Tips on Visiting the 12 Apostles

Apart from this beautiful landmark, there is surprisingly a lot of great things to see and do as you make your way along one of Australia’s most breathtaking coastlines. Due to time restraints on my recent trip I missed out on making that drive an adventure, so I’ve done my research and put together all my tips on visiting the 12 Apostles.

You can explore beautiful little sea side towns, enjoy panoramic views along the coastline and spot kangaroos, koalas and even whales. If you’re feeling adventurous you can also zip-line your way through a treetop canopy and maybe even splurge on a scenic helicopter flight over the incredible coastline.

Table of Contents

First Let’s Talk about the Logistics- Planning a Trip to The Great Ocean Road

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Trip Advisor: Travelers across the globe use the Tripadvisor site to discover where to stay, what to do, and where to eat based on guidance from those who have been there before. With more than one billion reviews and opinions of nearly eight million businesses, travelers turn to Tripadvisor to find deals on accommodations, book experiences, reserve tables at delicious restaurants, and discover great places nearby.

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Melbourne to Torquay

The Great Ocean Road is one of the most spectacular drives in the world, stretching 243 kilometres from Torquay to Allansford. If you’re like most people visiting Melbourne, you will be making your way from Melbourne CBD to the small town called Torquay which is just over an hour’s drive. Marked as the official beginning of the Great Ocean Rd and home to some of Australia’s best-known surf beaches including the famous Bell’s Beach. This beach is host to the annual Rip Curl Pro surf competition and although it wasn’t actually filmed here, it might look familiar as it featured in the final scene of the popular surf movie, Point Break.

Another hidden gem not many people know about here, is Cosy Corner, a beach that has little picket fences laid out along the sand. This beach would be amazing for sunset photos.

Torquay to Apollo Bay

There are many small seaside towns along the coast between Torquay to Apollo Bay. There is something to see and do at each town along the way so be sure to allow time for each!

Anglesea; a small seaside town renowned for its wildlife, particularly the kangaroos and wallabies who can be easily spotted on the greens of the local golf course almost daily.
Lorne; another small seaside townwith the perfect spot for fish and chips on the beach or along the Lorne Pier. Nearby is Teddy’s Lookout Point with amazing coastline views.
Kennett River; a spectacular point to spot dolphins, seals and whales (during whale-watching season May – September). It has a large koala population and the best way to spot them is to take a leisurely stroll along the Grey River Road. (The ‘koala’ walk)
Cape Otway Light Station; the oldest surviving lighthouse in mainland Australia. Walk to the top and see where the Bass Strait meets the Southern Ocean.
Chris’s Restaurant at Beacon’s Point; highly recommended on Trip Advisor which offers delicious seafood cuisine and has amazing cliff top views.

Apollo Bay to 12 Apostles

From Apollo Bay, start your day on the adventurous side at Otway Fly Tree Top and zip-line through the treetops. You can also walk along a treetop canopy walkway which is the longest and tallest of its type in the world!

Continuing along the Great Ocean Rd and it’s spectacular coastline, head to Port Campbell to finally reach the famous 12 Apostles.

Tip: In case you didn’t already know, the 12 Apostles is a group of limestone stacks formed along the coast. When you reach the Visitor Centre you can walk along a 1.1km viewing platform. This is the jaw dropping moment as the views from here are truly incredible. Another great tip on visiting the 12 Apostles is to see it at a ground-level view by descending all 86 of the Gibson Steps and walk down to the beach.

More Tips on Visiting the 12 Apostles

There is some highly underrated limestone formations along the Great Ocean Rd that offer spectacular views and superior photographic opportunities such as:

They are within 5-10 mins drive between each site along the Great Ocean Rd and start just after the 12 Apostles. There is also the option to take a scenic helicopter flight to see all of the above as well as the 12 Apostles!

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As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
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