|
The
mighty Twelve Apostles
are world-recognised icons of the Great Ocean Road. These giant rock
stacks soar from the swirling waters of the Southern Ocean and are a
central feature of the spectacular Port Campbell National Park that
extends from Princetown to Peterborough.
The dramatic and imposing limestone cliffs that are the backdrop to
the Apostles tower up to 70 metres, while the tallest of the rock stacks
is around 45 metres high.
The Apostles had their beginnings up to 20 million years ago with the
forces of nature attacking the soft limestone of the Port Campbell cliffs.
The limestone was created through the build up of skeletons of marine
creatures on the sea floor. As the sea retreated, the limestone was
exposed. The relentess, stormy Southern Ocean and blasting winds gradually
eroded the softer limestone, forming caves in the cliffs. The caves
eventually became arches and when they collapsed, rock islands up to
45 metres high were left isolated from the shore.
This has created the Twelve Apostles and a host of other stunning natural
features along this truly remarkable stretch of coastline. Among them
are Pudding Basin Rock, Island Arch, the Razorback, Muttonbird Island,
Thunder Cave, the Blowhole, Bakers Oven, London Bridge and the Grotto.
Extenisve boardwalks and viewing platforms ensure visitors experience
sweeping, awe-inspiring vistas. While anytime of day provides great
views, sunrise and sunset are particularly impressive for the blazing
hues created.
Your visit
Visitors to the Twelve Apostles begin their remarkable experience
of the towering rock stacks from the interpretative centre. The $5.5
million centre has been designed to blend into the local environment
and caters for more than one million people who annually visit the
area. A tunnel takes you under the Great Ocean Road to the viewing
platforms.
WHAT
TO SEE AND DO
Port Campbell HOME
The Twelve Apostles
Bay of Islands
Loch Ard Gorge
Attractions
History & Heritage
Nature & Wildlife
Maps
The Towns
Peterborough
Port Campbell
Princetown
|
