Industry Updates
A $126 million transformation - A new gateway for the Great Ocean Road
Opening in mid-October 2026, the $126 million Twelve Apostles precinct redevelopment will transform how visitors arrive at, experience and understand one of the world’s great natural landmarks.
Anchored by the new 3,300m² Visitor Centre, it will turn one of Australia’s most photographed places from a brief stop into a rare, memorable experience worth planning and booking.
This is a powerful new anchor for longer journeys across the Great Ocean Road.
Register for industry updates by emailing info@greatoceanroadauthority.vic.gov.au
Download toolkit
More than a new building
The Visitor Centre will offer:
● World-class architecture and landscape design
● Eastern Maar culture, knowledge and perspectives
● Immersive exhibitions and digital experiences
● The Great Ocean Lookout rooftop garden and observation area
● Visitor Ambassadors, talks and guided experiences
● Café, retail and regional visitor information
● Inclusive family, accessible and sensory facilities
● Extensive native landscaping and improved visitor movement
Expanded parking, dedicated coach access and upgraded infrastructure will support safer, better-managed arrivals for all visitors while guaranteeing a reserved spot and plenty of time to enjoy everything the precinct has to offer.
Grounded in Eastern Maar custodianship
Eastern Maar are the Traditional Owners and enduring custodians of this Country, with continuing responsibilities for Country and coast.
Eastern Maar knowledge and values have helped shape how the precinct is designed, named, interpreted, regenerated and cared for.
Curated experiences will reveal the Twelve Apostles as more than a view, but a living Country to understand, respect and care for.
A major opportunity for tourism
This positions the Twelve Apostles alongside the world’s most significant landmarks and sets the ambition to lead globally in regenerative tourism.
For tourism businesses, this creates:
● A premium, must-book experience worthy of the landmark
● A richer product to promote and include in itineraries
● Greater confidence when planning visitor and group arrivals
● More reasons for visitors to spend time at the precinct
● A powerful gateway to regional accommodation, food, nature, culture and touring experiences
● Greater potential for longer stays, overnight visitation and regional dispersal
All revenue raised by GORCAPA on the land it manages is reinvested into the care, conservation and long-term resilience of the Great Ocean Road coast and parks.
A rare experience worth planning for
Access to the main Twelve Apostles visitor precinct will move to a pre-booked arrival model, with the booking system planned to open in early October.
This is one of the world’s great natural landmarks. Booking ahead protects the quality of the experience and helps care for the place that makes it possible.
Trade accounts will be available to approved tour operators. Group booking processes, arrival windows, amendments, cancellations and support arrangements will be explained through operator information sessions and official industry updates.
Plan now
Tourism operators and regional partners should:
● Build booking and realistic arrival windows into itineraries.
● Allow more time for the Visitor Centre, interpretation and longer walk to the viewing area
● Position the Twelve Apostles as a premium highlight, not simply a roadside photo stop.
● Prepare visitors for the significance of Eastern Maar Country.
● Connect the precinct with nearby experiences, towns and accommodation.
● Build sunrise, sunset, quieter periods and overnight stays into itineraries where operationally available.
● Update product descriptions once approved copy and inclusions are released.
● Use the precinct as an anchor for multi-day Great Ocean Road journeys.
● Share the booking toolkit assets (link) across their channels
At a glance
- Booking system: Planned to open in early October
- Visitor Centre opening: Mid-October 2026
- Parking: Almost 600 formalised car spaces and 100 coach and coaster spaces
- Building hours: 8am–8pm during daylight saving; 9am–5pm during standard time
- Open: 365 days a year
- Other locations: Access to Loch Ard Gorge and Gibson Steps remains unchanged
FAQS
The timing of entry fees and transition arrangements is being finalised by the Victorian Government and will be communicated separately.
The new booking system for the Twelve Apostles Visitor Centre parking and centre access will open on Monday 5 October.
Sign up to the webpage twelveapostles.org.au to be notified when the booking system goes live.
Contact us
e: info@greatoceanroadauthority.vic.gov.au
p: 1300 736 533