Twelve Apostles Precinct Redevelopment
Growing the region’s reputation as a remarkable world-class destination, while enhancing the hinterland, and protecting the national, coastal marine parks.
Overview
The $108.15 million Twelve Apostles Precinct Redevelopment delivers infrastructure projects in the Shipwreck Coast region. The redevelopment includes the Shipwreck Coast priority projects in two phases – coastal and main works.
The redevelopment also includes the $23.4 million Private Sector Business Enablement Fund (PSBEF) which is helping to fund the underlying infrastructure to support private sector investment in the region.
Once complete, the Twelve Apostles Precinct will change how visitors experience the region. It will provide streamlined access to nature’s greatest attractions, while protecting the environment and cultural history at this spectacular location.
It will be safer and easier to enjoy the areas’ stunning natural assets, draw domestic and international visitors, and encourage visitors to stay longer, transforming a day visit into an overnight stay in the Shipwreck Coast region.
Our continuing partnership with the Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation (EMAC), the formally recognised Traditional Owner groups for the area, is at the centre of the project’s codesign and delivery. The partnership recognises Eastern Maar’s ongoing connection and intrinsic relationship with Country, in line with the Eastern Maar Country Plan. It will ensure that Eastern Maar culture is at the forefront of the redevelopment and that the traditional owners benefit from the project now and into the future.
The Project is currently expected to be complete by 2025.
The Twelve Apostles Precinct Redevelopment map illustrates the integrated suite of project activity throughout the Shipwreck Coast region:
- Twelve Apostles Precinct Redevelopment Project map (PDF 275.38 KB)
- Twelve Apostles Precinct Redevelopment Project map (DOCX 278.26 KB)
- Twelve Apostles Precinct Redevelopment Project map (PNG 254.85 KB)
Coastal works
The coastal works will improve or build new coastal attractions. The proposed works* include:
- revegetation and safety improvements to the Loch Ard Gorge carpark
- safety upgrades at Gibson Steps
- upgraded visitor lookouts at Twelve Apostles and Gibson Steps, including an all-weather amphitheater at the Twelve Apostles lookout
- potential for new lookouts between the Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge
- a new transit pod at Loch Ard Gorge and other precinct-wide connectivity improvements are proposed to support sustainable transport.
*subject to regulatory controls and approvals.
Main works
Main works feature a new Twelve Apostles Visitor Experience Centre, and is also proposed to include:
- a park and ride facility
- a temporary event space
- substantial revegetation, landscaping, gardens and walking trails
- new access roads
- better parking at the Gow End Lookout Carpark
- a visitor shuttle shelter, eBike parking and toilets.
The Project will also fund water, electricity, and road infrastructure improvements. This will support local businesses and make local services more accessible.
Progress update
- Grimshaw Architects has been appointed by Development Victoria as the Head Design Consultant for the project. The design process has started in partnership with EMAC and the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority.
- The project is offering opportunities for the community to have their say in 2023.
- Community feedback will be considered in line with the project scope and a range of factors including safety, culture, environment and sustainability.
- To register, find out more or have your say please visit Engage Victoria.
- Frequently Asked Questions will continue to be updated.
Private Sector Business Enablement Fund
The $108.15 million Project also delivers the $23.4 million Private Sector Business Enablement Fund (PSBEF) which was designed to help fund underlying infrastructure to support private sector investment in the Shipwreck Coast and Great Ocean Road regions.
Progress update
The following projects have been awarded:
- Princetown Enabling Public Works – upgrades to Old Coach Road, construction of a replacement bridge and a new trail, providing improved public access to the Princetown Recreation Reserve and enabling infrastructure for a proposed eco-lodge facility, Princetown Eco Stay.
- Kangaroobie Camp – an upgrade to wastewater treatment facilities to support expansion of camp accommodation facilities, completed late 2022.
- Great Ocean Road Retreat, Peterborough – power and telecommunication instillation, road and stormwater infrastructure to support an accommodation investment.
- 12 Apostles Hot Springs Resort – enabling infrastructure including sewer and stormwater connections, portable water and road infrastructure to support the Hot Springs Resort accommodation investment.
- Power Creek Footbridge – fabrication and installation of a new footbridge, associated landscaping works and visitor amenities.
- The Villas-Anglesea Golf Club – service road civil works, sewer and stormwater connections, new power connection, potable water and NBN connection infrastructure to support construction of 13 two-story short-stay group accommodation villas.
- Expansion of the Apollo Bay Fishermen’s Co-Operative Society building – enhancing operations and support of culinary, cultural and tourism experiences for visitors as a major tourism hub in Apollo Bay.
- Intersection Realignment and Road Sealing – at the Princetown Road and Gallum Road intersection to improve safety and accessibility at the Apostles Whey Cheese Factory.
The Private Sector Business Enablement Fund is now closed. No further funding rounds are available.
Objectives of Program
This investment will shift the perception of the Shipwreck Coast and the Twelve Apostles Precinct from a day trip destination to an overnight and multi-day visitor experience, while maintaining the region’s unique local character and reducing the impacts of increased visitation on the local community.
This project will deliver tourism infrastructure projects for the Shipwreck Coast and the Twelve Apostles Precinct to strengthen the region as a leading tourist destination and ensure benefits flow to local communities.
Background
Visitor numbers to the Great Ocean Road and Shipwreck Coast are expected to increase. To support this, the region needs better visitor facilities, services, and experiences. Walkways and viewing platforms will also be improved in the Port Campbell National Park. This will allow visitors to enjoy the coast's beauty and still protect the environment and cultural values.
The Victorian Government’s Shipwreck Coast Masterplan (SCMP) was developed in 2015. It aims to protect the coastline between Princetown and the Bay of Islands, attract more visitors and boost local jobs and the economy.
The SCMP guides public land management along the Shipwreck Coast. It will help build business confidence and investment on the coast and hinterland.
We consulted the local community and key stakeholders about the SCMP over three years. The Plan has 72 long-term initiatives which guide investment in facilities and infrastructure. Further information on the SCMP can be found on the Victorian Government Shipwreck Coast website.
As part of the SCMP, Parks Victoria is working with the Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation on initial projects worth $16.5 million in the Port Campbell National Park. These projects are:
- a new $9.2 million lookout at the ‘Saddle’ in the Twelve Apostles Precinct that will expand viewing areas and improve accessibility for growing visitor numbers
- another lookout at 'The Blowhole' at Loch Ard Gorge
- a new 60m pedestrian bridge which has been built over Port Campbell Creek, connecting Port Campbell to the national park.
The Shipwreck Coast priority projects build on Parks Victoria’s work and represent the next stage of development under the SCMP.
Funding Details
The Australian and Victorian Governments are funding the $108.15 million Twelve Apostles Precinct Redevelopment Project through the Geelong City Deal (GCD) for infrastructure projects in the Shipwreck Coast region. The funding includes:
- $84.75 million for priority projects in the Shipwreck Coast region (coastal and main works)
- a $23.4 million Private Sector Business Enablement Fund.
The Twelve Apostles Precinct Redevelopment Project is part of the $500 million GCD, a collaborative plan to transform Geelong and the Great Ocean Road by the Australian and Victorian Governments and local council.
Contact details
Geelong Regional Business Centre
Level 2, Harrison Place
237 Ryrie Street
Geelong VIC 3220
Tel: (+61 3) 5215 6000