Construction begins on Twelve Apostles Visitor Experience Centre

28/03/2025

Early works on the Visitor Experience Centre are visible at the centre of the frame, with concrete slabs, mounds of soil and various construction vehicles visible from an elevated viewpoint. The background of the image shows rolling hills and fields, with some greenery visible just under the horizon

The new Twelve Apostles Precinct Redevelopment is taking shape, with construction on the Visitor Experience Centre now well underway.

The world-class facility is the focus of the $126 million Twelve Apostles Precinct Redevelopment and will be a gateway to Shipwreck Coast, protecting and enhancing the region’s iconic landscape and beauty.

Part of the Geelong City Deal, the redevelopment will include a new Visitor Experience Centre (VEC), bus parking, car parking for hundreds of cars, landscaping, and new and upgraded road infrastructure.

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.

Building on the Victorian Government’s partnership with the Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation (EMAC), the Traditional Owner group for the area, the new Visitor Experience Centre includes a new Welcome Garden which will celebrate the community’s cultural and environmental values.

Visitors can look forward to an education and interpretation experience that includes the area’s First Nations history, Caring for Country, language, culture and truth telling through time.

EMAC CEO Marcus Clarke is pleased to see the new Centre taking shape.

‘The commencement of construction marks a major step toward bringing the design to life,’ said Marcus.

‘The design is one that reflects Kirrae Whurrong Culture and our shared history, while harmonising with the natural landscape.’

‘It’s about sharing Land, Sky and Sea Country stories and giving everyone the opportunity to learn and experience these,’ he added.

The VEC will also teach visitors about the area’s rich history of shipwrecks and maritime impacts, and the geomorphology of this iconic Australian landmark.

Kane Constructions is the head contractor for the Twelve Apostles Visitor Experience Centre and support infrastructure, which is expected to be completed at the end of 2026.

‘We feel privileged to be involved in this landmark project,’ said Kane Constructions Project Director Sam Birdseye.

‘The new Visitor Experience Centre and supporting infrastructure will be enjoyed by millions of people in the coming years and is such an important piece of Victorian tourism infrastructure.’

Construction of the VEC is expected to provide employment for the equivalent of up to 90 full-time positions during the redevelopment, and up to 50 ongoing jobs upon opening.

The redevelopment will make it safer and easier to enjoy the area’s stunning natural assets, draw domestic and international visitors, and encourage visitors to stay longer, transforming a day visit into an overnight stay in the Great Ocean Road and Shipwreck Coast regions.

Locals and visitors can still access the existing visitor centre and paths leading to lookouts – however, people are asked to follow signage and directions from on-site contractors.

The Geelong City Deal – a partnership between all three levels of government that is revitalising the city and regional economy while encouraging people to spend more time in the region.

For more information on the Geelong City Deal and precinct visit: www.infrastructure.gov.au/territories-regions-cities/cities.