The
spectacular twelve apostles are the main feature on the great ocean road. They are
a collection of limestone stacks rising 50 metres high off the
shore of the Port Campbell National Park. Despite the name there are
actually only eight apostles left standing as several have fallen as a result
of same forces that created them, erosion by the sea.
There are a
number of ways you can visit the twelve apostles, day or overnight bus tours
leave from Melbourne, but by far the best is to hire and do the drive yourself
taking time to stop and visit the spectacular coves along the way. If you were
to drive from Melbourne to the twelve apostles without stopping it will take approximately
4 hours but there is so much to see along this road I would recommend allowing
2-3 days. A good place to overnight is Apollo Bay which leaves you with a short
drive to the twelve apostles, this will allow you to visit at the best times of
sunrise and sunset where the orange light makes for the best photos and also
avoid the crowds. Unless you are visiting in the height of summer take a wind
proof jacket as it is very windy and can get cold. If your budget can stretch to it a helicopter
flight at sunset has to be the most spectacular way to see this amazing coastline.
Review added 07 June 2009