Work underway for Twelve Apostles visitor centre on Great Ocean Road

The new centre is part of a $126m redevelopment of the area around major tourist attraction.

Renders of the visitor centre at the Twelve Apostles that will be finished at the end of 2026.

Construction of a new visitor centre at the famous Twelve Apostles site is underway as part of a $126m redevelopment for the region.

Part of the Geelong City Deal, the Twelve Apostles Precinct Redevelopment will deliver a new Visitor Experience Centre.

The centre will feature retail and hospitality spaces, to be decided in consultation with industry, as well as exhibitions, office space and a rooftop lookout with sweeping views of the Shipwreck Coast.

Renders of the visitor centre at the Twelve Apostles that will be finished at the end of 2026.

Visitors to the centre will also learn about the area’s rich history of shipwrecks and maritime impacts, and the geomorphology of this iconic Twelve Apostles.

Up to 90 full-time jobs are expected to be created throughout the redevelopments, and up to 50 ongoing jobs upon opening, which is estimated to be by the end of 2026.

Victorian Minister for Regional Development Jaclyn Symes, who played a role in the original signing of the Geelong City Deal - an agreement between all three levels of government, said it was good to see construction starting.

“It’s so exciting to see work begin on this transformational project, which will make this

internationally loved and iconic Victorian landscape better for the more than two million visitors annually,” Ms Symes said.

“The ongoing economic benefit to the local communities will also continue to make the Great Ocean Road an incredible place to live, stay and enjoy.”

Corangamite Shire chief executive David Rae said “this redevelopment is a game-changer for our region”.

“The investment in world-class infrastructure will not only boost tourism but also create local jobs and drive economic growth for our communities,” Mr Rae said.

The redevelopment will include a welcome garden, which will celebrate the communities cultural and environmental values in partnership with the area’s traditional owners group the Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation.

Chief executive of the corporation Marcus Clark said “the commencement of construction marks a major step toward bringing the design to life, one that reflects Kirrae Whurrong Culture and our shared history while harmonising with the natural landscape,” Mr Clark said.

“It’s about sharing Land, Sky, and Sea Country stories, giving everyone the opportunity to learn and experience.”

Originally published as Work underway for Twelve Apostles visitor centre on Great Ocean Road