Visitors to one of Australia’s most recognisable natural landmarks will soon have to pay to see it, with the Victorian Government announcing plans to introduce an entry fee for the Twelve Apostles along the Great Ocean Road.
The charge will be tied to a new visitor booking system and the opening of a major visitor centre expected to launch in late 2026. While the exact price has not yet been confirmed, it is expected to be set following consultation with local councils, tourism operators and traditional owners.
The Twelve Apostles attract millions of visitors each year and the government says the new system is designed to better manage crowds while funding long term conservation and tourism infrastructure in the region. Revenue collected from the fee will be managed by the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority and reinvested into maintaining the site and improving visitor facilities.
A booking system will also be introduced, allowing visitors to reserve entry times and guaranteeing parking during peak periods. The aim is to reduce congestion at one of Victoria’s busiest tourism locations, which regularly sees heavy tour bus traffic and overcrowded viewing platforms during holiday periods.
More than six million people travel the Great Ocean Road each year and around two million of them stop at the Twelve Apostles. Tourism forecasts suggest those numbers could rise significantly over the next decade, placing increasing pressure on the fragile coastal environment.
The fee will not apply to nearby residents or members of the Eastern Maar community, the traditional owners of the land surrounding the landmark.
The move effectively turns the site into a paid attraction for the first time, bringing it closer in line with other major destinations that charge entry, including Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and Tasmania’s Wineglass Bay lookout.
Supporters argue the model will help protect the coastline and improve the overall visitor experience. Critics, however, have questioned whether charging for access to a natural landmark sets a precedent for other locations across Victoria.
The new fee and booking system are expected to come into effect when the new visitor centre opens later in 2026.
