The stacks
In the ocean.
Leonard Koh — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Stas Kulesh kulesh — CC0 · S5A-0043 — CC BY 4.0 · Sulz-90 — CC BY-SA 4.0
Towering limestone stacks standing in the ocean off the cliffs of Port Campbell National Park, on the Great Ocean Road west of Melbourne, among the most famous natural scenes in Australia, especially at sunrise and sunset when they glow gold. Waves and wind carved these stacks from the cliffs over millions of years and are still carving them, so some collapse from time to time. Despite the name there were never twelve, and only a handful still stand today, visible from the main viewing platform. Nearby is Loch Ard Gorge, near which a ship was wrecked in 1878, with its small beach between two cliffs, and other viewpoints along the coast. The coastal road itself, winding above the sea, is one of the world's great drives. Viewing is free from the boardwalks, and helicopter flights are available for a fee. It is a long trip from Melbourne, so stay overnight on the way or leave very early.
In the ocean.
A beach between cliffs.
Bends above the sea.
Port Campbell National Park, Great Ocean Road, about three and a half hours from Melbourne
No, there were never twelve, and only a handful still stand today.