Australia
Twelve Apostles
Welcome to the Great Ocean Road! The Twelve Apostles are huge limestone rock stacks standing tall in the crashing waves off the coast of Victoria, Australia.
Why is it famous?
These towering rock stacks rise straight out of the sea, making them one of Australia's most photographed sights.
They sit along the Great Ocean Road, a famous coastal drive that winds past cliffs and beaches.
How was it formed?
For millions of years, wind and pounding waves slowly wore away the soft limestone cliffs along the coast.
As the ocean carved caves, then arches, into the cliff, some arches eventually collapsed, leaving tall rock towers standing alone in the water.
Amazing facts
Even though they're called the Twelve Apostles, there were never actually twelve — only about eight stacks remain standing today.
The tallest stacks rise about 148 feet (45 meters) above the waves.
Quick facts
- Even though they're called the Twelve Apostles, there were never actually twelve — only about eight stacks remain standing today.
- The tallest stacks rise about 148 feet (45 meters) above the waves.
- The cliffs are still being worn away by the ocean, so the stacks keep slowly changing shape.
- One stack collapsed into the sea in 2005 while visitors were watching from the viewing platform.