The Twelve Apostles is a collection of limestone stacks off the coast of Victoria, Australia. Despite its name, the Twelve Apostles were never biblical figures nor are there twelve stacks present today.

The Twelve Apostles are believed to have been formed millions of years ago through a process of erosion and weathering by the powerful Southern Ocean waves. The stacks were once connected to the mainland, but over time, the relentless waves eroded the softer limestone cliffs to form caves, which eventually became arches that then collapsed to create the stacks we see today.

The site became known as the Twelve Apostles in the mid-20th century, due to its proximity to a place called The Sow and Piglets, which had eleven stacks. The name has since stuck despite there only being eight stacks remaining, as some have collapsed over time.

The Twelve Apostles are a popular tourist destination and one of the most famous landmarks in Australia. The site is located along the Great Ocean Road, a scenic coastal drive in Victoria that attracts millions of visitors each year. In recent years, efforts have been made to preserve and protect the fragile coastline, including measures to limit the number of visitors and manage the impact of tourism on the area.