A significant milestone has been reached for the Twelve Apostles Precinct Redevelopment, with the announcement of the head contractor for the new Visitor Experience Centre.
The redevelopment is supported by a $126 million investment under the Geelong City Deal, aimed at enhancing the visitor experience and boosting regional tourism.
Victorian Minister for Regional Development Gayle Tierney has announced that Kane Constructions has been awarded the contract, paving the way for construction to commence in the new year. This step marks a crucial advancement in the effort to create a world-class facility at one of Australia’s most iconic tourist destinations.
The project has been shaped by community consultation, ensuring that local feedback played an integral role in the development. As a result, the Visitor Experience Centre will be designed to blend with the natural environment, enhancing its aesthetic and environmental compatibility.
The redevelopment includes a range of upgrades to improve visitor access and experience. Key features will include expanded parking spaces, enhanced pedestrian access, and a Welcome Garden celebrating the bio-cultural heritage of the Eastern Maar community. Visitors will also have access to a garden rooftop lookout, offering panoramic views of the surrounding coastline.
Infrastructure upgrades to local roads will make it easier and safer for cars and buses to access the centre, further supporting the growth of regional tourism.
With visitor numbers to the Great Ocean Road and Shipwreck Coast continuing to grow, these enhancements aim to encourage longer stays and increased spending within the region—providing lasting economic benefits for local businesses and communities.
The redevelopment is projected to create 90 full-time jobs during the construction phase, along with up to 70 positions in planning, project management, and design. Once operational, the Visitor Experience Centre is expected to support up to 50 ongoing jobs.
The Twelve Apostles Visitor Experience Centre forms part of the broader Geelong City Deal – a collaborative initiative between local, state, and federal governments aimed at revitalising the region’s economy, enhancing tourism, and supporting community development.