Few places in Australia stir the soul quite like the 12 Apostles. Rising dramatically from the wild Southern Ocean, these iconic limestone stacks are the crown jewels of the Great Ocean Road. A journey where every twist and turn reveals a new slice of coastal magic. Whether you’re watching the sun dip behind the cliffs in a golden glow, feeling the sea spray on a windswept lookout, or simply soaking in the awe of nature’s artistry. Visiting the 12 Apostles Victoria is a moment that stays with you.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to make the most of your visit—where to stop, what to see, and how to capture the very best of this breathtaking part of Victoria’s southern coastline.
Where Are The 12 Apostles Located
The 12 Apostles Victoria are located in Port Campbell National Park, around 275 kilometres west of Melbourne. The drive along the Great Ocean Road is an experience in itself, winding past dramatic cliffs, lush rain forests, and charming seaside towns like Apollo Bay and Lorne. The closest town to the Apostles is Port Campbell, a quiet village perfect for a base or a coffee stop.
How Were The 12 Apostles Formed
Over millions of years, the relentless force of the ocean carved caves into the coastal cliffs. These caves became arches, and eventually, the arches collapsed, leaving behind the limestone pillars we see today. Although they’re called the “12 Apostles,” only eight stacks remain standing—but each one tells a story of time, tide, and the power of nature.
Best Ways To Experience The 12 Apostles
There are a few unforgettable ways to take in the beauty of the Apostles:
- By car: Driving the Great Ocean Road gives you flexibility to stop at lookouts, beaches, and walking trails.
- From the sky: Helicopter tours offer a spectacular aerial view and a real sense of the coastline’s scale.
- On foot: Boardwalks and viewing platforms lead you to the perfect vantage points. Don’t miss the trail to Gibson Steps, where you can walk down to the beach and see the limestone stacks from sea level.
When Is The Best Time To Visit The 12 Apostles
The 12 Apostles are stunning year-round, but some times are extra special:
- Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting—perfect for photos.
- Winter brings fewer crowds and a chance to spot southern right whales along the coast.
- Summer provides longer days and beautiful coastal weather, though it’s also the busiest time.
Where To Stop When Visiting The Areas Around The Twelve Apostles
First Stop Gibson Steps
Just a stone’s throw from the famous 12 Apostles, the Gibson Steps offer a rare chance to experience the grandeur of the Great Ocean Road coastline from sea level. Carved into the towering cliffs, this historic staircase is 86 steps, which leads visitors down to the beach. Here you’re dwarfed by the immense limestone stacks of Gog and Magog rising from the surf.
It’s one thing to admire these formations from a clifftop lookout—but standing at their base, with waves crashing at your feet and the wind in your hair, is something else entirely. The Gibson Steps combine natural beauty with a sense of scale that few places can match, making it a must-do stop for those wanting to connect more intimately with the raw power of Victoria’s Shipwreck Coast.
Walking down the steps is a long way and steep, but taking your time and stopping along the way, you can do it. When you get to the bottom, it is well worth it. On reaching the bottom, you walk onto a sandy beach to walk along. It is an amazing feeling walking along the beach and looking up at the cliffs and the limestone stacks.
2 Ways To Get To The Gibson Steps
- Driving from Apollo Bay towards Port Campbell, you will come across the car park at the Gibson Steps on your left. There is only a small number of car parks at the top of the steps.
- Continue for a small distance along the Great Ocean Road, and the entrance to the Twelve Apostles car park is on your right. From here, there is a walking track back to Gibson Steps (About 1.1 km).
12 Apostles Lookout And Visitor Facilities– Second Stop
Visiting the 12 Apostles is one of the highlights of any Great Ocean Road journey. Located within Port Campbell National Park in Victoria, these towering limestone formations were created by millions of years of erosion from the powerful Southern Ocean.
While only eight of the original stacks remain standing today, they continue to captivate visitors with their dramatic presence, especially at sunrise and sunset when the light casts a golden glow across the cliffs and ocean. A well-maintained viewing platform offers panoramic views, and there are walking trails nearby for those wanting to explore more of the rugged coastline.
The main viewing area is easy to access via a short walk from the car park. There are well-maintained boardwalks, viewing platforms, and interpretive signs that help bring the landscape to life. Facilities include toilets, picnic areas, and information boards. The site is free to visit and open all year round.
From the car park, you follow a concrete pathway that leads under the Great Ocean Road and to the viewing platforms. Here you can see the remaining 8 Apostles that remain along the coastline. Looking out from the viewing platforms, you can watch the waves crashing against the limestone stacks and understand how the Apostles are gradually washed away. About 1cm every 12 months.
Third Stop– Loch Ard Gorge
Tucked away just a few minutes’ drive from the famous 12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge is one of the most spectacular and historically rich stops along the Great Ocean Road. Named after the clipper ship Loch Ard, which tragically ran aground nearby in 1878.
The gorge offers a dramatic blend of towering limestone cliffs, turquoise waters, and a sheltered beach that tells a poignant story of survival and loss. Of the 54 people on board, only two teenagers, Tom Pearce and Eva Carmichael, survived the shipwreck, and their tale is both haunting and heroic.
Visitors to Loch Ard Gorge can explore a series of walking tracks and lookouts that provide breathtaking views of the gorge, surrounding rock formations, and the churning sea below. Interpretive signs along the paths share the story of the Loch Ard, bringing the shipwreck history to life and giving deeper meaning to the natural beauty of the area.
A staircase leads down to the beach, where you can stand at sea level and feel the power of the ocean that shaped this rugged landscape. (This Staircase was closed when we visited the site)
Loch Ard Cemetery
The Loch Ard Cemetery is a poignant reminder of one of Australia’s most tragic shipwrecks. Nestled along the windswept cliffs of Victoria’s Shipwreck Coast, near the iconic Loch Ard Gorge, this small cemetery is the final resting place of passengers from the ill-fated clipper ship Loch Ard, which ran aground in 1878. Among those buried here are members of the Carmichael family, whose touching story adds a human depth to the region’s maritime history. Surrounded by natural beauty and echoing with the stories of the past, the cemetery offers a somber yet reflective stop for visitors exploring the Great Ocean Road.
Take a dirt track to the cemetery, watch out for some rocks and short steps. It is an area well worth visiting, where you will find a few graves, including the one in remembrance of the Carmichael family. There is also a plaque that names those who were lost in that tragic shipwreck.
A Rock Stack Called The Razorback
The Razorback is one of the most striking limestone formations along Victoria’s dramatic Shipwreck Coast. Towering proudly near Loch Ard Gorge, this rugged sea stack gets its name from its sharp, serrated shape—resembling the spine of a razorback hog. Sculpted over thousands of years by the relentless forces of wind and waves, its layered cliffs and deep grooves tell a story of constant erosion and natural artistry. Standing before it, visitors are awed not only by its size and shape but also by the sheer power of the Southern Ocean that continues to shape this wild and beautiful coastline.
The Grotto- Great Ocean Road
Located just a short drive from Port Campbell, is a captivating natural rock formation that combines the features of a sinkhole, archway, and sea cave into one picturesque spot. A wooden stairway leads visitors down the cliffside to a viewing platform, where they can gaze through the arch at the ocean beyond. A scene that becomes even more magical when the tide is right and the water pools serenely in the rock basin. The mix of light, reflections, and dramatic coastal scenery makes The Grotto a favourite for photographers and nature lovers alike. It’s a peaceful yet powerful reminder of the ever-changing beauty carved by the sea.
London Bridge Near Port Campbell
London Bridge, once a complete double-span natural arch, is one of the most iconic and dramatic formations along the Great Ocean Road. Located near Port Campbell, this limestone marvel was famously connected to the mainland until 1990, when the arch unexpectedly collapsed—stranding two tourists on the outer span (who were later safely rescued). Today, the remaining structure stands as a powerful symbol of nature’s unpredictability and the coastline’s constant evolution. With its sheer cliffs, crashing waves, and rich history, London Bridge captivates visitors with both its scenic beauty and the reminder that even the grandest formations are temporary in the face of time and tide.
The photos along the Great Ocean Road are only a small part of the experience. They do not compare to actually being there and experiencing this part of Victoria’s amazing coastline. When visiting the area, allow plenty of time to stop, walk out, and enjoy the views. Taking in the fresh sea breeze and the sound of the waves crashing up against the rocks.
Wildlife And Nature In The Area
- Little penguins, which can sometimes be seen returning to shore at dusk. We waited at London Bridge to see the Penguins come in. But it was dark before they ventured in. They also come in at the 12 Apostles.
- Wallabies and kangaroos grazing near the coast. Especially after dusk, be on the lookout for Kangaroos as you drive along the roads
- A wide range of seabirds, including peregrine falcons and crested terns
The surrounding national park also features coastal heathlands, clifftop trails, and colourful wildflowers in spring.
Where To Stay Near The 12 Apostles
- Port Campbell: Offers a range of accommodation including motels, cottages, and holiday parks.
- Princetown: A quieter village with easy access to the Apostles and great camping options.
- Apollo Bay: Slightly further away but perfect for those wanting a blend of beach town vibes and nature.
Tips For Visiting The 12 Apostles
- Bring a jacket: Even in summer, the wind off the Southern Ocean can be chilly.
- Arrive early or late: To avoid crowds and catch the best light.
- Respect the environment: Stay on marked paths and take your rubbish with you.
- Don’t rush: Take time to soak in the view, explore the surrounding sites, and enjoy the journey.
The 12 Apostles At Sunset And Sunrise
There’s something truly magical about watching the sun rise or set behind these ancient formations. The sky lights up in oranges, pinks, and purples, creating a postcard-perfect moment that you’ll never forget. Early mornings are also peaceful, with fewer people around and the soft sounds of the ocean below.
Final Thoughts: Why The 12 Apostles Should Be On Your Bucket List
The 12 Apostles are more than just a photo stop—they’re a reminder of nature’s incredible power and beauty. Whether you’re travelling the Great Ocean Road for the first time or returning for another look, these majestic stacks will leave a lasting impression. Add them to your Australian road trip itinerary—you won’t regret it.