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
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.

Gibson Steps
Loch Ard Gorge
London Bridge

The Grotto
Discover an underwater world
How to get there
Twelve Apostles
When you're there
The Twelve Apostles Kiosk offers a selection of items to enhance your visit to this breathtaking location.
We have a range of hot and cold drinks, including coffee and tea. Indulge in our tempting assortment of local produce from local businesses. Don't forget to take home a piece of the experience with our wonderful selection of gifts and souvenirs.
For those looking for a quick bite to eat, we also offer a small range of hot and cold food options to satisfy your cravings.
We also provide essential items like sunscreen, hats, and umbrellas for purchase.
The kiosk operates 7 days a week from 10:00am until 5:00pm.
Visitors must park in the carpark and walk to the Twelve Apostles lookouts along the well-marked path. A separate well-signposted trail leads to Gibson Steps. Walk the 1km to Gibson Steps where you can usually access a beach at low tide - and a fantastic view of two rock stacks called Gog and Magog. Allow about an hour for this side-trip. The Great Ocean Walk multi-day hike ends at the Twelve Apostles
Download the Port Campbell National park visitor guide for more information about the park and the plethora of experiences to be had within its borders.
Twelve Apostles
Need to know
Twelve Apostles
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.
To make it easier for people with limited mobility to see the all abilities access and experiences on offer at Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge walks, Parks Victoria has released this video - produced and narrated by accessibility advocate Ryan Smith, who uses a wheelchair.
Assistance dogs are welcome in Parks Victoria parks and reserves. Entry requirements apply for parks and reserves that are usually dog prohibited, such as national parks.
Tread lightly as the coast is fragile and your safety matters. Stick to marked trails to avoid injury, and to protect the delicate coastal vegetation and wildlife that call the park home.
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.
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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 VictoriaCaring for Country, Connecting PeopleGreat 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 severalways such as filtering and boiling or adding sterilisation tablets.Further information about the Great Ocean Walk can be found here: www.greatoceanwalk.com.auPlan for a safe, unforgettable experience on the Great Ocean Walk