Great Ocean Road Sunset Walk at Twelve Apostles

Walking the Edge of the Earth

The Great Ocean Road is the most epic coastal drive in the world – 151 miles of ocean overlook, beaches, and crashing waves along the shoreline of Australia's south coast. As the noontime sun dips below the horizon, shades of blue and pink reflect off the waters of Bass Strait, inviting pedestrians to journey the locale, or as creator Alberto Glueck and his The Beautiful Destinations Instagram account — a virtual travel guide — puts it, ‘The Greatest Ocean Road drive in the world’. While the whole trip is enchanting, its icon is the Twelve Apostles. The Twelve Apostles are rock formations standing off the shore of Port Campbell National Park. When you visit, you're treated to a view of surging waves crashing against stone towers hotdogged in a meadow of green vegetation just meters away. They stand up as sentinels on the ocean’s edge, which makes for an unforgettable visit. The Great Ocean Road is possible to do solo. In 1919, World War I soldiers built the road as part of a project to honor their fallen comrades. But their work has given rise to a forerunner of global road-trip tourism. The road itself – and its sights – never gets old: 800,000 people visit the Twelve Apostles alone each year. Besides the ocean, the Twelve Apostles has hiking trails, quaint towns, national parks, and good spots to surf. And as traveler Alberto says, you can’t miss the food and wine scene. Its picturesque landscape is home to Australia's best vineyards.

The Great Ocean Road — Longer than an Ordinary Road

The Great Ocean Road, longer than a road, is more of an experience. In 2010, a survey by the Wall Street Journal’s Travel magazine named it the most iconic road in the world. Every year its stunning natural beauty has won recognition. Its main attractions include the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and the Otway National Park. Together these iconic sites are proof that the GOR is a nature lover's dream. It’s not just a long road, it’s a dream to scroll. Running along the Australian south coast, the drive offers a plethora of stunning views. Wildlife, beaches, surfing spots, and quaint towns. There may be nothing more picturesque than the local flora and fauna. Walking the Great Ocean Road’s coastline reveals countless (seventeen, by last count) vantage points. Miles of cliffs and rocky shorelines, beaches with pure white sand, and towering eucalyptus trees. The most renowned views are from walking paths (because you don’t know what’s just around the corner) and from the Twelve Apostles. The Twelve Apostles, like its name suggests, is a series of limestone pillars that jut out of the sea. But the name is misleading: twelve is not the number of these structures to be seen. It’s eight. Though that’s still an impressive amount. But the surrounding view is what makes them a must-see. The formations are sculptured from the ocean, wind and time into their singular shape, and are far more mesmerizing when experienced rather than described. As the ocean swells to meet the rocks, there’s a feeling as if you’re standing on the edge of the world.

A Walk in the Park

The Twelve Apostles are for sightseers and travelers alike. But to get the best experience from the drive, I recommend starting from the town of Torquay, which is about 62 miles from the Apostles. As the road snakes around the coast, you’ll find plenty of vantage points to stop and take in the view. At the same time, the walk from the carpark is pleasant. It’s just a short walk of 700 meters or 2,300 feet from the car park to the boardwalks that lead out to the viewing points. The boardwalk itself is situated on the cliff tops for a more secure experience and so that you can enjoy the natural beauty of the shoreline. It’s a pleasant Sunday walk, even for the casual walker. However, to experience the full extent of the rock formations, you may want to consider walking the Great Ocean Walk. The itinerary can vary, but it’s generally an 8-10 day hike that you can do in segments. Meanwhile, experienced hikers can complete the entire walk in two days. It’s the most immersive way to take in the beauty of the Great Ocean Road. The walk itself takes you through the best parts of the GOR: from the Twelve Apostles to Logan Beach. It’s the ultimate journey for die-hard road trip enthusiasts and hikers.

The Formation’s Formation

Chunky like a lump of clay in a child’s hand. The Twelve Apostles have a shape unlike any human-made structure. Known for their distinctive shapes, the rock pillars in Port Campbell National Park were formed from a combination of limestone and sea erosion over millions of years. As waves crash against the coast, they chip away at the rock, leaving behind these iconic formations. It’s this shape that makes the Twelve Apostles such a popular tourist destination. Their appearance is the key reason the formations have become such an iconic symbol of the Australian coast. But what’s more impressive is that things are always moving. The Twelve Apostles weren’t always twelve. There were originally fifteen pillars, but many have been worn away by the elements and fallen into the ocean, leaving just eight standing today.

The Model for Many a Road Trip

While driving is the most direct way to enjoy the scenery, if you decide to cover it on foot, it’s an experience you won’t forget. The lengthy series of connections from all around Melbourne will make commuting along the winding road easy. You can also visit the Twelve Apostles, even by train: railway stations are nearby, and the ride is scenic. The Great Ocean Road offers an array of attractions for any sort of trip. If you want to combine a beach vacation with a cultural experience, you can do both. From the Aberdeen’s Surf Life Saving Club to the quaint town of Lorne, you’ll find plenty of spots along the road to enjoy. You could go camping at Great Otway National Park or visit the Apollo Bay in the afternoon or enjoy the rural charm of Birregurra. Take in a few historic sites, or enjoy a wine-tasting at a local vineyard. You can even visit Cape Otway Lightstation, which has a rich history and stunning views. No matter how long you have, you’ll be able to find plenty to do.

A Series of Stops

For those looking for a structured trip, there are several great day trips you can take from Melbourne. There are even all-inclusive tours available. These tours typically take you through a few of the most popular spots. It might be perfect for those who are on a tight schedule or don’t want to miss any of the sites. While taking a one-day tour would get you the most iconic views, you’d be better off taking your time with the drive. The Great Ocean Road Route could be your primary destination, including Aireys Inlet, Split Point Lighthouse, 12 Apostles, and many other hidden gems along the way. You might enjoy lunch at a local café. If you’re looking to explore more of the area and take your time, you can even stay in a nearby town.

The Dream Trip

The dream trip can be yours for the planning. Pack your bags for an unforgettable adventure along the Great Ocean Road. The journey itself is a must-see, but it’s the many stops and viewpoints that make it so memorable. The Twelve Apostles is certainly the highlight, but there are countless other spots to explore along the way. So go ahead, and make your next trip one to remember.