Victoria

Great Ocean Road

The 12 Apostles are icons of the Great Ocean Road. Giant rock stacks that soar from the waters of the Southern Ocean & are a central feature of the spectacular Port Campbell National Park.
The dramatic limestone cliffs that are the backdrop to the Apostles tower up to 70m, while the tallest of the rock stacks is around 45m high.

The Apostles had their beginnings up to 20 million years ago with the ocean attacking the soft limestone of the Port Campbell cliffs. The stormy Southern Ocean & blasting winds gradually eroded the softer limestone, forming caves in the cliffs. The caves eventually became arches & when they collapsed, rock islands up were left isolated from the shore.

This has created the 12 Apostles & a range of other stunning natural features along this remarkable stretch of coastline. 

Among them are Pudding Basin Rock, Island Arch, the Razorback, Muttonbird Island, Thunder Cave, the Blowhole, Bakers Oven, London Bridge & the Grotto.

Extenisve boardwalks & viewing platforms ensure visitors experience sweeping, awe-inspiring vistas. espically at sunrise & sunset.

History of the Great Ocean Road

In 1864 the State of Victoria identified the need for a road along the south-west coastline, however, the idea was not to be initiated until 1914, with the creation of The Great Ocean Road Corridor Strategy. In 1918 surveys of the area were completed, & construction began in 1919.  

The official Great Ocean Road was opened in Lorne on November 26, 1932. From 1932 to 1936, the Great Ocean Road was a toll road, with vehicles stopping at the Fairhaven toll gate.

Towns of the Great Ocean Road

12 Apostles National Park Website