Twelve Apostles Lookout

Project status

This project is complete: Twelve Apostles lookout opens up new views

Background

The Shipwreck Coast Master Plan is a comprehensive and visionary program to protect the fragile coastline between Princetown and the Bay of Islands, improve opportunities for visitors, and strengthen the local economy and employment opportunities through sustainable tourism.

A key project in Stage One of the master plan was development of a new lookout at the Twelve Apostles visitor precinct on Keerray Woorroong Country.

An Eastern Maar Working Group led the design, working with Parks Victoria and the Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation.

The new lookout replaces existing viewing areas that no longer catered for visitor numbers, providing a superior, safer and more accessible experience that will support the regional economy and help future-proof this iconic destination.

In addition to this project is the $126 million Twelve Apostles Precinct Redevelopment. Being delivered by Regional Development Victoria, this investment will change how visitors experience the region. It will provide streamlined access to nature’s greatest attractions, while protecting the environment and cultural history at this spectacular location.

It will be safer and easier to enjoy the areas’ stunning natural assets, draw domestic and international visitors, and encourage visitors to stay longer, transforming a day visit into an overnight stay in the Shipwreck Coast region. For more information visit: www.rdv.vic.gov.au/grants-and-programs/twelve-apostles-precinct-redevelopment

Project benefits

Visitors

The Twelve Apostles is one of Victoria’s most popular destinations. This project will provide a better, safer and more accessible experience for millions of visitors that will come to this iconic location into the future.

Environment

The coastal environment of the Port Campbell National Park is spectacular but fragile. The new lookout will ensure the landscape is protected while allowing visitors to enjoy the incredible coastal views.

Community

Nature-based tourism is an important contributor to local businesses and the regional economy. This project is part of Stage One of the Shipwreck Coast Master Plan which will create jobs and bring millions of dollars to the region.

Economy

The construction phase of the lookout project was expected to directly generate 25 jobs. Stage One of the Shipwreck Coast Master Plan is expected to support approximately 120 ongoing jobs, add $12 million to the regional economy and increase the annual visitor spend by $14 million.

The Project

Plans for the new lookout were developed in collaboration with the Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation.

Located on Keerray Woorroong Country, the lookout design expresses the resilience of the broader Eastern Maar Nation. The two “clapsticks” of the structure are the colours of Ngayook (Sulphur Crested Cockatoo) and Ponponpoorramook (Red Tailed Black Cockatoo).

Comprised of two long rectangular sections, one resting on the terrain’s ‘saddle’ and the other cantilevered towards the horizon, the design momentarily conceals the coastline as visitors enter, before it is revealed as they continue further along. The lookout is connected to the existing path network and Visitor Centre by a new concrete path and boardwalk.

Extensive and detailed geotechnical investigations were undertaken as part the detailed design of the new lookout, with controls in place to take into account the coastal landscape, geology and processes of erosion.

Project funding

This project was delivered as part of a $24.5 million investment in Stage One of the Shipwreck Coast Masterplan.

Environment and cultural heritage management

This project received a permit from the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, and a cultural heritage management plan was approved. A planning permit was received from Corrangamite Shire Council.

Putting safety first

Visitor safety is our number one priority when considering risk in parks.

While nature will always be unpredictable, our projects and maintenance works help minimise risks and help people explore the great outdoors safely.

Parks Victoria is responsible for continuously managing and maintaining over 50,000 pieces of infrastructure across the state annually. We’re also delivering new projects to help visitors get into nature. These are thoroughly planned and prepared to keep people and projects separate – and safe.

When visiting a park where projects are happening, especially during construction, it’s important that people follow the direction of signs, stay out of fenced and restricted areas, and listen to Parks Victoria staff and work crews.