THE TWELVE APOSTLES
The twelve apostles are mammoth rock formations along the coast of Victoria, visible from the Great Ocean Road. Originally there were 12 formations, hence the name, although they weren’t all visible from the current viewpoint, but they were seen from Old Coach Road, where visitors travelled. Now only seven remain, as the other five have fallen.
HOW WAS IT FORMED:
The rocks are alongside a cliff face of the mainland. It is made from limestone, and originally was connected to the apostles. Over 10-20 million years, the limestone wore away in some sections, creating caves, cliffs and archways. This erosion was due to the harsh weather and constant spraying of water from the Southern Ocean. The limestone holding the tops of the arches and caves in the cliffs also eroded or fell from the weight, leaving the pillars standing up to over 40 metres tall.
SPECIAL FEATURES:
Although the 12 apostles are famous for their imposing looks, they also have amazing underwater ecosystems. As the cliff travels deep into the water, the erosion also occurred to the bottom of the cliff. Similar to the above water, archways, caves and crevices were created. These have become home for colourful fish, reefs, sponge gardens and seaweeds.
The apostles are also home to local populations of fur seals, weedy sea dragons, abalone, sea urchins, lobsters, reef fish, Australian fur seals and little penguins as it is a National Marine Reserve. If you’re lucky, you can see the penguins sitting in caves on the rocks in the early morning or after dark.
HOW WAS IT FORMED:
The rocks are alongside a cliff face of the mainland. It is made from limestone, and originally was connected to the apostles. Over 10-20 million years, the limestone wore away in some sections, creating caves, cliffs and archways. This erosion was due to the harsh weather and constant spraying of water from the Southern Ocean. The limestone holding the tops of the arches and caves in the cliffs also eroded or fell from the weight, leaving the pillars standing up to over 40 metres tall.
SPECIAL FEATURES:
Although the 12 apostles are famous for their imposing looks, they also have amazing underwater ecosystems. As the cliff travels deep into the water, the erosion also occurred to the bottom of the cliff. Similar to the above water, archways, caves and crevices were created. These have become home for colourful fish, reefs, sponge gardens and seaweeds.
The apostles are also home to local populations of fur seals, weedy sea dragons, abalone, sea urchins, lobsters, reef fish, Australian fur seals and little penguins as it is a National Marine Reserve. If you’re lucky, you can see the penguins sitting in caves on the rocks in the early morning or after dark.