Experience the awesome natural beauty of the world-famous Twelve Apostles. Rising abruptly from the tempestuous Southern Ocean, these seven limestone stacks are the highlight of the Great Ocean Road. They are best viewed at sunset when the yellow rock turns red, orange and every shade in between.
The Twelve Apostles is one of Australia's most popular attractions all year round. You'll be lucky to have the lookouts to yourself, but there are likely to be much fewer people if you arrive earlier or later in the day.
If you time it right, you can view the rock stacks in their best light – at sunset. In the summer, the sun sets further out to sea, while in the winter, the sun sets closer to shore. If the clouds stay away, you’re guaranteed a memorable photographs. Get snapping and admire the results over an evening meal in nearby Port Campbell.
At dusk you may see Little Penguins coming ashore on the beach far below. the tiny tracks in the sand show where they waddle back to their burrows safe from foxes, cats and dogs.
Things to do in the area
The Twelve Apostles can be seen as seven limestone rock stacks. Six of them are visible in the classic view enjoyed by millions of people every the year, while the seventh is located several metres away from the corner of the main viewing platform.
There were never 12 rock stacks here, and they were not always called the Apostles - Sow and Piglets did not remain as a name for long. There were nine rock stacks at the beginning of the 21st century. Then at 9:18am on 3 July 2005, one of them collapsed. Another collapsed in 2009.
The rough waves not only destroy ‘Apostles’, or rock stacks, but they form them too. The arches and bridges you will see along this stretch of coast will one day collapse and become stacks which will in turn collapse back into the ocean from where they came.
Gibson Steps
Loch Ard Gorge
London Bridge
The Grotto
How to get there
Twelve Apostles
When you're there
The Twelve Apostles kiosk is open 9.30am to 5.00pm daily. (Kiosk hours may extend up to 8pm during holiday periods). The kiosk sells a range of items including tea, coffee, cold drinks, confectionery and a small range of hot/cold food. Sunscreen, hats and insect repellent are also sold. Toilets and parking are available.
Visitors must park in the carpark and walk to the Twelve Apostles lookouts along the well-marked path. A separate well-signposted trail leads to Gibson Steps. Walk the 1km to Gibson Steps where you can usually access a beach at low tide - and a fantastic view of two rock stacks called Gog and Magog. Allow about an hour for this side-trip. The Great Ocean Walk multi-day hike ends at the Twelve Apostles
Download the Port Campbell National park visitor guide for more information about the park and the plethora of experiences to be had within its borders.
Twelve Apostles
Need to know
Twelve Apostles
Accessibility
Change of Conditions
Nature being nature, sometimes conditions can change at short notice. It’s a good idea to check this page ahead of your visit for any updates.
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Twelve Apostles (Port Campbell National Park)
Changed traffic conditions - Great Ocean Road near Twelve Apostles
To reduce congestion and manage visitor safety around the Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge, speed limit reductions, roadside barriers, traffic control and additional parking arrangements will be in place until 9 February 2020.Visitors to the Twelve Apostles are encouraged to plan ahead and arrive early, with increased traffic expected around the popular destination.More information
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