A new $126 million visitor centre at the Twelve Apostles will open to the public on 16 October, giving visitors a new way to experience one of Victoria’s biggest tourist attractions ahead of the busy summer season.
The Keerray Woorroong Visitor Centre has been designed to cater for the millions of people who visit the Great Ocean Road each year, with the region attracting around 7 million visitors annually.
The new precinct includes a 230-seat cafe, kiosk, gallery and visitor information spaces, as well as a rooftop lookout offering views across the coastline. Outside, visitors will find native gardens, gathering areas, coastal paths and parking for more than 950 vehicles.
Bookings are now required before arriving at the Twelve Apostles and to secure a car park. They will be free until April 2027, after which a booking fee will be introduced. Revenue from the fees will go towards protecting and improving the Great Ocean Road’s coast and parks.
The centre takes its name from Keerray Woorroong, the Country and Language of the First Nations people of the area, with the precinct incorporating a range of elements reflecting Traditional Owners’ connection to Country.
These include plinths displaying significant objects, a central skylight connecting to Sky Country and a Kooyang, or short-finned eel, artwork woven through the landscaping.
The project is also expected to support businesses and jobs across the region. Almost 100 locals are now employed at the visitor centre, while local producers and businesses have been brought in to support its operations.
Hundreds of tradespeople and businesses contributed to the project, including through apprenticeship opportunities.
The visitor centre forms part of the wider $676 million Twelve Apostles Precinct Redevelopment, delivered through a partnership between the Victorian and Australian governments and the City of Greater Geelong.
The Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority will operate the new precinct.
For bookings and visitor information, visit twelveapostles.org.au.
