The Victorian government has announced that visitors will soon have to pay an entry fee to see the Twelve Apostles on the Great Ocean Road. The fee, which will be introduced when the new $126m visitor centre opens at the end of 2026, aims to protect the site from the impacts of climate change, coastal erosion, and high visitor numbers.
Environment minister Steve Dimopoulos stated that every dollar raised would be reinvested into the surrounding area. He described the 240km stretch of coastline as 'under threat' and said the fee was 'only fair', pointing to similar charges at national parks such as Uluru, Kakadu, and Cradle Mountain.
The fee will not apply to local residents or members of the Eastern Maar Indigenous community. The exact cost will be decided after consultation with stakeholders, but it is understood the government favours a charge under $20. A booking system will also be introduced to manage visitor numbers and reduce congestion.
The Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority will operate the centre and collect the funds. The money will be used for repairs to historic landmarks, upgrades to caravan parks and campgrounds, and improvements to walkways, lookouts, and barbecues.
The move has been welcomed by the Victoria Tourism Industry Council, whose chief executive Lisa Patroni said it was 'well overdue' and would improve safety and the visitor experience. However, opposition leader Jess Wilson criticised the fee, saying it was 'another example of a government that has run out of money'.
