Twelve Apostles (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Twelve Apostles?
What makes it 72% Kids-Friendly: Sealed paths, geology displays, and beach steps engage children, but unfenced cliffs, rough surf, and a long car ride require tight supervision and offer few playground or meal choices.
Positives:
- Free parking: Large lot next to Visitor Centre. Free 24/7.
- Stroller-friendly paths: Sealed boardwalk allows prams and small kids to roll easily.
- Interactive exhibits: Displays inside teach geology and coastal history.
Challenges:
- Wind exposure: Clifftop platforms can be very windy.
- Narrow steps: Gibson Steps are steep and only 1 m wide.
- Limited shade: Few covered areas outside the Visitor Centre.
What is Twelve Apostles?
- A series of limestone sea stacks standing offshore along Victoria’s Great Ocean Road
- Geological formations sculpted by millennia of wave and wind erosion within Port Campbell National Park
- Seven remaining rock pillars once part of coastal cliffs and named after the biblical Twelve Apostles
What is so special about Twelve Apostles for with kids?
- Sealed boardwalks with ocean views
- Gibson Steps descent for beach play
- Interactive Visitor Centre exhibits
- Benches and pram-friendly paths
- Sunrise and sunset for best light with kids
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: 2-3 hours gives time for boardwalks, Visitor Centre, steps, and breaks.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Twelve Apostles
Scenic Boardwalks:
Walk the 600 m sealed path to main viewing platforms.
Tip: Bring a stroller for younger kids; benches every 100 m for rests.
Gibson Steps Beach:
Descend 86 cliff steps to stand beside two rock stacks on the sand.
Tip: Hold hands on narrow steps; let kids play on sand at low tide.
Visitor Centre Exhibits:
Explore interactive geology and coastal history displays.
Tip: Start here to answer kids’ questions; it’s sheltered from wind.
Short Great Ocean Walk:
Walk a 1–2 km trail to spot native plants and sea views.
Tip: Pack snacks and let children spot birds and seals.
When is the best time to visit Twelve Apostles (Melbourne, Australia)?
In summer bring hats, sunscreen and water. In winter dress in layers and windproof jackets. Sunrise and sunset give best light and fewer crowds.
Explore These Activities
Reviews of Twelve Apostles (Melbourne)
Belle Yommas
The Best Stop on the Great Ocean Road! The Twelve Apostles is absolutely breathtaking as one of the most stunning natural sights I’ve ever seen. It’s truly the highlight of the Great Ocean Road. Don’t miss it caz pictures don’t do it justice. You have to see it in person! The dramatic cliffs, powerful ocean, and towering limestone stacks make this place truly unforgettable. There’s also a helico...
Alan Karyono
Just can't beat seeing and witnessing nature here. Must see when you have the chance. Road trip from Melbourne to here was well worth it. Amenities at the location were quite good, even though you need to visit nearby towns to get lunch. Best of all, it is free!
Sami Mendis
We visited the Twelve Apostles on a public holiday. The view was absolutely stunning, especially during sunset – truly breathtaking! However, it was extremely crowded, which made it a bit hard to fully enjoy the moment. Also, we were a little confused after parking the car, as there were no clear direction signs to guide visitors. Despite that, it’s still a must-visit spot along the Great Ocean Ro...
SK
I have visited the 12 Apostles a few times with my family, and each trip has been memorable. One of the highlights was taking a helicopter ride over the Apostles, the aerial views are absolutely stunning, though the ride was expensive. When I visited again last year, only a few of the rock formations were still standing, but the scenery and views was still breathtaking. It was quite windy that da...
jennifer Owen
My husband and I had a glorious day there. We left our Caravan at Apollo Bay and arrived at 10am. We parked our car very easily and walked out to the beautiful 12 Apostles with ease. No crowds just very friendly people doing the same as us and some also offered to take our photo in front of the Apostles. All in all a fabulous day
Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Car parking | AUD 0 |
| Snacks at kiosk | AUD 30 |
| Total Estimated | AUD 30 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
How to Maximize Your Visit to Twelve Apostles
- Time your visit: Arrive at sunrise or dusk for soft light and smaller crowds.
- Pack layers: Coastal weather changes fast; bring a windbreaker and hat.
- Plan breaks: Use benches along the boardwalk to rest young children.
Map of Twelve Apostles
Address: Great Ocean Rd & Booringa Rd, Princetown VIC 3269, Australia
Map will load when you scroll here
Scroll down to view the interactive map
Looking for other Things to Do besides Twelve Apostles (Melbourne)?
About Twelve Apostles
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+61 3 8427 200210 BEST nearby Activities
Explore Popular Things to Do
How You Can Support Us
If our website helps you, please support us by booking your travel needs through this link: Book Flights, Hotels, Activities on Trip.com - New App User Promo up to 10% OFF. We may earn a small affiliate commission - at no extra cost to you!
It's a simple way to help us keep the site running and improving for everyone. Thanks for your support!
10 BEST nearby Activities