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Summary

See the Otway Ranges National Park and experience the rainforest from a different perspective by doing the Treetop Walk or Zipline Tour at Otway Fly Treetop Adventures. Find out all the details in our informative article.

Summary

Combine a visit to the London Bridge Great Ocean Road with the 12 Apostles for some stunning views of the southern coast of Victoria, Australia. Find out what makes this natural attraction so popular with tourists who come from near and far to witness this natural wonder in all its beauty.

Summary

The highlight of a visit to the Great Ocean Road, the 12 Apostles are world-famous for their stunning scenery and amazing natural rock formations that have survived over hundreds of years. See them before they tumble into the ocean.

12 Apostles Australia: Best Ways to Experience this Natural Wonder

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The iconic 12 Apostles is without doubt the highlight of anyone’s visit to the Great Ocean Road along the southern coast of Victoria. If you’re heading to the Great Ocean Road, the Apostles have to be on your list of attractions to visit; in fact, it might be the only attraction you visit.

If you’re planning to visit the 12 Apostles, continue reading to find out more information about this attraction and, more importantly, the best ways to experience this natural wonder. Choose the way(s) you want to view this attraction so that you can see this marvel in all its wonder and glory and maximise your experience here.

Best Ways to Experience the 12 Apostles

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1. 12 Apostles Helicopter Tour

Without doubt, the best way to see the Apostles is from the sky above. From the ground it is not possible to see all 12 Apostles; however, you can get a bird’s eye view of all 12 Apostles from the air.

No other experience comes close to seeing the Apostles from a helicopter tour, so if you have the money to splurge taking a Helicopter Tour of the 12 Apostles is well worth it.

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2. 12 Apostles Sunset Trip

The 12 Apostles look magnificent at any time of day, however, they take on a different effect at daybreak or sunset. The multitude of red, pink and purple colours at sunset makes for a perfect backdrop to this spectacular attraction and casts a stunning hue over the limestone stacks.

Although it is extremely difficult to make your trip to the 12 Apostles at sunrise, it is easier to time your visit for a sunset view. Shoot these majestic ocean-bound rock stacks at sunset for long, soft shadows and warm hues. Visiting the Apostles at sunset also allows you to miss out on the crowds of tourists who tend to visit during the day.

If you’re pressed for time, why not take a 12 Apostles Sunset Tour? Book your 12 Apostles Sunset Tour here.  

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3. 12 Apostles Lookout Options

If you can’t take a Helicopter Tour or view the Apostles at sunset, the next best option is to take a walk to the 12 Apostles Lookout during the day. Although you will meet crowds of tourists at this time, there are numerous lookouts to the 12 Apostles to choose from.

The viewing platform with the least crowds is located between Gibsons Steps and the 12 Apostles Visitors Centre. The official lookout across the road from the 12 Apostles Visitors Centre has a few lookouts which take you much closer to the famous sea stacks. It is worth seeing the Apostles from various viewing points so you get a glimpse of the attraction from different angles.

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4. 12 Apostles Beach Access

Take a trip to the Beach Level via Gibsons Steps car park (1km east of the 12 Apostles) to see two rock stacks close up – Gog and Magog. The Apostles have never been named individually except for these two rocks which are full of personality. Also, they are the only two of the Apostles that you can see close up so definitely take the chance to do so.

12 Apostles Tours  

All our Great Ocean Road tours stop over at the 12 Apostles as part of their day-long or multi-day tour of the area. If you’re interested in just seeing the 12 Apostles by itself, our 12 Apostles Express Tour below is just right for you. For all our other Great Ocean Road tours, check out our Great Ocean Road Tours page.  

12 Apostles Weather

Current Conditions for 12 Apostles

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Forecast Details for 12 Apostles

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FAQs about the 12 Apostles Australia

 There are numerous questions about the 12 Apostles, most of which are answered below. If you have other questions, please post them in the Comments section at the end of the page. 

What are the 12 Apostles?

The 12 Apostles are twelve rock stacks made up of limestone and other softer rock materials that jut out from the Southern Ocean along the Great Ocean Road in Victoria, Australia. Over the years they have become the highlight of a visit to the Great Ocean Road and a natural wonder that draws millions of tourists from Australia and around the world.

12 Apostles History

The 12 Apostles started off life with a much less prestigious title, ‘the Sow and Piglets’. The Sow was Mutton Bird Island viewable from Loch Ard Gorge and the Piglets were the other formations following along down the coast to the east. When C.J. La Trobe passed through in 1846 he recorded this name.

However, the local population always knew that our stacks had a lot more glamour than your average farm animal. Locals have used the ‘12 Apostles’ name for as long as memory serves. We are glad to say that the world has agreed with the locals and has adopted ‘12 Apostles’ and given the stacks all the dignity they deserve.

How were the 12 Apostles formed?

Differing densities of limestone interspersed with softer mudstone (marl) and calcareous clays make up the cliffs and stacks of the 12 Apostles. Port Campbell limestone is harder in its top layers than it is in its bottom layers. The softer base layers allow the initial undermining that creates overhangs, arches and eventually new stacks.

The erosive forces of waves, wind and rain have over the years cut and chiselled these limestone stacks to create the formations you see today. Surviving rock stacks like the 12 Apostles are generally comprised of “harder stuff” than areas surrounding them.

How old are the 12 Apostles?

Although the limestone that makes up the 12 Apostles dates back 15-20 million years, the formations itself that you can see have been formed in the last 6,000 years.

How many of the 12 Apostles are left?

You have never been able to see 12 stacks from the current viewing platform. So, if you are counting less, you are counting correctly! To the West there are 7 stacks that are clearly visible. The rest are hidden by headlands and obscured by other stacks.

Where are the 12 Apostles located?

The 12 Apostles are located in Port Campbell National Park located near Princetown along the Great Ocean Road in Victoria, Australia.

Closest town to 12 Apostles

Princetown

12 Apostles Map

How to get to the 12 Apostles?

The 12 Apostles are closer than you think and easy to reach, no matter how you choose to travel. The closest city to the Apostles is Melbourne.

Melbourne to 12 Apostles

Melbourne to 12 Apostles distance – 228km

By Car: Car touring is the best way to reach the 12 Apostles. From Melbourne, the Westgate and Princess Freeways lead you to the Geelong Ring Road and on to Great Ocean Road in an hour. The 12 Apostles is located 7km east of Port Campbell and just outside the town of Princetown.  The shortest route (3 hours total) is inland on the Princess Freeway (A1) to Colac, and then on Irrewillipe Rd (C156) on to Princetown. However, the more scenic route is via the Great Ocean Road from Geelong (4.5hrs total).

By Train: Regular trains run from Melbourne and Geelong to Winchelsea, Colac, Camperdown and Warrnambool.

By Bus: Public Transport Victoria runs V/Line buses several times a day along the Great Ocean Road from Geelong to Apollo Bay. Buses run 3 times a week from Apollo Bay to Warrnambool stopping at Princetown along the way. Visit ptv.vic.gov.au for details.

Tickets are also available at the Lorne Visitors Centre and Great Ocean Road Visitor Information Centre in Apollo Bay.

Lorne to 12 Apostles

Lorne to 12 Apostles distance – 129km

By Car: Head along the Great Ocean Road or inland via Colac which will save you 30 mins.

By Bus: Take a V/Line bus to Apollo Bay and change for a bus to Warrnambool stopping at Princetown along the way. See above for details.

12 Apostles Address

Great Ocean Rd & Booringa Rd,
Princetown,
Victoria 3269,
Australia

Tell us what you think. If you’ve been to the 12 Apostles before, how did you see it? What was your experience of this natural wonder? Please leave your comments below. 

Summary

Site of Victoria’s most famous shipwreck, the Loch Ard Gorge is one of the many special places in the Port Campbell National Park, Victoria, Australia. The Gorge is a powerful and awe-inspiring location that should be on every walkers and visitors’ itinerary when visiting the Great Ocean Road.

Summary

The Great Ocean Walk is Victoria’s iconic long-distance walk from Apollo Bay to the Twelve Apostles taking in breathtaking scenery and stunning views across the Great Ocean Road over eight days. Optional short walks or day hikes are also available for those wanting to get a glimpse of this arduous walk.

Great Ocean Walk Australia: A Guide for Every Hiker

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The Great Ocean Walk is a very popular long distance walk along the Great Ocean Road and for good reason. This arduous walk is takes you along the world-famous Great Ocean Road in Victoria, Australia. It combines fantastic views, stunning scenery and pristine wilderness along with a different and  unique experience to be had each walk day. There are places on the Walk where you will feel a million miles away from the world you left behind.

Whether you choose to complete the entire walk or just do a section of it, we have all the information you need to plan your entire trip. The information includes an 8-day Great Ocean Walk itinerary, a list of 14 short walks and day hikes, 7 campsite locations, shuttle transfers, Great Ocean Road walking tours and a Great Ocean Walk map.

The Great Ocean Walk

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The Great Ocean Walk is a ~100km long-distance walk that starts at Apollo Bay Visitors Centre and ends at the iconic Twelve Apostles along the Great Ocean Road. If you choose to do the entire walk, it will take you eight days and seven nights. Alternatively, you can opt for a short walks or day hikes that cover a section of the Great Ocean Walk.

Along the Great Ocean Walk, you can expect to come across clifftop views, lush fern gullies and isolated beaches. Step-on and step-off points along the track link to the Great Ocean Road, creating a range of breathtaking day walks.

The Walk attracts hikers from across Australia and around the world, all keen to experience the dramatic nature and challenge of this eight day iconic walk.

Choose from hike itineraries of one, two, three or four days to sample the tracks finest sections or take on the great walk, hiking up to eight days, covering approximately 105km.  

Whichever way you do the Walk, it’s a journey of nature unfolding at every step and one you will never forget.

Great Ocean Road Walk: An 8-Day Itinerary

Day 1 – Apollo Bay to Elliot Ridge

Day 2 – Elliot Ridge to Blanket Bay

Day 3 – Blanket Bay to Cape Otway

Day 4 – Cape Otway to Aire River

Day 5 – Aire River to Johanna Beach

Day 6 – Johanna Beach to Ryans Den

Day 7 – Ryans Den to Devils Kitchen

Day 8 – Devils Kitchen to Twelve Apostles

Great Ocean Road Walks: 14 Short Hikes & Day Trips

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Although the Great Ocean Walk is a ~100km long-distance walk, there are several shorter walks and day hikes suitable for hikers who do not wish to complete the entire eight-day walk. Choose from multi-day hikes and casual treks that take anything from an hour to a day. There is a short walk or two to suit every fitness level.

For a list of the 14 Great Ocean Road short walks with detailed information on each walk, read our Great Ocean Road Walks post.

Great Ocean Walk Shuttle

Great Ocean Road Shuttle is a dedicated and independent Cape Otway based pick up and drop off service for walkers along the Great Ocean Walk.

Address: Lighthouse Rd, Cape Otway, Victoria 3233

Phone: 03 5237 9278  |  Mobile: 0428 379 278

Email: gorshuttle@bordernet.com.au

7 Great Ocean Walk Campsites

As there are many ways to do the Walk, so too are there many options when deciding how and where you will stay overnight.  You have the option to camp under the stars along the Great Ocean Road or stay the night in luxury accommodation. Of course you may choose to enjoy a mixture of canvas and/or comfort.

For more intrepid walkers there are seven exclusive, limited capacity hike-in camp sites along the Walk. These campsites are located in some of the most dramatic coastline settings along the Walk. The sites are purpose built, some have small group areas, and all are maintained by Parks Victoria.

Advance bookings and payment are required as there are limited spaces at each campsite. Visit www.parks.vic.gov.au/stay to book online or call parks Victoria on 13 1963.  Fees may apply for telephone bookings for Great Ocean Walk.

Night 1 Campsite Location – Elliot Ridge Great Ocean Walk Campsite

Night 2 Campsite Location – Blanket Bay Great Ocean Walk Campsite

Night 3 Campsite Location – Cape Otway Great Ocean Walk Campsite

Night 4 Campsite Location – Aire River Great Ocean Walk Campsite

Night 5 Campsite Location – Johanna Beach Great Ocean Walk Campsite

Night 6 Campsite Location – Ryans Den Great Ocean Walk Campsite

Night 7 Campsite Location – Devils Kitchen Great Ocean Walk Campsite

Great Ocean Road Walk Map

(download as pdf)

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Further Information

http://www.visitgreatoceanroad.org.au/

Have you been on the Great Ocean Walk before? Please share with our readers any tips and recommendations you have from your previous hiking experience.

Summary

See the stunning scenery and spectacular views along the Great Ocean Road while embarking on a short walk or day hike along the Great Ocean Walk. Choose from 14 short walks and day hikes based on your fitness and activity level.

Great Ocean Road Walks: 14 Short Walks & Day Hikes for All Levels

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The Great Ocean Walk is a 100km long distance coastal bushwalking track from Apollo Bay to near the Twelve Apostles, passing through the Great Otway and Port Campbell National Parks. Although the entire walk takes seven nights and eight days to complete, it is not necessary to complete the entire walk to enjoy the beauty and tranquility of this region. There are several shorter walks and day hikes possible for all fitness and activity levels.

Choose from day hikes and casual treks that take anything from an hour to a day. Let the path lead you through national parks and rolling farmland, along clifftop edges and secluded beaches, into lush rainforests and coastal scrublands.

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Great Ocean Road: Short Walks

1. Shelly Beach / Three Creeks Loop

Type: Return

Distance: 3km loop

Time: 1.5 hrs return

Grade: Medium

Start & Finish: Shelly Beach Picnic Area

This moderate grade walk features coastal forests, sea views, beaches and rock platforms. Starting at Shelly Beach Picnic Area carpark, descend to Shelly Beach. Turn left at the Three Creeks Junction and walk through coastal scrub with views over the ocean to Three Creeks Beach. If conditions are suitable, walk west back around the point to a small beach, where access steps take you in a loop back onto the original track. Return the way you came if you are unsure conditions are suitable.

2. Cape Otway Lightstation Cemetery and Lookout

Type: Return

Distance: 2.8km return

Time: 40mins

Grade: Easy

Start & Finish: Cape Otway Lightstation carpark

From the lightstation car park, head west on the gravelled track for about 10 minutes before climbing Paynters Hill to a lookout over the lightstation grounds. Descending the other side of Paynters Hill, turn right and follow the sandy track for approximately 10 minutes to a junction just before the lightstation cemetery. Continue 20m past the junction to explore the cemetery.

3. Aire River Escarpment Lookout

Type: Return

Distance: 4.2km

Time: 2 hrs

Grade: Medium

Start & Finish: Aire River Bridge

From the Aire River Bridge, follow the sandy track up the dune through tunnels of Coast Beard Heath and coastal scrub to the Aire River Escarpment Lookout, which provides spectacular views to the mouth of the river where it meets the sea and back to the extensive wetland system along this heritage river.

4. The Gables Lookout

Type: Return

Distance: 800m one-way

Time: 20mins

Grade: Easy

Start & Finish: The Gables carpark

This great short walk travel through coastal heath, woodland and thick Casuarina forest before arriving at a lookout with spectacular views of some of Australia’s highest sea cliffs.

5. Wreck Beach

Type: Return

Distance: 2.1km

Time: 90 mins

Grade: Hard

Start & Finish: Wreck Beach carpark

This short but challenging walk heads down 366 steps to Wreck Beach. When tides and sea conditions are suitable, you can explore the beach, rock ledges and the anchors of the Marie Gabrielle and the Fiji shipwrecks which can still be seen about 400m and 650m west of the stairs. Imagine being shipwrecked on this beach below these towering cliffs.

Great Ocean Road: Day Hikes

6. Marengo to Shelly Beach

Type: Car shuffle or return

Distance: 4.7km one-way

Time: 2 hrs one-way

Grade: Medium/Hard

Start: Marengo Caravan Park

Finish: Shelly Beach Picnic Area

Follow low cliff tops overlooking the ocean and climb the exposed and aptly named Bald Hill. This walk takes you onto the beach and through sheltered forest, where you may spot the occasional koala, to picturesque Shelly Beach. Only take alternative coastal routes at low tide and during calm seas. At all other times take the signposted Great Ocean Walk (GOW) inland route.

7. Elliot River Loop

Type: Circuit

Distance: 4km loop

Time: 2 hrs return

Grade: Medium

Start & Finish: Shelly Beach Picnic Area

A moderate grade walk featuring river, forest and ferns. Start from the carpark and follow the Elliot River Track down to to the mouth of the Elliot River, crossing carefully on the stepping stones. Climb up the ridge along the track, passing through strands of Blue gum and areas of tall Eucalypt forest. Return to Shelly Beach Picnic Area via the management vehicle track.

8. Blanket Bay to Parker Hill

Type: Car shuffle or return

Distance: 4km one-way

Time: 2 hrs one-way

Grade: Medium

Start: Blanket Bay campground

Finish: Parker Inlet

A diverse walk, weaving its way through pristine coastal forests and grass trees, travelling in and out of gullies, before descending to beautiful Parker Inlet. Two lookouts along the way provide wonderful views into the estuary and over the ocean. Parker Inlet is a great location to explore for its amazing geology and wildlife.

9. Cape Otway to Aire River (side trip to Rainbow Falls)

Type: Car shuffle

Distance: 10km

Time: 4 hrs

Grade: Medium

Start: Cape Otway Lightstation carpark

Finish: Aire River

The walk to Aire River winds its way through a wind-sculptured landscape of sand dunes, coastal scrubland and calcified cliffs. From the lightstation carpark head west over Paynters Hill and past the lightstation cemetery. Continue along this section of the GOW to Station Beach. Take the main track over Station Beach to the Aire River Escarpment Lookout. Continue along the track from the escarpment, ending up at the historic Aire River Bridge. Rainbow Falls and Station Beach can also be visited along this hike, but it is an extra 3km if you take this side trip. Rainbow Falls is spring-fed and trickles through algae to the rock platform on the beach below.

10. Aire River to Johanna Beach

Type: Car shuffle

Distance: 12.4km

Time: 5 hrs

Grade: Medium/Hard

Start: Aire River Information shelter

Finish: Johanna Beach Campground

This is a long but satisfying walk through diverse terrain to beautiful Johanna Beach. The track passes through coastal heathland with an abundant display of wildflowers in spring. You will also get to experience some awe-inspiring sea views, and if you keep a look out perhaps you’ll spot Peregrine Falcons flying overhead. There is no bridge across the Johanna River. Carefully assess the depth of the water before attempting to wade across, as the water can be very deep and the ground very slippery underfoot.

11. Princetown to Twelve Apostles

Type: Car shuffle or return

Distance: 6km one-way

Time: 2.5km one-way

Grade: Medium

Start: Princetown Recreation Reserve

Finish: Twelve Apostles

This walk will reward you with spectacular views of the Twelve Apostles and surrounding coastline. Hike along cliff tops through coastal scrubland and low heath to the end of the walk. Kangaroos are regular grazers in nearby paddocks. Pods of dolphins can sometimes be seen in the Twelve Apostles Marine National Park below, and Southern Right Whales can be seen from May through to October.

Great Ocean Road: Side Trips

12. Milanesia to Moonlight Head

Type: Car shuffle

Distance: 10.5 km

Time: 5 hrs

Grade: Hard

Start: Milanesia Beach Gate

Finish: Moonlight Head carpark

From the Milanesia gate, which is located at the end of Hiders Access, head down the track through forest and coastal scrub, with incredible views of Milanesia Beach. There is a heritage shack located on private land just in from the beach. Please respect both the building and owners’ privacy by remaining on the track. Cross the small river at the beach access with care, then head west to where the GOW heads inland and uphill. Note that the alternative route along Milanesia Beach should only be attempted at low tides and calm seas. This section takes you to Bowker Point, with dramatic views of the coast. Head west along the coastal cliffs for about an hour until you reach the turn off to Ryans Den. Continue west through diverse coastal woodlands before reaching an open paddock above the Cape Volney cliffs – with some of the highest and most spectacular cliff views along the walk. Continue along the Cape Volney 4WD track descending toward the beach at Submarine Rock, before meandering up to Moonlight Head carpark on Parkers Access Road.

13. Moonlight Head to the Gables

Type: Car shuffle or return

Distance: 3.5km one-way

Time: 2 hrs one-way

Grade: Easy

Start: Moonlight Head carpark

Finish: The Gables carpark

From the Moonlight Head carpark, head up Parkers Access for about 200m before turning left and descending into the forest. The track negotiates its way through a series of forested valleys and ridges, past patches of grass trees and She-oaks. The track eventually cross an old fishing track at its lowest point before heading up towards the spectacular high sea cliffs surrounding The Gable. Along the way, the Eucalypt woodland predominant at the start of the section gradually changes to low scrub, heath and She-oak forests.

14. Parker Hill to Pt Franklin

Type: Car shuffle or return

Distance: 1.5km one-way

Time: 30 mins

Grade: Easy

Start: Parker Hill

Finish: Pt Franklin

From the Parker Hill campground, follow the cliff tops to Point Franklin. Looking out to sea along the coast, the Cape Otway Lightstation comes into view. Whales can often be spotted out at sea along this section from July to September. Once you arrive at Point Franklin, walk 300m up the GOW to the carpark. If you have extra time, you can explore the rock platforms and Pt Franklin beaches or take a short walk from the carpark to the rockpools and beautiful beach at Crayfish Bay. You may notice a building on the cliff top above Crayfish Bay, please respect the owner’s privacy by remaining on the track as this building is on private property.

Have you been on one or more short walks along the Great Ocean Walk before? Please share with our readers which walk(s) you undertook and whether you would recommend it to other day hikers.