Twelve Apostles Marine National Park

A scuba diver is holding a large underwater camera rig and is underwater beneath two rocky arches covered in coral and marine life.

This area has additional visitor advice This area has reported issues This area is closed

Explore

Twelve Apostles Marine National Park

The Twelve Apostles Marine National Park covers 7500 hectares and is the second largest Marine National Park in Victoria. The park protects a diverse range of species that can be found in the shallow and intertidal reefs and which have been found to have the Victoria’s greatest diversity  of invertebrates on limestone reefs.  

While the Park is most well known for its amazing rock formations, under the water there is a whole world waiting to be discovered. There are limestone reefs interspersed by large areas of soft sediment covered by often turbulent water providing a diverse range of habitats for many species of marine flora and fauna.  

Twelve Apostles Marine National Park represents habitats of the cooler waters of western Victoria, and is a high-energy environment with the constant pounding of waves from the Southern Ocean. From the cliffs you can see thick brown fronds of Bull Kelp attached to the rocks near the low tide mark, swirling in the ocean swell. Underwater, extensive beds of kelp sway as far as the eye can see. In some locations Giant Kelp forms mini-forests reaching the surface from 10 metres below.  

Species such as Magpie Perch and Blue Throated Wrasse abound in the turbulent waters while Port Jackson Sharks and Southern Rock Lobsters seek shelter on the sea floor and in the limestone crevices.   

The shipwreck of the passenger ship Loch Ard wrecked in 1878 after crashing into Mutton Bird Island with only two survivors also lies within the Marine National Park.  

Due to the often large swells and difficult sea conditions diving in this area should only be undertaken by experienced divers with extensive local knowledge.  

 

Things To Do

 

Gibson Steps and Beach Walk

Take the stairs down the rock face, 86 steps down to the beach and enjoy a 2.6km walk to the end of the beach and back. A great spot to watch the local surfers, or see the rock formations closer and the birds that rest on them. At low tide, the Gog and Magog rockstacks can be seen upclose.

Twelve Apostles Overlook Trail

A 1.1km trail that takes you to overlook the Twelve Apostles. A popular site for observing the apostles from all angles and bird watching. Some of the islands are used as breeding habitats for sea birds. It’s also a fantastic location to watch the sunset. Takes around 20 mins to complete.
Underwater diver and coral at Twelve Apostles Marine National Park

Diving in Twelve Apostles Marine National Park

When conditions make it possible to visit, beneath the famous Apostles lies a colourful world of sponge gardens and spectacular limestone features. Due to the often rough water conditions diving should only be undertaken by experienced divers with a high level of local knowledge.
12 Apostles

Surfing in Twelve Apostles Marine National Park

An iconic Australian surfing location and with large swells through the area, surfing is best suited for very experienced surfers.
People, Beach, Rockpool, Coast, Scenery, Walking, Great Otway National Park, Great Ocean Walk, Moonlight Head, Wreck Beach, Couple, pair. visitors, hike, adults, low light, reflection;

Fishing

At Gibson Steps, there is the Clifton Beach Exclusion Zone which permits fishing up to 100m seaward. Princetown also has an exclusion zone permitting fishing up to 100m seaward from the high water mark. Both areas are to be used for recreational fishing only. Outside these zones is fully protected and strictly a no take area.

Wildlife

 
Weedy Seadragon
Seals
Little Penguins

Tours and adventure experiences in parks

One of the best ways you can get into nature is with a Licensed Tour Operator.

There are more than 400 Licensed Tour Operators across Victoria who are ready and waiting to help you experience and connect with Victoria’s spectacular parks and waterways.

Discover more than 60 different types of nature-based experiences including hiking, mountain biking, boating, four-wheel driving, indigenous culture tours, birdwatching, surfing, diving and so much more. 

Licensed Tour Operators know all the best places to go and will plan and prepare your visit to ensure you are safe and can enjoy your nature-based adventure to the fullest.

Find a Licensed Tour Operator

How to get there

Twelve Apostles Marine National Park

A 2hr 45min drive from Melbourne along the M1 freeway and Great Ocean Road.   
Twelve Apostles Marine National Park

When you're there

Download the Twelve Apostles Marine National Park map.

Related Sites

When to go

The Twelve Apostles in summer offer some of the greatest sunsets and days with the best weather.  

Need to know

Twelve Apostles Marine National Park

Accessibility

Visiting a park can be more of a challenge for people with disabilities, however in Victoria there are a wide range of facilities to help people of all abilities enjoy our wonderful parks around the state. 

Safety

Diving should only be undertaken by trained and experienced divers. Beware of sudden changes in weather, especially when boating on open water. Beware of strong currents and undertows on beaches. 

Wear shoes that grip well when walking on rock platforms. Watch where your hands are going at all times to avoid potentially dangerous creatures. Be aware of large unexpected waves when walking on shore, especially on rock platforms. Stay away from cliff edges and bases. 

Change of Conditions

Nature being nature, sometimes conditions can change at short notice. It’s a good idea to check this page ahead of your visit for any updates.

  • Loch Ard Gorge (Port Campbell National Park, Twelve Apostles Marine National Park)

    Loch Ard Gorge Beach Access Steps Closed

    Loch Ard Gorge beach access steps are currently closed due to geological instability. The site will remain closed until remediation works are completed to remove the hazards and ensure visitor safety.

  • Notices Affecting Multiple Sites

    Change of Conditions Update Notice – Twelve Apostles Visitor Centre

    General Public Information
    Due to ongoing construction works at the Twelve Apostles Visitor Centre, significant changes to access and parking arrangements will be in effect from Friday, 19th September 2025. All visitors are asked to plan ahead and be patient when travelling to the site during this busy period. High visitation is expected in-line with School and Public Holidays between 17th September and 12th October 2025
     
    Key changes and reminders for visitors include:
    • Temporary Changes to Parking:
      Construction works have resulted in temporary parking areas and altered traffic flow. Expect reduced speed limits, changed parking arrangements, and traffic management on-site.  Please see attached map.  
    • Car Parking:
      In the event of full parking capacity, visitors are encouraged to seek alternative destinations such as Port Campbell township or Bay of Islands, and encouraged to return later in the day.
    • Pedestrian Safety:
      Use designated walkways and pedestrian crossings only. Do not climb fences or viewing barriers.
    • Environmental Care:
      Protect this unique landscape by staying on paths, respecting barriers, and taking your rubbish with you.
    • Bushfire Safety:
      Stay informed by visiting emergency.vic.gov.au, downloading the VicEmergency app, or calling the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226.
    For more information, contact Parks Victoria on 13 1963 or visit parks.vic.gov.au
    Licensed Tour Operators (LTOs)
    IMPORTANT – Operational and Access Update
     
    From Friday, 19th September 2025, the following updates apply to all Licensed Tour Operators visiting the Twelve Apostles:
     
    New Access & Parking Procedures:
    • Coach/Bus/Coaster Access:
      All LTO vehicles must access the temporary parking area via Booringa Road and the new entry/exit road. Directional signage will be in place. Please see attached map. 
    • Temporary Parking Area:
      Use designated bays only. This area has been established during current construction works.
    • Drop-Off Instructions:
      • All vehicles (with or without trailers) must drop passengers at the front of the Visitor Centre.
      • Pick-ups are not permitted at the drop-off zone.
      • Drivers must proceed immediately to the designated parking area after drop-off.
      • Provide passengers with clear directions and walking instructions before they disembark.
    Traffic Management:
    • Follow Traffic Controller Instructions at all times when management is in place.
    • Be prepared for redirection to alternative parking areas based on capacity.
    • Observe on-site signage directing different vehicle sizes to specific parking bays.
    Operational Reminders:
    • Permit Display: Ensure your LTO permit is clearly displayed on your vehicle at all times.
    • Passenger Safety: Remind passengers to use designated walkways and not to climb fences or barriers.
    • Journey Planning: Allow extra time, travel safely, and prepare staff for delays due to high visitation and traffic coordination.
    Stay Informed:
     
    Thank you for your cooperation in maintaining a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors while works are underway. Your support is essential in protecting the Twelve Apostles and surrounding areas.

    Attachments: Twelve Apostles Map UPDATED CONDITIONS (116KB)

How we keep it special

We aim to ensure that our valued parks, and the natural assets and cultural heritage they hold, can be enjoyed now and by future generations.

The management plan for Twelve Apostles Marine National Park directs management for the park until it is reviewed.

The Great Otway Parks Conservation Action Plan provides directions for environmental conservation management across the diverse landscape, including the Twelve Apostles Marine National Park. This covers the old-growth forests, cool temperate rainforests and wet forest, heathlands, coastline and marine ecosystems of the area.

Fishing in the Right Place  

Download the Victorian Recreational Fishing Guide app which has a boundary locator, using a smart phone's internal GPS to determine whether the user is in, or approaching, or outside a Marine National Park or Sanctuary. 

X
By using our site you accept that we use and share cookies and similar technologies with certain approved third parties. These tools enable us to improve your website experience and to provide content and ads tailored to your interests. By continuing to use our site you consent to this. Please see our Privacy Policy for more information.
Confirm