Iconic Twelve Apostles to Introduce Entry Fees as New Visitor Centre Nears Completion
Travellers flocking to witness the breathtaking natural spectacle of the Twelve Apostles on Victoria’s rugged coastline will soon need to factor in an entry fee as part of a new visitor experience. The highly anticipated $126 million visitor centre, a joint investment from the state and federal governments, is slated to open its doors by the end of the year and will incorporate a booking system alongside an admission charge.
While the exact cost of entry remains undisclosed, the Victorian government is set to commence consultations with key stakeholders on Monday to finalise the details. Environment Minister Steve Dimopoulos emphasised the rationale behind the move, stating, “It’s only fair that visitors to the region pay a small fee to visit this world-class destination so that we can maintain it for future generations.” He further highlighted the commitment to reinvesting in the local economy, assuring that “every single cent spent in the region stays there.”
Crucially, the state government has confirmed that residents living in close proximity to the Twelve Apostles and members of the Eastern Maar Indigenous community will be exempt from the new entry fee, ensuring continued accessibility for locals and Traditional Owners.
A Shift Towards Sustainable Tourism Management
The introduction of a user-pays model has been a topic of discussion for some time, with the Corangamite Shire Council and the Great Ocean Road Regional Tourism Board jointly advocating for this change in September. They described the development of the new visitor centre as a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” to implement a system that would ensure the long-term sustainability of the iconic attraction.
Andrew Jeffers, Chairman of the Great Ocean Road Regional Tourism Board, echoed this sentiment, explaining that a thoughtfully implemented user-pays system is “not only fair, it is essential” for better visitor management and the crucial protection of the delicate coastal environment.
Boosting Regional Overnight Stays
Beyond site maintenance and visitor management, the tourism board and the Corangamite Shire are keen to leverage the new visitor centre to encourage tourists to extend their stays in the region. Currently, a significant number of tour groups undertake day trips to the Twelve Apostles from Melbourne, meaning the local tourism sector often misses out on the broader economic benefits that overnight visitors bring.
The tourism industry in the region has long expressed frustration at this missed opportunity, arguing that the economic rewards of such a globally recognised natural wonder should be more widely distributed amongst local businesses.
Preserving an Enduring Icon
The Twelve Apostles, despite the erosion that has reduced the original twelve limestone stacks to seven, continues to draw millions of visitors annually. A report from Development Victoria indicated that approximately 2.8 million people visited the site in 2019, with projections suggesting this number could soar to 4 million by 2026.
Corangamite Shire Chief Executive David Rae, speaking in September, underscored the financial necessity of the user-pays model. He stated that introducing a charge would be vital in ensuring the site’s ongoing viability as a premier tourism attraction. “Individuals benefiting from that experience should pay for it,” Rae asserted, reinforcing the principle that those who directly experience the wonder of the Twelve Apostles should contribute to its preservation.
The new visitor centre promises to enhance the overall visitor experience, offering improved amenities and interpretive displays while simultaneously addressing the pressing need for sustainable funding to protect this irreplaceable natural heritage for generations to come.
