‘A history of the Earth’: Twelve Apostles revealed to be as old as 14m years

The Twelve Apostles have now been dated at between 8.6m and 15m years old. Photograph: Evgeny Vasenev/Getty Images/Cavan Images RF

Microscopic fossils embedded in limestone have helped reveal the true age of Victoria’s Twelve Apostles as 8.6m to 14m years old.

The conclave of giant golden pillars is visited by 2.8 million tourists each year, a highlight for those travelling along the Great Ocean Road south-west of Melbourne.