Rising out of the Southern Ocean, alongside Australia's famous Great Ocean Road, you will find the 12 Apostles, one of Australia's most famous tourist spots. The 12 apostles belong to the Port Campbell National Park area, located 227 km from Melbourne (Victoria).

The formations were created by the constant erosion of the continent's limestone cliffs, between 10 and 20 million years ago. The stormy Southern Ocean and strong winds gradually corroded the softer limestone, forming caves in the cliffs. The caves ended up becoming arches, and when piles of rocks up to 45 meters high collapsed, they were left isolated from the coast.

Despite the name, there were never twelve rock formations at the site, but only nine. However, there are currently only eight. A complete collapse in 2005 put down a 50-meter apostle.

In addition to the 12 apostles, there are other interesting places to visit in the areas of Port Campbell National Park such as Loch Ard Gorge, a beach that would have been the scene of Australia's most famous shipwreck, and London Bridge, a rock formation that formed a natural bridge until 1990, when part of it collapsed leaving two tourists trapped and scared. Also, much closer to the big attraction, there is the Gibson Steps, a huge stairway in a gorge that leads to the beach from where you can see other huge rock formations in the same style as the 12 apostles.

The access to the park where the viewpoints are located to see the 12 apostles is free, and despite the number of tourists, there is the perfect place for you to make several records. You can also take a helicopter flight over the impressive rock formations.

How to get there

It is a 4.5-hour scenic drive from Melbourne via Geelong along the Great Ocean Road to the 12 Apostles. You can return to Melbourne on the 3.5-hour inland route along the Princes Highway. From Melbourne, there are also many options for day tours, with accommodation available for short trips and longer stays.

The 12 apostles is a beautiful and impactful scenario that you will certainly register in photos and your memory forever.