12 Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge

One of the 12 Apostles, Great Ocean Road, Australia

How can a nation that began as a penal colony for Britain's convicts improve it's image?  By naming one of their landmarks after heroes of Christianity!  The Twelve Apostles are one of Australia's most recognizable attractions.  They are also one of the nation's most popular destinations, with over two million visitors per year!  Located on the famous Great Ocean Road, the Apostles are worth a road trip from Melbourne.  Better yet, drive the entire Great Ocean Road from Adelaide to Melbourne.  While you at Twelve Apostles, also check out the historic Loch Ard Gorge!

What to Expect

The eight miocene limestock stacks that make up the Twelve Apostles have been formed by wave erosion from the rough Southern Ocean.  Why only eight rock stacks? A ninth fell victim to the ocean in 2005, but there has never been twelve rock formations.  I guess twelve seemed like an easier number to remember!  Don't fear Australia, there is still hope to get to twelve columns!  Geologists think that future wave erosion will create more rock stacks.

Loch Ard Gorge, Great Ocean Road, Australia

The Apostles are located in Port Campbell National Park.  The park service has also built a Twelve Apostles visitor's center, with ample parking, restrooms, and even a small snack bar.  No camping is allowed in the park, though the town of Port Campbell has accommodation for all budgets.  There are several viewing areas and walking tracks available to view the Twelve Apostles. All in all, it will take less than an hour to take in the Twelve Apostles.  For the more adventurous, the apostles can also be seen from above through booking a tour with 12 Apostles Helicopters.

The Twelve Apostles sometimes overshadow another cool site nearby, the historical and beautiful Loch Ard Gorge.  Only a ten-minute drive west of the 12 Apostles, the gorge was named after a ship that ran aground nearby in 1878.  A stairway and path have been built that allow access to the undeveloped beach.  Like the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge has been formed by erosion.  

Just the Basics

Location: The 12 Apostles are located in Victoria, Australia, on the Great Ocean Road.
Suggested Tour Operator: Wildlife Tours Australia, though the entire Ocean Road is also a great self-guided road-trip. 
Advice: Though I didn't get the opportunity, the Twelve Apostles are best viewed at sunrise or sunset.