Twelve Apostles

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Twelve Apostles

Port Campbell National Park

Experience the awesome natural beauty of the world-famous Twelve Apostles. Rising abruptly from the tempestuous Southern Ocean, these seven limestone stacks are the highlight of the Great Ocean Road. They are best viewed at sunset when the yellow rock turns red, orange and every shade in between. 

Stop at the Twelve Apostles visitor centre and walk the short trail to the windswept lookouts to see the dramatic sight of waves crashing against the famous sea stacks.

The Twelve Apostles is one of Australia's most popular attractions all year round. You'll be lucky to have the lookouts to yourself, but there are likely to be much fewer people if you arrive earlier or later in the day.

If you time it right, you can view the rock stacks in their best light – at sunset. In the summer, the sun sets further out to sea, while in the winter, the sun sets closer to shore. If the clouds stay away, you’re guaranteed a memorable photographs. Get snapping and admire the results over an evening meal in nearby Port Campbell.

At dusk you may see Little Penguins coming ashore on the beach far below. The tiny tracks in the sand show where they waddle back to their burrows safe from foxes, cats and dogs.

Visitors can now enjoy a newly opened lookout with wider paths and stunning new views, offering a safer and more accessible way to explore this magnificent stretch of coastline. Find out more about the project here.

Things to do in the area

How many Twelve Apostles are left?

The Twelve Apostles can be seen as seven limestone rock stacks. Six of them are visible in the classic view enjoyed by millions of people every the year, while the seventh is located several metres away from the corner of the main viewing platform.

There were never 12 rock stacks here, and they were not always called the Apostles - Sow and Piglets did not remain as a name for long. There were nine rock stacks at the beginning of the 21st century. Then at 9:18am on 3 July 2005, one of them collapsed. Another collapsed in 2009.

The rough waves not only destroy ‘Apostles’, or rock stacks, but they form them too. The arches and bridges you will see along this stretch of coast will one day collapse and become stacks which will in turn collapse back into the ocean from where they came.
A couple walk along the beach at Gibson Steps.

Gibson Steps

A gentle 1.1km track takes you to Gibson Steps Lookout and, when open, 89 steps lead down the cliff‐face to a wild ocean beach. If the tide is low you can view the rockstacks ‘Gog and Magog’ up close.
Two young wearing dresses stroll across the beach at Loch Ard Gorge.

Loch Ard Gorge

A few minutes' down the Great Ocean Road from the world-famous Twelve Apostles, discover another mighty rock stack and a stunning sandy beach enclosed by sheer yellow coloured limestone cliffs.
Two women in chat at lookout while a man takes in the view of London Bridge in the Port Campbell National Park.

London Bridge

A short drive along the Great Ocean Road from the Twelve Apostles just beyond Port Campbell, discover these three unique and spectacular rock formations. See Little Penguins come ashore at dusk from London Bridge Lookout, coastal vistas framed by the charming Grotto and the Arch precariously balanced on a rock platform smashed by waves.
A couple take a selfie in front of the Grotto in Port Campbell National Park.

The Grotto

The Grotto is a cave and sinkhole located about halfway up the cliff, from sea level. The paved pathway leads to a decked staircase that descends into a viewing area. Enjoy the view of the rock pools carved out in the jagged edged limestone. Stay inside barriers
Snorkelling at Barwon Bluff Marine Sanctuary

Discover an underwater world

If you’re looking for the best places to see underwater ecosystems and encounter marine wildlife, look no further! We’ve rounded up some of the best ways to explore marine protected areas. So, pack your togs, wetsuit, a mask and snorkel and head to the coast!

How to get there

Twelve Apostles

The Twelve Apostles is a four-and-a-half-hour drive from Melbourne along the Great Ocean Road. There is a more direct route along the Princes Highway via Colac that takes three hours. The Twelve Apostles is a 10-minute drive from Port Campbell, where there are accommodation options and places to eat.

Twelve Apostles

It is always busy here in summer. Plan you visit to be a little earlier or later in the day. No swimming in this area however the small town of Princetown is nearby and Port Campbell is just up the road. good walks in the area best undertaken morning and late afternoon.

Need to know

Twelve Apostles

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)

    Loch Ard Gorge Beach Access Stairs Closure

    The beach access has been closed following an independent geotechnical inspection after a rock fall over the steps themselves. Parks Victoria is working with The Great Ocean Road and Parks Authority as well as Traditional Owners to implement identified works required to make the site safe for all users.  

  • The Arch Day Visitor Area (Port Campbell National Park)

    The Arch Closure - Port Campbell National Park

    The Arch visitor site including lookout, walking trails and carpark remains closed following geotechnical changes and cliff instability. The site has been assessed by a Geotechnical Engineer and Parks Victoria are assessing options for the site. 

  • Notices Affecting Multiple Sites

    Great Ocean Walk - Important Notice

    Parks Victoria is received increasing reports of concerning observations on the Great Ocean Walk .

    This includes use of bikes, horses, unrestrained dogs, campfires and hikers arriving at their pre-booked campsites only to find them already occupied.

    🔹 All hikers must book a campsite before their trip, even though camping is free.
    🔹 Camping without a booking or outside designated areas is not permitted.
    🔹 Campfires are NOT permitted at any Great Ocean Walk hike-in campsite.
    🔹 Only medical certified companion animals are permitted (on lead).
    🔹 The Great Ocean Walk is a walking/hiking trail - not a  long distance horse, trail bike or Mountain bike course.

    National Park Regulations Apply.
     
    Parks Victoria Authorised Officers patrol the Great Ocean Walk.  
    Evidence of a booking must be shown to a Parks Victoria Ranger on request.
     
    To ensure a fair and safe experience for all:
    ✅ Book your campsite before starting your walk.
    ✅ Only camp in designated areas and at your assigned site.
    ✅ Respect fellow hikers by only using the site you have booked.
    ✅ Do not light campfires—use fuel stoves for cooking.
    ✅ Do report observations of concern.

    If you observe:
    🚨 A campfire, bikes, animals other than native ones or hikers occupying an already booked site, please report it immediately (when safe to do so) to Parks Victoria on 131 963.

    ⚠️ Parks Victoria cannot respond to emergency situations involving hikers and campers who have not booked a campsite.

    Thank you for helping us protect the Great Ocean Walk and ensuring a safe, enjoyable experience for everyone.
    For bookings and further information, visit Parks Victoria’s website.

    Parks Victoria
    Caring for Country, Connecting People

    Great Ocean Walk Water Tanks Low or Empty

    Due to the recent warm and dry weather, drinking water in the rainwater tanks along the Great Ocean Walk have become low and in some cases empty, such as at the Blanket Bay walk in campsite.

    Due to the remote nature of the campsites, Parks Victoria, DOES NOT guarantee rainwater availability at each campsite.
    Hikers are responsible for their own water requirements. Tank-rainwater, when present, can be treated in several
    ways such as filtering and boiling or adding sterilisation tablets. 

    Further information about the Great Ocean Walk can be found here:  www.greatoceanwalk.com.au
    Plan for a safe, unforgettable experience on the Great Ocean Walk

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