Rocking the Bucket List: Visiting the Twelve Apostles, Victoria

When you’re planning your next adventure to Victoria, Australia, ensure that you take the time to see the incredible Twelve Apostles. This breathtaking rock formation is just one of the many highlights along the Great Ocean Road, a 240-kilometer scenic route that stretches from Torquay all the way to Warrnambool.

I visited the Twelve Apostles over 5 years ago and can still remember the natural beauty of the coastline and how the endless blue ocean seemed to stretch on forever. Standing on the lookout gazing across the coastline of Australia, The Twelve Apostles were an incredible sight to behold. I stood there thinking how these magnificent stacks of limestone would have been bystanders – witnesses so to speak – to our natural and man-made history. I wondered what these formations would have looked like centuries ago – were they bigger, and could they have even been touching? Not going to lie, I may have also imagined the scene from the Little Mermaid where Ariel splashes up on a rock. What can I say, I’m a Disney adult.

Looking at the Twelve Apostles, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe and wonder at the power of nature. The sheer size and scale of these formations was truly breathtaking, and it reminded me of just how small we all really are in the grand scheme of things. Imagine what it would be like standing at the base or on top of them, feeling the cool ocean spray on your face and the wind whipping through your hair (but forget about how much of a nightmare it would be to comb out afterwards, it just ruins the vibe).

What are the Twelve Apostles?

The Twelve Apostles are a collection of towering limestone stacks that rise majestically out of the ocean along the southern coast of Victoria. According to these guys (who know a thing or two about rocks) these formations occurred naturally over time as a result of erosion due to the harsh and sometimes extreme weather conditions of the Southern Ocean. You can only imagine the ferocity of the waves crashing into The Australian coastline, chipping away at the soft limestone to eventually create what we have standing before us today.

Although the name suggests that there are twelve of them, only eight remain due to natural forces and erosion that have caused some of them to collapse over time. They still make for a stunning sight, especially during sunrise or sunset when the light creates a dramatic contrast against the gorgeous blue water.

There are several areas to view the Twelve Apostles, including the nearby Gibson Steps or the Twelve Apostles lookout. For the more adventurous souls, there are helicopter tours available, giving you a bird’s eye view of the formation and the awe-inspiring landscape.

What nature and wildlife can you find?

Did you know that the rugged coastline around the Twelve Apostles is home to a variety of unique wildlife? Kangaroos, wallabies, echidnas, and even whales can be spotted in the area. Keep an eye out for the colorful parrots and cockatoos that call the area home, and don’t forget to take a stroll along the beach to admire the stunning rock formations and tidal pools.

But the Twelve Apostles are just one of the many wonders to experience along the Great Ocean Road. Whether you’re a driving enthusiast or a hiking fan, there are plenty of opportunities to explore and take in the natural beauty along the Great Ocean Road. We didn’t get to see much of the area when we were there because by the time we got there it was rather crowded, but next opportunity we get you can bet I’ll be out exploring!

How to get to the Twelve Apostles

If you’re thinking of heading to the Twelve Apostles from any of the capital cities in Australia, you’ve got a few options for getting there.

If you’re up for a road trip, driving from Perth would take about 32 hours, while driving from Adelaide would take around 7 hours, from Melbourne it’s around 3 hours and 45 minutes, from Sydney it’s just under 10 hours, and from Brisbane it’s about 19 and a half hours.

But if you’re more into flying, you can get there a lot quicker. Flying from Perth with a layover in Melbourne would take about 4 hours, from Adelaide it’s just under 2 hours, from Melbourne it’s about 1 hour, from Sydney it’s about 1 hour and 25 minutes, and from Brisbane with a layover in Melbourne it’s about 2 hours.

Whichever way you choose to get there, the Twelve Apostles stunning scenery is sure to provide you with unforgettable memories.

Much love,
Lara X

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