Port Campbell - 12 Apostles
The Twelve Apostles are towering limestone stacks rising from the Southern Ocean beside the dramatic cliffs of Port Campbell National Park. They are one of Australia's best-known natural landmarks and the most famous attraction along the Great Ocean Road.
Despite the name, there were never twelve stacks grouped together at this location. The formations were originally known as the Sow and Piglets before being renamed the Twelve Apostles for tourism purposes. Seven of the original Apostles remain visible, although erosion continues to reshape the cliffs, arches and stacks along this coastline.
Visitors park on the inland side of the Great Ocean Road and follow a pedestrian path beneath the road to the coastal viewing area. Wide paths, boardwalks and several viewing platforms provide different perspectives of the stacks and surrounding cliffs.
The main lookout provides expansive views towards the best-known group of Apostles. Continue along the boardwalk to additional viewing areas, including lower platforms that bring visitors closer to the cliff edge while remaining safely behind barriers. Interpretive information explains the geology, coastal environment and Eastern Maar cultural connections.
Sunrise and sunset provide beautiful light on the limestone, although sunset is generally one of the busiest periods. Early morning is usually quieter. At dusk, Little Penguins may sometimes be seen returning to the beach far below, but they are extremely small when viewed from the lookout.
Distance: Approximately 600 metres to 1.2 km return, depending on the viewing platforms visited
Time: Allow approximately 45 minutes
Terrain: Mostly level with gentle gradients
Track: Sealed paths, boardwalks and viewing platforms
Start/Finish: Twelve Apostles visitor car park
Facilities:
Facilities include:
- Large sealed car park
- Designated accessible parking spaces
- Public toilets, including an accessible toilet
- Visitor kiosk
- Café and refreshments
- Picnic tables
- Shelters
- Interpretive information
- Multiple viewing platforms
- Walking tracks
Accessibility:
The Twelve Apostles viewing area has good access for wheelchairs and prams. Approximately 600 metres of sealed paths lead from the car park through or around the visitor facilities to accessible boardwalks and viewing areas.
Prams and wheelchairs can reach the lower viewing platform by following the accessibility signs near the main lookout. Wheelchairs may be available from the kiosk during staffed hours.
Gibson Steps Lookout Walk:
Leave the car at the Twelve Apostles car park and follow a section of the Great Ocean Walk to Gibson Steps. The track begins behind the kiosk, passes through coastal vegetation and safely travels beneath the Great Ocean Road. It finishes at the Gibson Steps lookout, with views of Gibson Beach, towering cliffs and the offshore stacks known as Gog and Magog.
Distance: 2.2 km return
Time: Approximately 45-60 minutes return, plus viewing time
Terrain: Mostly level with gentle gradients
Track: Narrow gravel and crushed-rock path
Start/Finish: Behind the kiosk at the Twelve Apostles visitor precinct
This track is not recommended for wheelchairs, mobility scooters or prams. The lookout beside the Gibson Steps car park is accessible by a separate short path. Beach access involves descending 86 steps and may close because of tides, weather or unstable coastal conditions.
Opening Hours:
The lookouts and walking tracks are open every day from dawn to dusk.
A new Twelve Apostles Visitor Centre is scheduled to open in late 2026. A booking and visitor fee system is expected to be introduced when the new centre opens. Check the official website for current access, booking and fee information.
Cost:
Access is currently free. Check the official Twelve Apostles page before visiting because booking and fee arrangements are expected to change when the new visitor centre opens.
Access for Dogs:
Dogs and other pets are not permitted in Port Campbell National Park. Assistance animals are permitted.
How to get there:
The Twelve Apostles are approximately 7 km east of Port Campbell and 6 km west of Princetown. Follow the signs from the Great Ocean Road into the visitor car park. Do not park beside the Great Ocean Road.
Location
Booringa Road, Port Campbell 3269 View Map
Web Links
→ visitgreatoceanroad.org.au/visit12apostles/the-12-apostles
