The 12 Apostles are a collection of limestone stacks off the shore of the Port Campbell National Park on the southern coast of Victoria, 275 kilometres west of Melbourne. The name is a little curious as there were only ever 9 stacks. There are now 8 left after one collapsed in 2005.
We drove along the spectacular Great Ocean Road to reach the 12 Apostles. The coast is rugged and beautiful and the countryside dramatic. I would show you more, but almost every time we stopped the car to take photos it began to rain.
A howling wind greeted us as we stepped onto the viewing platform. I could barely stand, let alone hold the camera still, but I managed a few photos.
The Apostles are created by erosion. The harsh and extreme weather conditions from the Southern Ocean gradually erode the soft limestone cliffs to form caves, which then become arches. These then collapse and leaving rock stacks up to 50 metres high.
It is possible to see the effects of erosion on the nearest stack. The rate of erosion is about 2 centimetres a year. Wave action and wind is likely to produce more stacks in the future.
The cliffs were certainly taking a beating the day we visited.
The viewing area is very well set up. There is an enormous car park beside the highway with an information centre. Access to the platform is via an underpass, making the car park a discrete distance from the 12 Apostles.
The Great Ocean Rd is an Australian National Heritage listed 244 kilometre stretch of road along the south east coast of Australia between Torquay and Allanford.
It was built by approximately 3,000 returned soldiers between 1919 and 1932 and dedicated to soldiers killed during WWI. Construction was done by hand; using explosives, pick and shovel, wheel barrows and some small machinery. It is difficult to drive along the road without thinking of the soldiers and the hardships they endured.
So beautiful. I love a terrifically windy coast, and nature that’s left to its own devices. That was an outing after my own heart. Thanks for sharing, particularly as I am stuck in the urban rabbit-trail of Milan’s city center. This is just what I needed.
By: The Daily Cure on January 23, 2017
at 10:36 am
It is a beautiful coast. The rough weather suits it well.
By: Debra Kolkka on January 23, 2017
at 1:06 pm
So then Debra —- R U still in Victoria ,if so , call in for a coffee 😜
By: Richard the terrible on January 23, 2017
at 10:54 am
I left on Saturday night. I wish I had known your were in town.
By: Debra Kolkka on January 23, 2017
at 1:07 pm
I love motoring and have done many memorable drives, and do agree with you that the Great Ocean Road is one of the most magnificent drives anywhere . Your photos capture it very well.
By: Dianne CANT on January 23, 2017
at 12:22 pm
It is one of the great drives in the world.
By: Debra Kolkka on January 23, 2017
at 1:07 pm
That’s quite spectacular; thanks for sharing. I could almost feel that
wind blowing you over; wind is wonderful…..until it isn’t. Your photos ARE good despite the blustery day. The story too – named the 12, altho’ only
9, and now just 8. Seems apropos to the times – fake news? in the roller coaster ride of what to believe. Anyway, your shots tell it like it IS;…for
now. Well done!
By: Anonymous on January 23, 2017
at 9:17 pm
I guess the 9 Apostles just didn’t sound right at the time. They are spectacular despite the incorrect name.
By: Debra Kolkka on January 23, 2017
at 9:35 pm
Great photos. Gorgeous place.
By: Coral Waight on January 23, 2017
at 10:51 pm
It is a beautiful place. I’m pleased the rain held off while we were there.
By: Debra Kolkka on January 23, 2017
at 11:55 pm
You’ve been in my backyard Debra! I live 15 minutes from Torquay, which is where the Great Ocean Road starts. It truly is stunning and I love to take international and interstate visitors down there.
By: Sharon Draper on January 23, 2017
at 11:28 pm
I had a great day with my son. I have been a couple of times and recommend the drive to anyone who comes to Australia.
By: Debra Kolkka on January 23, 2017
at 11:56 pm
Spectacular indeed – the drama of the wind must have suited the scenery.
By: Jan on January 24, 2017
at 7:02 am
It certainly adds to the drama of the scenery.
By: Debra Kolkka on January 25, 2017
at 4:41 am
Absolutely spectacular Debra! I think the rainy weather made the photos even more beautiful! I have heard much about the twelve apostles but did not know their history. Isn’t it sad how often human labor and pain was used to build beautiful things?
By: thirdeyemom on January 25, 2017
at 3:33 am
It breaks my heart that these soldiers worked in this hardship straight from the war. Perhaps at the time the government thought they were doing a good thing giving them jobs, and, in a way, perhaps they were correct. Nobody had heard of post traumatic stress then.
By: Debra Kolkka on January 25, 2017
at 4:41 am
Yes so true Debra. Thanks for sharing this story.
By: thirdeyemom on January 25, 2017
at 4:52 pm
Joy Thought you might enjoy this blog
Cheers Aileen
By: Aileen Gordon on January 25, 2017
at 11:02 am
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By: GOOD LUCK on February 5, 2017
at 7:12 am
Great shots!! They are truly spectacular – I visited for the first time myself last weekend and was amazed by the beauty and ruggedness of the landscape. Did you get a chance to check out Loch ard Gorge just down the road? It was definitely another highlight 🙂
By: Kia Jade on April 15, 2017
at 8:40 am
That will have to be next time. We had limited time.
By: Debra Kolkka on April 15, 2017
at 8:58 am
There is always next time – just another great excuse to go back 🙂
By: Kia Jade on April 15, 2017
at 9:02 am
Wow what a great gallery!
By: louresa on April 19, 2017
at 4:12 pm
Thank you. It was a busy year.
By: Debra Kolkka on January 5, 2018
at 11:58 pm
[…] January I visited the Great Ocean Road with my son and we stopped at the magnificent Twelve Apostles. Even a grey day could not dampen our […]
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at 8:18 am
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at 11:36 pm