What time can you see the 12 Apostles?

What are the opening and closing times of the 12 Apostles? The Twelve Apostles lookouts and walkways are able to be viewed from dawn till dusk 365 days per year in fact many people stay till after sunset to view the little penguins returning to shore to their burrows below the main lookout.



You can visit the 12 Apostles on Australia’s Great Ocean Road at any time, as the site is part of the Port Campbell National Park and is open 24/7. However, for the most spectacular views, you should aim for Sunrise or Sunset. At sunrise, the light hits the limestone stacks from the side, creating long shadows and vibrant orange hues against the dark Southern Ocean. Sunset is equally popular as the limestone glows in the "golden hour" light. If you want to avoid the massive crowds and tour buses that arrive from Melbourne, the best time to visit is before 10:00 AM or after 4:00 PM. During the middle of the day, the parking lot can become incredibly congested. In 2026, the new "Twelve Apostles Visitor Lookout" provides even more space for viewing, but it still fills up quickly during the summer months (December–February). For those staying overnight in nearby Port Campbell, a late-night visit under a full moon offers a hauntingly beautiful and quiet experience, as the white limestone stacks reflect the moonlight against the crashing surf, though you must bring a flashlight and stay strictly behind the safety barriers.

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The main attraction is the twelve apostles, spend at least one hour here absorbing the view and taking Instagram worthy pictures. Then head to the Loch Ard Gorge bridge, just a 3-minute drive from the twelve apostles. There is a great history of the iconic location and its shipwreck.

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If you cannot get a carpark at the steps, you can walk safely along the Great Ocean Walk to reach this area. It is narrow though, so wheelchairs and prams are not advised! The Gibson steps are closed at times due to high tide and unsafe conditions.

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The 12 Apostles make up part of the greater Port Campbell National Park, world-famous for its amazing landmarks dotted just minutes from one another. Thankfully for us travellers, we don't have to pay to visit the 12 Apostles, or the Port Campbell National Park's other wonders, for that matter.

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Although they are called the 12 Apostles, there are only 8 pillars left with the ninth having collapsed because of erosion in July of 2005.

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How long does it take to drive the Great Ocean Road? You can drive the entire length of the Great Ocean Road in one long day (about 8 hours return), but we recommend splitting the journey up into a few days.

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The 12 Apostles are made of animal skeletons Millions of years ago, the area surrounding the Great Ocean Road was covered by the ocean. The skeletons of billions of marine animals accumulated on the ocean floor and over time turned into the limestone from which the 12 Apostles are formed.

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The 12 Apostles, also known as the 12 disciples or 'The Twelve,' were Jesus Christ's 12 closest followers. Later, after Jesus' death, each of them became major leaders in the belief system that led to the birth of Christianity and helped spread the gospel throughout the world.

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These amazing rock stacks offer a dramatic picture along the rugged coastline of Victoria and rise up out of the Southern Ocean to create a majestic splendour that has to be seen to be believed. Part of the major attraction of the Great Ocean Road, the Twelve Apostles are a must see attraction on any visit to Victoria.

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James was the first of the 12 to be put to death.

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Jesus called twelve disciples. Mark 3:13-14 read, “And He went up on the mountain and summoned those whom He Himself wanted, and they came to Him. And He appointed twelve (whom He also named apostles) to be with Him and to send them out to preach.”

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