The Twelve Apostles
Mountains Coastal limestone stacks off Victoria's Great Ocean Road
Along Victoria’s Great Ocean Road, the Twelve Apostles are coastal limestone stacks viewed from boardwalks within Port Campbell National Park; visitors come for photography, coastal walks and dramatic sea erosion.
The Twelve Apostles are a group of limestone stacks off the coast of Victoria in southeastern Australia, situated within Port Campbell National Park along the Great Ocean Road. They are formed by the erosion of cliffs and coastal rock, producing vertical sea stacks that stand above the Southern Ocean.
A main deck and series of lookout platforms provide panoramic views over the stacks and the rugged coastline, and nearby features such as the Gibson Steps and Loch Ard Gorge offer additional beach-level access and viewpoints. The site is a popular stopping point on the coastal drive and is serviced by a visitor car park and walking paths.
Erosion by wind and waves continually alters the coastline and the number and shape of the stacks has changed over time as individual stacks collapse. The Twelve Apostles lie about 275 kilometres southwest of Melbourne by road and are accessible as part of the scenic Great Ocean Road route.
- Location: Located along the Great Ocean Road within Port Campbell National Park and roughly 275 kilometres southwest of Melbourne by road.
- Formation and change: The limestone stacks are the result of coastal erosion; the number of stacks has changed over time due to collapse and natural processes.
What to See #
- Main viewing platform: Main viewing platform at the Great Ocean Road lookout - provides the primary panoramic view across the limestone stacks and the Southern Ocean.
- Nearby coastal features: Gibson Steps and Loch Ard Gorge (nearby) - complementary coastal features that offer beach access and alternative viewpoints within Port Campbell National Park.
How to Get to The Twelve Apostles #
The Twelve Apostles are located about 275 km (3-4 hour drive) west of Melbourne along the Great Ocean Road. The main car park and boardwalks are at the Twelve Apostles Visitor Site near Port Campbell; regular coach tours from Melbourne and local shuttle services operate seasonally. Driving the Great Ocean Road provides the most flexibility.
Tips for Visiting The Twelve Apostles #
- Arrive at sunrise for the soft, golden light and fewer crowds at the main boardwalk lookouts.
- Don't expect close-up landings-the stacks are best photographed from the coastal boardwalk and the elevated viewing platforms.
- Combine the visit with driving the Great Ocean Road; stop at Gibson Steps for a dramatic low-angle view (tide permitting).
Best Time to Visit The Twelve Apostles #
Sunrise and sunset are the visually richest times. Summer brings crowds; autumn and spring offer softer light and reduced numbers.
Weather & Climate near The Twelve Apostles #
The Twelve Apostles's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Mediterranean - Warm-Summer Mediterranean climate with mild summers (peaking in February) and cold winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 7°C to 23°C. Moderate rainfall (941 mm/year).
January
January is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (47 mm), partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.
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February
February is the warmest month with highs of 23°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (35 mm), partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.
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March
March is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (52 mm), partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.
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April
April is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (72 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 9°C. Regular rainfall (90 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (102 mm), partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.
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July
July is the coolest month with highs of 13°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (115 mm), partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.
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August
August is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 7°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (121 mm), partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.
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September
September is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 8°C. Regular rainfall (97 mm), partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.
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October
October is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 9°C. Regular rainfall (84 mm), partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.
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November
November is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (67 mm), partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.
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December
December is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (59 mm), partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.
