Construction has begun on the Visitor Experience Centre at the Twelve Apostles Precinct on Victoria’s Shipwreck Coast.
The precinct is being redeveloped thanks to a Federal and Victorian governments’ project that has delivered $126 million in funding as part of the Geelong City Deal.
The Twelve Apostles Precinct Redevelopment project will include a Visitor Experience Centre, bus and carparking bays, landscaping and new road infrastructure.
There will be retail and hospitality spaces within the centre with exhibition and office spaces and rooftop lookout with views of the Shipwreck Coast.
A new welcome garden as part of the Victorian Government’s partnership with the Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation will also be part of the project.
“The commencement of construction marks a major step toward bringing the design to life—one that reflects Kirrae Whurrong Culture and our shared history while harmonising with the natural landscape,” Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation chief executive Marcus Clarke said.
The centre will showcase the history of maritime impacts, shipwrecks and the geomorphology of the Shipwreck Coast of Victoria.
Tourism is booming in Geelong and its surrounding areas, according to federal regional development minister Kristy McBain.
“The Twelve Apostles is one of the most visited natural attractions in Australia, welcoming almost two million visitors each year and rising,” McBain said.
Kane Constructions is the builder for the project with completion expected at the end of 2026.
There will be up to 90 full-time equivalent jobs created during the redevelopment with up to 50 ongoing jobs after the centre is opened.
The Private Sector Business Enablement Fund (PSBEF) is also part of the project and will help fund infrastructure to support private sector investment along the Shipwreck Coast and the Great Ocean Road.
