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Twelve Apostles to require booking and entry fee for tourists from October

New $126 million visitor centre prompts paid access system, locals and traditional owners exempt

By LineZotpaper
Published
Read Time2 min
Sources2 outlets
Tourists visiting the Twelve Apostles on Victoria's Great Ocean Road will need to book ahead and pay an entry fee starting October 16, with visitor charges beginning in April next year, the Victorian government has announced. Local residents and traditional owners will be exempt from the fee.

The iconic limestone rock stacks, which attract more than 2 million visitors annually, will now require a pre-booked entry to access a newly constructed $126 million visitor centre. The government says the redevelopment and booking system will manage overcrowding during peak periods, with fees directed toward visitor infrastructure and environmental projects.

Acting Regional Development, Local Government and Territories Minister Catherine King said the new centre would support sustainable tourism along Victoria's south-west coastline. "The redevelopment is already playing an important part in the local economy and will encourage even more visitors to spend time in the region, boosting local jobs and businesses," Ms King said.

However, some local business owners are concerned about the impact. Jake Higham, who works at a cafe in Portland along the coast, said he regularly speaks with tourists visiting the Twelve Apostles. "I think it's quite an unfortunate thing to have people that aren't locals have to pay for something that should be free," Mr Higham said. "The tourism industry suffers a lot from the past couple of years of COVID ... I think it will suffer a lot."

The Twelve Apostles, located about four hours' drive west of Melbourne, are seven limestone stacks rising from the Southern Ocean. The government has confirmed that booking and payment will be introduced in stages, with entry fees applied from April.

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Analysis

Why This Matters

  • Tourists will face an additional cost and planning requirement to visit one of Australia's most iconic natural landmarks, potentially altering travel behaviour and trip budgets.
  • The new system aims to reduce overcrowding, but could deter some visitors and affect local tourism businesses that rely on the steady stream of travellers.
  • The move sets a precedent for other popular natural sites considering similar booking and fee arrangements to manage visitor pressure.

Background

The Twelve Apostles are a set of limestone stacks on the Victorian coast, part of Port Campbell National Park along the Great Ocean Road. They draw over two million visitors each year, making them one of Australia's most visited natural attractions. The Victorian government has invested in a new visitor centre to improve facilities and manage the large crowds that often cause congestion and safety issues.

Key Perspectives

Government and Tourism Authorities: The booking system and entry fee are intended to create a sustainable tourism model, funding ongoing maintenance and environmental projects while smoothing out peak visitor numbers. They argue the new centre will enhance the visitor experience. Local Businesses and Workers: Some worry that charging non-locals will reduce visitor numbers, especially from domestic tourists, hurting cafes, accommodation and other services along the Great Ocean Road. They note the region is still recovering from pandemic-related tourism losses. Visitors and Critics: Tourists may see the fee as an unfair charge for accessing a natural wonder that has traditionally been free. Critics question whether the fee will truly improve the experience or simply shift visitor patterns.

What to Watch

  • The exact entry fee amount when announced for April and whether it aligns with similar charges at other Australian natural sites.
  • How booking availability and capacity limits affect visitor numbers during peak holiday periods like summer.
  • Reaction from interstate and international tourists, and any impact on the broader Great Ocean Road tourism economy.

Sources

Zotpaper

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