Summer traffic changes around Twelve Apostles

Tuesday 17 December, 2024

Visitors to the Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge over the next month are encouraged to plan ahead, with increased traffic expected.

From mid-December through January there will be changes to speed limits and parking arrangements to safely manage peak period visitation along this section of the Great Ocean Road.

Over several years this traffic and visitor plan has helped manage the high volume of vehicles that comes to the Port Campbell National Park each summer. In previous years, daily peaks of 15,000 visitors have been recorded.

The plan will also be implemented during the Chinese New Year holidays and Easter long weekend, two other traditionally busy periods.

The construction of the new Blowhole lookout at Loch Ard precinct will continue over summer. This project is part of the Victorian Government’s Shipwreck Coast Master Plan. The popular Saddle lookout at the Twelve Apostles, opened in spring, is also part of the Master Plan. 

Once complete, this project will provide a safer and more accessible way for the millions who visit to experience parts of this stunning coastal and cultural landscape.

With construction of the new the lookout and summer holiday crowds, Parks Victoria rangers are encouraging visitors to check park conditions and arrive early.

Rangers are also asking visitors to take care of themselves and the park, by observing the traffic conditions, staying on formed tracks, taking rubbish home, and being safe around the water.

Visitors can also extend their trip to other nearby attractions such as the Bay of Islands, Bay of Martyrs, London Bridge, and local townships like Port Campbell, Timboon and Cobden.
 
Traffic and road safety changes: Mid- December 2024 – 2 January 2025, then weekends through January

Roadside barriers: To prevent illegal and unsafe roadside parking, barriers will be installed along sections of the Great Ocean Road around the Twelve Apostles Visitor Centre, Gibson Steps and Loch Ard Gorge carpark entrance. The barriers will remain in place until April 2025. 

Speed limit reductions: To ensure the safety of pedestrians and drivers, the speed limit in these same locations will be reduced to 40km during operational times, and 60km otherwise. (‘Operational times’ are generally from 11am to 6pm when traffic controllers are actively managing traffic. When the controllers are not working, the speed limit will be 60km).

Traffic control: Signage and dedicated traffic control staff will direct vehicles to ensure traffic flow into and around carparks and overflow areas.

Quotes attributable to Parks Victoria Area Chief Ranger Rhianna Burns

“There’s a lot going on in Port Campbell National Park this summer as we deliver an important project and safely manage visitors and the landscape.”

 “To make sure everyone enjoys their visit I encourage people arrive early, follow the direction of traffic management, and then explore more of this beautiful part of Victoria.”

“Nearby are many more natural attractions like the Bay of Islands, Bay of Martyrs and London Bridge, as well as accessible towns like Port Campbell, Timboon, Princetown and Cobden.”

The Twelve Apostles. Credit: Parks Victoria
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