO GET FROM MELBOURNE TO THE TWELVE APOSTLES
Getting from Melbourne to the Twelve Apostles depends on whether you're keen to beeline straight to the main attraction, or if you want to take the scenic route and drive along the Great Ocean Road.
Public transport options are nonexistent here, so you’ll need your own car. If you need to rent one, we always use Rentalcars.com
Getting to the Twelve Apostles from Melbourne via the Great Ocean Road | Take the Princes freeway (M1) towards Geelong and take the Geelong bypass towards Torquay. Here, you’ll join the B100 which later becomes the Great Ocean Road.
Total journey time: ~4 hours from Melbourne CBD.
Getting to the Twelve Apostles directly from Melbourne | Take the Princes Freeway (M1) towards Geelong and continue on the same route until you get to the Timboon-Colac road (C163) in Nalangil (about 2 hours after leaving Melbourne). From here, it's about 45 minutes until you get to the Twelve Apostles car park.
Total journey time: ~2:45 hours from Melbourne CBD.
BEST DAY TOURS OF THE TWELVE APOSTLES
SMALL GROUP TWELVE APOSTLES + GREAT OCEAN ROAD TOUR
Many of the Twelve Apostles day tours tend to be large groups, which is why this one is awesome: a small-group (max. 8 people) adventure with Hike & Seek, who run sightseeing and hiking tours for like-minded nature-lovers. From the Twelve Apostles and the Great Ocean Road to the forests of the Otways, and with awesome coffee/food stops in between, it's a fun, laidback, and generally awesome way to see this part of Victoria
FROM MELBOURNE: GREAT OCEAN ROAD REVERSE EXPERIENCE
This day tour takes in all the sights of the Great Ocean Road but in reverse, so you can avoid the usual crowds of this popular scenic route. You'll first visit the 12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and Gibson Steps, before moving onto the Otway Ranges, Apollo Bay, and the Great Ocean Road memorial arch before returning to Melbourne.
MELBOURNE: GREAT OCEAN ROAD FULL-DAY TOUR WITH SUNSET
This full-day tour leaves slightly later and takes in the Great Ocean Road highlights before arriving at the Twelve Apostles for the main event: an epic sunset over Australia's most famous sea stacks.
BOOK | GREAT OCEAN ROAD SUNSET TOUR
TRAVEL INSURANCE | STAY SAFE IN AUSTRALIA
We firmly believe that if you can't afford travel insurance, you really can't afford to travel. As the current pandemic has taught many; things can go wrong anywhere in the world and insurance is often the only way of mitigating any issues with minimal expense or stress for you.
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For digital nomads | SafetyWing - COVID-19 coverage, comprehensive travel & medical, and policies can be purchased while already abroad.
Car Insurance | Insurance4CarHire - a great annual car insurance policy
*In normal times, we recommend using World Nomads travel insurance, but unfortunately they're not currently covering COVID-19 related claims.
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PLAN YOUR VICTORIAN TRAVELS WITH OUR GUIDES
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