Travel Guides and Stories

The Twelve Apostles

In March, I traveled independently through Australia and New Zealand. Here, I’m sharing a batch of selfies taken at the Great Ocean Road’s “Twelve Apostles.” I still have other things to take care of, so more travel notes will be posted after they're organized. Everyone knows that Jesus had twelve apostles, but even devout Christians may struggle to name them all. I’m not a believer myself, so I don’t know their history. What I want to talk about here is the “Twelve Apostles” on the Southern Ocean—a group of bizarre rock formations (twelve sandstone stacks, also called “The Twelve Apostles”) that have stood for millennia, shaped by wind and waves. The Twelve Apostles are about 275 kilometers southwest of Melbourne, about a four-hour drive along the Great Ocean Road. Seeing these towering rocks rising from the Southern Ocean—witnessing the majestic Twelve Apostles in person—is a powerful experience, a true testament to the wonders of nature. These iconic landmarks are part of Port Campbell National Park’s spectacular coastline in Victoria, Australia. The limestone and sandstone cliffs here have been shaped by the sea and wind over millions of years, creating not just the Twelve Apostles, but also Loch Ard Gorge, London Arch, and other dramatic features. Starting 10–20 million years ago, the softer limestone cliffs of the continental shelf were gradually eroded by the roaring Southern Ocean and fierce winds, forming caves that eventually became arches. When these arches collapsed, the remaining stacks—up to 45 meters high—stood alone in the sea, sculpted by nature into twelve unique rock pillars. Their number and shapes are reminiscent of Jesus’ twelve apostles, hence the name. Nature’s artistry has created this awe-inspiring spectacle. Over time, relentless waves have reduced the original twelve to just eight. The most recent collapse was on July 3, 2005, when a 45-meter-tall stack suddenly crumbled into the sea—within seconds, it was gone. The fallen rubble was still 10 meters above sea level. That day, a 15-year-old Sydney boy and his parents witnessed and photographed the moment: one photo at 9:18, another at 9:19. In just a minute, the massive rock vanished forever. Some scientists say that one day, all the Twelve Apostles will disappear. What you see in the moment is, in fact, history.

The Great Ocean Road is called “the most beautiful coastal highway in the world.” The journey is lush and scenic, with rolling pastures and a dramatic coastline. The houses are built along the hillsides in neat rows. We passed several picturesque seaside towns—nestled between mountains and sea, with great views. Due to time constraints, we could only make brief stops before heading back to Melbourne.

The Twelve Apostles

The Twelve Apostles

The Twelve Apostles

The Twelve Apostles

The Twelve Apostles

Loch Ard Gorge, also known as “Loch Ard Canyon,” lets you get up close to the rock formations and walk down the stairs to the beach for a scenic stroll. Standing atop the cliffs, you’ll be amazed by the sheer cliffs and the narrow mouth where the gorge meets the sea. When the weather is wild and the waves are huge, it’s even more spectacular. Nature’s power is immense—on June 1, 1878, the British immigrant ship “Loch Ard” was wrecked here en route to Melbourne, killing 52 people with only 2 survivors. To commemorate the victims, 52 graves were built nearby, and the location was named “Loch Ard.”

Loch Ard Gorge