Twelve Apostles: Day Trips and Tours from Melbourne

Majestically rising from the Southern Ocean, the Twelve Apostles rock stacks are one of the most famous and dramatic highlights along the Great Ocean Road.

The seven 50-meter-high pillars came as a result of the erosion of the coastline's limestone cliffs over millions of years. Aside from providing valuable insight to the natural processes that carved the coastline, the Twelve Apostles are absolutely mesmerizing at sunset.

Join a day trip to the Twelve Apostles from Melbourne to experience the wonders of the Australian coast.

Here's all you need to know about the Twelve Apostles, one of the most exciting day trips from Melbourne.

How to get to the Twelve Apostles from Melbourne?

The Twelve Apostles limestone stacks are located in the Port Campbell National Park, which is about 270 kilometers southwest of Melbourne. You can travel to the Twelve Apostles by car, public transportation and guided tour.

From Melbourne to Twelve Apostles by car

The fastest route to the Twelve Apostles by car is via the M11, which will take you all the way to Lake Colac. From there, you head south towards the coast and Princetown. This journey takes just under 3 hours without stops.

For a more scenic drive, you can travel via the Great Ocean Road along the southern coast. This route will take about 4 hours under normal driving conditions.

From Melbourne to the Twelve Apostles by public transport

Starting at the Southern Cross Railway Station, you take the train for Geelong, where you then take the 101 bus towards Apollo Bay.

Once you reach Apollo Bay, you take the bus towards Warrnambool and get off at Twelve Apostles. The entire journey takes about 5.5 hours.

Guided tour to the Twelve Apostles from Melbourne

Should you desire a more laid-back and relaxed excursion to the Twelve Apostles, consider booking a guided tour. Aside from relieving you of the stress from driving there yourself or dealing with bus schedules, you will also have the services of a professional guide on hand.

What is the typical itinerary?

Your excursion to the Twelve Apostles begins early in the morning, either being picked up from your hotel or by joining your group at a meeting point in Melbourne.

On your way to the coast via the Great Ocean Road, you will pass through many resort towns, such as Anglesea, Lorne, Wye River and Apollo Bay, to stretch your legs and have lunch.

Depending on your itinerary, you may also visit the Narana Aboriginal Cultural Center and the Great Otway National Park.

After reaching Princetown, you can enjoy the stunning beach landscape by exploring the Twelve Apostles, Gibsons Steps and Loch Ard Gorge. The tour then returns to Melbourne, in time for dinner, with a few stops along the way for snacks and photo opportunities.

What kinds of tours are available to go to the Twelve Apostles?

Guided tours to the Twelve Apostles from Melbourne

The most straightforward way to visit the Twelve Apostles is with a guided tour from Melbourne. Aside from including transportation by coach for the entire journey, you will also enjoy commentary about the places you visit from your guide.

While mostly focused on the Great Ocean Road, you may also visit many places along the way, such as Loch Ard Gorge and the Otways, for hiking and zip lining. Most guided tours last between 10 and 13 hours, depending on the itinerary.

Private day trip to the Twelve Apostles from Melbourne

For a more private and intimate experience, you can book a private tour to the Twelve Apostles. Aside from operating with smaller groups, these tours are more flexible in their itinerary and can be customized to suit your needs and preferences.

Most tours may also include visits to additional places, like the Great Otway National Park, along with stops for wildlife spotting. Typically, these tours last 9 to 12 hours.

Private helicopter tour to the Twelve Apostles from Melbourne

If you would like to avoid driving out to the Twelve Apostles, consider taking to the skies with a helicopter flight from Melbourne. Aside from cutting down considerably on travel time, you will get a unique view of the Twelve Apostles and Australian landscape.

Once you arrive, you will have a couple of hours to explore the area, before flying back to Melbourne. Each flight takes about 1.5 hours and the tours last about 5 hours total.

Multi-day tour to the Twelve Apostles from Melbourne

Should time not be an issue, a multi-day tour of the Twelve Apostles from Melbourne is ideal to explore the southern Australian coast. These guided tours are best suited for small groups and families and are very customizable to suit your personal needs and preferences.

The itinerary is flexible and usually includes additional activities, such as hiking, chocolate tastings and visits to local breweries. For a more adventurous experience, you can also arrange to camp on your excursion.

How much does a day trip to the Twelve Apostles from Melbourne cost?

A guided tour to the Twelve Apostles from Melbourne usually costs between US$75 and US$130 per person, depending on group size, duration and additional stops or visits on your excursion.

The cost of a multi-day trip depends on its length and type of accommodation. For a 2-day trip with a stay in Port Campbell, expect to pay about US$270 per person.

For a 3-day or 4-day camping trip to the Twelve Apostles that includes the Grampians and Great Ocean Road, you will pay about US$320 and US$430 respectively. Most meals are included and the necessary camping gear is provided.

For a private day trip to the Twelve Apostles, expect to pay about US$750 to US$950 for a group of seven travelers. Hotel pickup and drop-off in a luxury vehicle is included, with the final price depending on your group size.

Helicopter tours from Melbourne cost US$1,400 to US$1,900 per person, with a minimum of 2 and maximum of 3 travelers allowed. The price does not include a pickup service, so you will have to make your way to the airfield.

What will you see and do?

The Twelve Apostles

The Twelve Apostles limestone pillars on the rugged southern coast of Australia are one of the highlights along the Great Ocean Road. To reach them, you first have to climb down the 86 stairs of the Gibson Steps.

Alternatively, you can also approach the pillars from the 7-kilometer boardwalk from Princetown. Along the way, you can take in the stunning views and spot kangaroos, penguins and other animals in their natural habitat.

Shipwreck Coast

Between Port Fairy and Cape Otway you will find Shipwreck Coast, where there are over 200 shipwrecks to explore and take pictures. You can learn more about the shipwrecks on the signposted historic hiking trail and visitor information center in Port Campbell.

Take to the sea and skies

Boat cruises operating in the area will allow you to savor the spectacular cliffs and for a bird's-eye view of the region, you can arrange a helicopter tour. For an adrenaline-fueled experience, you can also try tandem skydiving over the Twelve Apostles.

When is the best time to visit the Twelve Apostles?

The best time to visit the Twelve Apostles is during the summer, from December to February, when it's warmest and the days are long. For a less crowded visit, your best bet is to visit in autumn (March to May) or spring (September to November).

The winter (May to October) is cooler and you can spot the migrating whales. Ideally, you may want to plan your visit as early as possible in the morning, to avoid the crowds.

Travel tips

• Do not swim anywhere, unless there is a lifeguard on site. The waters are generally not safe, due to strong currents and volatile conditions.
• Wear comfortable shoes to best enjoy the hiking trails.
• Be extra careful around shrubs and grassy areas, as there might be tiger snakes. If you happen to spot one, remain calm and avoid it.
• Don't forget your camera, as the Twelve Apostles are very photogenic at sunrise and sunset.