Twelve Apostles : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide
- By
- Aparna Patel
- |
- 19 Jun, 2023
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If you’re looking for a remarkable travel destination, The Twelve Apostles in Melbourne just might be the perfect spot. Situated off the rugged Victorian coast of Port Campbell National Park, the mesmerizing landmark is made up of stacks of limestone stacks which were created by thousands of years of erosion. This stunning sight is sure to leave you spellbound, as not only is it breathtakingly beautiful, but it also comes with a fascinating array of historical and spiritual legends. In this blog, we’ll explore some of the must-know facts and information about The Twelve Apostles, as well as provide a useful travel guide to make your visit to the landmark a magical experience.
Table of Contents
Interesting Facts About Twelve Apostles
1. The Twelve Apostles are actually limestone stacks that were once part of the mainland cliffs, slowly eroded away by wave action over time.
2. The Twelve Apostles are an iconic natural attraction in Australia and attract more than two million visitors every year.
3. The Twelve Apostles were mistakenly called ‘The Sow and Pigs’ by Captain Matthew Flinders in 1802.
4. The Twelve Apostles are home to a range of wildlife, including fur seals, little penguins, hooded plovers and short-tailed shearwaters.
5. There are actually only 9 Apostles today as three of the original 12 stacks collapsed in recent years.
6. The highest stack, currently standing at 23 metres tall, is known as ‘The Statue of Liberty’.
7. In 2005, the lighting of The Twelve Apostles was completed to make the Apostles stand out during the night.
8. The traditional owners of the land are the Gunditjmara people of the southwest coast of Victoria.
9. The word ‘apostles’ was first used to refer to the stacks in 1945 by a Sydney journalist.
10. One of Australia’s most famous shipwrecks, the Loch Ard, struck the base of one of the stacks and sank of the coast of Port Campbell in 1878.
11. The Twelve Apostles is part of the larger, Ninety-Mile Beach, a 145-kilometre stretch of uninterrupted coastline.
12. The surrounding land is protected under the Port Campbell National Park.
History & Information About Twelve Apostles
The Twelve Apostles are a collection of rocky limestone stacks standing off the shore of the Port Campbell National Park in Victoria, Australia. This stunning series of limestone formations were originally called the Sow and Piglets. Approximately 10 million years ago, the limestone cliffs of the Victoria region were gradually eroded by the waves of the Southern Ocean. Over time, these erosions created caves in the cliffs, which eventually became arches, and eventually collapsed, leaving the giant stacks that stand today.
The name Twelve Apostles was given by a local tourism entrepreneur in the 1920s and is the most visited tourist attraction in the Great Ocean Road region.
The site comprises four main sections – the mainland cliffs, with spectacular rock formations (including London Arch), the Island Archway, the Grotto, and the Bay of Islands. These formations come in all shapes and sizes, including pyramids, spires, and columns. They are numbered from 1 to 8 from east to west, with the 4-8 group further divided into 8A-C to the west and 4A-C to the east.
The site is also of importance to the traditional owners of the land, the Gunditjmara people, for whom it could have both spiritual and historical connotations. For them it is known as the ‘Lorro Beneah’ or the ’Garden of the Spirits’.
Due to the erosive effects of the ocean environment, the rate of destruction of the formations is faster than their growth. As of October 2019 the remaining stacks now stand at 8, having been reduced from 12 as a result of the relentless erosion of the limestone formations.
Travel Guide For Visiting Twelve Apostles
1. Enjoy a scenic drive along the Great Ocean Road. The scenic highway offers stunning panoramic views of the Twelve Apostles.
2. Book a tour or go on a self-guided walk along the Great Ocean Walk. This stunning coastal track is the perfect way to explore the cliffs and rainforests of the limestone formations.
3. Explore the ocean floor and the limestone formations at the Twelve Apostles Marine National Park. Snorkeling and diving in the waters here is a great way to spot rare fish, seals, and even whales.
4. Visit the Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch. This triumphal-style arch marks the start of the Great Ocean Road and overlooks the Twelve Apostles.
5. Stop by Gibson’s Steps. These steps built of basalt slabs form the main access point to the base of the Apostles for visitors.
6. Take a tour of the Arch, London Bridge, and Loch Ard Gorge. These nearby formations are home to amazing geology and plant life.
7. Head to nearby towns. Warrnambool, Apollo Bay, and Lorne are all great places to explore the southern coast of Victoria.
8. Get close to the Apostles on an adventure cruise. A number of tour operators offer boat trips to the Apostles, with the rugged coastline stretching as far as the eye can see.
9. Go camping at Johanna Beach. The beach provides some of the best camping spots along the coast, as well as a great spot to watch some local wildlife.
10. Dine at one of the local restaurants. There are a number of restaurants in the area offering local cuisine and fresh seafood.
11. Spend a night at the 12 Apostles Hotel and Spa. The resort is located near the entrance to the Apostles and provides a relaxing base from which to explore the nearby area.
12. Enjoy the nearby attractions. Other sights in the area include Cape Otway Lightstation, Oz Rock and Wildlife Sanctuary, and Apollo Bay Coastal Walk.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Twelve Apostles
Q: Where can I find the Twelve Apostles?
A: The Twelve Apostles are located off the Great Ocean Road near Port Campbell in Victoria, Australia.
Q: How long does it take to visit the Apostles?
A: It usually takes about half a day to visit the Apostles and explore the area.
Q: What is the best time of day to visit the Apostles?
A: The best time of day to visit the Apostles is during the late afternoon or early evening when the sun is setting. This is when the views are at their best and the colors are most vivid.
Q: How far are the Twelve Apostles from Melbourne?
A: The Twelve Apostles are about a three hour drive from Melbourne.
Q: Are there any activities to do near the Apostles?
A: Yes! You can go kayaking, swimming, fishing, and snorkeling near the Apostles, or take a helicopter ride to view the rocks from the sky.