The Twelve Apostles

Great Ocean Road, Victoria

The Twelve Apostles is one of the most visited natural sites in Australia. The site contains various geological rock types, including limestone, calcarenite, mudstone and sandstone. The Twelve Apostles are large limestone stacks which were formed as a result of erosion by rain, gale force winds and wild seas. Some of the largest stacks stand approximately sixty five metres above sea-level. Unfortunately, on 3rd July 2005, one of the fifty metre high Apostles crumbled down to the ocean, leaving only eight apostles still standing.

The Marine National Park is home to the Weedy Sea dragon, Little Penguins, Lobster, Abalone, Sea urchins, Australian Fur Seals & Reef fish

Below the water of the impressive Apostles lies a labyrinth of canyons, caves, and arches. These natural features contain colourful seaweed, reef fish, natural sponge gardens, and sometimes receive a visit by an Australian Fur Seal.

Little Penguins can be found nesting in the caves below the Twelve Apostles. Viewing of the Penguins can be performed from the Twelve Apostles viewing platform first thing in the morning or just after dark.

The tourist site of the Twelve Apostles offers sealed paths to viewing areas, and a large sealed car park with accessible parking bays. Accessibility is generally good. The vegetation is low coastal heathland, allowing uninterrupted views.

Port Campbell National Park - 1750 hect - adjacent to Twelve Apostles Marine National Park
Bay of Islands Coastal Park
Merri Marine Sanctuary
The Arches Marine Sanctuary

For the protection of the marine environment, a number of activities are prohibited: No fishing, netting, spearing, taking or killing of marine life. All methods of fishing, from the shore or the sea, are prohibited.

12 Apostles - Another One falls down