The Great Ocean Road is one of Australia’s most beautiful coastal drives, attracting millions of visitors each year. One of its most famous landmarks is the Twelve Apostles, a group of limestone stacks rising dramatically from the Southern Ocean. But despite the name, not all twelve are standing today.
The Changing Landscape
The Twelve Apostles were originally known as the Sow and Piglets before being renamed for marketing purposes to bring in more tourists. The formations have been carved out over thousands of years by the forces of wind and waves, erosion that continues to shape this stunning section of coastline.
In reality, there were never twelve separate rock stacks at one time. When the site was renamed in the 1920s, there were only nine limestone stacks. Over the years some of these have collapsed due to erosion. The last one to fall was in 2005, leaving only eight apostles standing today.
Why Are the Apostles Disappearing?
The limestone cliffs and sandstone cliffs of the Great Ocean Road are fragile structures exposed to the power of Mother Nature. Erosion occurs as waves crash against the base of the formations, wearing them down slowly. Weathering from beach storms, cold winds and the wind whistle accelerates the decay. While new stacks may form as the coastline erodes, the current apostles will continue to disappear over time.
Coastal erosion is a natural cycle and while it removes existing rock formations, it also creates new ones over thousands of years. The cliffs of the Great Ocean Road tell a story of constant change, with stormy waters and the Southern Ocean daily shaping the landscape. This geological process is a challenge for those who want to preserve the current landscape while allowing nature to take its course.
Can You Still See the Apostles?
Absolutely! Despite the loss of some formations, the Twelve Apostles are still a must-see along this stunning coastline. There are several viewing platforms, including cantilevered viewing points, to see the remaining stacks. For an unforgettable experience you can also take a flight over the coastline in a helicopter to see it all from above.
Many travellers do a Great Ocean Road tour from Melbourne which includes stops at the Twelve Apostles, coastal towns and other beautiful spots along the way. These tours provide commentary, comfortable travel and plenty of time to visit each site. On a Great Ocean Road trip you have time to visit beautiful places, quaint towns, great restaurants, boutique shops and famous sightseeing spots. If you like the outdoors you can hike, to national parks, sandy beaches, surf spots and rainforests full of native animals including Australian animals and farm animals in rural areas nearby.
Surrounding Area
The Great Ocean Road is not just about the Twelve Apostles. There are many other amazing things to see, including massive caves and walking trails through national parks and eucalyptus forests. The area is overflowing with nature, with ancient rainforests and coastal towns so you can go on and on.
One of the best ways to experience the area is to do a Great Ocean Road 2-3 day tour, so you can get amongst it, see the hidden gems and visit Apollo Bay. A longer tour means you can take your time and stop at all the spots along the way.
Birds are abundant in the area and feeding them is a popular activity. Colourful birds flit between the trees and the air is filled with their gorgeous songs. Whether you love nature or just looking for a peaceful retreat, there’s something for everyone.
If you’re a photographer, visiting the Apostles at sunrise is a chance to capture the beautiful light on the rock stacks. The reflections on the water and the golden sky make it one of the best spots for photographers and nature lovers.
Picnic Spots
The closest town to the Twelve Apostles is Port Campbell, a beautiful coastal town with restaurants, cafes and shops. It’s a great base to explore the area with many beach road pull offs with beach access to sandy beaches and cliffs.
If you’re looking for picnic spots there are many along the Great Ocean Road where you can stop and take in the views while you eat. Whether it’s near the limestone cliffs or the blue water, there are plenty of beautiful spots to relax.
If surfing is more your thing there are several great surf spots along this stretch of coast. The Southern Ocean swells are ideal for beginners and experienced surfers alike. The combination of beaches, coastline and scenery makes the Great Ocean Road a surfer’s paradise. Do a 12 Apostles tour if you want to see the Apostles without the fuss of planning it all yourself.
Many tours also visit Apollo Bay where you can walk in the rainforest, sit by the ocean or eat local seafood.
The Twelve Apostles
While the apostles may be dwindling in number, the ever-changing Great Ocean Road landscape will continue to produce new formations. The forces that shaped these magnificent rock stacks are still at work, carving out new wonders along the coastline.
You can explore nearby caves, picnic spots, eucalyptus forests and ancient rainforests teeming with birds. Bird feeding is popular in the area, with birds of every colour filling the air with their songs, it’s a very peaceful experience.
For the best views, visit the apostles at sunrise; the light is beautiful and enhances the rock formations. The closest town to the Twelve Apostles is Port Campbell, a seaside town that’s a great base to explore the area. Many beach road pull-ups have beach access so you can enjoy the ocean and the waves crashing onto the shore.
FAQ
How many Twelve Apostles are left?
Eight as of today.
When did the last Apostle collapse?
2005, one of the stacks collapsed into the ocean.
Can you walk on the Twelve Apostles?
No, you can’t walk on the apostles themselves but there are viewing platforms to look out from.
Will new Apostles form in the future?
Yes, erosion will continue to shape the landscape and new stacks may form over time.
What’s the best time to visit the Twelve Apostles?
Sunrise or sunset, when the light is golden and great for photos.
