Work commences on Twelve Apostles Visitor Centre

Construction is underway on the Visitor Experience Centre at the new Twelve Apostles Precinct Redevelopment. The Twelve Apostles are an environmental attraction consisting of limestone stacks off the shore of Victoria’s Port Campbell National Park along the Great Ocean Road.

Kane Constructions is the head contractor for the redevelopment, which is expected to be completed at the end of 2026. Kane Constructions Project Director, Sam Birdseye advised "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. We feel privileged to be involved in this landmark project."

The world-class facility is the focus of the Federal and Victorian Government's $126 million Twelve Apostles Precinct Redevelopment and will be a gateway to Shipwreck Coast, protecting and enhancing the region's 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 VEC will also teach visitors about the area's rich history of shipwrecks and maritime impacts, and the geomorphology of this iconic Australian landmark.

Building on the Government's partnership with the Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation (EMAC), 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.

Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation Chief Executive Marcus Clarke added "The commencement of construction marks a major step toward bringing the design to life - one that reflects Kirrae Whurrong Culture and our shared history while harmonising with the natural landscape."

"It's about sharing Land, Sky, and Sea Country stories, giving everyone the opportunity to learn and experience."

The redevelopment project also delivers the Private Sector Business Enablement Fund (PSBEF), designed to help fund underlying infrastructure to support private sector investment in the Shipwreck Coast and Great Ocean Road regions.

The redevelopment will make it safer and easier to enjoy the area's stunning natural assets, draw domestic and international visitors, and encourage visitors to stay longer, transforming a day visit into nightly stays in the Great Ocean Road and Shipwreck Coast regions.

The Twelve Apostles Precinct Redevelopment is part of the Geelong City Deal - a partnership between all three levels of government that is revitalising the city and regional economy while encouraging people to spend more time in the region.

Corangamite Shire Council Chief Executive David Rae shared "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.

"The investment in world-class infrastructure will not only boost tourism but also create local jobs and drive economic growth for our communities."

For more information on the Geelong City Deal and precinct visit: infrastructure.gov.au/territories-regions-cities/cities

Image. Credit: Regional Development Victoria