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.

There’s no shortage of exceptional eateries in regional Victoria. From casual classics to finely tuned fine diners, here’s our pick of the plentiful bunch.

Le Foyer Brasserie, Bendigo

French plate at Le Foyer Brassiere, Bendigo — Le Foyer serves upscale French fare.

From the owners behind Bendigo’s beloved The Woodhouse comes this newly opened elegant French bistro. It’s all about welcoming warmth at this city fine diner, after all Le Foyer , translates to ‘the hearth’ in French. A place to linger in the chic, Parisian-style salon, the menu unfurls in the classics, from beef bourguignon to steak frites and mille-feuille.

Riverbank Moama, Murray River

If you’re journeying on or beside the Murray, it’s only fitting that you dine by its banks. This nature-nestled restaurant by the river is idyllic for a long, sun-filled lunch. The menu is an unfussy playlist of the hits served with a seasonal spin – and the mood is as gently flowing as the nearby water.

Felix, Geelong

Soft brown banquettes, walnut hues and a terrazzo bar welcomes with relaxed French bistro vibes at Geelong’s Felix . But really, it’s the collage of simple, seasonal flavours that make this restaurant an easy-going favourite. Come for brunch or dinner; vegans are welcomed with a dedicated menu.

The Perch, Lavers Hill

A laid-back classic of the Great Ocean Road, The Perch at Lavers Hill welcomes those taking a pause from the serpentine drive. Lunch in the warm-wood dining room is accompanied by vineyard vistas and fleeting cameos from native birds.

The Shared Table, Ballarat

If you go for the ‘Dine without Decision’ option at this beloved eatery , you’re free from the tyranny of food envy with a chef-selected procession of dishes that highlight the bounty of the Midwest region. Think mochi gnocchi with pumpkin and XO or Western Plains pork cotoletta.

Barragunda Dining, Mornington Peninsula

This fine diner , which opened in early 2025, has been lauded as one of the region’s most ambitious and significant openings in recent years. Set on a 400-hectare, cliffside Cape Schanck property that delivers the kitchen with a cornucopia of produce, it’s elegant and honest paddock-to-plate dining at its most refined.

Mount William Station, Grampians

Whether you’re staying at this luxe historic station or just swinging in for dinner with friends, the shared table vibe here is country hospitality at its most welcoming and elevated. Seasonal and local produce guides chef Dean Sibthorp’s hand for plates finessed with the mountain-fresh flavour of the Grampians.

Emerald City, Yarra Valley

You’re certainly not in Kansas anymore when you slip behind the emerald curtain from Cavanagh’s Whiskey and Alehouse to the diminutive Emerald City . Allusions to the fraudulent wizard and Dorothy aside, this acutely intimate four-seat diner is a curated experience worthy of a road trip. As you may imagine, bookings are essential.

du Fermier, Trentham

Annie Smithers’ intimate, farmhouse-y French fine diner is not at all new, but it is every bit iconic. It’s long attracted food-lovers to its charming dining room for a set menu that undulates with the seasons. If you’re a gourmand to your core, book into one of Annie’s delightfully informal masterclasses.

Messmates Dining, Gippsland

This Warragul diner’s menu is a well-arranged collection of delicious, farm-forward morsels crafted, quite simply, to delight. Dishes such as French onion dip scooped onto nigella seed crackers and fresh-made pasta tossed with a black pepper and butter emulsion are all about balanced, enjoyable flavours paired with good wine.

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