The Twelve Apostles in Australia - Your Ultimate Guide

Discover everything you need to know about the Twelve Apostles before your next trip on the Great Ocean Road.

A rare geological phenomenon that has inspired awe and wonder for generations, the Great Ocean Road’s Twelve Apostles are one of Australia’s most well-known and visited attractions.

A true highlight of a drive along the Great Ocean Road, seeing the monumental rock formations known as the Twelve Apostles is one of those travel ‘must-dos’ that you genuine must do. Standing on the windswept coast of Victoria to take in the extraordinary sight of these ancient landmarks that rise stoically out of the Southern Ocean is worth the 4.5-hour drive along the Great Ocean Road from Melbourne.

Whether you see them at sunrise, dusk or in the middle of the day, you’ll be glad you travelled to see what all the fuss is about. Read on to find out how to make it happen.

What are the Twelve Apostles

The Twelve Apostles are an offshore collection of limestone stacks along the Great Ocean Road. Estimated to be around 20 million years old, this sculpted coastline originated when billions of tiny marine skeletons accumulated on the ocean floor, gradually creating limestone formations. As the ocean retreated, the cliffs were exposed above the sea level.

Twelve Apostles in Australia at sunset — The limestone stacks have been shaped over millions of years. (Image: Visit Victoria)

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

The Baker's Oven in Twelve Apostles, Great Ocean Road — The Baker’s Oven is known for its unique landscape. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Where are the Twelve Apostles

Located on Australia’s southern coastline in the Port Campbell National Park, Victoria, the Twelve Apostles are a popular stop on the iconic Great Ocean Road drive. Just 10 minutes from the town of Port Campbell, if you are driving you will need to park at the dedicated Twelve Apostles carpark and walk to the lookout by following the signs along the path.

a staircase leading to the lookout of the Twelve Apostles at sunset — Walk to the lookout for a better view of the Twelve Apostles. (Image: Visit Victoria)

This is a somewhat isolated location, so come prepared with everything you need. However, there is toilet access and a kiosk here open 7 days a week during the day, offering hot and cold drinks and souvenirs to take home. Otherwise, bring your own snacks or stop in Port Campbell for lunch.

an aerial view of The Baker's Oven in Twelve Apostles, Great Ocean Road — See other notable features of the rock islands, including the Baker’s Oven. (Image: Visit Victoria)

History of the Twelve Apostles

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

the Twelve Apostles in winter — In winter, the otherworldy landscape is nothing short of spectacular. (Image: Visit Victoria)

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

the limestone stacks of Twelve Apostles from above — These magnificent stacks are stretched along the coast. (Image: Visit Victoria)

In 2005, one of the Apostles had its last supper. Onlookers reported that the stack shuddered, fractured and then slid into the ocean. The Twelfth Apostle (known as Judas) went from a magnificent 50-metre stack to a pile of rubble in seconds. Then in 2009, another rock came crumbling down. Although not as dramatic an exit as the Judas, this small formation eroded due to weather conditions. Located out the back near Razorback Lookout, this was the most recent Apostle to have fallen.

Twelve Apostles at sunset — Witness the breathtaking beauty of the Twelve Apostles. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Getting to the Twelve Apostles

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

an aerial view of a car passing by the London Bridge, Great Ocean Road — The Twelve Apostles are a popular stop on the iconic Great Ocean Road. (Image: Visit Victoria)

A 10-minute drive from Port Campbell, you will need to park at the dedicated Twelve Apostles carpark and walk to one of the lookouts which can be accessed via a signed pathway. If you’re using a pram or wheelchair follow the signs to access the lower viewing platform.

a scenic landscape of the Twelve Apostles, Great Ocean Road — Take the Great Ocean Road for some spectacular scenic views. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Depending on where you’re located, day tour packages to the Twelve Apostles are a great option if you don’t drive or just prefer sitting back and relaxing instead of downloading directions.

the eucalypt trees at Otway Rainforest, Great Ocean Road — Stop by the ancient Otway Rainforest. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Sightseeing Tours Australia offers a day trip to the Great Ocean Road and the Twelve Apostles. With CBD and St Kilda pick-ups, this bus will take you along the breathtaking coastline, stopping at popular beaches, seaside towns, the Otway Rainforest (with the tallest eucalyptus trees in Australia) and of course, the Twelve Apostles before you are whisked back to Melbourne. It’s a big day filled with blockbuster sights – a great option if you’re short on time or prefer not to drive.

Spot the stunning cascades of the Triplet Falls in the Great Otway National Park. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Other ways to experience the Twelve Apostles

If you’re up for an adventure, there are also guided walking tours that head out to the landmark. Book in with the Aus Walking Co. and you’ll get to enjoy a 4-day, immersive walks along the coast, bedding down in a private eco-lodge each night. If you feel comfortable walking up to 7 hours in a day, then you won’t want to do this trip any other way.

the Great Ocean Walk — Take an mmersive walk along the coast. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Prefer to walk and camp without a guide? Great Ocean Road Shuttles offers camping assistance (food and water drops, luggage transfers), camping gear hire and a shuttle service to support your journey.

Twelve Apostles from Gibson Beach — Head to Gibson Beach to see the stacks from a different perspective. (Image: Visit Victoria)

If you want to make the most of this experience and don’t mind splashing a bit of cash, then book yourself in for a scenic flight with 12 Apostles Helicopters to take in the famous landmark from above.

a scenic flight above the Twelve Apostles, Great Ocean Road — Take in the beauty of the rock formations from above. (Image: Visit Victoria)

In just 15 minutes of flight time you’ll be able to see the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, The Sentinel, The Arch and London Bridge from a point of view you’ll never forget.

the London Bridge from above on a scenic flight with 12 Apostles Helicopters — Capture the London Bridge on a scenic flight with 12 Apostles Helicopters. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Discover our guide to the Great Ocean Road.

We round up the luxe, the lovely and the latest places to stay in regional Victoria.

1. Hotel Ernest, Bendigo

Settle into this artful lodging in the city centre for a boutique stay with heritage roots dating back to 1864. Each of the 10 suites in this former bank is elegantly styled and furnished with covetable works by Australian artists. Ernest is also home to the much-lauded Euro-style Restaurant Terrae, so be sure to book into the two-level diner during your visit.

2. Norsu Cabin, Macedon

a look inside Norsu Cabin, Macedon — Settle into this Scandi-inspired abode. (Image: Nick Skinner)

Country cabin dreams come to life under the sweet timber A-frame of Norsu . Sleeping eight guests, this Scandi-inspired abode is so meticulously styled it’s received knowing nods from The Design Files and is everything a modern log cabin should be, including cosy fireplace, fire pit, modern appliances and French linens. Perfect for logging out of daily life for a moment.

3. Islay House, Woodend

the bedroom at Islay House, Woodend — Bed down at the gorgeously restored heritage Islay House. (Image: Tiffany Warner)

Lean all the way into a country luxe state-of-mind with a stay at the gorgeously restored heritage Islay House . This bed and breakfast sleeps up to nine guests and is just a short walk from town, but you’ll want to spend most of your time curled up fireside in the elegantly styled rooms as you admire the collection of antiques.

4. Nerissa Rye, Mornington Peninsula

This Rye beach pad is just a 10-minute walk from 16th Beach, and while a morning walk is lovely, returning to the barefoot luxe vibes of this four-bedroom escape is just as enlivening. Bright, open and welcoming, this is the place to settle in for endless cups of tea and a good book between beach jaunts.

5. Hotel Vera, Ballarat

a close-up of the bed at Hotel Vera, Ballarat — Modern meets bygone elegance.

This Ballarat beauty set in a 1900s mansion is all bygone elegance edged with modern style. Just seven boutique suites, each with its own distinct personality, makes it a singularly luxe stay. Sister to Bendigo’s Hotel Ernest, Vera is similarly bequeathed with a stand-out fine diner, Babae, which plates up the best of the region’s produce.

6. Hotel Sorrento, Port Philip Bay

The historic and iconic clifftop Hotel Sorrento at Port Philip Bay is mid-refurb and will reopen 1 December 2025, just in time for Amalfi-style beachside stays.

7. The Idle Lake House, Lakes Entrance

Enjoy a ripple of serenity when you step aboard this water-top abode on the Gippsland Lakes. Once a Chinese restaurant, this spacious and stylish two-bedroom stay offers unbroken gazing of the shimmering surface in a beautifully private bay. Lounge on the deck and enjoy the onboard bathhouse; come evening, sit by the sleek suspended fireplace.

8. The Monty, Anglesea

the bedroom at The Monty, Anglesea — Bed down at the vintage motel, The Monty.

Palm Springs makes an entrance on the Great Ocean Road with the opening of The Monty in October 2025. Its vintage motel meets modern muse at this playful boutique stay complete with pool and a vibrant Mexican cantina. You’re just a stroll from the beach here, which tells us it’s ripe for summer vacays this season.

9. Trentham Waters Resort, Mildura

vibrant bedroom wall and pillows at Trentham Waters Resort, Mildura — The bright and retro-style bedroom at Trentham Waters Resort.

Another new property lands in regional Victoria in time for an endless summer with Trentham Waters Resort expected to open by February 2026. Breezy, subtly retro and brightened by the big Mallee sky, this river’s-edge escape is perfect for settling in for a spell with one-, two- and three-bedroom villas. There’s a lagoon-style pool, riverside hot tubs and onsite dining for all your relaxation requirements.

10. Crowne Plaza, Geelong

the Trattoria Bar in Crowne Plaza, Geelong — Sink a cold one at the Trattoria Bar.

Geelong is getting its own Crowne Plaza in 2026. Its arrival on the waterfront will make it the city’s largest (and newest) hotel with 200 contemporary rooms and suites, a Skybar, all-day dining, indoor pool and gym, and event spaces. Keep it on your radar.

11. Re’em, Yarra Valley

a private tub with lush views at Re’em, Yarra Valley — Sip and soak in tranquillity.

With verdant Yarra Valley views that take in the linear beauty of tended grapevines, the 16 suites and rooms at Re’em are set amid the Helen & Joey Estate and invite sipping and sitting in tranquillity. The onsite restaurant deftly balances Chinese and Australian flavours and if you’re staying over the weekend, be tempted out of your stylish room for yum cha that features delicate handmade dumplings and vineyard vistas.

12. Arapiles Clubhouse and Crash Pad, Grampians

the yard front door of Arapiles Clubhouse and Crash Pad, Grampians — Spend an overnight stay in the Natimuk stone house. (Image: Bianca Jackson)

These 1880-era mountain-adjacent digs have been tenderly restored to provide rock climbers and Grampians country wanderers a chic place to rest. You’ll find four bedrooms in the Natimuk stone house, as well as a heated pool out the back and plenty of luxe embellishments. There’s also a two-person ‘Crash Pad’ in the confines of the Clubhouse with its own separate entrance.

the lounge at Arapiles Clubhouse and Crash Pad, Grampians — The Crash Pad offers a resting place for rock climbers and Grampians country wanderers. (Image: Bianca Jackson)

Your quick guide to the Twelve Apostles on the Great Ocean Road