Tours and Tickets to Experience Twelve Apostles

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

• Great Ocean Road Small-Group Ecotour from Melbourne
• Great Ocean Road Reverse Itinerary Boutique Small Group Tour
• Great Ocean Road Tour Plus Koalas, Forest Walk, and Morning Tea
• Great Ocean Road Sunset Tour from Melbourne
• Great Ocean Road Reverse Itinerary PREMIUM Tour

Visitors do not need Twelve Apostles tickets to visit, but you will need to organize transport. If you don’t want to rent a car, you can book a private tour and relax while a driver takes you to all the hot spots along the Great Ocean Road. These tours range from around US$60 to US$170, depending on where you stop. Private, fully customizable tours with a tour guide start at around US$750 per group.

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.