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 Twelve Apostles Precinct Redevelopment, funded through the Geelong City Deal, will deliver a world-class Visitor Experience Centre, which will change how visitors experience the region. It will be complemented by tourism projects delivered by the private sector and local council, funded through the Geelong City Deal’s Private Sector Business Enablement Fund.
Once complete, the Twelve Apostles Precinct Redevelopment will enable streamlined access to nature’s greatest attractions, while protecting the environment and cultural history at this spectacular location.
The Visitor Experience Centre will provide a world-class gateway to the Shipwreck Coast and safe access to one of the most visited natural landmarks in Australia. The Twelve Apostles Precinct Redevelopment will also deliver the Private Sector Business Enablement Fund.
It will be safer and easier to enjoy the area’s 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 group 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 completed by 2026.
Twelve Apostles Precinct Redevelopment
The new Twelve Apostles Visitor Experience Centre is the focus of the precinct’s infrastructure works. Once complete, the world-class centre will be the gateway to the Shipwreck Coast, enhancing and protecting the region’s iconic beauty. The works include:
- Visitor Experience Centre building and lookout
- delivery of a high-quality Welcome Garden
- integrated car and bus parking, including emergency service connectivity
- new road infrastructure and road upgrades
- landscaping works to target pathways and road edging.
The centre will be accessible to ensure people of all abilities can enjoy the global destination.
A new Welcome Garden will celebrate the rich Biocultural values of the Eastern Maar community, while a garden rooftop lookout will offer breathtaking views.
The Project will also fund water, electricity, and road infrastructure improvements. This will support local businesses and make local services more accessible.
Progress update
- Construction on the Visitor Experience Centre is now underway, with head contractor Kane Constructions leading works.
- Construction updates can be found on the Development Victoria project page.
- Development of the precinct has been informed by extensive engagement with the local community in 2023 and 2024. Engagement summary reports can be accessed through Engage Victoria.
- Frequently Asked Questions will continue to be updated.
Private Sector Business Enablement Fund
The project also delivers the 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.
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 Shipwreck Coast Master Plan (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 3 years. The Plan has 72 long-term initiatives which guide investment in facilities and infrastructure.
As part of a $24.5 million investment in the SCMP, Parks Victoria is working with the Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation on initial projects in the Port Campbell National Park. These projects are:
- a new 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 $126 million Twelve Apostles Precinct Redevelopment through the Geelong City Deal, a collaborative plan to transform Geelong and the Great Ocean Road by the Australian and Victorian Governments and local councils.
Federal Mills Precinct, 33 Mackey Street
North Geelong VIC 3220 Level 2, Harrison Place
237 Ryrie Street
Geelong VIC 3220
Phone: 1800 950 145