Twelve Apostles Marine National Park
Limestone stacks rise from turquoise waves like stone guardiansLimestone stacks rise up to 45 meters from the Southern Ocean along Victoria's coast. Home to seabirds, penguins, and seals amid underwater canyons and arches.
The Twelve Apostles Marine National Park spans 75 square kilometers along Victoria's southern coast. Limestone stacks tower 45 meters above the ocean, while underwater canyons and kelp forests teem with marine life. You'll find sea spiders crawling across limestone reefs, sponges in yellow and orange hues, and little penguins nesting in coastal caves. Between June and September, southern right whales and humpbacks swim past the cliffs during their annual migration.
Limestone Formations and Ocean Views
The Southern Ocean's waves have carved caves and arches into the mainland cliffs over millions of years. When these arches eventually collapsed, they left behind the towering rock formations you see today. Six of the original twelve apostles still stand, while two additional formations - Gog and Magog - rise from the water near Gibson's Beach. The limestone cliffs shift from bright yellow to orange as the sun moves across the sky.
Marine Life and Underwater Landscapes
The underwater world contains steep reefs and deep canyons where bull kelp forests sway in the current. Sea sponges in purple, red, and orange cover the limestone surfaces. You'll find Victoria's largest concentration of invertebrate species living on these reefs. Australian fur seals rest on exposed rocks, while rock lobsters and reef fish swim through the kelp forests. From June to September, southern right whales and humpbacks pass through these waters during their migration.
Best Times to Visit and Viewing Points
From the main viewing platform, you can see six of the apostles clearly. Walk down Gibson Steps to view two additional formations up close. Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and capture better photos. The visitor center stays open until 5 PM and includes parking and restrooms. In summer evenings, watch little penguins waddle up to their cave nests as the sun sets.
Getting There and Nearby Exploration
You can reach the park from Melbourne (275 kilometers away) via two routes: the Great Ocean Road, which takes 4.5 hours but follows the coastline, or the inland route through Colac in 3 hours. Stay in Port Campbell, 7 kilometers west, where you'll find hotels and guesthouses. Walk the trails around Loch Ard Gorge to see more rock formations like the Razorback and Tom and Eva, then continue to Shipwreck lookout and the surrounding beaches.
