The beloved Great Ocean Road is about to gain a new lookout – and if you gaze at it from a distance, you'd be forgiven for thinking it was a creature leaping out of the water. Yep, that's right. The new multi-million dollar viewing area is designed to look like a whale breaching out of the ocean, because it's aptly located right next to the Blowhole coastal landmark.
Port Campbell National Park, home to the famous 12 Apostles, is currently undergoing a major makeover to revitalise the area and better accommodate the volume of tourists who come to see the picturesque sights. The 12 Apostles site will be transformed into a brand new tourist hub, and just down the road, the Loch Ard Gorge precinct is also getting a revamp.
The coastal spot will gain a new $8 million lookout at the Blowhole, after the former viewing area was removed years ago due to safety concerns caused by erosion of the limestone cliffs. As the name suggests, it's a huge hole of a cave in the cliff face that has been worn down by the crashing waves, during which water rushes in and out creating a splashy spectacle.
It's a sight that attracts plenty of eager onlookers, so it needs a safe and accessible viewing point. The marine-inspired design of the lookout was led by the Indigenous Eastern Maar community, to reflect the biocultural values of Keerray Woorroong Country.
When complete in 2025, it'll all make for quite the viewing experience, adding yet another stop worth pulling over for on the glorious Great Ocean Road journey.
Read more about the project on the Parks Victoria website.