Of all the tourist attractions across Victoria, the 12 Apostles is the one that draws in the most crowds from far and wide. The famed limestone stacks continue to amaze visitors, despite four of the 12 formations succumbing to the elements over the years. If you've been to the site, its popularity is clear, because you'll have also witnessed the masses of tourists there on any given day. But thankfully, a trip to the historic landmark will soon become a much better (and less crowded) experience, with the site getting a much-needed makeover to accommodate the high number of visitors.
A massive transformation of the 12 Apostles precinct will aim to provide a more streamlined experience for tourists wanting to see the attraction, while also protecting the site's natural environment and cultural history. The $126 million redevelopment will include a new 12 Apostles Visitor Experience Centre, hundreds of parking spaces, a visitor shuttle centre, as well as several safety improvements to the surrounding area. Construction is currently underway, with the current completion date slated for the end of 2026.
The project will also include improved walkways and viewing platforms across Port Campbell National Park, to protect the environment while still allowing visitors to enjoy the beauty of the coast. According to Regional Development Victoria, visitor numbers to the Great Ocean Road and Shipwreck Coast are expected to increase, so better visitor facilities are needed to maintain the longevity of the area.
In addition to the tourist precinct makeover, the 12 Apostles also gained the new Saddle Lookout, which replaced the old viewing area to better cater to the millions of people that visit. The $9.2 million lookout opened in June 2024.
It seems like the 12 Apostles will soon be a reinvigorated visitor hot spot, with an exciting new hot springs destination also expected to open right next to the site. If you're a local, you probably haven't ventured down the Great Ocean Road in a long time (unless you've taken an overseas loved one on a sightseeing tour), but with this new makeover, we reckon it'll be worth another road trip.