The Twelve Apostles
The drive’s grand finale — limestone stacks rising from the Southern Ocean off the Shipwreck Coast. Eight remain, best seen at sunrise or sunset.
The Twelve Apostles
The Twelve Apostles are the Great Ocean Road’s grand finale — towering limestone stacks rising from the Southern Ocean off the Shipwreck Coast. Despite the name, eight remain (there were never twelve), sculpted by relentless waves that keep reshaping the cliffs. A boardwalk from the visitor centre leads to the lookouts, and just along the coast lie the Gibson Steps, Loch Ard Gorge and more. Come at sunrise or sunset for the light — and the space.
What to See
The Apostles Lookouts
Boardwalk viewpoints over the eight stacks — best at sunrise or sunset, away from the buses.
Gibson Steps
A stairway down the cliff to the beach beneath towering stacks — check tides and conditions.
Loch Ard Gorge
A dramatic gorge and the site of the 1878 Loch Ard shipwreck, where only two survived from 54 aboard.
London Bridge & Bay of Islands
More sea stacks, arches and the Grotto stretching west toward Peterborough.
Twelve Apostles Tips
- Come at sunrise or sunset for the best light and fewest crowds
- Stay in Port Campbell to make dawn and dusk easy
- Walk the boardwalk to the lookouts; use the Gibson Steps for beach-level views (tides permitting)
- Allow time for Loch Ard Gorge, London Bridge and the Bay of Islands nearby
- Access and facilities can change — check current details before you go
- See the wider cluster — Shipwreck Coast & Loch Ard Gorge
Related
The Twelve Apostles — FAQ
How many of the Twelve Apostles are left?
Eight limestone stacks remain — and there were never actually twelve. One collapsed in 2005, and erosion continues at the base by a couple of centimetres a year, so the coast keeps changing.
Where are the Twelve Apostles?
On the Shipwreck Coast in Port Campbell National Park, near the town of Port Campbell — about 3–4 hours from Melbourne direct, at the western end of the classic Great Ocean Road drive.
What is the best time to see the Twelve Apostles?
Sunrise and sunset give the best light and the smallest crowds; midday brings the tour buses. A boardwalk from the visitor centre leads to the main lookouts (no beach access there).
What else is nearby?
The Gibson Steps (down to the beach beneath the cliffs), Loch Ard Gorge (site of the 1878 Loch Ard shipwreck), London Bridge, The Grotto and the Bay of Islands — all within a short drive. See the Shipwreck Coast.
Is there an entry fee for the Twelve Apostles?
The main viewing area has been free, though access and facilities are managed and can change (via GORCAPA). Check current details before you visit.
The Great Ocean Road, Planned Around You
The Twelve Apostles, the surf coast, the Otway rainforest and the wildlife — with the driving and bookings handled by the family that’s toured Australia since 1974.
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