The Twelve Apostles, situated on the often treacherous coast of Victoria’s Great Ocean Road, are well known representations of the Australian coast. People in millions visit this place every year due to its beautiful limestone rock formations and breathtaking sea sceneries. Yet, apart from their aesthetics, there are astonishing facts about these natural marvels which would leave one intrigued by the natural wonders. A day trip from Port Campbell or a helicopter ride would help in appreciating the history of the 12 Apostles which comprises artistic, ecological, and geological aspects which mostly go unnoticed. This indispensable resource will help to magnetize your attention towards these wonderful coastal sceneries and will also bring out those inside stories.
The 12 Apostles: Not Always 12
A plan on these formations suggests that there were no twelve exactly homogeneous limestone stacks formed. Originally, there were nine but following the collapse of one in 2005, only eight remain today. It is quite euquite as well that harbor woods originated in the port of Campbell National Park also have a number of other striking rock structures which often go unnoticed. These breathtaking beaches and untouched countryside are only some of the reasons that make such a section of the coastline special. And even if it may seem that these mountains were simply built and planted in one place, they are actually merely fragments of a reality that is constantly moving, altered by dust, water, and time.
How the Apostles Got Their Name
These limestone rock formations were known as “The Sow and her Piglets” until the 1920’s when it was suddenly changed to Twelve Apostles as part of a marketing campaign. People were not concerned as to why the name apostle was used, whether because of twelve stacks or not, but also because it ignited a feeling of majestical beauty. This name change made sure that attention was drawn towards the site and it became one of the most common visited attraction. At present, one day visitors from Port Fairy and Cape Otway and other coastal towns go to see these marvelous views and parts of the coast.
Erosion Continues to Shape the Landscape
The coast of the twelve apostles is always battered by the wind and heaving waves which results in the configuration being altered. Every year about Two centimeters of the Wild Coast is worn away on average every year, a huge change in the terrain’ This polar erosion may help bring some of the present day limestone stacks crashing to their knees particularly with formation of the new ones over tuturing the many years. Despite the 12 Apostles being brought alive by the changing aggressiveness of nature they rage on as a part of history. It is a warning of the passing charm of nature’s resources. Such places need to be preserved for generations to come.
Age of the Apostles
The Twelve Apostles were formed between 10 and 20 million years ago during the time when the region was under the ocean. However, over the years, the relentless waves of the Southern Ocean cut away the “softer” parts of the limestone cliffs and it was only these rock towers that remained. In as much, the age and formations of the 12 Apostles provide an understanding of the more geologically recent processes at work within the southern Australian landscape including Cape Otway and Johanna Beach which form part of the same system of erosion.
New Apostles Could Form in the Future
As denudation proceeds along this famous section of the coastline, it is likely that new Apostles will be born. There are unique fractures along the cliff face and hewing of these sections keep happening with the desertion of a menace because the weaker sections may eventually form another lobster pillar. There are indeed elements of the more mystifying kind like the very realization that this place will not be built of these rocks for several of the future generations. Who knows? On one of your next trips maybe you will see how another Apostle appears.
Marine Life Thrives Around the Apostles
At a distance, still further, there are the waters that embrace the 12 Apostles and brimming with myriad forms of life. One can also observe dolphins, seals and seabirds dotting the area that has creamed up around these limestone structures. Other than that, the waters are favorable for an abundance of fish types and sea plants. They play an important role in wildlife film studies and the appeal of the marine life of the 12 Apostles counterbalances ecotourism and conservation projects.
The Hidden Apostles
Underneath the sea, close to the 12 Apostles, lies some other limestone rock stacks to this day. For people who are in free diving and sea revolving activities, such structures provide another look at the geologic history of the area. These extraordinary places, just like the ones that can be seen right now, are naturally attacked by the ocean, over and over again.
Tourism Boom
Ever since it became acknowledged as one of the most outstanding natural sightseeing spots in the land of Australia, the 12 Apostles have grown in terms of attraction. Every single year, millions of visitors come over to the shores from Port Campbell, Aireys Inlet and Port Fairy to catch the beautiful scenery of the famous stretch of a coast. Tourists also explore other places of interest like the Cape Otway Lighthouse, Otway National Park and Bells Beach. The tourism industry has sprouted up around these natural attractions with information visitor centres, friendly Great Ocean Road tour guides and local businesses benefitting from the visitors.
The Apostles at Sunrise and Sunset
Visiting the 12 Apostles at sunrise or sunset is the most dramatic scenario to witness their magnificence. The soft illumination present at this time emphasizes the gold colors of the limestone pillars, creating a breathtaking sight. Do you wish to capture a specific image or simply just admire the views, the particular time of the day plays a crucial role in the outlook. Many of the tourists prefer timing their Great Ocean Road day tours with these hours to be able to see the wonderful pictures of the light lit Apostles.
Home to Ancient Aboriginal Heritage
The country situated around the 12 Apostles was of deep significance to the native Australians, especially the people living along the Eastern Maar and Gunditjmara before the construction of the Great Ocean Road. This area which is rich in culture was also very useful for them in terms of life and existence. There were plenty of natural resources such as food and shelter in the coastal zone which enabled large scale habitation of a number of sites such as middens or camps by the aboriginals. Historical background of the Indigenous Australians on the natural views of the Apostles further enhances the energizing experience of the visitors.
Conclusion
The 12 Apostles is not only a magnificent natural monument located on the southern coast of Australia in the form of limestone rocks. This designation conveys a million years of history, culture, and ecology. No matter whether you come here for the glorious sun or sun-drenched view at dusk or wish to indulge yourself more with moving around and taking gardens pictures, the 12 Apostles is always a different event. As long as the process of aktivity persists, it is possible that new edifications will begin to take shape, a process that reflects the growth of nature. Do creativity and plan your next ultimate Great Ocean Road tours and its beautiful Apostles.
FAQs
How many Apostles are there at present?
As of now we have eight limestone stacks left after one of them has collapsed in 2005.
What is the best time of the day to come to the 12 Apostles?
The most convenient hours of the day to come would be sunrise and sunset hours since the sights would be perfect thanks to both the streams and the clouds.
Are there other attractions near the 12 Apostles?
Certainly, there are many other attractions such as Port Campbell National Park, Cape Otway Lighthouse, and Johanna Beach. All of them you can visit with Great Ocean Road tours from Melbourne, contact local companies like Autopia Tours, Wildlife Tours or Wayotback Tours.
How about new Apostles are children are born?
Certainly, where the process of erosion persists all the way along southern coast more limestone stacks could surface over a period of time.
What does the 12 Apostles stand for in terms of culture?
The region surrounding the 12 Apostles has cultural significance to the Eastern Maar and Gunditjmara communities as there are some ancient rock formations along the coastal area.
