The Twelve Apostles, a series of limestone stacks along the rugged Victorian coast, is one of Australia’s most famous natural wonders. Located within Port Campbell National Park on the Great Ocean Road, this section of coastline has the most stunning views in the world. People come to this beautiful spot to see the different landscapes and take photos of the rock formations. Proper planning for your visit, whether sunrise or sunset, will help you to see the 12 Apostles and the surrounding area from different angles at different times of the day.
12 Apostles: An Amazing Geography
The 12 Apostles are Dolerite temple-like structures that plunge into the southern ocean, a beauty against the blue of the ocean. These limestone rock formations were formed naturally over millions of years with the help of ocean waves and wind forces. Last time we saw, there were only 9 rock stacks and with time and erosion and collapse some have disappeared. Enjoy today the magnificence of the 12 Apostles which are famous and one of the beautiful parts of any rugged coast in the world.
How the Rock Formations were formed over Time
The formation of the 12 Apostles is a sequence of geologic events that started millions of years ago. The layers are made of limestone formed from deposits of an old oceanic body of water. Erosion was abundant, which caused sedimentation, geological movements, and the relentless pounding of ocean waves that formed these giant rock towers. Erosion is still at work, and every time you visit this place, you will see a new dramatic landscape.
How to get to the 12 Apostles
Getting to the 12 Apostles is not too hard, but part of the trip is an adventure itself. It’s situated on the Great Ocean Road, one of the most beautiful drives in Australia. This road runs along the coast and passes through small towns, tempting the discerning traveller. The nearest big towns are Port Campbell and Apollo Bay, which have all the amenities travellers need. Of all the towns, Port Campbell is the closest to the 12 Apostles, so it’s the best place to base yourself and explore the area.
Towns nearby: Port Campbell and Apollo Bay
Port Campbell is a small but busy town just 30 minutes from the 12 Apostles. It has many B&B’s and some beautiful houses. It also has restaurants, shops and walking trails so it’s a lovely place to be after a day of adventure.
Apollo Bay is also a beautiful coastal town on the great ocean road an hours drive from the 12 apostles. It has several types of lodges, cafes and sites. So Apollo Bay is further from the 12 apostles than Port Campbell but has more services and better views of the sea.
When To Visit The 12 Apostles?
When planning a trip to the 12 apostles one of the most important things to consider is the time of your visit. This is important because there are benefits to visiting at sunrise or sunset. Every time of day has its own vibe and amount of light so you need to plan ahead to find the best option to get the best experience.
Best Time Of Day
Sunrise: Visiting the 12 apostles at sunrise is an adventure. The sunrise light warms up the rocks and makes them even more beautiful. Quiet times and fewer people mean you can get the best shots without any distractions. It’s also a good time to take a helicopter flight or visit Gibson Steps and Loch Ard Gorge without the usual tourist crowds.
Sunset: The 12 apostles also have great sunset views, and the viewers are treated to a range of sunsets on the rock formations. The warm and soft light of the evening sun highlights the details of the limestone stacks and the coastal cliffs, great shots of this natural wonder. Sunset is one of the windiest times, and most of the time, it is. So you’ll spend some time in the queue for the popular spot. This is also a good time to have dinner at one of the restaurants or drive along the Great Ocean Road and admire the coast in the golden light.
Best Time Of The Year
Summer: December is a summer holiday in Australia where the 12 apostles are warm and the days are long. This is the most popular season for many and, as a result, gets a lot of tourists, making this the busiest of all seasons. Adding to the inconvenience of the crowds, this season has great weather and phenomena perfect for the seaside towns and getting out of the hotels for adventures like walking, beach and surfing in places like Bells Beach and Johanna Beach.
June to August are the winter months with fewer tourists and cooler weather. This region can get wild and rough, with big waves and rough seas, which adds to the 12 Apostles’ experience. It’s also during these months and early spring that you can experience the wild rugged co astline in winter with towering cliffs and ocean views. This is for those who don’t mind visiting in winter to see the coastline.
What else is near the 12 Apostles?
The 12 Apostles area has many more natural wonders and coastal towns to see. Here are some of the best:
- Loch Ard Gorge: A beautiful spot with big cliffs, a nice beach, and a look at the shipwrecks that shaped the area’s history.
- London Bridge: Another interesting rock formation not far from the landmark, this time with a more interesting shape and a better story.
- Gibson Steps: The steps down to the beach beneath the rock stacks have great views of the base of the 12 Apostles.
- Hopetoun Falls: A lovely waterfall not far from the Great Otway National Park and surrounded by greenery and forests.
Twelve Apostles Tours
Extend your stay at the 12 Apostles by taking one of the tours offered. Choices are guided tours on the Great Ocean Road, helicopter flights over the rock formation, and water boat rides that give you views of the water. Apostles Helicopters gives you great views of the coast and the Apostles but doesn’t give you some of the tired views you get from the local tour guides who know this historical and cultural area like the back of their hand. To see more, pleasant walking tours or a 12 Apostles tour of Muttonbird Island and the Bay of Islands are recommended.
When will you visit the 12 Apostles?
The best time to visit the 12 Apostles is really dependent on the weather and how busy the area is and what you want to do around the area. Other than that, each season has its own merits if you appreciate it. So whether you like winter quietness, spring action, summer heat or autumn thrills, by preparing ahead and knowing the seasons will help you enjoy your visit just the same.
Conclusion
Plan your visit to the 12 Apostles well because it makes a big difference to how you experience this natural wonder. If you like the early morning sun or the golden hour of evening dusks, it’s amazing at any time of day. Some planning of the best times of day and year and what to do and see will give you good photo opportunities. Whether you’re here for a day or a week, the 12 Apostles and surrounds will give you a well-rounded trip of nature and culture.
FAQ
How to see the 12 Apostles?
Best time of day is up to you. In summer, early morning has less people and golden light but in the evening, tourists get better colours and sunset opportunities to take photos of the rocks from different angles.
When to visit the 12 Apostles?
Summer brings warmer temperatures and longer days which is also the peak tourist season. Winter brings quieter sights with thick & dramatic coast and no crowds.
How do I get to the 12 Apostles?
The 12 Apostles are along the Great Ocean Road with access points at the towns of Port Campbell and Apollo Bay. Both towns have accommodation and services for tourists and visitors.
What else to see nearby?
Further along the same road are Loch Ard Gorge, London Bridge, Gibson Steps and Hopetoun Falls. More opportunities to see more of the beautiful coastal scenery and nature of the area.
Are there any tours available?
Yes, there are tours to choose from including sightseeing tours, helicopter tours over the sights and tour boats. These will give you different views of the 12 Apostles and surrounding area.
