
12 Apostles

by Blair Stuart
Title
12 Apostles
Artist
Blair Stuart
Medium
Photograph - Digital Images
Description
The Twelve Apostles is a collection of miocene limestone rock stacks jutting from the water in Port Campbell National Park, between Princetown and Peterborough on the Great Ocean Road.
Tourism activities (including helicopter tours are conducted from a visitor centre, situated on the inland side of the Great Ocean Road; with parking and viewing areas. Parks Victoria classifies the structure as nationally significant, with the area being one of Victoria's major tourist features; attracting approximately two million visitors a year. Parks Victoria was responsible for the construction of board-walks, tracks, and viewing areas.
Formation and history
The apostles were formed by erosion: the harsh weather conditions from the Southern Ocean gradually eroded the soft limestone to form caves in the cliffs, which then became arches, which in turn collapsed; leaving rock stacks up to 45 metres high. The site was known as the Sow and Piglets until 1922 (Muttonbird Island, near Loch Ard Gorge, was the Sow, and the smaller rock stacks the Piglets); after which it was renamed to The Apostles for tourism purposes. The formation eventually became known as the Twelve Apostles, despite only ever having nine stacks.
In 2002, the Port Campbell Professional Fishermens Association unsuccessfully attempted to block the creation of a proposed marine national park at the Twelve Apostles location, but were satisfied with the later Victorian Government decision not to allow seismic exploration at the same site by Benaris Energy; believing it would harm marine life.
The stacks are susceptible to further erosion from the waves. On 3 July 2005, a 50 metre tall stack collapsed, leaving eight remaining. On 25 September 2009, it was thought that another of the stacks fell, but this was actually one of the smaller stacks of the Three Sisters formation. The rate of erosion at the base of the limestone pillars is approximately 2 cm per year. Due to wave action eroding the cliff face existing headlands are expected to become new limestone stacks in the future.
Image � 2009 Copyright Stuart Media Services, All Rights Reserved
Uploaded
July 6th, 2012
Embed
Share
Comments (14)

Kaye Menner
Blair, I have only visited/seen the 12 apostles once several years ago. Not sure how many left now, but your image is beautiful. The colors are magical.V/F +
Blair Stuart replied:
Cheers Kaye, appreciate your kind feedback and the v/f. From memory there are only four still standing., however new pillars are apparently being formed as the waves break down the cliff face.

Blair Stuart
Thank you Sandi for the FEATURE of this image in your "BEAUTY OF THIS WORLD" group, it is greatly appreciated....cheers Blair

Blair Stuart
Thank you Krista, for the Feature in your "Collectors Treasures" Group it is much appreciated.

Eric Tressler
Yes! This is a beautiful shot. v/f
Blair Stuart replied:
Cheers Eric, I appreciate you stopping by and thank you for the kind words and the v/f

Lianne Schneider
I've seen many images of these Blair but I don't think I've ever seen one lovelier. Your colors are just incredible - just almost a dream like quality to the whole. Outstanding work. F/V
Blair Stuart replied:
Cheers Lianne, again I find myself humbled by your kind and gracious words. I deeply value and respect your input into my work. Thanks too for the F/V...... Blair

Mitch Shindelbower
Wow amazing shot Blair! v/f
Blair Stuart replied:
Cheers Mitch, thanks for the feedback and v/f. They are located on a spectacular stretch of coastline :)