Twelve Apostles Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of ways to experience the Twelve Apostles. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• Great Ocean Road Small-Group Eco Tour From Melbourne

• Great Ocean Road Reverse Itinerary Boutique Tour—Max 12 Guests

• Great Ocean Road Full-Day Sunset Eco Tour From Melbourne

• Great Ocean Road Tour Reverse–LTD GRP-DLUX Mini Bus Hotel Pickup

• Great Ocean Road Tour Plus Koalas, Forest Walk, and Morning Tea

Visiting the Twelve Apostles is free—no tickets or entry fees required. Simple tours from Melbourne that include the Twelve Apostles start at less than US$30, while the most popular full-day Great Ocean Road tours are priced between US$60 and US$170. For a more premium, private full-day Great Ocean Road tour, expect to pay from US$415 to US$615.

Yes, the Twelve Apostles are absolutely worth visiting. These towering limestone stacks rising out of the sea are one of Australia's most dramatic natural sights. Booking a Great Ocean Road tour that includes the Twelve Apostles is the most popular way to see them—you'll get expert commentary, skip the stress of driving the route yourself, and take in plenty of other stops along the way.

Per one customer who booked the Great Ocean Road Reverse Itinerary Boutique Tour—Max 12 Guests, "This was a spectacular tour. The sights across the Ocean Road are immaculate. If you are in Melbourne, DO NOT MISS THIS! The Twelve Apostles are a natural marvel to simply behold. Such splendor. Wayne was such a friendly and informative tour guide. He was kind and ensured he made conversation with everyone on the tour. My senior parents found the whole journey very comforting, and it was made even better with help and guidance from Wayne. Highly recommend this tour. An absolute highlight of our Australia vacation."

One of the most popular times to visit the Twelve Apostles is at sunset. On days when it’s not too cloudy, the setting sun has a dramatic effect on the rocks and cliffs along the coast, giving them a golden-orange glow.

Exploring both the coastline and the beach are the most common activities when visiting the Twelve Apostles. Visitors can try spotting Little Penguins, also known as Fairy Penguins, which sometimes can be seen on the beach at dusk. Helicopter tours are also available.

Two of the best viewpoints to see the Twelve Apostles are the Twelve Apostles viewpoint and the Castle Rock viewpoint, both of which are easily accessible. Gibson Beach is another great spot for views, as it provides a different perspective of the coast’s limestone rocks, although the rocks there aren’t technically part of the Twelve Apostles.

No, you can’t swim at the Twelve Apostles—there is no beach access from the cliffs and the surf is too rough. While you can reach Gibson Beach, you also shouldn’t swim there, as lifeguards do not patrol the beach and conditions can be hazardous. Visit Port Campbell Beach nearby if you wish to swim on this part of the Great Ocean Road.

Seven rock stacks remain along the coast at the Twelve Apostles, with two lost in the 21st century due to collapse caused by coastal erosion. However, there were never actually 12 stacks along the coast here, but the creative title—referencing the 12 apostles of Jesus—was used anyway.

Yes, the Twelve Apostles viewpoint is accessible for visitors who use wheelchairs. A wide and even path leads from the main parking lot, under the road, and down an incline to the observation deck. Wheelchair users may require a little assistance on one or two sections with a steeper gradient. The main viewing platform is designed with a railing that won’t obstruct the view.

There are tons of fun things to do when you're done visiting the Twelve Apostles. According to travelers, these are some of the top attractions in and around Melbourne:

• Melbourne Cricket Ground

• Yarra River

• Loch Ard Gorge

• Melbourne Skydeck

• Moonlit Sanctuary

View Viator's guide to all the best attractions in Melbourne.