A new $126 million visitor precinct at Australia’s iconic Twelve Apostles is set to offer a deeper look at the Great Ocean Road, combining Eastern Maar cultural heritage, immersive exhibitions, regional food and spectacular coastal views when it opens on 16 October.

At the heart of the redevelopment is the new 3,300 square metre Keerray Woorroong Visitor Centre, designed to encourage visitors to spend more time exploring one of Victoria’s most recognised natural landmarks and discover the stories, landscapes and communities that make the Great Ocean Road special.

The new facility brings together Eastern Maar cultural perspectives, interactive exhibitions, digital experiences, local food and drink, regional tourism information and guided activities. Visitors can also head to the Great Ocean Lookout rooftop garden and observation area for sweeping views across the Southern Ocean.

Developed in consultation with Eastern Maar, the Visitor Centre offers visitors an opportunity to understand the Twelve Apostles and the surrounding coastline through the perspectives of one of the world’s oldest living cultures. Interactive displays, artefacts and guided experiences explore the region’s geological history, ecological significance, changing coastline and the enduring connections between people and Country.

A new Welcome Garden introduces visitors to Eastern Maar culture through native gardens and trails. Meanwhile, the dedicated Keerray Woorroong experience features audiovisual and static displays that trace millions of years of climate and geological history, alongside the environmental story of the national park and surrounding region.

Twelve Apostles Visitor Precinct General Manager Andre Smaniotto says the redevelopment gives visitors more reasons to explore the landmark beyond its famous coastal views.

“The new Visitor Centre gives people the opportunity to slow down, discover the stories of this remarkable place and experience the coast through a broader lens,” he says. “From Eastern Maar culture and the natural environment to local food, regional stories and spectacular views across the Southern Ocean, we want visitors to leave with a deeper connection to this place as well as a desire to explore more of the Great Ocean Road.”

Beyond its cultural and educational offerings, the Visitor Centre will serve as a starting point for exploring the wider Great Ocean Road region. Visitor Ambassadors will provide local insights, travel itineraries and recommendations, while talks and guided experiences will help bring the precinct and its surrounding attractions to life.

The facility will also include family-friendly, accessible and sensory facilities to cater to visitors with a range of needs, making the destination more welcoming to different age groups and travel styles.

Food and drink will form another key part of the visitor experience. A 230-seat café and a walk-up kiosk overlooking the Welcome Garden will offer opportunities to enjoy regional produce while taking in the surrounding landscape. Local businesses, including Timboon Distillery and Timboon Fine Ice Cream, will feature in the offering, with indoor and outdoor dining areas available.

The redevelopment is also expected to benefit tourism businesses across Victoria’s Great Ocean Road region by encouraging longer stays and distributing visitor spending across nearby destinations. Local restaurants, accommodation providers and other tourism operators stand to benefit as travellers spend more time discovering the area beyond the Twelve Apostles lookout.

From 16 October, all visitors will need a booking to visit the Twelve Apostles. A booking fee is scheduled to be introduced in April 2027. All revenue will be reinvested directly into coastal protection, conservation and improvements to the visitor experience across the Great Ocean Road’s coast and parks.

The Keerray Woorroong Visitor Centre will operate 365 days a year. Building hours will be from 8am to 8pm during daylight saving and from 9am to 5pm during standard time.

A Major Investment in Great Ocean Road Tourism

The $126 million Twelve Apostles Precinct redevelopment was funded through the Geelong City Deal, with Development Victoria leading project delivery. Grimshaw and Aspect Studios served as the lead building and landscape architects, while the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority is responsible for site and facility operations.

With its focus on Indigenous cultural heritage, coastal conservation, regional produce and visitor facilities, the new precinct marks a significant development for Great Ocean Road tourism. It aims to give travellers more ways to understand the Twelve Apostles while encouraging them to explore the surrounding region and support local tourism businesses.

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