If you’re visiting Victoria in the near future, there’s a good chance you’re interested in seeing the incredible 12 Apostles — the collection of limestone stacks just off the shore of Port Campbell National Park. While there are actually only seven limestone stacks (there used to be eight, but one collapsed into the ocean) the iconic name — along with some of the best photographs in Australia — has ensured that the 12 Apostles has become one of the most popular tourist spots in southern Australia.
Here at Walk91, we design boutique walking tours along the Great Ocean Walk that either start off or finish up at the 12 Apostles. These majestic rocks are in our own back yard and we never get bored of seeing them. As so many of our Great Ocean Walk tours feature the 12 Apostles, we decided to write a brief but helpful guide, hopefully helping people find the best place (for them) to stay near the 12 Apostles.
Staying in Port Campbell, Victoria
The charming village of Port Campbell is the closest settlement to the 12 Apostles, and this means that it is usually the most convenient place to stay for visitors who perhaps don’t know the area very well.
Well, you could do a lot worse than Port Campbell as it is a beautiful seaside village with some great places to eat, a lovely beach, and a variety of great accommodations to choose from.
Airbnb Accommodation at Port Campbell
The first option we’d like to recommend from Port Campbell is Airbnb. While we don’t want to endorse one private host over the others here on our site, we advise you to follow the usual schtick of reading the reviews and looking through all the pictures. And if you just plan to spend all your time either at the 12 Apostles or on the Great Ocean Walk, then you could perhaps simply opt for the cheapest Airbnb going — it’s just a bed, after all.
Port Campbell Parkview Apartments
Just a short walk from Port Campbell Beach and the town centre, Port Campbell Parkview Apartments are another great option for visitors with a low budget. The apartments are clean and kept in great condition but they have been designed to serve as a good option for anyone visiting with a modest budget. You can choose between one- and two-bedroom options depending on the size of your group.
MnM Rehab
This wholesome accommodation option is very close to the 12 Apostles, making it the ideal spot if you’re hoping to watch a sunrise over these iconic coastal rocks. With an emphasis on recycling, sustainability, and growing their own produce, MnM Rehab has an amazing sense of relaxation that seems to affect everyone who stays with them.
Daysy Hill Country Cottages
Just a 10-minute drive away from the 12 Apostles, Daysy Hill Country Cottages offers an idyllic cottage experience close to Victoria’s famous coastline. You can choose between a wide range of different-sized cottages, each with its own unique character. A Daysy Hill Cottage is the perfect option for visitors who like their accommodation to have as much local character as possible.
Glenaire Cottages (Further Away from the 12 Apostles)
The last accommodation we’d like to look at today is Glenaire Cottages. This option is much further away than the other options on this list, but they are still just a 45-minute drive from the 12 Apostles. The real attraction to the Glanaire Cottages is that they are situated at the only intersection between the Great Ocean Road (famous driving route) and the Great Ocean Walk (famous walking route). If you’re interested in experiencing parts of both the walk and the road, perhaps finishing up at the 12 Apostles, then Glenaire Cottages might be perfect for you.
Each Glenaire cottage taps into the overall Glenaire aesthetic, with stylish décor, hanging chairs, and large windows that often reach from the floor right up to the ceiling.
We hope this guide has helped you plan your visit to the 12 Apostles. Please also get in touch to let us know if you’d like us to plan a walking holiday along the Great Ocean Walk for you, including a visit to the 12 Apostles. We can arrange all of the accommodation for you, and we’ll also transport your luggage between each night’s accommodation, allowing you to walk lightly, unburdened, along Victoria’s epic Shipwreck Coast.
If you’d like some inspiration, consider our 3-day Twelve Apostles Tour and our complete 12-days Great Ocean Walk Tour!