Twelve Apostles

The Twelve Apostles are a world famous limestone stacks standing proudly in the Southern Ocean off Victoria’s Shipwreck Coast. Millions visit each year. The Twelve Apostles are one of Australia’s top tourist attractions. Beyond their beauty they offer a mix of natural and historical significance so every visitor will have an experience.

From Formation to Fame: The History of the Apostles

The story of the Twelve Apostles began millions of years ago when the coastline’s limestone cliffs were formed. Initially part of the mainland, these cliffs were worn away by the constant pounding of the Southern Ocean waves. Over time, the caves became arches, and then the arches collapsed, leaving behind the rock stacks we see today.

Interestingly, these natural wonders were not always known as the Twelve Apostles. They were originally called the Sow and Piglets, with Mutton Bird Island being the “sow” and the smaller stacks the “piglets”. In the 1920s the name was changed to the Twelve Apostles to add some grandeur and to boost tourism. The Twelve Apostles have since become iconic of Australia’s ruggedness, and their story continues to evolve as Parks Victoria works to protect this fragile environment. Wreck Beach and Shipwreck Coast nearby are a reminder of the region’s maritime history, with numerous shipwrecks on the ocean floor.

Current Count and History

Not twelve stacks as the name would suggest, there were never. Nine big ones to start with but nature had other plans. Erosion has reduced the number over time. In 2005 one of the big ones, 50 meters tall, collapsed into the cauldron like ocean, leaving eight. This is a reminder of the natural processes that shape the landscape. It might seem like a loss but the erosion that caused the collapse creates opportunities for new formation. The Southern Ocean’s waves and time will likely sculpt more limestone formations, so the spirit of reconciliation between land and sea will remain. Visitors today can still be in awe of the scale and beauty of these formations standing as sentinels to the cliffs that birthed them.

Your Guide to Reaching the Apostles

The Twelve Apostles are just off the Great Ocean Road, a scenic drive with stunning views and charming coastal towns like Port Campbell and Apollo Bay. From Port Campbell it’s 15 minutes, from Melbourne 3 hours. The journey is as beautiful as the destination. The nearby Port Campbell Visitor Information Centre is a great place to get maps, updates and tips for the area.

Things to do around

The Twelve Apostles may be the main attraction, but there’s plenty more to see and do in the area. Nearby is Loch Ard Gorge, named after the famous 1878 shipwreck, which has stunning views and the chance to walk along the treacherous cliffs and hidden coves. Thunder Cave and Gibson Steps allow you to descend to the beach and get up close to the rock formations. Mutton Bird Island is where you can see the island’s namesake birds during the breeding season.

For walkers, Port Campbell National Park has a network of walking trails, including the Power Creek Trail, which goes through fern gullies, canopied trails and rolling hills. For secluded spots, head to Wreck Beach, where you can see shipwreck remains, or Milanesia Beach, where you can have a fleeting visit and be surrounded by nature. The adventurous can explore the Otway Rainforest with its giant Mountain Ash trees and understory of tree ferns.

Flora and Fauna

The biodiversity around the Twelve Apostles is as amazing as the stacks themselves. The coastal vegetation is hardy shrubs, grass trees and salt resistant plants that thrive in the harsh conditions. These plants help stabilise the cliff tops and provide habitat for native wildlife. Bird spotters can see peregrine falcons and hooded plovers and the coastal waters are home to seals, dolphins and even southern right whales during migration season.

The Port Campbell National Park is a treasure trove of unique ecosystems, from deep gullies filled with Beech Myrtle to open areas where Muttonbird Island is a nesting ground for thousands of seabirds. Get out and explore this wonderland, but be sure to respect the balance of the ecosystems.

See the Apostles from the Air

For a different view, take a scenic flight over the Twelve Apostles. Helicopter tours offer breathtaking views of the stacks, cliff tops and natural wonders like Cape Otway and Moonlight Head. These 15 minute flights give you a unique perspective, taking in the full majesty of the Apostles and the surrounding scenery.

Best Time to See the Apostles

The Twelve Apostles are good all year round, but the experience depends on the season. Summer has clear skies and sunsets, winter has dramatic misty landscapes and fewer crowds. To see the limestone stacks at their most iconic, visit during sunrise or sunset when the yellow rock slowly reveals its golden hue. Early morning also has minimal crowds and is a peaceful and quiet time to visit — perfect for a 12 Apostles day tour.