Community
2 April, 2025
Construction begins for 12 Apostles visitor centre
THE new Twelve Apostles Precinct Redevelopment is starting to take shape, with construction on the visitor experience centre now well underway.
The world-class facility is the focus of the Albanese and Allan Labor Government’s $126 million Twelve Apostles Precinct Redevelopment and will be a gateway to the Shipwreck Coast, protecting and enhancing the region’s iconic landscape and beauty.
Part of the Geelong City Deal, the redevelopment will include a new visitor experience centre, bus parking, car parking for hundreds of cars, landscaping, and new road infrastructure and upgrades.
The centre will feature retail and hospitality spaces, to be decided in consultation with industry, as well as exhibitions, office space and a rooftop lookout with sweeping views of the Shipwreck Coast.
The visitor experience centre will also teach visitors about the area’s rich history of shipwrecks and maritime impacts, and the geomorphology of this iconic Australian landmark.
“It’s so exciting to see work begin on this transformational project, which will make this internationally loved and iconic Victorian landscape better for the more than two million visitors annually,” Victorian Minister for Regional Development Jaclyn Symes said.
“The ongoing economic benefit to the local communities will also continue to make the Great Ocean Road an incredible place to live, stay and enjoy.”
Kane Constructions is the head contractor for the redevelopment, which is expected to be completed at the end of 2026.
"The new visitor experience centre and supporting infrastructure will be enjoyed by millions of people in the coming years and is such an important piece of Victorian tourism infrastructure,” Kane Constructions project director Sam Birdseye said.
“We feel privileged to be involved in this landmark project.”
Building on the government’s partnership with the Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation, who is the Traditional Owner group for the area, the redevelopment includes a new Welcome Garden which will celebrate the community’s cultural and environmental values.
Corangamite Shire Council chief executive officer David Rae said the redevelopment will be a “game-changer” for the region.
“This redevelopment is a game-changer for our region, enhancing the visitor experience while preserving the natural beauty of the Twelve Apostles and the Shipwreck Coast,” he said.
“The investment in world-class infrastructure will not only boost tourism but also create local jobs and drive economic growth for our communities.”
Construction of the visitor experience centre is expected to provide employment for the equivalent of up to 90 full-time positions during the redevelopment, and up to 50 ongoing jobs upon opening.
“It’s fantastic to see construction underway for the new visitor experience centre,” Victorian Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney said.
“This new facility will greatly improve the experience of tourists, while also creating ongoing jobs in the region.”
The redevelopment project also delivers the Private Sector Business Enablement Fund, designed to help fund underlying infrastructure to support private sector investment in the Shipwreck Coast and Great Ocean Road regions.
The Twelve Apostles Precinct Redevelopment is part of the Geelong City Deal – a partnership between all three levels of government which is revitalising the city and regional economy while encouraging people to spend more time in the region.
For more information on the Geelong City Deal and precinct visit: infrastructure.gov.au/territories-regions-cities/cities.
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