A new $126 million visitor precinct at the Twelve Apostles is ready to provide a world-class experience to millions of people each year, with visitors able to experience the new precinct from 16 October.
The Keerray Woorroong Visitor Centre, jointly funded by $88 million from the Australian Government and $38 million from the Victorian Government, will unlock the region’s economic potential, said Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney.
“This amazing new centre means visitors young and old from Victoria and across the world can enjoy the 12 Apostles and its stunning surrounds for decades to come,” said Ms Tierney.
Delivered ahead of the busy summer period, the new precinct will provide an experience befitting the internationally renowned Twelve Apostles and Great Ocean Road, which attracts seven million visitors annually.
The spectacular centre includes a 230-seat cafe, kiosk, gallery space, visitor information spaces and facilities, and a rooftop lookout. Surrounding the building are native gardens, gathering areas, paths to the coastline and car parking for more than 950 vehicles, said Minister for Tourism, Natalie Suleyman.
“The Twelve Apostles draws visitors to Victoria from around the world and this new centre will be a huge boost for our visitor economy,” said Ms Suleyman.
Reflecting the enduring connection of the region’s Traditional Owners, ‘Keerray Woorroong’ is the name of both the Country and Language of the First Nations people of the area.
Visitors will be able to engage with Keerray Woorroong Culture through plinths featuring significant objects, a central skylight connecting to Sky Country, a Kooyang (short-finned eel) artwork woven through the landscaping and much more.
“Naming this centre ‘Keerray Woorroong’ is a small but powerful act of returning Language to the place it has always belonged,” said Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation CEO, Marcus Clarke.
“We hope this centre is just the beginning for many visitors — a moment that sparks genuine curiosity and a desire to learn more about Eastern Maar Culture, history and Country.”
The Victorian Government says the precinct will play a major role in supporting regional businesses, the tourism sector and the state’s $49.5 billion visitor economy, which supports more than 320,000 jobs.
Hundreds of tradespeople and businesses helped deliver the project, showcasing the state’s skilled construction sector and providing apprenticeship opportunities. Almost 100 locals are now employed at the visitor centre, and local producers and businesses have been engaged to help service its operations.
The precinct’s booking system is now live, and free until April 2027. A fee for bookings will then be introduced, with all revenue directly helping to protect and improve the coast and parks of the Great Ocean Road for generations to come, the Government confirmed in a statement.
“This is a once-in-a-generation investment in the Great Ocean Road – creating local jobs, backing local businesses and building an experience worthy of one of the world’s great destinations,” said Victorian Minister for Rural and Regional Development, Michaela Settle.
The Twelve Apostles Precinct Redevelopment was delivered through a $676 million partnership between the Victorian and Australian governments and the City of Greater Geelong. The new visitor centre will be operated by the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority (GORCAPA).
Bookings to the Twelve Apostles are now required before arriving and to secure a car park. For further information visit:Â www.twelveapostles.org.au.
