There are eight of the iconic 12 Apostles rock formations remaining along Australia's Great Ocean Road.
Understanding the 12 Apostles
The "12 Apostles" refer to a collection of magnificent limestone stacks located off the shore of the Port Campbell National Park, along the famous Great Ocean Road in Victoria, Australia. Despite the name, which evokes a grand, iconic imagery for tourism, the number of visible stacks that matched the "apostles" description has fluctuated over time due to natural processes.
Current Count and Geological Changes
While historically referred to as "the 12 Apostles," the powerful forces of erosion from the Southern Ocean have continuously shaped these natural wonders. As a result, the number of standing stacks changes over time.
Currently, the count of these remarkable formations is as follows:
| Feature | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Remaining Apostles Stacks | 8 |
| Total Rock Formations | 30 |
The coastline in this area is highly dynamic, with cliffs and stacks continually subjected to the relentless battering of waves and wind. This ongoing erosion means the landscape is constantly evolving, and the number of these majestic rock formations is likely to continue changing in the future.
Why the Number Changes
The ever-shifting number of the Apostles is a direct result of geological processes:
- Natural Erosion: The limestone cliffs and stacks are constantly weathered and eroded by the powerful forces of wind and waves, leading to the eventual collapse of existing formations.
- Stack Formation: Conversely, new stacks can also be formed over long periods as natural arches and caves within the cliffs collapse, isolating new pillars of rock from the coastline.
- Dynamic Landscape: These processes occur over vast geological timescales, highlighting the impermanence of these natural structures, with significant collapses sometimes occurring suddenly.
