12 Apostles And The Shipwreck Coast Tour From Melbourne

We travel from Melbourne via the M1, the Princes Highway, south past Geelong turning SW to Colac a trip of approx. 1 75 hrs. for morning tea at Lake Colac. From here we travel a further 1 hr. down through Simpson to begin our sightseeing Tour at Gibson's Steps.

GIBSON"S STEPS :

Here we find Steps carved into the sheer Limestone Cliff face. These steps were here, carved by our         local Aborigines prior to White settlement in this area of Victoria. They provided access from above       down onto a beautiful beach area for fishing and enjoyment purposes.

     Take time to descend the 90 odd steps down onto the beach and walk to the point to see one of             the Limestone Stacks up close.

2.   Just a short distance by car, about 5 mins. we arrive at the Apostle's information centre and viewing       deck.  

      12 APOSTLES:

     A short walk along a concrete path finds us at the 12 Apostles " Viewing Deck " with the remaining        Apostles , Limestone Stacks, standing defiant to the weather conditions that are continually                    wearing them away as we look Westward along the coastline.

     In 1922 when this area was renamed the 12 Apostles from "The Sow and the Piglets" there were             only 9 Stacks standing at that time. The last one to collapse was in 1966.

3.    Another short drive of 5 minutes finds us at Loch Ard Gorge which has been named after the Ship           that sank here in 1878. As we walk the Ship-wreck trail we learn of the two survivors the Ships               Apprentice - Tom and a young girl - Eva.

      But that's not all to look at here.

      LOCH ARD GORGE :

     We have three areas to walk to and view here- so allow around an hour for this site.

     *     The Razorback :

            a walk of 450 metres to view cliffs carved out by the wind and sea with a cliff face finish as                      smooth as the back of a Razor.    

     *     The Shipwreck Walk adjoining the Gorge Lookout .

            A walk of 350 metres to the viewing deck to lookout over this area and to see beyond Mutton                Bird Island to see where the ship sank.

           Returning back to the Carpark we go left to the Gorge lookout and then further along to read                 the story of Tom reaching the beach area before hearing a female's voice calling out. How he                  then swam back out to rescue Eva who was holding onto a Halyard of the boat nd then                           swimming back to shore.  The next morning Tom climbed out of the Gorge to search for help.                Fortunately, there was a Station established close bye and they had heard the noise of the wreck             during the night and had sent2 horsemen out to investigate - they found Tom then went to the               Gorge and rescued Eva from the beach.     

     *     Mutton Bird Island -  originally called the Sow.

           A 150 metre walk that provides us with the Island with its under-cuts and arches, plus the                       adjoining headlands where there are arches, under-cuts caves all in one place.

            We also learn of the Mutton Bird that arrives along the coats of Victoria and Tasmania  before                 its annual flight up to just below Alaska before returning back home for the next breeding                       season.    

4.       Our next stop is at beautiful Port Campbell a small coastal Town set between the high cliffs of                  this area  at the top of a beautiful bay with a very inviting sandy beach to enjoy.

           We will have lunch here, of your choosing, plus time to walk on the beach.    

5.        Leaving Port Campbell  we are soon at London Bridge.

          LONDON BRIDGE :

          London Bridge has fallen down. 

          Back in 1990 it was a headland until one day the land / soil structure over an Archway collapsed              and fell into the sea. It is still a magnificent site to see.

6.        Travelling further West - just down the road - we come to the Grotto.

           THE GROTTO :

           The Grotto is a deep cave like formation that has to be seen - in fact - every visitor to this                        area of coastline should take the time to walk down the path AND down the steps and stairs into            the centre of the Grotto. Hopefully the Tide is out which only adds to your excitement.

7.        We now drive further west through the coastal town of Peterborough,  and just beyond its                       boundary we arrive at the Bay of Martyrs.

           THE BAY OF MARTYRS :

           Its a short walk up to the Look-outs that offer 180 degree panoramic views of the coast. Here                  we are confronted with very large Bays on either side that also includes Massacre Bay and Point              Halladale the site of another ship wreck in this area.

           Here we large island like formations scattered around the point.

8.         Just down the road we soon arrive at the Bay of Islands.

            BAY OF ISLANDS  :

            Again our viewing point is the centre between two Bays with many large formations, many                      Island like, across the the immediate area of coastal waters.

             This area provides spectacular views, and even more interesting if a good swell is running as                    the waves crash all around these formations.

             These last two sites are equivalent to the Apostles area and possibly even better - AND - in                      comparison very few visitors to contend with.

9.         Its now time to turn around and travel back through Colac to Melbourne, a trip of 3.5 hrs.                        allowing for a stop at Colac.  

            If time permits we may travel via Timboon where we  might be able to visit-

             *    A Distillary

             *    An Ice cream / Chocolate Factory.

PLEASE NOTE :   This Tour DOES NOT include the Great Ocean Road  scenic Tour.

DOES NOT include Food or Drinks - Alcohol not allowed.                                                                           BUT DOES include cool bottled water.

The 12 Apostles and Shipwreck Coast Tour from Melbourne

Experience an unforgettable journey with The Apostles and a Shipwreck coast tour from Melbourne, immersing yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Australia’s iconic coastline. Witness the majestic limestone stacks of the 12 Apostles standing tall against the Southern Ocean’s waves, a sight that leaves visitors in awe. Explore the rugged coastline stories of Shipwrecks unfold. Marvel at natural wonders like Loch Ard Gorge and London Arch, The Grotto and the Bay of Islands, each offering a glimpse into the region’s geological and historical significance. This tour promises a captivating experience, showcasing the raw beauty and rich heritage of Victoria’s coastline.  

Awe-Inspiring Views of the 12 Apostles

Embark on the unforgettable The 12 Apostles and Shipwreck Coast Tour from Melbourne to marvel at the rugged beauty of the limestone stacks rising majestically from the Southern Ocean, sculpted by nature over centuries. As you explore the dramatic Shipwreck Coast, be captivated by the sheer cliffs, pristine beaches, and rich maritime history. From the breathtaking viewpoints along the Great Ocean Road to the tranquility of Loch Ard Gorge and the mystique of The Grotto, this tour offers a glimpse into the natural wonders and captivating landscapes that define this world-renowned coastal region. 

Shipwreck Coast’s Dramatic Past

 The Shipwreck Coast, known for its rugged beauty and treacherous waters, holds a dramatic past filled with maritime tragedies and historical significance. Exploring this iconic stretch of Victoria's coastline, visitors are reminded of shipwrecks and hear tales of daring rescues and unfortunate mishaps. A popular way to experience this history is through The 12 Apostles and Shipwreck Coast Tour from Melbourne, which offers a glimpse into the region's maritime heritage. From the towering limestone stacks of the 12 Apostles to the haunting stories of shipwrecks, this tour provides a captivating journey through time along one of Australia's most captivating coastlines. 
Combining Natural Wonders and Historical Significance

 Embark on a captivating journey along the iconic Shipwreck Coast for Melbourne, where the stunning natural beauty of the 12 form Melbourne, where the stunning natural beauty of the 12 Apostles region is seamlessly woven with the region’s rich maritime history. This captivating blend of natural wonders and historical significance makes for an unforgettable experience that will leave you with a deeper appreciation for this remarkable coastline.     

Scenic Journey from Melbourne to the 12 Apostles 

Embark on a captivating journey from Melbourne through scenic Farmyard locations to the iconic 12 Apostles and Shipwreck coast. Witness the dramatic limestone formations, rugged cliffs, and stunning ocean vistas that make this region a must-visit destination on any Melbourne tour.