Millions of visitors to Victoria’s Shipwreck Coast on Kirrae Wurrung Country will soon enjoy a stunning new lookout perched high above the iconic Twelve Apostles.

The first section of the project has now been completed, with steel frames for the lookout’s unique ‘clapsticks’ design being installed.

These structures will have the colours of Ngayook (Sulphur Crested Cockatoo) and Ponponpoorramook (Red Tailed Black Cockatoo), which are primary totemic species to the Eastern Maar peoples, the Traditional Owners of the land.

Onsite works will now pause for the winter months, which is the primary breeding period for the Southern Brown Bandicoot. Parks Victoria has carefully planned the delivery of this project to avoid disrupting the activities of this endangered native animal.

During this time, works will continue offsite, with cladding and steel frames to be manufactured, ready for onsite works to resume in September.

Above: Steel frames being installed during late May.

Above: Artist's impression of the new Saddle Lookout.

A key project of the Shipwreck Coast Master Plan, the new ‘Saddle Lookout’ is replacing viewing areas that no longer cater for visitor numbers, providing a superior, safer and more accessible experience that will support the regional economy and help future-proof this iconic destination.

The Victorian Government has invested $9.2 million for this project, which will be the second to be delivered as part of Stage One of the Shipwreck Coast Master Plan. The first, a 60-metre suspension bridge connecting Port Campbell with the national park’s Discovery Walk, was completed in 2020.

A third project, a new lookout over The Blowhole at Loch Ard Gorge, is progressing through the final stage of planning.

The comprehensive master plan is protecting the fragile coastal environment, improving opportunities for visitors and strengthening the local economy, with employment opportunities through sustainable tourism.

Subject to on-ground and industry conditions, the Saddle Lookout is scheduled for completion in summer. For more information visit www.parks.vic.gov.au/projects

Quotes attributable to Jason Borg, Regional Director–Parks Victoria:

“This exciting project is progressing well and once complete will offer a superior visitor experience to the millions of people who visit the Twelve Apostles.”

“We’re continuing to work with the Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation, who have driven the design concepts for this project on Kirrae Wurrung Country.”

“Visitors to the park won’t see much activity during winter as we take an environmental pause on the works – it's important that the work we do in this special place is carefully planned and sensitively carried out."