Here’s how you can walk on the beach at the 12 Apostles – with nearby access down the cliffs to the sand.
The 12 Apostles Lookout is a famous cliff-top lookout along Victoria’s Great Ocean Road. The surrounding scenery is incredible limestone rock formations, the big swell of the Southern Ocean, and the towering cliffs.
Stepping onto the 12 Apostles Lookout is a memory that will last with you forever, as the scenery takes your breath away. The sight of the limestone stacks is even better in real life than in any photos.
However, you’d be forgiven for wondering how you can walk on the beach at the 12 Apostles. Standing on the sand with the waves rolling in and the towering cliffs above you is surely an amazing way to explore this location. Well, you’d be right. This coastline has some amazing beaches and the good news is you can visit them.
How to walk on the beach at the 12 Apostles
Beach access via the Gibson Steps
The closest beach access to the 12 Apostles is at nearby Gibson Steps. Gibson Beach is 1.1km from the 12 Apostles, and Gibson Steps has over 80 steps to take you down to the beach. You can walk or drive there from the 12 Apostles Visitor Centre. Keep in mind, due to ocean conditions, Gibson Steps are sometimes closed at times when there is a high tide or unsafe conditions. If you do descend the stairs you will be treated to amazing views of the rocks just offshore as you stand on the beach. It is another great way to explore the 12 Apostles coastline.
Beach access at Loch Ard Gorge
If you visit the 12 Apostles and Gibsons Steps, don’t miss the chance to explore one other hidden beach – at Loch Ard Gorge. The water at this beach is usually relatively calm for this area, so it’s a beautiful location to relax. In addition you can explore the cliff top trails and lookouts and learn about the famous shipwreck of the Loch Ard at Mutton Bird Island.
Other Frequently Asked Questions
What are the 12 Apostles?
These giant limestone rock formations formed over many years of erosion. Now they can easily be seen from miles away. Because of their beauty this continues to be one of Australia’s most famous locations, with hundreds of thousands of visitors travelling here every year.
Two other rock formations, referred to as Gog and Magog by locals, are visible from the 12 Apostles Lookout. Call them extra Apostles if you will. They also can be viewed when you descend Gibsons Steps.
How far are the 12 Apostles from Melbourne?
To drive to the 12 Apostles Lookout there is a 230 kilometres inland route from the city of Melbourne. This should take 2.5 to 3 hours to get from the city to the viewpoint for these famous rock formations.
However there is also a longer scenic day trip to the 12 Apostles, via the iconic Great Ocean Road. We think this is a much more interesting option as there is so much to see and do along the way.
Can I swim at the 12 Apostles?
Due to the large swells and strong rips and currents, it’s not advised at most beaches in the area directly surrounding the 12 Apostles. These beaches are likely to have rapidly changing conditions and are not patrolled by lifeguards. Further along the Great Ocean Road, the beach at Port Campbell is patrolled in the warmer months if you do want to swim.
What can I do at Loch Ard Gorge?
As well as visit the beach and learn about the Shipwreck at Loch Ard Gorge, there are some other lookouts to explore. The Razorback is the long, narrow, yet very high, rock formation further along the coast. The lookout gives you a close up look at the Razorback as well as the surrounding cliffs, caves and Southern Ocean. The Island Archway is two rock formations that used to be one. However, in 2015, the top of the arch fell, leaving two large pillars similar to the Twelve Apostles.
Why are they called the Twelve Apostles?
It was a name given to them in the hope of attracting more tourists to the area. It seems to have worked as there are now hundreds of thousands of people who visit this spectacular coastline each year.
Where is the Great Ocean Road?
The Great Ocean Road starts in Torquay which is just over one hour’s drive from Melbourne. The road stretches for just over 250km all the way to the seaside town of Peterborough.
Take a tour to the 12 Apostles coastline
The best way to visit the 12 Apostles is to take a tour from Melbourne. If you plan to drive yourself, keep in mind it is a long distance from the city and hard to visit by driving yourself for a day trip. If you want to take a tour you can join us on a Day Tour or Sunset Tour of the Great Ocean Road. Here’s what each tour includes:
Great Ocean Road Day Tour
- Walk through lush rainforest rails at Maits Rest
- Enjoy morning tea on the picturesque beaches of Victoria’s Surf Coast
- See the Twelve Apostles in Port Campbell National Park
- Visit the Loch Ard Gorge, the site of the Loch Ard shipwreck
- See koalas in their natural habitat in the eucalyptus forests of the Kennett River township
- Visit the charming coastal township of Apollo Bay
Sunset Tour of the Great Ocean Road
- Drive through the Great Otway National Park
- Spot wild koalas while strolling in the sweetly-scented eucalyptus forest
- Visit the beaches of Victoria’s famous Surf Coast
- Marvel at the natural beauty of Loch Ard Gorge and hear the famous tale of shipwreck survival
- Visit the 12 Apostles Lookout at Sunset
Written by: Leah Furey – Digital Content Coordinator @gowest.com.au
