Twelve Apostles Marine National Park

Top Attractions in Twelve Apostles Marine National Park

Twelve Apostles Marine National Park Essentials

Twelve Apostles Marine National Park protects a dramatic stretch of Victoria's coastline, characterized by limestone stacks and high cliffs. This selection highlights the geological diversity of the Great Ocean Road, from the towering 45-meter-high apostles to the narrow entry of Loch Ard Gorge. The area is defined by the Shipwreck Coast's history, including the 1878 Loch Ard disaster, and features accessible lookouts for viewing the Razorback's jagged edges, the Mutton Bird Island colony, and the subterranean echoes of Thunder Cave.

Twelve Apostles Marine National Park Essentials — Map

Richard Mikalsen / CC BY-SA 3.0

A

The Twelve Apostles

The Twelve Apostles are a collection of limestone stacks off the shore of Port Campbell National Park, by the Great Ocean Road in Victoria,…

Haaslave185 / CC BY-SA 4.0

B

Loch Ard Gorge

Named after the clipper Loch Ard, which wrecked here in 1878, this site features a narrow opening to the Southern Ocean and a sheltered sandy beach flanked by yellow limestone cliffs.

Camelboy / CC BY-SA 3.0

C

Gibson Steps

The Gibson Steps are an area of cliffs on the south coast of Australia, located at 38°40′06″S 143°06′43″E.

D

Island Archway Lookout

This viewpoint overlooks a massive limestone structure that once formed a complete natural arch before collapsing in 2009. The site now consists of two separate pillars standing in the ocean.

E

The Razorback

A long, narrow limestone rock formation with jagged edges carved by wind and salt spray. It illustrates the erosion process that eventually creates isolated sea stacks.

F

Mutton Bird Island Lookout

Provides views of a large offshore rock that serves as a significant nesting site for short-tailed shearwaters, also known as mutton birds, between October and April.

Chensiyuan / GFDL

G

Thunder Cave

A narrow gorge where rushing water is forced into a deep cavern, creating a loud, booming sound as waves crash against the back of the cave.

H

12 Apostles Helicopters

Aerial tours departing from a heliport near the main visitor center, offering flight paths over the Twelve Apostles, London Bridge, and the Bay of Islands.

I

Elephant Rock

A distinct limestone formation located near the mouth of the Sherbrook River, visible from the walking tracks near Loch Ard Gorge.

J

Loch Ard Cemetery

A historical site containing the graves of those who perished in the 1878 Loch Ard shipwreck, including members of the Carmichael family.