The Twelve Apostles Mountains

Address: Twelve Apostles Scenic Reserve, Great Ocean Road, near Port Campbell, Victoria, Australia

Website: https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/parks/great-otway-national-park/attractions/twelve-apostles

Hours: Great Ocean Road coastal parks/access generally open 24 hours; visitor centre daylight hours vary seasonally

Admission: Free to view from the Twelve Apostles lookouts; visitor centre parking and facility fees may apply (varies)

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.

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.

• 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).