Have you heard of the famous Twelve Apostles in Australia? Well if you have been lucky enough to have visited these iconic landmarks years ago then you would have seen 12.
But sadly as time passes and the natural way of the Southern Ocean slowly eats away at the lucky land there are actually only 8 left.
Sad but true, erosion is a sad part of life but it is still an amazing part of our beautiful country.
Twelve Apostles Victoria
Victoria is blessed with some of the most beautiful parts of Australia. Places you may have heard of such as:
- Wilsons Promontory
- Phillip Island
- Melbourne
- Grampians National Park
- The Great Ocean Road
- Twelve Apostles
And much, much more than you can poke a stick at. Make sure when visiting Victoria you allow plenty of time to see and experience all that the state has to offer.
Twelve Apostles Australia Facts
Here are some interesting facts you probably will like to know before visiting the limestone stacks.
1# Fact – Extreme Weather from the Southern Ocean has eroded the soft limestone cliffs leaving stacks.
2# Fact – The stacks were originally called the Pinnacles and the Sow and Pigs.
3# Fact – The name was officially made Twelve Apostles, but only ever had eight stacks.
4# Fact – George Bass discovered the 12 Apostles in January 1798, calling it ‘The Sow and the Piglets”.
5# Fact – One of the stacks collapsed in July 2005. Also, in 1990, the London bridge collapsed.
6# Fact – The Twelve Apostles are Victoria’s biggest regional tourist attraction. The draw more than 2 million visitors a year.
7# Fact – There are approximately 638 known shipwrecks along Victoria’s coastline.
How Many of the 12 Apostles are Still Standing?
There were never 12 at the one spot, they include additional stacks that are located to the West of the National Park area.
The main cluster used to have 8 limestone formations but now they only have 7 left.
The ocean always wins in the end but they will always call this wonder the 12 Apostles Australia.
Why are the 12 Apostles called the 12 Apostles?
The name stems back to the biblical era because they seem to have such a power and awe about them.
Tourists and visitors can only stand back and feel a massive power coming from the Apostles. Nature truly creates some amazing structures for our eyes to see.
How were the 12 Apostles in Australia Formed?
The Apostle stacks were formed by constant erosion of the giant limestone cliffs millions of years ago.
The pounding Southern seas and strong winds slowly erode away the soft limestone leaving natural caves. These get bigger over time and eventually become arches which then collapse and leave 45 meter high stacks.
This all takes place over thousands and thousands of years.
How far are the 12 Apostles from Melbourne?
The natural attraction is located 275 kilometres west of Melbourne. By car, it takes about 4 hours which winds through the beautiful Great Ocean Road.
Getting here is better if you can take the time and explore what the Great Ocean Road has to offer.
Along the route why not check out these other top locations:
- Cape Ottaway
- Torquay
- Bells Beach
- Lorne
- Apollo Bay
When did the Twelve Apostles Collapse?
Mother nature is taking the Apostles back, so hurry and go visit until they all disappear. The last Apostle collapsed in July 2005 but when the next will fall would be anyone guest.
Can you walk on the beach at the 12 Apostles?
If you are keen, you can park your car at the 12 Apostle Carpark and walk down the Gibson Steps.
This is done via a 1.1 kilometre part of the Great Ocean Walk which will take you down to the beach. If you bring your surfboard it has some great waves.
If it looks too hard just admire the view from the Gibson Steps viewing platform.
12 Apostles Map
Want to know exactly where it is on the map? Here is your online interactive map. Go and explore it online.
12 Apostles Tour
Don’t like seeing attractions for yourself? Well, that’s easy, just book a tour at the information centre.
The helicopter takes off from the 12 Apostles Visitor Facility and circles around the cliffs giving the most amazing views.
Book a 12 Apostles Helicopter ride here.
If you have it in your budget, check it out.
Or, jump on a day tour from Melbourne and take out all the hassle of visiting this beautiful area. These tours are reasonably priced and have great inclusions, visiting all the best spots.
12 Apostles Accommodation
You can’t stay right at the Apostles but this is prime tourism land. So you are never far from a place to lay your head.
Here is a range of accommodation options suiting all budgets below:
Budget
12 Apostles Motel and Country Retreat
Mid Range
Best Western Great Ocean Road Motor Inn
Luxury Range
12 Apostles Marine National Park
The marine park is home to a spectacular array of wildlife that lives in and out of the water. The limestone structures harbour Natural habitats like kelp forests and colourful sponge gardens.
Many different types of species have their homes here and thanks to the parks and wildlife reserves they stay safe.
Species of sealife include seals, lobsters, reef fish, sea spiders and seabirds that glide around the mighty stacks.
Marine mammals such as little penguins, seals and whales also frequent the area, so keep your eyes peeled.
Dogs are not allowed in the park.
Other restrictions include:
- Camping No
- Fires No
- Horses No
- Fishing No
- Swimming No
- Firearms No
- Generators No
If you are here observe the safety signs and beware of rough surf and very strong currents.
Also do not leave the paths ever. The cliffs are crumbly and a fall at these heights would mean serious injury.
Apostles Verdict
This is definitely a destination you have to put on your bucket list of things to see before you die.
Try to visit early or late in the day to experience beautiful colours. The majestic cliffs and stacks make for awesome photos if the weather is perfect.
Sometimes the surf can be huge which in itself is a spectacle. You may also see pods of dolphins and soaring seabirds gliding through the obstacles.
Getting the perfect shot can get hard due to the rising number of tourists over the years. But get creative and you will always have great shots.
We spent about an hour here wandering around the boardwalks to the end and back. Everybody in our family loved it and look forward to visiting one day again in the future.
For more amazing spots to visit in Australia make sure you check these out:
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