Bookings have opened for visits to the Twelve Apostles ahead of the new visitor centre's launch on 16 October. Visitors will need to reserve their arrival in advance from that date, the ABC reported on Wednesday, as the Victorian government introduces a system intended to reduce overcrowding at the Great Ocean Road attraction.
The ABC reported that entry will remain free until April 2027, when tourists will begin paying a fee. Local residents and traditional owners will be exempt, according to its report. More than two million people visit the limestone stacks each year, about four hours' drive west of Melbourne.
The Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority says the $126 million precinct redevelopment is funded through the Geelong City Deal, with Development Victoria delivering the visitor centre. The project includes expanded parking, road improvements and native landscaping, alongside the new building and visitor facilities.
The authority says timed arrivals will secure parking at a specified time and reduce pressure on roads, walkways and viewing platforms during peak periods. It says future fee revenue will cover operating and maintenance costs and support reinvestment in visitor infrastructure and environmental conservation along the coast and parks of the Great Ocean Road.
The centre includes retail, dining and exhibition spaces, a rooftop observation deck and a Welcome Garden celebrating Eastern Maar cultural heritage. The regional tourism listing says it was designed in consultation with Eastern Maar traditional owners, with native gardens and interactive exhibits presenting cultural perspectives on the coastline.
Those displays will also explore climate history and maritime shipwreck stories, according to the tourism body's description of the precinct. A path will link the centre to the Twelve Apostles viewing platforms, with a return walk of approximately two kilometres. The tourism body advises visitors to allow time to explore the wider precinct.
The official general-admission booking page says visits can be booked 30 days in advance. Admission covers the car park, visitor centre and precinct. The centre's visitor information identifies the new facility as the Keerray Woorroong Visitor Centre.
Its published visitor guide lists centre hours of 8am to 8pm, with the last arrival at 7pm. It also lists accessible parking and restrooms, wheelchair-accessible trails and viewing platforms, and a sensory room for visitors who prefer a calmer environment.
The authority says the booking changes apply to the new Twelve Apostles visitor centre, rather than neighbouring attractions. Public access to Gibson Steps and Loch Ard Gorge is unchanged by the scheme, it says. The centre opens on 16 October, while the booking system is already available for visitors planning their trip.
