Twelve Apostles Marine National Park — Attraction in Victoria

The Twelve Apostles on the coast of Victoria have long been a gem of Australia's tourism industry, with visitors flocking to catch a glimpse of the majestic limestone pillars jutting out of the waves. Now, scientists from two Australian universities have reported the discovery of the Twelve Apostles' "cousins," dubbed the Drowned Apostles: five underwater limestone sea stacks that are estimated to be about 60,000 years old. The sea stacks, hidden 50 meters (164 feet) beneath the water and 12 kilometers (7.46 miles) away from the Twelve Apostles, were discovered by sonar technology as part of a project to map the reef habitats along Australia's south coast and survey sea life such as rock lobster and abalone. Limestone sea stack formations are found on coastlines around the world, formed when cliffs are eroded by harsh winds,rain and waves. The elements first carve caves into the cliffs, which are then worn away to leave just columns of limestone. However, the scientists say this is the first time limestone stacks have been found preserved underwater and in the ocean. "Sea stacks are usually very temporary features, with life spans only in the order of centuries, so the fact that there are these seas stacks at that depth is very remarkable," said Rhiannon Bezore, a University of Melbourne PhD student who discovered the Drowned Apostles with two others. The Twelve Apostles are famously visible to road-trippers traveling the Great Ocean Road through the Port Campbell National Park. Sadly, there are only eight of the Twelve Apostles left to admire, with the rest worn away by the elements since they were first charted (the most recent collapse was in 2005).

The Twelve Apostles are eroding at a much faster pace than their underwater relatives because of the wind and waves that batter them. The scientists say it is hugely surprising that the Drowned Apostles, located six kilometers (3.73 miles) offshore, managed to defy normal erosion rates while above water. "They should have collapsed and eroded as the sea level rose," said David Kennedy, associate professor at the University of Melbourne's School of Geography. Kennedy discovered the underwater pillars with Bezore and Daniel Ierodiaconou from Deakin University. The discovery was presented to the International Coastal Symposium in Coogee, Sydney, on Thursday morning local time...

From CNBC...

The Twelve Apostles Marine National Park is a stunning gem along Victoria’s Great Ocean Road. Visiting recently, I was captivated by the dramatic limestone stacks rising from the Southern Ocean, framed by rugged cliffs and vibrant marine life. The viewing platforms near Port Campbell are well-maintained, offering breathtaking vistas, especially at sunset when the colors are unreal. The park’s biodiversity—think seals, penguins, and colorful reef fish—is a highlight, and the underwater trails for snorkeling and diving are fantastic for adventurers. The nearby visitor center provides helpful info on the park’s ecology and conservation efforts. Parking is ample, and the area feels safe and accessible, though it can get crowded during peak times. My only gripe is the limited signage explaining the marine life, which could enhance the experience for curious visitors. Also, some walking paths felt a bit worn, needing minor upkeep. Still, the sheer beauty and serenity make it a must-visit. Perfect for nature lovers and photographers, just plan for quieter times to avoid the tourist rush. Highly recommend pairing with a drive along the...

This site is part way along the Great Ocean Road (B100) which runs for about 240 kilometers along the SE coast from the east at Allansford to the west at Surfcoast Highway near Torquay and was opened in 1932. It is listed as an Australian National Heritage. There is some stunning scenery along its route and is a photographer’s dream. Keep a lookout for wild Wallabies, a range of birdlife and Wales, if you are lucky and taking the drive in the appropriate season. I started my coach tour from Melbourne but there are several operators out of several different places with a range of prices. The tour passes some stunning scenery, takes in several small townships and passes many points of interest including the craggy limestone rocks of the Twelve Apostles. The Loch Ard Gorge where the only two survivors of the 1878 shipwreck were washed ashore. And the now broken London Bridge rock formation. The tour from Melbourne takes the best part of the day and, in my opinion, well...