A week in Melbourne, Australia- 5/4- 5/10/2024

Day 2-The Twelve Apostles-5/5/2024

The highlight of the Great Ocean Road is the Twelve Apostles, a spectacular series of limestone stacks rising dramatically from the Southern Ocean. These formations were created over millions of years, as wind, rain, and powerful waves eroded the soft limestone cliffs. First, caves formed in the cliffs, which then became arches; eventually, when the arches collapsed, isolated rock pillars were left standing offshore.

When we arrived, it was raining steadily, but that did not stop us to walked to the viewing platform.

 With our hoodies pulled up, we walked along the viewing platform, braving the drizzle in exchange for one of the most breathtaking sights of the journey.

From the viewing platform the panorama instantly took our breath away.  Even in the mist and drizzle, the limestone stacks stood tall and commanding, the cliffs stretching endlessly along the coast while the waves thundered against their bases.

 Despite the name, there were never twelve stacks, originally there were nine, and today only seven remain, as erosion continues to reshape the coastline. They are called the “Twelve Apostles” as a nod to their grandeur and significance, a name that evokes a sense of awe and importance.

The site is world-famous because of its sheer natural beauty: the golden cliffs, the striking contrast of turquoise ocean against pale limestone, and the way the stacks glow at sunrise and sunset.

 From the lookout, the three largest stacks dominate the seascape, rising tall and massive against the horizon, their bases constantly battered by waves yet still standing proud. They seem to anchor the group, showing the immense scale of what nature has carved. In front of them sits a smaller, solitary stack, almost like a little sentinel, adding depth and perspective to the scene. Its fragile size compared to the giants behind it makes you appreciate how each Apostle has its own character and story, slowly changing as the ocean continues its endless work.

Luckily, the rain stopped as we were walking on the viewing platform.

We walked further down the viewing platform, taking in new angles with each step. The gray skies gave the scene a moody, dramatic beauty that felt raw and powerful.

Toward the end of the path, we spotted a striking formation where the rock curves gracefully into the ocean.

The rock almost like a natural sculpture carved by centuries of wind and water. It was a moment that showed not just the grandeur of the Apostles themselves, but also the quiet artistry of the coastline all around them.

Hoa standing on the viewing platform and admiring the beauty of this place.

The waves were relentlessly crashing against the shore.

On the right is another rounded stack that is part of the Twelve Apostles.

OThis stack looks different because of its softer, curved profile, almost like it’s leaning into the ocean. This variety in shapes is part of what makes the view so fascinating: no two stacks are alike, and together they create a dramatic, sculptural seascape.

What makes the Apostles even more extraordinary is how they transform with the weather and light. In the rain, they take on a moody, dramatic presence, the sea a deep steel-blue beneath the mist. On sunny days, the cliffs blaze golden against the bright turquoise ocean. At sunset, they glow with fiery hues of orange and pink, casting long shadows across the water. Each moment feels unique, as if the Apostles are never exactly the same twice.

Walking the platforms in the rain, we felt a mix of awe and reverence, reminded of how small we are against the forces of time, water, and stone.

The viewing platform at the Twelve Apostles offers a sweeping panorama of the limestone stacks rising from the Southern Ocean. From up high, the perspective is breathtaking, you can see the Apostles lined up in the distance, the cliffs stretching endlessly along the coast, and the restless waves pounding the shore.

On our walk back toward the parking lot, we paused again at the lookout, unable to resist one more glance at the four towering stacks in front of us.

Seeing them from a slightly different angle made them feel even more striking, each one unique in shape, yet together forming an unforgettable seascape.

Panoramic view

With the waves crashing below and the mist still hanging in the air, the Apostles looked both timeless and ever-changing, a view so amazing it was hard to finally turn away.

 Standing on the viewing platform, we took in the breathtaking sight of the four limestone stacks rising from the ocean, framed by the towering cliffs that surrounded the coastline.

The combination of sheer rock walls, endless sea, and the Apostles standing proudly against the waves created a scene that felt almost unreal. Watching the power of the ocean against such immense formations was nothing short of amazing, a moment that will stay with us long after the journey.

Sign about the Twelve Apostles.

NEXT... Loch Ard Gorge